Experience with UV Window Film

[Xandria]

Our home's windows are a little on the cheap side (lowest bidder on construction and all that). They do not have the UV protection that they should have given that our windows are South Facing (hello, sun).

Hubby suggested we use UV protective window film, which is a great idea. I don't want a baked naked.

Examples:

• http://www.homedepot.ca/product/sun-control-window-film-light-slate/931983
• http://www.homedepot.ca/product/titanium-heat-control-peel-cling-window-film-3-feet-x-65-feet/919623

I'm wondering if anyone has any experiences with this type of window film, and if so, what has and has not worked for them.

Thanks!

 

[Cleopatra Beers]

We don't have UV windows either, and we live in the Sonora Desert! Marcus likes to get in the sun in the mornings, but he isn't showing signs of suntan or burns (knock on wood). When we built the catio, we used UV screens, so I don't worry if they want to sit in the sun out there. Cleopatra does NOT like to be in the sun, and complains if sun hits her in the car or the stroller. I am looking into putting UV screens on the windows of my sewing room to protect my fabrics and fibers--not so much for the cats. I don't want to use the film because I have seen some bad applications that result in bubbles, streaking and worst of all, peeling. Hope this helps.

 

[admin]

Our home's windows are a little on the cheap side (lowest bidder on construction and all that). They do not have the UV protection that they should have given that our windows are South Facing (hello, sun).

Hubby suggested we use UV protective window film, which is a great idea. I don't want a baked naked.

Examples:

• http://www.homedepot.ca/product/sun-control-window-film-light-slate/931983
• http://www.homedepot.ca/product/titanium-heat-control-peel-cling-window-film-3-feet-x-65-feet/919623

I'm wondering if anyone has any experiences with this type of window film, and if so, what has and has not worked for them.

Thanks!

Its probably going to be messy going on and worse coming off if ever need be, selling home - etc. I might wait to see where his/ her favorite window will be and get something like this:

Is sunblock or sunscreen safe for my sphynx cat?

 

[Xandria]

Good point on the removal issues (I've applied them before and with enough patience, it's not tooooo bad). I like the idea of a screen itself like you pointed to as well! Thanks.

 

[Catzzzmeow]

If you are really worried look into the wooden shutters that go on the inside of your windows. You can at least tie them closed if need be. I know personally with blinds they can climb through them...lol. We have gone through several here.

Patti

 

[Hairless Blessing]

Do you not have any windows they can just get the morning Sun?
If not you could put the tree at a window that doesn't get direct Sun.

 

[Xandria]

Our townhouse is oddly setup, in that we only have south facing windows... Big though they are. Lots of good advice here.

 

[Kate]

I have the UV film applied on my windows at the back of the house. We had it done over 10 years ago through Home Depot, and I love it. If I didn't tell you, you'd never know it was on the window. It's done wonders, my leather couch that sits in the sun for hours a day has no discoloration or fading at all, neither do my hardwood floors!! Totally worth it

 

[Xandria]

Thanks, @Kate. I've been doing some research, and the better films seem to remove fairly easily and if not, the manufacturer has step by step instructions in removal of really old film. It seems the newer made films are easier to remove due to chemical composition.

After considering a number of options, I think the film would suit my particular situation best. As an added bonus, the film reduces heating too, as it can get VERY hot in our South facing rooms sometimes!

 

[Xandria]

The Universe is a funny thing.

Having physical limitations means that I rely on others to help me out with some things, and also prompts me to just hire professionals.

The "do it yourself" window tinting caused me to realize that there was no way I could do this myself. So I said to hubby, let's hire a pro.

I always perform my due diligence... get three quotes minimum, research the heck out of something...

The second company I call finds me speaking with a nice gent named Noah. I explained why I was interested in window film and I could HEAR him smile over the phone. He proceeds to tell me he has a Sphynx named Jerome! Jerome is also on raw food. Not only this, but Noah is going to bring Jerome with him when he drops off tinting samples!

Humans owned by Sphynx really have a connection, don't they?

Any way, even though I've done my due diligence, hubby is encouraging me to use Noah. Can't blame him.

Sphynx Powers Unite!

 

[Baby Luna]

Our home's windows are a little on the cheap side (lowest bidder on construction and all that). They do not have the UV protection that they should have given that our windows are South Facing (hello, sun).

Hubby suggested we use UV protective window film, which is a great idea. I don't want a baked naked.

Examples:

• Oops. We're sorry, but the page you requested was not found.
• Gila Titanium Heat Control Peel & Cling Window Film - 3 Feet x 6.5 Feet | The Home Depot Canada

I'm wondering if anyone has any experiences with this type of window film, and if so, what has and has not worked for them.

Thanks!

Hi @Xandria , I know this is very old, but I was looking up window films. Wondering if you know of any that doesn't make the window dark, so Luna can still have her bright warm sun but with uv protection? Thanks!

 

[renewedmind]

I didn't get a look at one someone else suggested it may be what I'm thinking but I have seen in some places in the past that they had a sort of if you will blind type uv thing that they could raise and lower whenever they wanted so that it blocked out part of the sunlight but you could still see outside... Maybe see if u can find something like that

 

[Xandria]

Hi @Xandria , I know this is very old, but I was looking up window films. Wondering if you know of any that doesn't make the window dark, so Luna can still have her bright warm sun but with uv protection? Thanks!

One thing I have learned in this forum is that it's never a bad thing to bring up an old, still valid, post.

We had our windows tinted professionally rather than using a kit (looked very messy to do yourself). The cost was C$7/s.f. supplied and installed -- three floors of windows (109 s.f.). It really wasn't that expensive (~$800), in my opinion.

Our lower two floors used a slightly dark tint (Llumar R-50 SR CDF) while the top floor used a darker tint (Llumar R-35 SR CDF) (we're south facing and that upper floor gets HOT in the Summer).

Llumar spec sheet here: http://w3.llumar.com/pdf/en/LLumarArchSolarSpecs.pdf

The sun still penetrates and Max loves basking in it, but he's fully protected.
Case in point...

Having said all of that, because we're South facing we did go with a tint for UV protection AND energy savings AND heat reduction.

If you want JUST UV protection without any tint, then you'll want Llumar UV CL-SR PS (Clear) -- see the PDF spec sheet above, on the bottom.

And here's a place in your city that might be able to help: LLumar Dealers in Boston, MA | Window Tinting

I hope that all helps.

This was honestly one of the best decisions we made regarding adapting our lives and home for Max. Sphynx are sun seekers and there is just no way we could have discouraged him from sitting in our windows or laying in the sunbeams that come in. Max has never had any skin issues due to sun.

 

[Baby Luna]

Thanks so much I'm definitely going to look into that, I want the sun to still come in so it could be tricky! Yours look great though! @Xandria