Beat the Heat with 3M Prestige Sun Control Window Films

The scorching heat is hard on our bodies, moods and electric bills. Every night when I reach home, I immediately switch on the air-conditioner. My living hall and bedrooms are under strong sun rays in the afternoon, as a result, they feel like oven at night. #mad

Therefore, I re-visited the thought of installing solar films that can block the heat and cool down our home. Truth be told, we briefly considered about it when we started our home renovation back in Dec’15. We received many samples and flyers from various window film contractors in our mailbox.

Just like many new home-owners, we were rather budget-conscious. After all, solar film isn’t something that we can see, nor enhance our home aesthetically. It also doesn’t come cheap. Moreover, we’ve indoor and outdoor blinds. We thought that they should be sufficient to reduce the heat and glare, so we shelved the plan for solar film.

After moving-in for half a year, I realized that I was wrong. Blinds can only block the glare of the sun (not the heat!) and for privacy. The morning sun getting into Edison’s room is far worse than I’ve expected. Our poor boy was soaking under the morning sun. The strong sunlight also creates hot spots in his room, making it warm and uncomfortable.

Morning sun at Edison’s bedroom. Blinds can only block the glare by 60%, but not the intense heat.

Our master bedroom, on the other hand, has a different facing. The late afternoon sun heats it up to a point that is totally unbearable for me. Our study room is also very warm even when the blinds are completely rolled down. Due to the heat, Edison does his homework at the dining table during the day.

The unbearable heat forced us to look for solar films again.  I heard from my neighbour who has installed 3M Prestige Window Films that it works and they experienced a significant difference in heat reduction.

There are many solar films in the market that provides similar benefits but to varying degrees of efficiency. Most of them offer 99% UV Rejection, but other characteristics like Visible Light Transmission, Solar Energy Rejection, Infrared Rejection, etc. vary. The price range is also quite huge.

We weren’t looking for the cheapest solar film, but one that performs best in heat reduction. We decided to go for 3M Prestige Window Films since it was highly recommended by my neighbour. Moreover, 3M is a trusted global brand. I’ve full confidence in them.

Phase 1: Consultation

So, I called up Jestac, an authorized distributor of 3M Window Films, to fix an appointment for on-site consultation (at no cost or obligation). The sales representative showed me various types of window films, their performance specifications and benefits. He also shared with me some tips on what to look out for when choosing a window film.

As my main concern was heat, he recommended the 3M Prestige Sun Control Window Films which is excellent in rejecting heat and increasing comfort in our home. He also explained in details the key benefits of this film and what to expect before-and-after the installation.

In the end, we decided to go for 3M Prestige Window Films – PR40, the film that offers the highest heat rejection out of the Prestige Series, as approved by our condo’s management.

3M Prestige Sun Control Window Films – PR40
Visible Light Transmitted 39%
Total Solar Energy Rejected 60%
Infrared Rejected 97%
UV Rejected 99.9%.

Benefits of 3M Prestige Sun Control Window Films

1. Cool the home

Sunlight pouring in through unprotected windows creates hot spots in our home. 3M Prestige Window Films eliminate these hot spots by rejecting up to 97% of infrared heat from the sun.

2. Reduce glare and increase comfort

Intense glare from the sun causes discomfort and makes TV viewing difficult. 3M Prestige Window Films significantly reduces the glare for added comfort of our home.

3. Save on energy costs

3M Prestige Window Films have reflectivity that’s lower than glass, hence allowing most of the natural light into our home and provides superior clarity. This saves on energy costs for lighting. Its excellent heat rejection function dramatically decreases temperature at home (up to 5°C temp reduction), thus lower the cooling costs too.

 4. Protect against UV rays

UV rays can penetrate untreated window panes in our home. 3M Prestige Window Films block up to 99.9% of harmful UV rays with SPF value of more than 1,000, hence effectively reducing the risks of premature ageing of the skin, and even skin cancer.

5. Reduce interior fading

UV ray shielding protects our home interior from harmful effects of UV rays, which include the fading and degrading of plastics, rubber, fabric, and most importantly leather.

Phase 2: Installation

Areas of Installation: Living room, master bedroom, study room, common bedroom
Duration: 3 hours

The first step is preparing the window area for application of the films. Plastic protection sheets are used to cover and protect the furniture. Drop cloths are placed near the windows to protect the flooring from excess cleaning solutions. Then, the window and its framing are cleaned thoroughly using cleaning solutions.

The window films come in pre-cut sizes. When the film’s liner is removed, a slip solution is sprayed on it for proper positioning before sticking it onto the window. Using proper tools and techniques,  the application is completed by removing excess water, as well as to maximise the bonding of the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Next, the edges of the film are trimmed to ensure a perfect fit to the window, followed by a final squeegee technique to dry the edges.

When the installation is complete, a quality inspection is performed on each window to ensure that we’re satisfied with the job.

In short, we’re very satisfied with the installation. The workers are neat and experienced in their work. Within just 3 hours, the 4 workers completed the installation in our living hall and 3 bedrooms. They made extra efforts to protect our furniture with protection sheets, which we were truly grateful for.

A very close-up shot of the window, no air bubbles at all. Superior clarity. I’m super impressed!

Comparison of two windows during the installation – with and without 3M Prestige Window Films

My Concluding Thoughts

Edison woke up at 10am yesterday, and he shook his head in disbelief. “Did I really sleep until 10am? My room is so much cooler now,” he squealed with delight.

Everyone is surprised that our home feels so much cooler and comfortable now, be it day or night. We truly feel the perceptible benefits of 3M Prestige Window Films as we’ve experienced our home without them at first.

It’s truly amazing how effective these films are in rejecting the sun’s heat. They bring down the general temperature of our home by a couple of degrees. Hence, my air conditioner runs less too.

The pictures below were shot through the same window panes at similar timing, before and after the installation. The difference is barely noticeable, we can still enjoy the beautiful views outside – without the glare, of course!

Before Installation – view from our MBR

After Installation – view from our MBR

Initially, we were worried that PR40 might be too dark (it has the darkest tint among the 4 variants of Prestige Sun Control Films but highest heat rejection). Fortunately, they turned out to be very nice. We no longer need to squint our eyes due to bright sunlight. Our eyes are so comfortable with the view now.

Before Installation – our living hall

After Installation – our living hall

Before installation – Master bedroom window

After installation – Master bedroom window

I’m also happy knowing that my home interior is protected from the damaging UV rays – particularly the leather sofa, which will dry-out, crack and fade with prolonged exposure to the sun’s heat.

Edison can read comfortably in the study room now (without the unbearable heat)

All in all, I’m glad to have chosen 3M Prestige Window Films. Topping it all off, they come with a 15-year warranty – one of the strongest in the market, backed by the most trusted global brand in window films – the 3M Company.

If you want to find out more about 3M Prestige window films and how they can protect your family and loved ones, you can contact Jestac at:

 

Jestac Pte Ltd
2 Kim Chuan Drive, #02-06 CSI Distribution Centre, Singapore 537080
Mon – Fri 8.30am – 5.30pm, Sat 8.30am to 12.30pm
Tel: 6288 8290
Email: enquiry@jestac.com.sg
Websites: Official Homepage | Facebook Page