Mirror tinting for plastic windows: subtleties of tinting

The most common cause of discomfort is sunlight penetrating into the room. Bright light irritates the eyes and increases the temperature in the rooms. Tinting windows in an apartment is a way out for those who do not want to cover them with curtains. This method began to be used relatively recently, and is ideal for the southern part of an apartment or private house.

Previously, tinting was used only for cars and office premises. With the advent of plastic windows, this method has become popular in home use. The film is capable of repelling not only sunlight, but also ultraviolet rays that can harm the human body. In the hot season, it will be especially popular and will maintain a comfortable temperature.

Window tinting

How to darken the windows in an apartment? There are several options to solve this problem. The simplest of them is ordinary sun protection film at an affordable price, which can be bought at the market or in a construction supermarket. It is glued to the windows and prevents ultraviolet rays from entering the apartment. It can be dark, stained glass or mirrored (made of foil), the choice depends on you and the design of the apartment. A huge drawback of the film is that the apartment gets dark quickly and it’s not so easy to tear it off if you get tired of it. In addition, the appearance of the window is not so aesthetically pleasing, especially if you choose cheap foil film, which is often glued to car windows.

Another option is reliable roller blinds or blinds that can be lowered in the morning or afternoon when the sun is at its peak. Blinds can be chosen not only vertical, as is often used in offices, but also quite homely - horizontal or pleated, which do not cover the windows tightly, but with soft background light.

Popular dimming systems:

• tinted glass coatings;
• awnings (attached outside the balcony or house);
• roller blinds made of fabric (acrylic, polyester cotton, linen);
• roller blinds with reflective effect;
• classic curtains;
• Roman blinds (as sun protection and a bright decorative element);
• all types of blinds.

The choice of darkening option depends on the size of the window and the design of the apartment.

Redsonn professionals will help you install roller blinds, awnings and roller blinds. You can choose any style and color, and also adjust the lifting height. Such curtains do not wrinkle and practically do not get dirty. They are easy to keep track of and you don’t have to worry about them being torn off and carried away by the wind.

Balcony darkening

The windows on the balcony are also darkened quite often, regardless of whether it is glazed or not. If the balcony is open, then you can easily protect yourself from the sun with balcony awnings. They will also save you from rain, and if you choose the winter option, then from snow. They use roller blinds, blinds and much more for the balcony.

Advantages of window and balcony shading systems:

• effective absorber and reflector of light;
• excellent view of the street;
• protection of glass and balconies from precipitation;
• protection of furniture and clothing from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation;
• comfortable environment for house plants and winter garden;
• possibility of height adjustment (for roller blinds and blinds);
• lightweight material.

Thanks to a well-thought-out system of blinds or roller blinds, the light flow is not just blocked, but limited. You can install ambient light or turn on the day/night system, which will create harmonious lighting in your home that is not harmful to your eyes.

Modern models are equipped with a remote control, so you can control them without leaving the sofa. By choosing roll protection, you don’t have to spend money on air conditioning, since the room will have a minimum of sunlight and it won’t overheat.

From light shading to complete darkness

For light protection from the sun's light, use:

• Blinds. There are horizontal and vertical types of these products. Moreover, they are made from both synthetic and natural materials. Their main distinguishing ability should be the adjustment of incoming light. What is characteristic is that even when lowered, the blinds are able to transmit sunlight by sifting it. Other variations in characteristics will depend mainly on the material used in the design of the blinds.

• Bamboo blinds. These products have a high aesthetic charm, which can allow them to look great in most decorations. The softness of light transmission is suitable precisely for those who do not want to seriously darken the windows, but prefer to remain elusive to strangers from the outside world.

Bamboo blinds perfectly block light, but do not completely darken the room

• Pleated blinds. These blinds are new. What can be said about pleated material is that it does an excellent job of scattering light. Day-night models include two types of fabric materials - transparent and thicker.

Pleated blinds in the photo

• Marquises. When wanting to hide from the sun's rays without blocking the view from the window, people usually look at awnings. These are external canopies that consist of acrylic material impregnated with Teflon, which allows them not to get wet or dirty. Awnings are mounted on the outside above the opening of a door or window. The design is such that it will be possible to adjust the angle of the visor; in some models the width changes. Typically, awnings are installed not only on private houses, but also on balconies.

Typical awnings for windows. Remote controlled systems

To completely darken the following things will go:

• Lightproof fabric. If your home faces south, you will need a better and more intense sun protection system. Therefore, we recommend that you pay attention to blackout materials. These are materials that are designed specifically to actively reflect light and even insulate sound. Blackout will darken your room as much as possible. This fabric is used in the manufacture of horizontal blinds, as well as roller cassette curtains.

Lightproof fabric:

• Roller shutters. These systems are a mixture of conventional shutters and roller blinds. They are mounted both inside and outside the house. On the side, the slats are fixed to an aluminum profile, which can create maximum protection for the room from the glare of the sun. When installing these products with your own hands from the outside, additional protection of the glass from mechanical damage is created, and thermal insulation is also enhanced. Roller shutters can also be equipped with a remote control, with which they can be adjusted, raising or lowering them to the desired height.

Roller shutters in the photo

• Cassette roller blinds. The quality of protection from the sun's rays will depend on the design of your curtains. Cassette models have some advantages. Horizontal cassettes are attached directly to the glass unit, which creates a somewhat hermetic structure that does not allow light to pass through the sides. This qualitatively enhances the sun protection function. Using roller blinds you can also achieve a total eclipse, which is suitable if film screenings or presentations are planned in the room.

