Does UV Reflective Window Film Increase Glass Temperature?

Reflective Film Effects

• The reflective film stops UV rays in two basic ways. First, it reflects some of the rays back so that the energy is not absorbed by the window. But windows are not mirrors and still need to let light in, so one of the main properties of the film is absorption: It absorbs the UV radiation instead of letting it pass through. This means the energy is passed into the film and the window it is installed on. In the end, the film will raise the temperature of the glass.

Glass Stress

• This temperature increase may be dangerous for your window depending on the type of glass you have. Older glass or glass that has already been weakened through damage or improper installation may not be able to handle the heat increase. Over time, the film could cause this glass to break or warp. Replacing the glass is the only way to fix this problem once it occurs.

Other Factors

• Glass damage caused by heated UV films depends on many different factors. The climate where the film is used, the way glass is shaded on both the inside and outside, and the shape of the glass all help determine if your glass will experience any problems. The films may be more likely to damage a window that is already in a hot climate.

Prevention

• If you do not want your windows to suffer heat damage when using UV films, be careful when selecting windows. Do not install the films on single pane windows, which may be more vulnerable. If your windows are old, consider having them replaced with new versions instead of using the film. Some companies offer glass breakage warranties that cover the cost of new windows if your UV film heats and breaks the glass within several months after use.