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It’s a seemingly understandable question; why is it necessarily so crucial for a window film applied on the exterior surface of glass to have been specifically designed for this purpose? If there is an interior window film that has caught your eye, what’s stopping you from simply installing this film on the exterior side of the glass anyway, and accepting any drawbacks that may come with this?
In truth, there are some very serious reasons why it may be especially wise for you to specify an external window film over an internal one, when it is intended that this product will be constantly exposed to the ravages of outdoor conditions.
Durability and longevity are key factors
The most obvious justification for opting for an external window film for external use is the fact that such film will be better suited to withstanding the wind, rain, hail and other elements that can cause a window film to break down over time.
Here at Opalux, we would certainly advise against installing an interior film externally, due to the manner in which this type of film is processed rendering it ill-equipped to last for long in the face of outdoor weather and ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Sure enough, when you purchase a dedicated external window film from us such as our External Reflective – Silver 20 (SO-20RS-eSR) product, the weather-resistant construction – including additional UV barriers – will be instrumental in preventing the film from degrading. A strong water-resistant adhesive is also incorporated into this film – and together, such features help to give this product a seven-year vertical warranty, and an up-to-four-year sloping one.
However, the right external window film will also do so much more
While careful consideration of the above factors will assist you in achieving the greatest longevity, performance and value from a specialised exterior window film, there may be certain other aspects of your given application that you will guide your final choice of film.
One key advantage of exterior window film is that it helps to ensure a greater proportion of solar energy is expelled outdoors, instead of being absorbed into the window pane. This goes some way to explaining the particular popularity of external window films for installation on double or triple glazed units or extra thick glass.
If you are specifically seeking out safety and security film, again, you may elect to have this in an exterior grade where there is a risk to people outside your building. Alternatively, you might simply purchase an external window film if the interior surface of the glass is not easily accessible.
Call 0845 026 1125 or email solutions@opaluxwindowfilms.com, and we’ll work with you to assess the various circumstances and risks that apply to your own intended application. This way, you can be sure of making the most informed possible choice of window film.