Typical cassette roller blinds

In conclusion, we can say that there are a huge number of options and variations of curtains and various systems, which are different both in quality and in functions. You need to choose the curtains that will suit your needs.

How to tint windows yourself

Every year the need for window tinting in a residential or office space increases. In summer, the sun's rays create severe discomfort. If the windows of the room face the south, then in addition to an excess of light, the rays cause noticeable overheating of the room. Window tint film will help get rid of the annoying sun. In addition to the darkening effect, window film has a number of positive properties:

• Blocks 99% of ultraviolet radiation, making interior items less prone to fading
• Absorbs infrared radiation
• Helps avoid glare on surfaces (TV screen, computer monitor, gadget)
• Creates additional strength for glass
• Traps warm air indoors in winter
• Protects glass from chips and cracks

As a rule, when tinting windows indoors, 3 main types of coatings are used:

• Mirror architectural tint films
• Heat-protective athermal films
• Anti-vandal protective films for glass

All types of these coatings are glued according to the same principle, which we will discuss below.

What it is?

Tinting or tinting PVC glass is a hardware or manual method of applying a special protective layer to a glass sheet of a window block - tinting films or a special factory coating, as a result of which the flow of UV and IR radiation is reduced, but the illumination in the room remains normal.

Such
double-glazed windows acquire anti-glare characteristics , which is important when using a PC monitor and watching TV.
And furniture, wallpaper and curtains will no longer fade in the sun. An additional advantage of tinted windows is their increased strength; the film reliably protects the glass from cracks and chips, which is especially important for residents of the first floors.

Window designs that are made in the factory are considered to be of the highest quality ; in this case, the customer can purchase ready-made protected double-glazed windows, replacing them in old windows.

Why and when is it needed?

In order for window tinting to be effective, it must be installed on double-glazed windows facing east and south. This will protect the premises located in these areas from excess UV and IR rays, since these are the sides of the house that are exposed to constant solar radiation. Such window systems are able to provide high-quality protection from excess amounts of radiation, which in large quantities are harmful to residents.

This option is also preferable for windows in houses located on streets with a large flow of people; they reliably protect the privacy in them from the views of pedestrians.

Important! The choice of film must be approached responsibly. In order not to turn your apartment into a dark cave, it is better to contact specialists who can select the desired level of darkening and color design.

Window tinting yourself

In order to tint the windows in a room, it is not necessary to have a lot of experience; it is enough to be careful and have the necessary set of tools.

1. The tint film usually has a width of 1.52 m (Be sure to measure the area of ​​your glass and do not forget to leave a margin of 4-5 cm around the perimeter)
2. A spray bottle whose volume depends on the area you want to cover
3. Sharp utility knife (It is better to use a knife with a blade size of 9 mm)
4. Polyurethane or silicone molding (we do not recommend pasting with plastic or felt moldings; they can damage the film)
5. Plastic or metal corner 6) A solution of liquid soap mixed with water in a ratio of 1/3

You can purchase a ready-made kit for tinting glass; usually, the kit is cheaper and contains all the necessary tools.

There are two options for installing the film

1. With disassembly of the glass unit and further application of film
2. Without disassembling the glass unit

In this article we will look at installation without disassembly; technically it is easier.

1. Wash and degrease the glass

2. Apply the soap solution evenly to the glass, leaving no dry areas

3. Remove the protective film from the tint (it’s better to do this with an assistant)

4. When removing the backing, moisten the film with soapy water (this will allow the film not to stick together)

5. Place the film on the glass (thanks to the soap solution, you can easily move it on the glass

6. Using a silicone or polyurethane scraper, push the water from the middle to the edge (do not press too hard as this may damage the film or dislodge it)

7. Using a corner and a knife, carefully trim off the excess film, if necessary, tuck the edges under the window elastics

Let the coating dry for at least 24 hours!

Using these instructions, you can easily tint the windows in your room.

If you don’t have time or this process seems complicated to you, then you can contact our specialists. In addition to fast and high-quality installation, you will receive a 1-year warranty on work!

Average prices in the Russian Federation

The total price for tinting a PVC window will depend on the application method - factory or manual, the type of film, the area and type of glazing in the wall, stained glass window, on a balcony or loggia, as well as on who will perform the work - the owner or a third-party organization and for how long Warranties are offered for installation.

Note! Good warranty conditions for darkening PVC glass are considered to be conditions of 5 years and above.

For materials

Average prices for material per 1 m2:

• 
  sun protection film, 600 rub.;

• athermal film, 800 rub.;
• anti-vandal film, 700 rub.;
• decorative film, 600 rub.;
• vinyl film, 800 rub.;
• mirror film mSilver, 750 rub.;
• tinting film Bronze RUB 652;
• armoring film SF 100 CL 672 rub.

For services

The cost of tinting services for PVC windows solely depends on the characteristics of the double-glazed window and the modification of the film. The cost is calculated individually for 1 m2 of glazing. The price includes auxiliary materials, glass preparation and the tinting process itself. When working at height, the cost increases; for glazing the 1st floor, the average prices for applying protective film are:

• sun protection film, 400 rub.;
• athermal film, 420 rub.;
• anti-vandal film, 450 rub.;
• decorative film, 300 rub.;
• vinyl film, 450 rub.;
• mirror film mSilver, 500 rub.;
• tinting film Bronze 500 rub.;
• armoring film SF 100 CL 500 rub.

