
My Solar Window Film is making my Glass Hotter. Should I be Worried?
Aug 18 2023 Jestac Marketing
Relax! Your solar window films are just halting the heat at the glass, keeping your home interiors cool and comfy.
So, you’ve decided to tackle the ever-rising energy bills and the relentless Singaporean heat by installing solar window films. But now you’re feeling like your windows are radiating more warmth inside than a sauna. What went wrong? Did you mess up the installation, or is the product just not cutting it? Let’s break it down.
Behind the Science: How Solar Window Films Shield Your Space from the Sun’s Intensity
First off, take a deep breath. Your solar window film isn’t turning your home into a furnace. In reality, it’s doing its best to shield you from the sun’s intensity. Here’s the scoop: the glass might feel hotter because the solar window film is intercepting the sun’s energy before it makes its way inside. Think of it like a guardian at the gate, trying to keep the heat out.
What you’re experiencing is the film doing its job. Glass heats up faster than the air in the room because it’s an excellent conductor of heat. This doesn’t mean the film is failing – quite the opposite. The majority of the heat is being halted at the glass, preventing it from infiltrating your living space.
But how can you tell if the solar window film is working as advertised? To really gauge its performance, shift your attention to the floor. Measure the temperature of the floor or carpet where the sun hits before and after the solar window film is in place. Wait at least 20 minutes post-installation for an accurate reading. If the floor remains cooler after the film’s installation, you’re on the right track.
Window films come in two flavors: absorptive and reflective.
Let’s get technical – solar window films generally fall into two categories: absorptive and reflective. It’s akin to choosing between shades or blinds for your windows. Reflective films, like those shades, excel at keeping the heat out. However, they might compromise the clarity of your view. If you’re ready to part ways with your crystal-clear vistas, reflective films are a solid choice. Alternatively, there’s the Prestige series by 3M, the heavyweight contender in the absorptive film corner.
Imagine this: over 200 film layers choreographed to bounce back the heat while allowing visible light to filter through. This technological symphony, courtesy of 3M’s patented nanotechnology, results in a film thinner than a sheet of paper but impressively effective. It’s like giving your windows an invisible shield against the sun’s heat.
Worried that your windows might just throw in the towel and shatter from the heat?
Are you worried that the heat might push your windows over the edge and lead to breakage? It’s a common concern, but here’s the scoop: the risk of glass breakage due to thermal stress isn’t as high as you might think. There are multiple factors at play, including the type and strength of the glass, and measures taken by window film manufacturers and installers to mitigate the risk.
So, when it comes to choosing between absorptive and reflective films, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Jestac, for instance, collaborates not only with homeowners but also with various professionals to ensure that solar window films work their magic across the board. Whether it’s for homes or commercial spaces, the goal remains the same: keeping the heat out and the comfort in. Stay cool, Singapore!