Window tinting for RVs

One thing all RVers enjoy is having their rigs cool in the summer and warm in the winter Window tinting can help do both. Otherwise known in the window-tint industry as solar control window film, the process has been a major benefit to homes and motor vehicles in reducing incoming sunlight glare, fabric fading, heat buildup and even outgoing heat escape during cold weather. As such, its benefits hold true for RVs as well.

Window tinting was first developed almost 50 years ago as a revolutionary way to keep the suns ultraviolet rays, as well as a lot of the heat, out. As hot as it can be, according to Llumar Window Film, only %oo-millionth of the suns energy approaches our atmosphere. But then about a third is bounced back into space. Another 19 percent is absorbed by the atmosphere, so this leaves only about %,oo-millionth of the suns energy to actually strike the earth.

In its basic form, solar control window film is a semi-flexible polyester film. Many shades from clear to very dark are available as well as many colors, both reflective and non-reflective.

According to the International Window Film Association (IWFA), 40 to 50 percent of incoming light can be reflected, depending on the window tint films degree of darkness. Continuing down the scale, 35-percent dyed film (medium tint) reflects a mere seven percent of solar light, while a metalized (shinylooking) window film reflects 43 percent. As a result, actual heat transfer through the glass can be slowed by as much as 44 percent. A light tint reduces the suns rays without altering the appearance of the glass. A medium tint allows abundant levels of light to pass through while reducing up to 50 percent of the heat.

Six factors contribute to fading: ultraviolet light, visible light, heat and humidity, chemical vapors (including ozone), age of fabric and dye fastness. According to the IWFA, about 40 percent of fading is from the suns ultraviolet light, 25 percent is from visible light, 25 percent is from heat and humidity and 10 percent is acidic air vapors, fabric age and dye fastness.

Quality reflective window tint film absolutely helps to reduce fading in carpet, furniture, wallpaper and photography. It absorbs a whopping 95 to 99 percent of the suns ultraviolet radiation as compared to clear %8-inch-thick glass, which rejects only around 25 percent.

Cleaning window film is easy as long as commonsense guidelines are followed. Generally speaking, a soft, clean cloth, paper towel or synthetic sponge works best to clean and the former and latter work best for drying. Use normal glass cleaning solutions that contain no abrasive materials. Most quality films today have a scratch-resistant coating, which has virtually eliminated the need for precarious cleaning precautions.

Hot on the window scene today are a number of different window tint colors. Readily available are gray silver, smoke and bronze.

Besides window tint that glues on in place and becomes semi-permanent, theres also window film that clings to glass without water or glue.

One brand is called Insta-Cling and its produced by Axius Auto-Shade. A number of darkness shades are offered in 18x64-inch and 24x78-inch rolls, and is very easy to apply or remove. The film can be placed on the glass, then cut to fit, or a paper or cardboard template can be first made then used as a model to copy It can be lifted off at any time, then replaced per the owners desire. This is perfect for the RVer who wishes to videotape outdoor activities while seated at the window inside an air-conditioned RV After videotaping, simply position the pliable Insta-Cling back in place. Its thick enough not to crease or rip. Axius Auto-Shade also markets five other grade levels of regular window tint film in 24x78inch rolls.

During your free time, you may wish to fire up your computer, as the Internet is loaded with window film data as well as nationwide suppliers and vendors.

As you can see, window film does indeed reduce heat and fading while offering a measurable increase in personal privacy-all at a minimal overall cost. Its also immensely easy to install, as weve illustrated here. Have at it, RV fans.