For a factory product

Average cost of double-glazed windows with factory darkening per 1 m2:

• sun protection package, RUB 6,900.
• STOPSOL FOENIX GRAY double-glazed glass, RUB 6,000;
• glass bronze, bulk, 10 mm, 2700 rub.;
• glass bronze, bulk, 5 mm, 1120 rub.;
• glass bronze, bulk, 4 mm 925 rub.

Reference. Installation of tinted factory double-glazed windows costs the customer from 4,000 rubles. for 1 m2.

Advantages and disadvantages of tinting windows in an apartment

The phrase "tinted glass" was previously used only in relation to cars. However, after plastic windows in apartments and houses gained popularity, the issue of tinting became relevant for domestic use.

What is a tinting film? This is a special material that provides protection from sunlight and, accordingly, from ultraviolet radiation. According to research, the film transmits only 1% of ultraviolet radiation, and is capable of reflecting up to 80% of sunlight. This proposal is especially relevant in the summer, because thanks to it, the room maintains a comfortable temperature for a long time.

The main task of the film is to protect the premises of the building from heating by the sun's rays, but at the same time, in winter, it demonstrates its necessity. Thanks to its reflective properties, tinting not only prevents light from passing through, but also reduces heat consumption. The level of effectiveness of the material directly depends on the type chosen.

To date, manufacturers have developed a lot of proposals, including:

• masking tints – contribute to the creation of glare, thereby reducing the level of window transparency;
• tints with protection against eavesdropping.

To understand the degree of necessity and feasibility of tinting, it is worth initially understanding the advantages and disadvantages of this process.

Tinting methods

There are several ways to tint a plastic window:

• Ready-made tinted glass can be purchased before installing a double-glazed window. It is manufactured at the factory with the addition of the desired dye.
• Spray a tint layer onto hot glass. When watching video tutorials, you can quickly figure out how to darken a window in this way.
• Vacuum tinting is performed at the factory.
• Using adhesive film is the easiest and cheapest way you can do it yourself. It’s not difficult to implement, just choose the appropriate shade.

Ready-made tinted steles have a high cost, but they are more reliable in operation and have a long warranty period.

Benefits of applying window tint

Planners, designers, repairmen highlight a large number of advantages of tinting film:

• Dimming the bright sunlight entering the room through the window. In addition to comfortable lighting, the owner no longer has to worry that decorative finishes, furniture, appliances, and other products will suffer from prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Retains heat indoors. With the use of film, there is a decrease in heat loss, especially in winter.
• The mirror surface effect formed on the outside of the building provides protection from outsiders. Now passers-by will not be able to see what is happening in the apartment or house, especially if we are talking about the first floor.
• Savings on curtains and curtains, roller blinds, and other textile devices that previously performed protective functions.
• Window tinting with decorative films will allow you to diversify your design. Any images can be applied to their inner surface using photo printing techniques.
• Providing additional safety in case of glass deformation. If previously the glass could have shattered into small fragments due to a mechanical shock, now it will remain on the film if damaged.
• Tinting windows in an apartment with armor film will provide protection against penetration from the outside of the house. But you should understand that they will not completely block access for a criminal unless you have an expensive type of bulletproof film installed.

Peculiarities

Even if the room is on the shady side, everyone is probably familiar with such unpleasant phenomena as:

• overheating of the apartment in the summer heat;
• fading of wallpaper and furniture from constant exposure to sunlight;
• discomfort from glare when watching TV or working at a computer.

If you shade the room with thick curtains, then this will not solve the problem of overheating in the apartment. In addition, curtained windows make the room gloomier.

That is why they use a special film, the main function of which is athermal. It creates darkness and effectively solves all problems of overheating and color fading on interior items.

Tinting film is a material that perfectly filters sunlight. Thanks to this protection, up to 80% of ultraviolet radiation is reflected, so the room maintains a cool temperature in the summer.

The advantages of tinting are obvious:

• As a rule, the tint coating is attached in order to significantly muffle the intense bright light of the sun, which hits directly on the glass.
• Tinting reliably retains heat in the apartment. This is relevant in winter, when the film does not allow warm air to pass out, minimizing the appearance of any “cold bridges”.
• Any tint film has a mirror surface, so it is impossible to see what is happening in the apartment from the outside.
• Modern decorative films can become a stylish accent in the interior; they are often printed with photographs, which emphasize the overall design concept of the interior.
• If glass breaks, its fragments usually fly throughout the room. This does not happen if the window is tinted. In case of any mechanical damage, glass fragments remain on the film. This makes it safer to dismantle the glass unit and troubleshoot problems.

• Some manufacturers produce films with armored properties. Such options can protect the apartment not only from unwanted light, but also from illegal entry from the outside.
• Monitor and TV screens do not glare when using film on windows, which allows you to work quietly or comfortably watch your favorite show.
• A wide range of films offers different degrees of darkening options depending on the user's wishes.
• Houseplants often die from scorching rays and contact with hot glass. When tinting, an optimal supply of light and heat will be ensured for the flora growing on the windowsill.
• Among other things, the film protects the coating well from any minor damage and chips.

Of course, film is not an ideal solution. It has its disadvantages:

• If the window faces north or is shaded, then the overall atmosphere in the room after tinting becomes quite gloomy. This is due to the fact that the film transmits rays only of a certain spectrum, therefore, for example, if a silver-colored film is attached to the glass, then the room itself will acquire grayish tints.
• Most of the sunlight in contact with tinted windows is reflected, so very few rays get inside, which significantly reduces the degree of heating of the apartment. This is noticeable in cold weather and on stormy days.

The principle of protective film is similar to the effect of sunglasses, which reflect waves of a certain type, size and characteristics. Such a film is produced by mechanical rolling of several layers of polyester, and the thickness of the film and filtration abilities largely depend on the number of these layers.

