Thread: Nanosheild????

Years ago I saw something that was a plastic sheet that would stick to windows. The theory was the film made the window unbreakable and the windows couldn't be broken to gain access to the home. It was also touted to reduce heat intrusion into the home. The market area was intended to be Florida. (A lot of pensioners.)

What I assumed was that if I hit the window enough with a 2 x 4 ( 38.1 x 88.9 mm) the glass and film could be pushed into the home. As far as increasing the "R" value of the glass, I was overly skeptical. The plastic film seemed very similar to what we put on the screens of smartphones today.

IMHO it sounds like snake oil to me.

I assume Nanoshield must bee something similar to the coating used on Viridian smart glass. Last year I replaced some windows and specified smartglass at some substantial extra expense. I chose the SP30 Neutral product plus laminated glass. It definitely makes a noticeable difference but without any sophisticated pre and post temp measurements it is hard to quantify. There is no discernable colour cast and the outlook appears clear to me.

The downside is that the coating is on the inside surface and whilst durable it can be scratched. Once scratched there is no way to repair it.

I had another window that was not suitable for replacement and we had Suntek film applied with similar colour and light reduction performance. It works to.

I'm not sure the smart glass was any better option than plain glass with a film applied. I think both would work much the same. If you had small children or are likely to want to scrape off things like paint spatters etc with a razor blade, I would avoid anything that can't be repaired.

**Note: We are concerned more with keeping solar radiation out rather than stopping heat loss.

Heat loss, I severely doubt, but UV/IR ingress - absolutely.

There is a film that can be bought for tinting car windows that does exactly this. It stops infrared and UV to some large number (99%?). It is widely loved within the auto enthusiast community. Only this week I had some quoted, but golly is it expensive.

Since home-heat is neither of these, directly, then I fail to see how it would work.

edit: this is the stuff: CTX Window Tint | LLumar

The technical data specifies that Viridian glass works equally well for preventing heat loss as preventing heat ingress. Since it clearly works as advertised for excluding solar heat I'd be willing to accept their claim of preventing heat loss as well. I'm not sure about the retrofitted films.

The product we are looking at is paint on NOT film. The windows are thoroughly cleaned then polished with jewelers rouge before the product is applied. Will let you know the price when I receive the emailed quote.

Link

Quote just in $2291 for 23.58 Square metres of glass.
This works out at ~$100/Sq.mtr. Bunnings sell Crystal Solar Film for $89/roll (1.2m x 2.4m 2.88 Sq.mtr) which works out at $30.90/Sq.Mtr. Then you have to install it and there would be a lot of wastage as the windows do not suit the roll size.

I would get a quote for getting film applied by a reputable installer. I've seen terrible DIY jobs with Bunnings film. Also the installers have access to many different types and roll widths of film, some will be better for heat retention than others. Maybe you might need to go for a more reflective film and depending on your tastes that might be better or worse? Films for cars and residential are different and have different life expectencies.

Originally Posted by Fuzzie

I would get a quote for getting film applied by a reputable installer.

John,

If you are going to get a film applied I would suggest you contact Happy Tint for a quote.

I have known Ric and his family for over 15 years, even when he was known as the Tint Professor. I have had car windows done as well as 12 windows in our house over the years and am satisfied with them. They keep the glare and heat out although they darken the room a little bit.

Peter.

GJ, firstly, what do you want to insulate against - summer or winter?

Originally Posted by FenceFurniture

GJ, firstly, what do you want to insulate against - summer or winter?

Mainly summer heat. The windows we are looking at getting done have a NNE and NW aspect. We have only been in this house since late February and have taken down the shademesh that protected the lounge and living area from summer heat as it made the house too dark in winter. I don't fancy putting up and taking down 2 large shademesh sails at the change of season, not at my age anyway. Looked at shutters, but they close off any view and darken the house also. Nanoshield looks like the best alternative.

Originally Posted by Fuzzie

I would get a quote for getting film applied by a reputable installer. I've seen terrible DIY jobs with Bunnings film. Also the installers have access to many different types and roll widths of film, some will be better for heat retention than others.

Also, if they screw up a window it's their problem.

John, It is possible to have slat shades installed that are angled to allow winter sun in but summer sun puts the window into shade.

Funny thing. I've been looking for Nanoshield here using Google. About all I get are smartphone protectors, screen protectors and spray on products like Rain-X. Then there are links to Australian products that claim thermal advantages.

DUNNO

I'm skeptical.

Originally Posted by Chris Parks

John, It is possible to have slat shades installed that are angled to allow winter sun in but summer sun puts the window into shade.

If you mean something like this, we've thought about it.

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