uv sun film for windows

Hi, Prop--

First, congrats on your new place! As a fellow recent Hudson-side transplant I understand your situation.

Although I have not tried the self-applied UV films I do know people who use them and seem to like them. Keep in mind that they need to be replaced every so often and they also must be installed carefully to avoid areas near the window edges that aren't fully covered. Yes, they do create a bit of a difference in hue, as will ANY lamination or UV protective element. This isn't not really noticeable when everything is covered uniformly.

In my case, we've actually decided to completely replace our windows as they're in pretty crummy shape to begin with. Since we also have mega-sun exposure and are concerned about UV damage to art and furnishings our plan is to get windows (Kolbe) with low-e double-silvered glass plus inner lamination---this combination would bring the UV protection up to somewhere in the 99.9% range.

There are both double-silvered and triple-silvered versions of the glass (most new windows these days come with at least double-silvered glass for energy efficiency) but we found the triple-silvered version to be a bit 'darker' and less 'true' color-wise. Without lamination the difference between the double and triple versions is not terribly high--only about 10 points or so (I think the triple blocks somewhere around 85% of UV with the double being a bit less). So if one wants complete UV protection the lamination is key. This is the kind of thing museums do.

If your windows are in good shape and you weren't planning on replacing them I might suggest you purchase some of the GM or other brand of self-lamination product and give it a try on one window--you can always take it down if you hate the effect and you won't have broken the bank. Keep in mind, of course, that any difference in hue will be vastly more noticeable when only one window is treated so this would give you the 'worst-case' scenario in terms of visible color change--won't be nearly as detectable if all the windows are treated.

Sorry--just realized I made an error in my explanation ^^^

The way the manufacturer explains the glass versions is that the triple-silver glass is '66% clear' and the double-silver is '70% clear'.

Thanks, Bramstar, really helpful. If I can afford it, I'll replace the windows. Haven't investigated pricing yet. That's also a good idea to try a sample window with the film and see how I feel.

Based on your post, I went to the Kolbe website to see what they offer in Tilt & Turn. Unless I'm mistaken, it looks like everything has wooden frames or a combo of wood. I'm not sure our building will allow that; we have to have uniform windows now because of landmarking.
A lot of people here use Skyline company.

Are you getting screens? I've never seen Tilt & Turn windows with screens, but in theory, don't they seem like a good idea to keep all the moths and bugs from flying in at night when the windows are open? (Or if I ever get a cat, to keep it from jumping out! )

Prop--we are using Skyline as our vendor. If you call them they'll put you in touch with the person who handles your area (in our case the guy has already done work in our building so knows the requirements well). They will be able to discuss the different options. Our guy at Skyline is the one who recommended Kolbe to us.

We are not landmarked (yet) but the building still requires uniformity. Our plan is to use clad windows--wood on the inside and black aluminum on the outside. This is for aesthetic reasons as we want the look of wood.

If you plan to go the replacement route, first thing to do is to contact your building's managing agent to find out what requirements are in place.

Re: screens--no, we do not plan to have them installed as our view is one of the best things about the apartment! We do use those removable screens you can purchase at the hardware store if we want to open the windows in the summer. But I like being able to remove them completely when we are just using the AC or when it it's not buggy out.

I believe that tilt and turn windows have a max allowable opening in NYC (especially on higher floors) so you may want to check on that. I may be confusing this with casement windows, though...

I must say so far both Skyline and Kolbe have been extremely helpful in addressing my myriad questions as we figure out the right plan. We are still finalizing the details (it's a big chunk of change so we want to be sure everything's in order!) but hoping to get the ball rolling shortly.

Feel free to send me an email at bramstar@gmail.com if you want to talk off the board.

Venetian blinds properly tilted: you'll still see New Jersey, but you won't photosynthesize much.

metrosolar.com. They're based on Long Island but they service the city. Spectacular professional job. 8 years later, the windows still look fantastic.

NYCMatt, did it take getting used to? Did you notice much color differential?

Not really. The windows have a classy grey tint to them, but the color differential is no greater than looking through a high-grade pair of grey sunglasses.

The difference in the apartment temperature was dramatic; 15 degrees cooler in the fall, and 25 degrees cooler in the summer.

Cost was about $300 per window, and it took the guys only about an hour to do all six windows. You cannot tell it's film; the glass looks tinted.

"classy"

NYCMatt, you said you've had for 8 years. Is there a finite shelf-life for the film? How do you wash your windows?

The film lasts forever. I'm able to wash with Windex as usual.

With the films, you want to make sure that you can still look out when it gets dark outside but the inside of your apartment is lit.

With the films, you want to make sure that you can still look out when it gets dark outside but the inside of your apartment is lit.

"With the films, you want to make sure that you can still look out when it gets dark outside but the inside of your apartment is lit."

The shading of my film is so subtle that this isn't an issue.