Thermal window film, solar control window film, heat-reducing film and solar window film can all sound like different names for the same thing.
They’re closely related, but they don’t all do exactly the same job.
At FUZE Visual, we look at what you actually need the film to achieve before recommending an option. Are you mainly trying to stop an office from overheating in direct sunlight? Is glare causing problems on screens? Or are you looking to improve the thermal performance of the glazing throughout the year?
Understanding the difference between thermal window film and solar control film makes choosing the right solution much easier.
What Is Thermal Window Film?
Thermal window film is a broad term used for films designed to influence how heat passes through glazing.
In many cases, this refers to Low-E, or low-emissivity, window film.
Low-E film is designed to improve the insulating performance of existing glazing by reducing heat transfer through the glass.
During colder weather, it can help reduce the amount of warmth lost through your windows. Some thermal films also offer solar control properties, helping to reduce unwanted solar heat entering the building during warmer weather.
This makes thermal film particularly useful where improving year-round temperature control is the main priority.
What Is Solar Control Window Film?
Solar control window film has a more specific purpose: reducing the amount of solar energy entering a building through its glazing.
When sunlight passes through untreated glass, it heats floors, desks, furniture and other surfaces inside the room. As that heat builds up, heavily glazed spaces can quickly become uncomfortable.
Solar control film helps reflect and absorb a proportion of that solar energy at the window.
This can help with:
- Reducing solar heat gain
- Cutting down glare from direct sunlight
- Creating more comfortable internal temperatures
- Reducing UV exposure
- Reducing the need to keep blinds closed throughout the day
For offices and commercial spaces that regularly become too hot in direct sunlight, solar control film is often the most appropriate starting point.
Thermal Window Film vs Solar Control Film: What's the Difference?
The easiest way to understand the difference is to think about where the unwanted heat is going.
Solar control film is mainly designed to reduce solar heat coming into the building.
Thermal or insulating film is more focused on controlling heat transfer through the glazing, including reducing warmth escaping from the building.
There can be some overlap between the two.
Certain Low-E films can provide both insulating and solar control benefits, so it isn’t always a simple choice between one or the other.
If your main problem is an office that becomes excessively hot when the sun is out, dedicated solar control film is likely to be the more relevant option.
If improving the thermal performance of existing glazing throughout both summer and winter is the priority, a Low-E or thermal film may be worth considering.
Does Solar Window Film Reduce Heat?
Yes. Solar window film is specifically designed to reduce the amount of solar heat entering through glass.
It can be particularly useful for buildings with:
- Large areas of glazing
- South or west-facing windows
- Glass-fronted offices
- Meeting rooms that regularly overheat
- Shopfronts exposed to direct sunlight
- Large glazed reception areas
Solar film won’t replace air conditioning or solve every temperature issue within a building, but reducing solar heat gain at the glass can make a noticeable difference to how comfortable a room feels.
Rather than allowing sunlight to enter the space and then trying to cool the heat it creates, solar film helps tackle part of the problem at the window itself.
What's the Best Window Film for Heat?
The best window film for heat depends on whether the main problem is too much heat entering the building or too much warmth escaping through the glass.
For rooms that become excessively hot in direct sunlight, solar control film will usually be the better option. It helps reduce solar heat gain before it builds up inside the room, making heavily glazed spaces more comfortable during warmer and brighter weather.
Where heat loss during colder months is also a concern, a Low-E or thermal film may be more suitable because it can help improve the insulating performance of the glazing.
The right film will also depend on the building itself. We’ll normally consider the direction the windows face, the amount of direct sunlight they receive, the existing glazing and how much natural light you want to retain.
Some films offer stronger heat reduction with a more reflective finish, while others provide a subtler appearance. The aim is to find the right balance between comfort, performance and how you want the glass to look.
Does Solar Control Window Film Reduce Glare Too?
Yes, and for many offices this can be just as important as reducing heat.
Large windows are great for bringing natural light into a workspace, but direct sunlight can cause significant glare across monitors and screens.
The obvious solution is often to close the blinds.
The problem is that this also removes much of the natural light and open feel that made the glazing attractive in the first place.
Solar control window film can reduce the intensity of the sunlight entering the room, helping to control glare while still allowing natural light into the space.
This can make a real difference in offices where certain desks, meeting rooms or workspaces become uncomfortable at particular times of day.
Will Solar Control Film Make My Windows Dark?
Not necessarily.
Different solar films offer different levels of visible light transmission, heat reduction and reflectivity.
Some create a darker or more mirrored appearance, while others are designed to look much more subtle.
That’s why we don’t recommend choosing a film purely based on the highest heat-reduction figure.
For one building, maximum solar control may be the priority. For another, keeping the glass looking as natural as possible may be equally important.
We look at the glazing, how the space is used and the result you want to achieve before recommending a suitable film.
Do I Need Thermal Film or Solar Control Film?
For most commercial buildings experiencing problems with heat and glare caused by direct sunlight, solar control film is likely to be the better fit.
Thermal or Low-E film becomes more relevant where you’re also concerned about heat escaping through the windows and want to improve the year-round thermal performance of the glazing.
You don’t need to know exactly which product you need before speaking to us.
We can look at the issue you’re experiencing, assess the existing glazing and recommend the film that makes the most sense for the building.
Find the Right Window Film for Your Building
If your office, shop or commercial building becomes too hot when the sun is out, replacing all of the existing glazing isn’t necessarily the only solution.
Window film can provide a much simpler alternative.
At FUZE Visual, we supply and install professional solar control window film for commercial buildings across Essex, Suffolk and London.
We can assess your existing glazing, understand where the heat or glare problems are occurring and recommend a film that provides the right balance between heat reduction, natural light and appearance.
If you’re considering solar window film or want advice on the right window film for heat, get in touch with our team and we’ll talk you through the options.