Can you put window film on the outside of a window? Does window film go on the interior or the exterior of windows? These are totally legitimate questions, and the answer is both! Window film can be installed on the interior and exterior of windows. The application depends on the kind of window film and the application or what the window film will do.
For instance, many window films (or window tints) used in residential homes are applied to the interior. What are the advantages of this?
The Advantages of Interior Window Film
One advantage of interior window film is that it’s installed inside. That means that you can have it installed despite the weather or any other external influences. Ladders don’t have to be used to install film on a 2nd-floor window. Another advantage is maintenance. Same story: you can clean your 2nd story window all day when it’s inside. That’s a lot harder to do on the outside.
There are several 3M window films that we install on the interior of windows. One very popular one is 3M Prestige Series, a multi-layer film. The 3M Prestige Series of window films helps to lower glass reflectivity while allowing most of the light into your home. How much light does this interior film allow in? 3M Prestige lets from 40% to 70% of the natural light into your home. Here are the other benefits:
- Rejects up to 97% infrared light so you can enjoy energy savings and enhanced comfort.
- It’s a non-metalized window film that doesn’t interfere with mobile devices.
- Significantly blocks harmful UV rays from damaging furnishings.
- Can become carbon negative in as short as 6 months from installation.
- Includes a comprehensive warranty from 3M.
When to use Exterior Window Film
What are the advantages of using exterior window film? Exterior films can be installed without disturbing what’s happening inside your home. This applies to businesses, too. They can also redirect light and heat before they can enter your home or office.
One area where we recommend an exterior film is turf protection. Films like Avery Dennison SS Blue 75x have been shown to help. We also recommend ContraVision ScorchProtect. Here are some exterior film projects:
- Before and After: 3M Sun Control Exterior Window Film
- Before and After: 3M Prestige Exterior Film for Sun Control
- Exterior Window Film Protects a Hospital
ClimatePro: Your Window Film Pros
With over 40 years of experience, we are the most highly-rated window film and window tint company in the San Francisco Bay Area. We’d love to help you transform your home with energy-saving, UVA-protecting window film. Take a look at some of our completed projects here. You can also use our Window Film Selector Tool to explore your options. Get a free estimate here or give us a call (707) 569-9098. We look forward to working with you!
