Window film - insulation of single glazing

[mjl34]

Hi there - would anyone have any experience of using temporary window films to enhance thermal performance of single glazed windows? The approach I've read about is the sticking of film inside the window, not on it, to ceate an insulating air space. How effective might this be in terms of thermal performance and reducing condensation?
Cheers,
Mike

 

[biffvernon]

Quite a lot - but aim for an air gap of around 15mm.

 

[HeatherJ]

I definitely, definitely recommend the practice, with the disadvantages that (1) it is very time consuming to do, (2) it obscures the light transmission/view and (3) it damages the paint-work when you remove it if you aren't careful. I love ripping it down in the spring, but it is definitely Hubby's job to put it up. You can alternatively make wooden frames, cover them with the film and put them up as interior secondary "glazing" if you have the energy

Anything that reduces air infiltration for us is a good plan. This weekend's job is to go round and check the chaulking around all the window and door frames and hang up curtain liners - these are other fuel bill savers.

 

[JohnB]

I've come across these people http://www.easyfixdiysecondaryglazing.com/ who supply a variety of simple systems, including glazing film. I've no idea how good their products are, or if there are better alternatives. If anyone knows of any I'd like to know, as I'm setting up a local Transition Housing Group, and collecting useful information.

 

[TomW]

I got perspex (acrylic) sheet from these people www.ThePlasticPeople.co.uk cut to size and delivered cheaper than I could get it locally even if I picked it up myself.
Then ordered magnetic tape from these people www.indigo.co

This was much cheaper overall than getting an all inclusive kit. I did a large sash window with two side windows (3 pieces of perspex) for around £100. It has made a huge difference to the room, less draughts, warmer and a considerable reduction in traffic noise. It pops on and off in seconds for cleaning or summer ventilation and is a much better alternative to the film, which has to be renewed every year.
I still have several metres of mag tape left if anyone wants it.
Tom

 

[Flyfisher]

Interesting. Do you find that the perspex is easily scratched when cleaning?

 

[CatherineB]

Very interesting, Tom! I'm trying to picture what it looks like in situ, do you have a black frame around each window where the tape is?

Any chance of some pictures?

We've just been given a very high quote for reglazing our sashes, and I'm wondering whether I can sell this to DH as a cheap alternative, or at least delaying tactic...

 

[TomW]

The tape is white on both sides so does not notice too much even when the window is off.
Perspex does scratch easily, I used a soft cloth and dilute washing up liquid then a paper towel to soak up the excess, dabbing not wiping, then gently polish with another soft cloth to remove smears.

I will upload a pic when I work out how to do it. I think my file size is too big, but I don't have time to sort it out at the moment
Tom

 

[Feltwell]

I'm not a big fan of the film - it's OK as a quick cheap temporary fix, but it looks just like that as well.

I've done much the same thing as Tom - see this old thread for some pictures.

http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/for...0068&p=136643&hilit=secondary+glazing#p128391

I was actually getting another window ready for this last weekend - a big bay window in my lounge.

 

[TomW]

Hopefully after a lot of faffing, a picture may appear.
I have used a foam backed tape about 1.5 mm thick on the window and the perspex as I needed a bit of height to get over some protruding moulding, otherwise the set up is the same as Feltwells.

You need positive and negative rolls or they won't attract each other, unless you have a steel tape on one side as in Feltwells set up, then the polarity of the magnetic tape doesn't matter

 

[TomW]

Whoops, that came out rather larger than I expected. At least you can see it.

 

[Lime]

Looks good.
Can't you persuade the neighbours opposite to get some paint?

 

[TomW]

The neighbours only rent the flat, so they're not interested. The whole block is owned by the lady who runs the bookshop, which doesn't make much money so she subsidises the bookshop with the rental money, otherwise she'd have closed long ago.
It's a lovely bookshop, all sorts of oddities and unexpected items.
Lets try another piccy.

 

[Schoolmarm]

I now know your full name and profession lol! And your business address.I don't know if you want to do anything with the pic to stop that happening.

Lovely road.

 

[TomW]

I did realise that my name and profession were visible in the picture, but it's not as if I'm trying to hide them, its all publicity as they say.
And if you know anyone in my area who needs help with musculoskeletal pain, you now know where to send them

 

[MdB]

And if you know anyone in my area who needs help with musculoskeletal pain, you now know where to send them

Now there was someone here who had problems with his back. Who was that again? He didn't seem to go on and on about it.

 

[CatherineB]

Thank you so much Tom, Feltwell and everyone - much food for thought there, and I'm off to examine my sashes with new eyes...

 

[Schoolmarm]

Tom :lol: just as long as you know.


So, can anything be done about my upper spine curving over or is it all too late at 51?

 

[TomW]

51?? You've barely reached middle-age Schoolmarm. I can give you some advice about your spine if you like but probably better done privately.

 

[Moo]

- cue some mild smut from the usual suspects...