Disadvantages of tinting films

There are not many disadvantages of using tinting films. All of them are connected by the feeling of comfort of the home owner:

• After tinting a window in an apartment, the sun will warm up the room much more slowly. This situation is ideal for the summer, but in cold weather it can be a disadvantage.
• Tinting windows located on the north side or shaded by trees can lead to twilight in the rooms of the house.
• Depending on the color of the film, the room may acquire a corresponding shade.
• Lack of a mechanism capable of adjusting the level of light in the room.

Due to the above factors, the home owner must independently make a decision regarding the advisability of window tinting. To do this, you need to initially weigh all the pros and cons, evaluate the number of floors of the apartment, the direction of the world, and the lighting. Only by analyzing the available information can we say whether pasting will be profitable, or whether the money is wasted.

Traditional window protection options

You can physically isolate yourself from the sun using standard methods that were used by our parents. The most standard option is to physically cover the windows. Textiles and similar materials are used for these purposes. This method will add comfort to the house and decorate the interior.

Curtains

You can create such an ultraviolet barrier with your own hands. An elegant way to solve the problem using textiles is curtains. Various materials are used for them. Professional designers deal with window design as a separate area. You can solve the problem yourself using a sewing machine. Light material is strung on a cornice or other fastening.

Using curtains you can not only create a barrier from the sun's rays, but also enliven the atmosphere in your home. If the balcony is small, then it is better to use a short fabric so that you can move around it without problems. And for spacious loggias that could easily be considered a separate room, the choice is limited only by the homeowner’s imagination. If you want to deviate from the classical style and make an unusual shape, there are models whose ideas came to us from other cultures.

Japanese curtains are suitable for lovers of minimalism in the interior. According to Eastern traditions, excessive luxury harms a person. Such curtains are attached to a multi-level cornice. They are laconic rectangular pieces of fabric. Additional decorations are not provided; they cannot be tied up. When the window is opened, the curtain is simply moved to the side, like a hanging panel cabinet door. A metal rod is installed at the bottom of the curtain, which allows it to maintain an even shape and prevent it from curling and wrinkled.

Japanese curtains

Plus: stylish look, lack of decorating elements.

Disadvantage: installation requires a lot of free space, because... moving the curtains overlap one another. On a cramped balcony they will touch each other and interfere with free movement.

The favorite option for Russian consumers is Roman blinds. They are chosen for apartment loggias and country terraces. A mechanism that lifts the curtain horizontally allows you to adjust the level of illumination.

Roman blinds are made of dense fabric that diffuses sunlight. They are fixed on the cornice and cannot be moved to the side. The lower edge is lifted using a tape stretched along the entire canvas, and it is also fixed in the desired position. They come in different widths and lengths. They differ in the quality of textiles and assembly. When choosing Roman blinds, they are guided by the degree of transparency and the design of the room.

Roman curtains

French curtains are not popular due to impracticality. A characteristic feature is the frequent gathering along the lower edge, which is decorated with airy flounces. They will look good in a romantic interior, a children's room with an abundance of flowers and lace. Such curtains are sewn from thin fabric with high throughput, and they practically do not protect from the heat.

Roller blinds

Suitable for those who want to save space and hide the balcony from the sun as discreetly as possible from the interior. The rolls are hung directly on the frames from the room side. Each glass requires a separate curtain. The roll is rolled into a tank, which is installed under the ceiling, and they are lifted using a plastic rope.

These curtains are made of thick fabric that is easy to clean.

Roller blinds

Advantages:

• compact placement;
• create a cozy, intimate atmosphere;
• do not allow sunlight to pass through;
• have a simple control mechanism;
• ease of care.

Roller blinds are purchased ready-made and made to order. You can come up with your own print or leave them plain, choose any material, choose the perfect color to suit the environment.

Roller shutters and blinds

This is the densest option offered. It can be made from any materials, including wood and steel. Blinds are assembled from vertical or horizontal flat parts - slats.

To create them use:

• textile;
• plastic plates;
• tree;
• bamboo sticks;
• aluminum.

To create coolness in the room, metal blinds are suitable. But we must take into account that they heat up in the sun. The best universal solution is wood. It maintains temperature in cold weather, and in summer it protects the balcony from the sun without getting too hot.

Designers have developed a huge number of design options in any color, with visual effects, and decorative coating. You can print any image on the slats that will please the eye when the blinds are closed.

The disadvantage of this method of sun protection is that horizontal blinds accumulate dust. A rag or vacuum cleaner will solve the problem. Moisture and heat do not deteriorate the blinds, because... covered with a special protective layer. Vertical slats collect less dust. Short blinds are suitable for the balcony; they take up little space and do not interfere with opening the window.

The ideal material for blinds is natural. When heated, they do not emit toxic substances, unlike plastic options.

The most reliable protection for a balcony from the sun is roller shutters, also called roller shutters. They are attached from the outside and protect the entire surface, including glass, frame, and trim, from rays. In addition to ultraviolet radiation, roller shutters block dust from entering the room and prevent burglary. They are made of plastic or aluminum, and the collection box is installed inside, under the ceiling. Roller shutters are assembled at the touch of a button. They are easy to operate and require no special care. It is better to order installation from professionals.

Roller shutters for the balcony

Depending on the type of balcony, the box can also be installed from the outside; this will require the help of professionals. Roller shutters come with a manufacturer's warranty.

Flaws:

• the sun's rays are blocked, it becomes dark;
• the metal heats up and transfers it to the glass.

