Will window film protect us from the Santa Cruz sun?
Santa Cruz may have great sun and some wonderful beaches, but when that sun is beating down on your house you may want to do something about it. Window insulation film has become a popular way to save money on heating and cooling bills. It's made of a thin sheet of plastic that's applied to the interior of your windows. Once applied, it creates an insulating barrier between the inside and outside, helping to keep those dollars where they belong, in your wallet. But homeowners often have questions about how long this film will actually last them. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of window film that you should consider before making a purchase.
Experts say that it will last several years without any issue.
While the window film experts agree that the film will last a long time, they also say that it’s not a permanent solution. If your windows are in good condition and you want to keep them on a permanent basis, then this isn’t the right choice for you. But if you have old or drafty windows, but don’t have enough money to replace them right now, this could be an excellent interim solution until you can afford to do so.
There's also no need to remove it every year, as you might with tape.
Unlike tape, which is typically only used for a single season and then discarded, the window film will last for years to come.
There’s also no need to remove it every year, as you might with tape. In fact, if you store your window film carefully after use (and keep it away from direct sunlight), you can reuse it year after year if necessary.
Of course, since this is an investment in your home’s energy efficiency and comfort—not to mention your wallet—it makes sense that companies would offer products that last longer than standard options like duct tape or aluminum foil. If this sounds appealing but not exactly realistic within your budget at first glance (you may have already guessed by now that we are talking about a product that isn't cheap), take heart: there are ways around paying full price for the best long-term insulation for windows!
Over time, the corners will likely begin to peel back, but it can be easily replaced with new film.
Over time, the corners will likely begin to peel back, but it can be easily replaced with new film.
Remove old film by carefully peeling it off the window and then storing it in a cool, dry place. The best option is an airtight container that's not exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures. If you don't have any containers on hand and are using small pieces of cardboard or other materials as makeshift storage options—don't worry! You can reuse the same piece of cardboard many times before replacing it with a fresh piece of cardboard; just make sure that whatever you choose does not react negatively with moisture or humidity (e.g., paper towel) and always keep your stored film out of direct sunlight!
Apply new window insulation film by holding onto one side while rolling up from another side until all four corners are secured in place. Clean dirty windows thoroughly before applying any type of insulator like this one so that there won't be any residue left behind after installation has been completed successfully!
If the film is removed in winter and stored properly, you may be able to reuse it on a yearly basis.
If you've installed window insulation film on your windows and it's still in good shape, you're probably wondering how long it will last. The truth is that there are two factors that determine a window insulation film's lifespan: how well it's stored and how much sunlight the material absorbs.
Storing Window Insulation Film Properly
If you plan to reuse your window insulation film after removing it from your windows in the winter, it's important to store the material properly between uses. To do so:
Remove any excess adhesive from around the edges of the film using water or soap and a sponge or cloth (do not use petroleum-based solvents).
Place sheet over frame and smooth out air bubbles with hands or squeegee if needed (work quickly!).
You can try out window insulation film for a season and see if you like it
It may take a while before you know whether or not window insulation film is right for your home. You can try out the product for a season and see if you like it. If not, simply remove it and try something else.
A Worthy Investment
All in all, window insulation film will last you a while, but it’s easy to replace if it begins to peel. If you like the look and feel of your insulated windows once winter hits, go ahead and remove the film during spring and summer, then reapply it each fall. If not, simply remove the film entirely once its lifespan is over. Either way, this is a fairly simple DIY project that doesn't require professional help from a contractor.
