Anyone apply UV film to your home's windows?

[tranquility]

Wondering if it's worth the hassle and if anyone actually did it. I was thinking it would be nice to have the windows always unobstructed and not worry about UV rays coming in causing sun damage (don't want to apply sunscreen in my own home!)/fading to furniture, etc. However, I read that they only last max 20-25 years, so that would suck to do it all over again, esp if it wears out nastily, e.g. distortion, bubbles, etc.

Yay or nay and why?

[nazali]

testing

[zx10guy]

I have Vista Films applied to the most of the windows on the first floor of my house. Had the film installed in 2001/2. No issues with the film at all. No bubbling....no nothing. The film I used has a slight tint to it called Dayview. People don't even notice the windows are tinted. From the outside, things inside of the house are a bit obscured depending on interior and exterior lighting. Pretty happy with it.

I haven't done the windows at my vacation home since buying it as new construction in 2012. Not sure I will as I haven't noticed much if any fading issues as the windows used by the builder are double paned low E windows with Argon gas between the panes. My primary home has double paned windows but no Argon gas.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Wondering if it's worth the hassle and if anyone actually did it. I was thinking it would be nice to have the windows always unobstructed and not worry about UV rays coming in causing sun damage (don't want to apply sunscreen in my own home!)/fading to furniture, etc. However, I read that they only last max 20-25 years, so that would suck to do it all over again, esp if it wears out nastily, e.g. distortion, bubbles, etc.

Yay or nay and why?

We do it when we move into a new home. We've got carpets, fabrics, photos, and artwork we don't want to fade, we want the contrast adjustment so we can enjoy the outside view without the glare and color-change of trees and plants on bright, sunny, high-humidity days, and the very modest improvement in heating and cooling costs for our uncovered windows is a nice-to-have. I think the film is a no-brainer for skylights unless the home is in the far north.

We've had no issues with distortion or bubbles; the longest we lived in a home with it on all the windows was 17 years. I'd guess the products continue to improve ever few years, just like PPF for cars.

[tranquility]

Thanks guys, I'm mainly concerned about skin issues/not having to use sunscreen indoors ...do you have film that combats this, does it go by a rating system? Does the installer prove the film works w a UV detector or something?

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Thanks guys, I'm mainly concerned about skin issues/not having to use sunscreen indoors ...do you have film that combats this, does it go by a rating system? Does the installer prove the film works w a UV detector or something?

If you're dealing with a reputable product (like 3M, our most recent film (we used Vista in a previous home)), I imagine you can get an accurate answer from the installer. The films we've had installed were specified as reducing UVA by 99%, and I think every film in each line was listed as doing that.

It sounds like you might already be seeing a dermatologist; if so, it's possible he or she might have some useful information for you.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by dradernh

If you're dealing with a reputable product (like 3M, our most recent film (we used Vista in a previous home)), I imagine you can get an accurate answer from the installer. The films we've had installed were specified as reducing UVA by 99%, and I think every film in each line was listed as doing that.

It sounds like you might already be seeing a dermatologist; if so, it's possible he or she might have some useful information for you.

Tx again for the info, no, I just don't wanna premature age lol.

[hubbahubba]

Just a heads up that adding film can void a new window warranty with some manufacturers. YMMV.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by hubbahubba

Just a heads up that adding film can void a new window warranty with some manufacturers. YMMV.

Ok, tx.

Ideally, I'd love for the glass to already have 99% protection, but doubtful, right?

[DocL]

I tinted all of my west facing windows limo dark. It helps to keep my house cool in the Florida sun.

[zx10guy]

Something to consider is adding film over a glass window can add some security to your home as it can make breaking through the glass more difficult.

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Ok, tx.

Ideally, I'd love for the glass to already have 99% protection, but doubtful, right?

99% may be a little more than can be expected. I will let Anderson 'splain the rest. They build a great window, and know far more than I.

https://www.andersenwindows.com/for-...low-e-windows/

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

Something to consider is adding film over a glass window can add some security to your home as it can make breaking through the glass more difficult.

As seen here, specifically: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b5005059013/

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

Something to consider is adding film over a glass window can add some security to your home as it can make breaking through the glass more difficult.

Yup, I was thinking about that, there are specific films, but I wonder if they have any 2-in-1s w shatter-resistant and UV protection?

If I was living on the ground floor, I'd get the former for sure but otherwise I'd just go for the latter.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by tranquility

I wonder if they have any 2-in-1s w shatter-resistant and UV protection?

If you go to one of the manufacturer's sites where they list the specs for each of their films, I imagine you'll see that they all offer 99% UV protection.

[billnchristy]

With tint, it's the film itself that provides the UV protection, not the tint, so even "clear" which is usually 70-80% is the same as 15%.

Source, my wife is UV allergic so every car gets tint everywhere.

[vreihen16]

Originally Posted by This Time: BMW

Yeah, I've used UV film on my windows. It's worth it for protecting furniture and keeping the place cooler. Installation can be a bit of a hassle, but it's manageable. The lifespan isn't ideal, but it beats dealing with sun damage or higher energy bills.