Which window film is the best in blocking out heat and glare?
Feb 28 2023 Sophia
Contents
An Honest Comparison: Dyed film, Metallized film, Ceramic film, and Multi-layered film (Pros, Cons, and Cost)
Let’s say you are looking for window films for your home. You want to keep the harsh sunlight and Singapore heat out of your home. But as you are doing your research, you are inundated by the different types of window films available in the market; dyed film, metallized film, ceramic film, and multi-layered film. They all seem to have similar properties but vary in pricing, and you are confused which works best in blocking out heat and glare.
If you are facing this sort of situation, you are not alone. We have been asked countless of times by our customers questions like these – “What is the difference between the various types of window films?”, “Which window film is the best in blocking out heat and glare?”, and “What tint should I get for my home?”
Let’s evaluate the different types of window films – their pros and cons, as well as their costs – and compare among these films to determine which film performs best in blocking out both heat and glare.
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Summary table of films’ performances
What is a Dyed Window Film?
Dyed window films are considered to be the most budget-friendly window tinting film there is in the market. It contains a heat-absorbing dyed layer that absorbs some of the solar heat, preventing some heat from entering your home. The film has a dark look due to the dye, which is excellent for blocking out glare. This also gives the film an additional benefit of acting as a privacy film.
However, because dyed films absorb solar heat, there will come a time where the dyed film reaches its “saturation point”. When this happens, the film will no longer be able to absorb anymore solar heat, and the rest of the heat will pass through the window. In addition, many dyed films in the market are not as durable, and tend to turn purple over time. When that happens, its effectiveness in blocking out glare and heat greatly reduces. With that being said, there are high quality dyed films in the market that contain nano-carbon polyester technology, which prevents the film from fading to purple.
In summary,
Pros:
- Excellent at reducing glare from the sun
- Good heat rejection
- Rejects 99% of harmful UV rays
- High quality dyed films will never fade to purple
- Is non-metallized, allowing you stay connected with mobile devices, GPS or satellite radio reception without interference
- Is non-reflective
Cons:
- Does not allow lots of natural light in
- Low visibility (your ability to see out from inside the room)
- May not have good heat rejection past certain point
- Not durable and fades to purple if the film is low in quality
What is a Metallized Window Film?
Metallized window tints comprise of tiny metal particles within the film. These metallic particles block out heat by reflecting heat and light before they reach the glass. And because metallized films reflect and not absorb heat, they are more effective than dyed films in heat rejection.
This metal layer also causes the tint to appear reflective on the outside, creating a mirror effect. This makes metallized films a great choice for daytime privacy.
However, because of this mirror effect, many Executive Condominiums (ECs) and Condominiums object to their use as these films change the façade of the building. Metallized films are also known to interfere with mobile devices, GPS and satellite radio reception in some cases – for example, when windows are closed.
In summary,
Pros:
- Doubles as a privacy film during the day
- Excellent heat rejection
- Significantly reduce glare and eye discomfort
- Rejects 99% of harmful UV rays
Cons:
- May interfere with mobile devices, GPS or satellite radio reception
- Does not allow lots of natural light in
- As it is reflective, this film may not be allowed in ECs and Condominiums
- Low visibility (your ability to see out from inside the room)
What is a Ceramic Window Film?
Ceramic window films contain micro-ceramic particles that are non-conductive and non-reflective. Ceramic films are highly effective in rejecting heat-producing infrared light (up to 90%). They also block three to six times as much heat energy as the darkest dyed films, yet the films are clear and allow for maximum visibility (both in the day and at night). These films are very durable and is highly resistance towards fading.
However, ceramic films do not have as high of a glare reduction as compared to dyed films since dyed films are much darker in color. Furthermore, like dyed films, ceramic films work by absorbing solar heat. When this heat is not dissipated quickly enough to the surroundings, it will cause thermal buildup on the glass, making the windows hot to the touch.
Ceramic films are more expensive than Dyed and Metallized Films.
In summary,
Pros:
- Good heat rejection
- Reject 99% of harmful UV rays
- Is non-metallized, allowing you stay connected with mobile devices, GPS or satellite radio reception without interference
- Suitable for installation in condominiums or ECs as it is non-reflective
- High visibility from the inside of the tinted windows, meaning you will be able to enjoy the view outside without obstruction
Cons:
- Lower glare reduction than dyed and metallized film. This is a trade off when it comes to the shade of the tint versus the glare reduction. Dyed film is much darker and thus, is able to more effectively block out glare
- Window film absorbs heat, leading to thermal buildup and causing windows to feel hot
What is a Multi-Layered Window Film?
The Multi-Layered Window Film is considered to be the best and most advanced window film in the market at the moment. As suggested by its name, it is a multi-layered optical film technology that comprises of hundreds of layers to selectively reflect UV and Infrared rays. This film has excellent heat and UV rejection – the best among other types of films – while allowing for maximum visibility. This means that you will be able to enjoy the natural day light without the heat.
Like ceramic films, these films are very durable and is highly resistance towards fading. But unlike ceramic films which absorbs heat, multi-layered films reflect heat and light waves, preventing thermal buildup. Multi-layered films also reduces glare more efficiently than ceramic films, but slightly less efficiently than dyed films (which have much darker tints).
Given its high performance and high manufacturing cost, it is not surprising that multi-layered window films comes at a much higher price than all the other films. It can cost anywhere between $6-$9/psf more than the other films.
In summary,
Pros:
- Clear film that outperforms many darker films
- Excellent heat rejection
- Suitable for installation in condominiums or ECs as it is non-reflective
- Rejects 99.9% of harmful UV rays
- Is non-metallized, allowing you stay connected with mobile devices, GPS or satellite radio reception without interference
- High visibility from the inside of the tinted windows, meaning you will be able to enjoy the view outside without obstruction
Cons:
- May not be a good choice for those living in rented properties due to its price point
- Lower glare reduction than dyed and metallized film. This is a trade off when it comes to the shade of the tint versus the glare reduction. Dyed film is much darker and thus, is able to more effectively block out glare
Summary Table of Films’ Performances
Conclusion
There is no one film that blocks out the most heat and the most glare at the same time. Dyed films work very well in reducing glare because these films are very dark, which blocks light from passing through the film. Since light waves convert to heat waves when being absorbed by any object, blocking out light will reduce heat in the house in the process. However, the trade-off is that by blocking natural light from entering, the room will also appear darker. Also, although dyed films have excellent glare reduction, its heat rejection is not as good.
On the other hand, multi-layered films work the best when it comes to heat rejection. However, because it is a clear film with high optical clarity (your ability to see out from inside the room), light is able to pass through. This means that the film will not work as well compared to dyed films when it comes to glare reduction.
In conclusion, darker tint can reduce glare, but it is also important to strike a balance between glare reduction and optical clarity. Overall, multi-layered films works the most efficiently in blocking out heat and glare while still letting lots of natural light into the home. When deciding which window film to choose, it is important to consider factors including your budget, the aesthetics you want to achieve, the purpose of the film, etc.
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