07/09/2023
written by Alice O.
What type of solar film installation?
Choosing between interior and exterior heat-shielding film?
There are two types of solar film: solar film for indoor use and solar film for outdoor use. It's difficult to know which strategy to adopt to be most effective and limit any risk of damaging the glazing.
Luminis Films gives you all its tips in this article!
Anti-heat solar films, or how to save a few degrees at home.
Whether for a large bay window, a roof window or a small south-facing pane, this type of adhesive or electrostatic film will be of interest to you.
Compatible with all glass surfaces, it will have a reverberating effect that will repel the rays and associated heat. The effect is similar to that of shutters that you close when you're too hot. The advantage of anti-heat film is that you can repel the heat and enjoy the view at the same time! 😎
Browsing our site, you'll see dozens of film references. One of the main differences is the type of installation: should it be on the outside of the glass, or on the inside? Below, we explain the difference, so you can make the right choice.
Why install outdoors?
It's always advisable to install your heat protection film outdoors to improve its effectiveness.
In fact, as explained above, solar protection film repels the sun's rays. If the film is installed on the outside, this reverberation will take place before the rays penetrate the glazing.
In addition to increasing the performance of solar film, outdoor installation eliminates the risk of damaging the glass. The heat accumulated on a pane of glass can cause it to break or crack as a result of the thermal shock it undergoes. By installing a film on the outside, you protect the glass from overheating! 👍
Our special outdoor solar films are specially treated to resist weathering and UV. They are also scratch-resistant. Find out more about our heat protection films for outdoor use (references ending with "x").
Discover a selection of solar films for outdoor use
Opt for the adhesive version for long-lasting, crystal-clear results. Want to be able to take it off and put it on again next season? Choose an electrostatic version!
* price per m² for the purchase of a full roll of the largest width.
Why opt for interior heat-shielding film?
In some cases, it's not possible to install solar films outdoors, such as in buildings with inaccessible fixed windows. Without professional help or scaffolding, installation is likely to be complicated. In such cases, solar protection film should be installed indoors.
This installation is feasible but has certain constraints:
- Not all glazing is compatible with indoor installation
- The film will retain its anti-heat properties, but you'll be able to feel your glass heating up slightly, unlike when it's installed externally. This is perfectly normal: reverberation falls on the glass.
To avoid the risk of thermal shock and prevent damage to your glass, a few precautions should be taken.
How do I know if I can install solar film indoors?
There are two special cases that allow indoor installation without too many risks:
- Installing solar film on single-pane, non-laminated glass.
Heat cannot accumulate between two panes of glass, as is the case with double-glazing. As a result, it can emerge directly behind the glass, without overheating.
- Installation of solar film on double-glazing of less than 1.2m².
A very clear film suitable for interior installation can be applied to small double-glazed units. This will limit overheating and considerably reduce the risk of thermal shock.
If you have any doubts about solar film and/or the type of installation to adopt, don't hesitate to contact us via our contact form; or on social networks!
Discover 4 of our best-selling interior solar films
Don't hesitate to order samples to test how the film looks on your glass.
* price per m² for the purchase of a full roll of the largest width.
