Window film: benefits, installation and tips

In summer as well as in winter, a thermal loss is always a source of inconvenience (cold or too much heat). Overglazing film is therefore recommended to solve thermal insulation problems or to anticipate them. Suitable for homes and business premises, this type of film enhances thermal insulation and guarantees better comfort for the occupants.

At a time when energy saving is at the center of all preoccupations, opt for this solution that is both efficient and easy to use. In addition to being inexpensive, it will also reduce your energy bills.

Advantages of the overglazing film

• Complete protection: much more than a simple decorative film, the overglazing film protects the room from heat, UV rays and especially from cold.

• Insulating capacity in all seasons: in summer, the overglazing film repels UV rays and heat. It is ideal for roof windows, for example. In this case, it keeps the interior cool if the glass openings of the premises are equipped with it. Conversely, in winter, the film helps to conserve heat.

• All-purpose: like burglar resistant films (/en/categorie/safety/5) and all other types of window films, it is compatible with all types of glass surfaces. Being translucent, it does not obscure the view and does not change the appearance of equipped surfaces. However, there is a very slight loss of transparency.

• Excellent compromise in terms of cost: the overglazing film presents a very interesting quality/price ratio even if its performances cannot compete with those of the double glazing.

How to install a film for glazing?

For optimal performance, the film is essentially compatible with non-veined glass surfaces that do not have any rough edges. Whether it is a self-adhesive film or a product requiring double-sided adhesive tape, it is essential to degrease and clean the glass beforehand.

Moreover, this step is mandatory for this type of film as well as for a privacy film, for overhead projection, for an anti-fog film, etc.

Next, the window film must be applied from the inside. Once the film is cut to size, it is usually applied cold. In other words, once the adhesive protection is removed, the film can be applied to the glass. The installation is done with a regular and progressive tamping work, essential to evacuate all the air bubbles. At the end, the excess can be cut with a cutter.

Practical advice

The efficiency of the overglazing film is undeniable, but you must make sure that its performance is sufficient to cover the thermal insulation needs of your premises. Note that its action is relatively weak compared to other thermal insulation equipment such as double glazing.

Secondly, the overglazing film cannot prevent condensation in case of important temperature differences. In this respect, ask our technicians for more information on films for glazing adapted to the specific needs of your premises.

Insulating films with micro-bubbles, for example, offer better performance. Indeed, the air contained in the bubbles constitutes a better barrier between the glass and the interior environment of the building. For maximum efficiency, the overglazing film must be well bonded on the entire surface.

Therefore, it is important to check regularly and change the film when it does not hold well, even if the peeling is only at the edges and corners. And when it comes to cleaning the glass, soft equipment and products are more suitable because the over-glazing film is more prone to scratching.