DIY blinds

One of the most economical ways to protect a balcony from the sun is with blinds made from leftover wallpaper. What materials will be needed:

• Thick paper that can be folded. For example, remnants of wallpaper. Then the blinds will definitely match the interior and give the windows a cozy look.
• Clothespins.
• Awl.
• Durable cotton cord.
• Scotch.

The paper must be cut so that the width of the roll extends slightly beyond the border of the glass. Next, marks are placed along the entire length at the same distance (this is the width of the future brooms). Fold the paper like an accordion along the marks, pressing each fold with a clothespin at the ends. Mark the center in the last fold and pierce everything through with an awl. Pass the cord through the hole and tighten. Connect the bottom fold with an edge and glue it. Use double-sided tape to glue the structure to the window frame.

DIY balcony blinds

Instead of paper, you can use fabric or other suitable decorative material. The product is short-lived, but inexpensive, pleasing to the eye with its unusual design.

Tulle

You can protect your balcony from the sun’s rays with your own hands using tulle and starch:

1. Take unnecessary tulle and cut pieces from it to fit the glass.
2. Brew starch in the amount of 1 tbsp. for 500 ml of water. Cool. (4 standard glasses yield approximately 2 liters of water).
3. Dip the tulle pieces into starch water and hold there for a couple of minutes.
4. Place the cut on the window and smooth it away from the center of the glass.
5. Wait until it hardens.

It turns out to be an interesting option that looks like frosty patterns from afar. At the same time, the tulle creates a shadow.

Choosing a color

The color scheme of curtains and other types of window coverings affects the ability to transmit sunlight. Some colors can reflect ultraviolet rays. It is interesting that dark curtains are not at all suitable for protecting the balcony from the sun; they do not reflect light, but absorb it, and it becomes stuffy. And instead of the much-needed cool air, you get a sauna effect. Having deep blue, eggplant, brown, dark red or black as the main color would not be the best solution.

Good choice: blue, light green, soft pink, beige, ocher, white, lilac, dusty pink. Blinds, roller blinds in yellow and similar shades enhance the effect of the sun's rays; at the psychological level, it seems that the heat is becoming even stronger. It is also important to consider the compatibility of the cornice or other holding device with the interior elements.

Types of film for tinting windows in apartments and on balconies

Three main types of tinting films are popular on the market:

Sun protection . As a rule, windows facing south are covered with this film. The use of such a film allows you to effectively combat sunlight, room heating, and solar glare on devices and household appliances.

In practice, it has been proven that modern sun-protection films can save energy and heat consumption.

Mirror . Its characteristics contribute to the reflection of light during the daytime. The reflective surface does not transmit about 80% of rays into the room, thereby providing a comfortable temperature regime and protection from ultraviolet and solar radiation.

The peculiarity of the material is the presence of a large number of colors, due to which the facade of the building takes on a new look. An indisputable advantage is the effect of one-way visibility, that is, people passing by will not be able to see what is happening inside the room.

Matte. Quite popular when gluing interior doors. It can also be seen on the doors to the bathroom and kitchen. Many manufacturers install it directly at the factory. You can also buy it and stick it yourself.

The advantages of film are that it does not replace space, but it is not as effective against sunlight. Therefore, when covering a balcony located on the sunny side, it is better to use a mirror or sun protection film.

Protective . A special type of film, which, in addition to the advantages of previous types, combines protective properties. In other words, windows with such film are much more difficult to damage, even under strong mechanical stress. Thanks to this, owners can save money on alarms, since it will be quite difficult for burglars to get inside the building.

The level of protection depends on the selected type of modification. Manufacturers present films on the market that make glass completely unbreakable, or films with a slightly lower level of strength.

How to properly apply tint film

The tint film is a polymer product, on one side of which a layer of adhesive is applied, protected by an anti-adhesive sheet. And the whole art is in using it correctly on glass.

In the case of a car it is much more complicated, but we will start with the simple. Regular home tint film is not shrink film. We don’t consider it the best option, because on cloudy days the house will be slightly dark.

First, we measure the glass to be pasted and, according to the data obtained, a piece of film is formed. Some samples on the reverse side are lined with squares, which greatly simplifies the procedure itself.

Check if the glass is rectangular. For old wooden frames this is not always the case. As for plastic windows, it is recommended to remove the glass unit before starting the procedure. To do this, you need to remove the glazing beads along the contour using a chisel or slotted screwdriver.

Please note that it is important not to disturb the wedging of the sash. If the package does not want to leave the nest, then there is no need to force it. Just cover it with film right on the spot. And the glazing beads no longer bother us.

Let's give a couple of tips:

1. Before removing the glass unit, take detailed photos of all rebate plates and bridges (these are platforms around the perimeter of the glass unit and soft plastic spacers). It will then be necessary to assemble everything exactly the same way so as not to disrupt the functionality of the sash.
2. In the case of blind segments, there is usually no danger, but if the glass unit does not fit, then without a special plastic spatula it will be difficult to remove it and return it to its place.
3. The glass unit is heavy and the edges are sometimes sharp. Proceed with extreme caution.

Of course, it will be good if you can cut the film directly onto the glass unit. To do this, its surface is slightly wetted so that the tint sticks slightly. Then the glass is thoroughly washed and scraped with blades.

As a result, you need to apply the installation solution here. This is critical for the car version; at home, most brands still recommend using soapy water. This is three liters of water, into which literally a gram of baby shampoo is dripped.

