Dear Pat: From spring through fall, there is excessive glare and heat through my living room windows. I installed window film before. It worked but looked bad. How should I install it right this time? — Holly S.
Dear Holly: Installing some of the newer window films can actually make your house look better, in addition to blocking the heat and glare. If your living room window faces south, you probably have a greater glare problem from fall through spring. During summer, the sun is so high in the sky at noon that even a small roof or window overhang blocks it from the window.
The first step is to remove the old, unattractive window film. You should not try to install new window film over old film. The key to effective removal of old window film is to soften the adhesive so the film and adhesive can be gently scraped off the window glass.
Several of the major do-it-yourself window film companies offer liquid solutions for removing old film. First, try using a mild solution of vinegar and water. Saturate the window film with it and then tape plastic film over the windowpane to keep it moist and warm. Within several hours, the old adhesive should be soft. If this does not work, order some of the special removal solution.
Once the old window film and adhesive are removed, go shopping for your new window film. For good year-round performance, a lightly tinted low-emissivity type of window film is best. It will block the sun's heat during summer and helps reduce indoor heat loss during winter. If glare really is your primary concern, select window film with a darker tint.
Now that you have your new window film, thoroughly clean the window surface and frame. Cleaning the frame keeps dirt particles from falling on the glass and film while it is being installed. Once dirt gets embedded in the adhesive on the film, forget ever getting it out completely. Just a few dirt particles, though, are difficult to avoid and are not very noticeable.
The ideal temperature range to install window film is between 45 and 90 degrees. The temperature of the glass surface can vary significantly from the indoor air temperature inside your house. Also, select an installation time when the sun will not shine directly on the window glass.
Spray the window with film application solution or a weak solution of detergent and water. Wipe it down with a squeegee. Wet the window again and scrape it with a razorblade in a holder. Finally, wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth.
Measure the size of the window glass surface. Cut a piece of the window film slightly larger than the glass. Spray the window surface with more solution until is thoroughly damp and runs down. Carefully pull the backing from the window so it does not get creased.
While the glass is still very wet, spray a light mist of solution on the adhesive on the film. Place it against the wet window. Spray the exposed side of the film with more solution. This acts as a lubricant for the squeegee. Follow the recommended squeegee movement pattern to squeeze the water and bubbles out from beneath the film. Allow the film to dry thoroughly before touching.
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