Is glass tint replacing curtains?

Aug 15, 2008

Have you often seen tinted glass doors and windows and desired to have them on your house, but did not have that much money to spend on the factory-tinted glasses? Worry no more. Glass films can give your window a tinted look in minutes. The films can last for over 20 years.

By Titus Serunjogi

Have you often seen tinted glass doors and windows and desired to have them on your house, but did not have that much money to spend on the factory-tinted glasses? Worry no more. Glass films can give your window a tinted look in minutes. The films can last for over 20 years.

Today, according to Juned Kasmani of Pacific Ace Uganda, dealers in the films, a good number of new houses with coloured, or reflective glass doors and windows are not tinted, but have been fitted with the plastic films.

The film is a thin protective polythene sheet-like material that is fitted with adhesive on one side and backing. A home-owner must remove the backing to be able to stick it to the glass. The film has all the benefits of a curtain, blind or factory-made tinted glass.

“Window films are a simple, cost-effective way to increase your house comfort, energy-efficiency and overall appearance. They shut out the glaring sun-light without blocking the view.”

The decorative window film can be made to look like frosted glass, glass block or stained glass. Most insulating window films reflect the sun heat, helping reduce the overall temperature in the house. As a result, your home feels cooler during the day and your air conditioner or electric fan runs less.

Insulating films also retain up to 55% of your house heat in the night, making it feel warmer. Other window films appear like frosted glass and cannot allow anything to be seen from outside, not even the glare of the television.

You do not need to be a civil engineer to install the films. Anybody can do it.

Clean the window with shampoo and water and keep your hands moistened with the solution to prevent leaving finger-prints on the film. Also spray the window liberally with the same solution. Cut the film to the appropriate size. Remove the backing to expose the adhesive side of the film and carefully place the film on the glass, working from the bottom, up. If there are any bubbles visible, you can squeeze them out. The film should begin to stick within 30 minutes and normally cures fully in four to eight days. Fit the film during the early morning or the late afternoon when the weather is a little cooler, as excessive heat might prevent the adhesive side from sticking properly.

If you want to remove the film, you can peel it off. This involves spraying the film surface with soapy water and spread a garbage polythene on the film side of the window. The soapy water will hold the polythene on to the glass for an hour and thereafter the film should be able to peel off. If it leaves glue, you can remove it with steel wool that has been dipped in a solvent.

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