Window tinting in apartments is placed on either side, after which it is attached with special hooks. We believe that most people don’t have anything like this at home, so get a regular pharmaceutical plaster, and then:

• On the matte side of the tint, stick two tiny pieces at the top with two-thirds sticking out.
• Attach a hook to the shiny side in one of the corners.

Now start pulling two closely spaced (but on opposite sides) hooks. The anti-adhesive film should come off. Remove it completely so that the sheet does not overlap and stick to itself. Throw aside the unnecessary part along with one hook and, holding the tint by the remaining two, position it in place.

Soapy water (or installation solution) will help complete the procedure. The tinting, thanks to the shampoo, does not stick immediately, but allows itself to be slightly moved.

Spray the back of the film with water and use a forcing tool (something like a flat spatula) to start pushing out the bubbles. Start at the top edge and work your way down.

The result should be a flat surface covering 100% of the required area; the excess is carefully trimmed with a sharp blade. The tinting should be wiped with a dry cloth and you can put the double-glazed window in its place.

Try to remove any dust particles before installing the film because they may initiate the peeling process and will be visible through the tint.

DIY window tinting in the apartment and on the balcony

When starting the independent tinting process, you should make sure that you have all the materials and tools, which include stationery knives, rubber spatulas, and a spray bottle with soapy water.

Pasting is carried out by following the recommendations of experienced craftsmen:

1. Measuring window glass sizes (from bead to bead).
2. Roll out a roll of film on a flat surface of the floor or table, and transfer the corresponding measurements onto it, with a margin of 1-2 cm.
3. Carrying out preliminary work to clean window glass from dirt and grease stains. To do this, you will need a pre-prepared spray bottle with a soap solution and a rubber spatula, which will be used to remove the applied liquid from the surface.
4. Removing the protective layer (liner) from the film.
5. To remove the sticking effect, which can prevent even adhesion, the surface of the film and glass is wetted with a soap solution.
6. Window gluing occurs from top to bottom, by smoothly smoothing the film to the surface of the glass.
7. Using a rubber spatula, remove excess moisture from under the film by smoothing from the center to the edge of the glass.

The final stage of tinting will be trimming all protruding edges of the film. Provided the technology is followed correctly, the final result will not take long to arrive.

Caring for a Tinted Window

Glass tinted with film should not be washed during the first week after pasting, so as not to damage the coating.

In the future, when the film finally “lies” on the glass, you can care for the window as usual, avoiding only abrasive cleaning products, hard brushes and sponges.

If dirt has formed on the glass unit, there is no need to scrape it off. It is enough to moisten it with soapy water, and after a while simply remove it with a damp sponge. And then polish the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth.

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Glass with variable transparency: features, advantages, applications

Today we want to tell you about the innovative technology that we successfully use in our “Window Factory”. Surely, you have known for a long time that there are types of glass with unusual properties, for example, transparent on the inside and opaque on the outside. How do you like glass that changes transparency at your request? It sounds like science fiction, but the future has already arrived for our clients.

Smart-glass is smart glass with adjustable transparency. This material has a special structure and composition. The operation of electronic glass is based on the polarization of microparticles (PDLC / LCD, SPD, ECD) in an electromagnetic field. Under the influence of electric current, the glass surface changes its light transmittance.

Using an electric switch, you can adjust the properties of the glass: when turned on, the glass becomes frosted, and when turned off, transparent. This transition takes place in a fraction of a second.

Voltage (12-36 W) is supplied to the glass surface via hidden wiring.

Windows with adjustable transparency receive special properties due to a polymer liquid crystal film located between sheets of glass. Liquid crystals without electricity come to a solid state, inclusions are formed on the film, arranged in a chaotic manner, and scattering light rays. This condition allows you to get a matte surface.

Changing the transparency variable occurs instantly. In this case, no halftone occurs. In windows with controlled light transmission, the degree of dimness changes slowly. Under the influence of different voltage values, you can easily set the required degree of transmission of light rays.

Awnings

This wonderful name belongs to sun protection in the form of an awning, which is installed above the upper part of the frame from the street.

There are awnings:

• Short. Cover half the glass and lock in one position.
• Low visor that goes down to the frame.
• A combined option when it has a roller blind and low visor mechanism. Its name is "broken elbow".

The awning is stretched over an aluminum frame, raised and lowered using a hinge mechanism. With the help of the latest developments, sun barriers of this type automatically detect the level of solar activity and automatically adjust the level of inclination.

The fabric consists of acrylic threads, which are highly durable and moisture resistant. They look unusual, protect windows from dirt and create coolness in the room.

The history of electrochromic glass

The idea of ​​using smart technologies for the glass industry is not new. Such products have been actively produced in production since the late 90s of the last century. Despite its long history, “smart” is a new product for the end consumer.

Engineer Steve Abadie got excited about the idea of ​​electronic glass back in the late 70s. At that time, it was impossible to realize such a dream. But in 1984, using innovative liquid crystal technology, LC Glass was manufactured - the first smart glass (smart glass).

The glass market of the 80-90s did not need an innovative product that was not clear to industrialists. Steve Abadie had to wait until the early 2000s. The inventor opened his own company and brought electronic glass to the market under the E-Glass brand.

In the post-Soviet space, electronic glass appeared only in 2010. Gradually conquering the glass market, smart technology began to be used not only in offices, administrative and medical institutions. Glass began to be used in the production of double-glazed windows for residential buildings and for the decoration of private interiors.

Despite their popularity in Europe and Russia, double-glazed windows, partitions, and decorative elements made of electronic glass are rare:

• luxury country real estate, multi-level apartments;
• offices of banking institutions;
• business center premises.

