What Is One Way Window Film?
Part of feeling comfortable in your own home is knowing that you have a certain level of privacy from the outside world. But, what about when you still want to be able to see the outside world? We’re happy to tell you that there is a solution to this problem: one-way window film. Keep reading to find out how you can use this type of window film to increase your at-home privacy—without feeling like a complete shut-in.
What Is One Way Window Film?
One way window film is a type of mirrored privacy window film that offers a high level of daytime privacy. The reflective finish of one way privacy window film gives the glass a one way mirror effect when there is more light on one side than the other. This means that, during the day, people on the outside of the window can’t see in through the glass, while you can still see clearly through it from the inside.
You can apply one way window film to any windows into rooms that you want more daytime privacy in. For example, applying reflective privacy film to ground floor windows, patio doors, and bathroom windows allows you to open up curtains and blinds during the day with the comfort of knowing that people outside still can’t see into your home. One way privacy film also lets some natural light in, though how much light it lets in depends on the darkness of the tint.
How Does One Way Mirror Window Film Work?
One way window privacy film is manufactured by sandwiching an ultra-thin layer of reflective metal between an adhesive bottom layer and a protective top layer. The one way mirror effect created by these types of privacy films occurs when sunlight reflects off of the windows they are applied to. The darker and more reflective the films are, and the more outside light there is, the stronger the one way mirror effect is.
Keep in mind that this means these types of films do not provide nighttime privacy when it is darker outside than inside. The one way mirror effect essentially gets reversed when the light outside disappears and lights get turned on inside. The effectiveness is also limited when these types of films are applied to windows that face north or are shaded because of buildings, trees, or other obstacles. One way glass film must receive direct exterior light in order to function effectively.
What About Nighttime Privacy?
Since one way mirror window film only provides daytime privacy, you will have to employ additional or alternative solutions to achieve night time privacy as well. If you want to utilize one way vision window film for daytime privacy, the easiest way to keep people from seeing into your home at night is to close curtains and blinds. Since your views and outward visibility at night are limited at best, you aren’t really sacrificing anything by covering up your windows after the sun goes down.
On the other hand, if you want a window film that provides 24-hour privacy, you can install something like a translucent one way frosted glass film. This will allow light to pass through but won’t allow a detailed view through the glass. If you require the highest level round-the-clock privacy, you can consider totally opaque window film, which blocks out all light and visibility.
How Is Privacy Window Film Installed?
The vast majority of the time, privacy window films are installed on the interior face of the glass. This internal application ensures the longest possible lifespan for the window film. Though it can be applied to the exterior face of a window, exposure to the elements shortens the length of time that they function at peak performance.
Window films are applied using a liquid solution that allows them to be maneuvered precisely into place, then the liquid is squeezed out using a squeegee and the film adheres securely to the glass.