Plants

Another pleasant way to create a cool atmosphere and shade on the balcony is by planting indoor plants. Important: for the sunny side, you need those varieties that can withstand high temperatures. For high spaces, it is better to choose giant, climbing and lush plants.

For a dense curtain, entire greenhouses are created with pots on shelves along the windows to the ceiling. When the plants grow and bloom, a green curtain from the sun will appear. Suitable for the following purposes: hibiscus, lobelia, salander, passionflower. It will be necessary to care for the flowers, organize timely watering and sometimes hide them in the shade.

Advantages and disadvantages of reflective film for windows

The principle of operation of reflective films is to neutralize ultraviolet rays and create optimal light brightness. It is used in various rooms to reduce air temperature, which is important when the heat outside in summer is unbearable. In addition, thanks to the dim light, a cozy atmosphere is created, which helps not only to relax, but also to work productively.

Reflective film is especially valued in enterprises and offices, as it makes working with a computer much easier: there are no glares and rays that interfere with normal work and damage vision. And yet, many people are familiar with the condition when, from the constant influence of the sun through the window, already in the middle of the working day, their head begins to hurt. These unpleasant sensations are far from uncommon, but they can be successfully combated. Let's look at the main advantages and disadvantages of reflective film for windows.

1. Provides pleasant coolness on hot days by reflecting the sun's rays.
2. Protects furniture, wallpaper, carpets and other interior items from fading in the sun.
3. The presence of film on the windows allows you to not use household appliances such as an air conditioner or fan so often, which will significantly save the family budget.
4. Makes it difficult to see your room from the street. This is a suitable option for people whose apartments are located on the ground floors or for owners of private houses.
5. Removes annoying glare from your TV or computer screen.
6. Even if a window is accidentally broken, the film will protect a person from shrapnel wounds, since they will not fly down, but will remain hanging on the film.
7. Reflective films are fire-resistant and do not release harmful elements into the air when heated. They are even used at particularly dangerous sites.

Reflective film for windows

1. Due to the thinness of the material, there is still some danger of damage during cutting or as a result of mechanical action.
2. If the purchased film is of poor quality, then under the influence of the sun it will begin to fade in places, and in some places it may stick to the window so strongly that considerable effort will be required to wipe it off.
3. In the evening, when the electric light is on, the entire room will be visible from the street, so you need to have curtains on the windows.

Advantages and disadvantages

Window tinting has its advantages and disadvantages. Having considered all sides of the issue, you can make an informed decision: do you need a tinting film or not. Let's start with the advantages:

• The film is installed on any type of windows, including glazing of a balcony or loggia. Its direct purpose is to absorb ultraviolet rays. The material copes with this task perfectly, transmitting only 1% of ultraviolet radiation. As a result, the room does not heat up, and furniture and wallpaper are protected from fading.
• The protective film prevents heat loss; therefore, by tinting the loggia, you will make it suitable for living at any time of the year. Let us immediately clarify that without a heating system, living on a balcony in the winter season will be very difficult.
• Performs tinting and protective functions. Glazing a balcony is an excellent solution, but if your apartment is located on the ground floor, there is a risk that the window will be broken. For example, children playing in the yard will accidentally hit the loggia window with a ball. If we ignore the costs of restoring the window (this responsibility can be assigned to the parents of the bully), the issue of safety remains. Flying glass can injure people on the balcony. If a tinting film is applied to the windows, the risk of injury will be reduced to zero: the fragments will be held together by the film.

• Thanks to tinting, you will perfectly see everything that happens outside the apartment, but you won’t be able to look inside the room from the street. Accordingly, residents of the first floors can do without curtains during the day.

USEFUL INFORMATION: Warm and cold aluminum profiles for windows: differences, manufacturer's choice

Protective films also have disadvantages:

• Only a certain spectrum of rays passes through the tinting of balcony windows and loggias, so the apartment will always be twilight.
• Protection from sunlight in winter will also have a negative side: the apartment will warm up slowly. This is especially noticeable if there are heating problems in the city.
• You won’t be able to completely abandon the installation of curtains: when it gets dark outside, the lights turned on in the rooms will provide an excellent view from the street.

However, even despite the existing disadvantages, window tinting is very popular.

Reflective film for windows

This film has already proven itself on the market for a long time. Its advantage is its ease of application. You don't have to have any skills to do this. In the same way, such a film can be easily removed, returning the window to its former shine.

You can equip any window surface with reflective film. Manufacturers offer a choice of dimming ranges that range from 15%-50%. This allows each buyer to choose the desired window tone. The higher the dimming range, the more reflective efficiency can be obtained from the film.

Reflective films can be:

• toning;
• darkening;
• with metal reflective coating.

This film has a lot of advantages and has a very inexpensive price. And the roll is enough for the entire double-glazed window.

Width of colors

The light transmittance of an athermal product is determined by percentage; the higher this indicator, the more light passes inside.

Color options and their level of transparency:

• silver: 15-50%;
• bronze, green, purple: 15;
• smoky: 20%;
• gray, blue, gold: 15-35%;
• solar bronze: 20-35%.

Sun control film for windows

By protecting from excess sun rays, sun protection film creates comfort and coolness in the room. Many people, especially women, are worried that the presence of such film on the windows can lead to the death of all house plants. I would like to reassure such flower growers, since there is no danger to the flowers (except perhaps exotic ones, accustomed to high consumption of ultraviolet rays). They quickly get used to the darkened environment and continue to bloom.

Sun control film for windows

The base of the film consists of polyester. This material is characterized by strength, elasticity and transparency. During manufacturing, several layers are created, which are connected using a laminator. To protect the inner layers, metal spraying is applied first.

There are several types of sun protection films:

It is glued to the outside of the window and can protect the window from impact. Available in light and metallic colors.

Installed on the window itself or the space between the windows on the side of the room. It comes in different colors and varying degrees of UV protection.

The main function of sun protection is complemented by anti-impact properties.

These films are manufactured using special technology and are quite expensive.

Features of care

After the window tinting procedure has been completed, it is time to take care of such openings. There are few specific recommendations here. The only thing that is not recommended is to wash the glass surface using chemicals containing abrasive particles. Wipe the windows with a microfiber cloth moistened with warm soapy water. When you want to use a sponge, it is important to make sure that it does not have large pores where dirt can easily get clogged and scratch the surface.

A little effort will help you achieve excellent results, enjoying the warm summer weather, from which you can easily hide at home. Rooms protected from ultraviolet radiation will remain pleasantly cool, even in the hot summer heat.

Light protective film for windows

The temperature range at which the sun protection film does not lose its properties is from -50C to +90C. You need to take care of the film in the same way as you take care of windows. It can be washed with window cleaners and is not afraid of water. Its advantage is that the surface is protected from scratches, having a so-called scratch-resistant layer.

To install it there is no need to dismantle windows or glass frames. There are two ways you can do this.

1. External sticking. The advantage of this method is its effectiveness. Due to the fact that the film is glued on the outside, the window itself does not heat up and, as a result, no heat enters the room. To install the film, it is better to remove the glass unit, stick it on, and then put it in place.
2. Internal sticking. The film is glued to the inside of the glass unit (be careful, if the package is energy-saving, there is a coating on the glass, so it is prohibited to glue the light-protective film). The effectiveness of this method is much less than the first.

Mirror film for windows

Metal and plastic internal blinds

Horizontal blinds perform their function at home and in the office, creating obstacles in the path of sunlight. But many years of practice have shown that this option is tedious in daily use. The fact is that even more dust accumulates on the slats than on linen curtains.

Each lamella must be processed separately. Of course, this requires a lot of time and effort. However, they are still popular. On the market you can find internal blinds made of light-repellent plates. It is enough to turn them in a vertical plane to get a light but fairly dense shield covering the entire width of the window.

Mirror film for windows

They are called mirrored because one of the film layers is metallized. They are able to regulate the temperature not only in summer, without letting in too many ultraviolet rays, but also in winter, blocking the escape of heat from the room. They protect the room not only from ultraviolet radiation, but also from infrared radiation, which has a positive effect on human health.

Such mirror films are especially popular among companies that require one-way visibility and privacy conditions. These could be office buildings or security organizations, where optical security is also in demand.

In addition, such a film will help make the building look more modern and attractive.

As you can see, there is a large selection of reflective films for windows. Before purchasing, do not forget to calculate the footage you need. Choose a product only from a proven and high-quality manufacturer. Typically, the average service life of such films is about 10 years. Therefore, it is better to spend money on a good film once than to stick a new one every year.

Specifics of solar balconies

In winter, to control the temperature, it is enough to insulate this part of the apartment from all sides. If necessary, heaters can be connected. On a warm balcony you can set up a work area or relax while looking at passers-by on the street.

In summer it is much more difficult to use it as additional free space. If the windows on its side face south or southwest, the sun's rays heat not only the double-glazed window. The entire casing becomes heated by the temperature, it becomes impossible to breathe, even wide open windows and doors do not solve the problem. And at night in the adjacent room it becomes stuffy, it’s hard to sleep, the material from which the walls are made cools down, heated air enters the apartment.

The main problems of apartment residents who are looking for something to cover their balcony windows from the sun:

• the air becomes dry, heats up to 45 degrees or more;
• if the room is not air conditioned, it is difficult to breathe in the apartment;
• sunlight makes it difficult to concentrate on work, is reflected in the TV, and blinds the eyes.

As a result, not only people in the apartment suffer, animals and plants do not tolerate such conditions well and may even die. In order to prevent danger and save yourself from unpleasant sensations, windows are covered with curtains, blinds, and glass is masked with special films. Air conditioning is expensive and wastes electricity. And this device will not save you from direct sunlight.

Sunbreakers

Sunbreakers are external blinds designed for installation along the entire facade. The maximum dimensions of one module are 4x6.2 m. The slats, as in the case of rainblinds, are made of aluminum. The design is lightweight and strong enough to withstand wind loads. Moreover, sunbreakers allow you to protect your home from unwanted intrusion.

The most common are sunbreakers with a constant slope of the slats. But there are also electrically controlled designs with a rotation angle from 0 to 90º.

Since external blinds are a significant element of building design, manufacturers provide the opportunity to choose a color from the RAL palette.

7

Rules for gluing

When gluing tint film, you cannot neglect certain rules. Otherwise, you can damage the material itself and even the glass. It is necessary to focus on the need to maintain a certain temperature and humidity.

• When gluing the film, the temperature in the room should not be lower than +5℃ and not higher than +40℃.
• Humidity should also be controlled: in the range from 20% to 80%. During work, you need to use a water spray to create a humid environment.
• At the initial stage, carefully wash the glass surface. For best results, use detergents and a scraper. There should also be no dust on the film. Otherwise, the toning will be of poor quality.

When removing the protective layer from the film, make sure that dust and dirt do not have time to settle on it.

You can stick the tinting film both from the outside and from the inside. But so that the condition of the coating does not depend on weather conditions, it is better if it is glued from the inside of the room.