I love this stuff! It works perfectly for drafty windows - Like in apartments. Should also keep out bugs, dirt, and perhaps a light sound barrier.
Installation is beyond simple. Anyone can do this, and alone. There is plenty of room for error.
As it happens, I had perfect application on four 3x5 windows. Flawless. But, I want to talk about something that I've noticed a few others mention that I was curious about myself. (I got on here hoping to find an answer, and I didn't. So I'm going to try to answer it)
The first day after installation of these, I noticed sound coming from them. It wasn't from *wind* like some people assume. I think it was a mix of static and tension, (and maybe sunlight?) Though, I heard it at night too. The sound - slow, soft crinkling of a potato chip bag.. Usually every 20 seconds or so.
It's the time that leaves me to believe it's some form of static discharge.
This went on for two days before I decided it wasn't 'settling' and I started to think of what was causing it.
Well, if this were permanent, you can bet I wouldn't be giving this product 5 stars. So here's how I fixed it.
Remember how I said I had a flawless application, but this product leaves room for error? (if you skimmed ahead, that's what you get for being impatient). Well, my application was too perfect. It was as tight as a drum, stretched all across each side perfectly. I had no problem removing an entire side at a time and repositioning it so it was half an inch closer to the window (loosening the fit). I didn't do this on ALL 4 sides, just two. After doing this, the sound was gone! Bam! It's still pretty tight, but nowhere like it was before. It still tight enough to where you can't see it unless you have a lamp in the reflection. Otherwise it's invisible.
I'm not sure why or what combination of things caused the sound, but after repositioning it to be ever so slightly looser, all is golden!
So my advice, Don't get it drum tight the first time around... And if you do, and experience this noise, just loosen a side or two and it should go away.
To apply, I put tape on all 4 sides, then cut the proximal size of plastic, started at the top, and worked my way to the bottom. I didn't have any issues, but the tape is strong, sticky and forgiving. It sticks great to my paint, without removing it (the paint) , and can be restuck many many times as far as I can tell.
I did it alone, and you probably can too. Two people would make it easier, but it isn't mandatory.
Having a sharp pair of scissors comes in handy. To trim the excess, I didn't trim, but glided the scissors around to leave as clean of an edge as possible.
I also didn't have a hairdryer, but I did have a space heater which worked perfectly, Probably better than a hairdryer.
It came with two rolls of film. I did 4 windows and have enough left over from the first roll for one more window, and haven't touched the second roll. (Each roll should get you 5 windows, and I'm on track to get just that). I also have more than enough tape left over and have begun to use it for home projects.
It's super strong, invisible, thin, and removable. I love it on it's own and would pay 10$ just for that.
****and if you want to get creative... Consider attaching a neodymium magnet to your blind controller in a fashion that could allow you to open and close them as desired, if you so wished! I haven't tried this but I know it would work with some creativity (perhaps super gluing a flat magnet to the base of the spinny thing (attaching it so the N/S polarity is horizontal/perpendicular to the thingy) .. So that you can manipulate it by rotating an equally strong magnet near it (while keeping them apart of course - using your hand as a barrier). If you've played with high powered magnets before, you'll understand how this could/should work. an interesting thought to fix the fact that you can't control your blinds once the film is on) Similar thoughts apply to attaching a magnet to the draw cords (though, they may be too heavy for such ambitious ideas) But adding a weight to the draw string could be a way to counter that. Who knows!
I have one more window to do, and I will test this out myself and update with whatever results I have.. Even if they are just awful.
Material | Plastic |
---|---|
Brand | Duck Brand |
Color | Crystal Clear |
Size | 5 windows |
Product Dimensions | 210"L x 62"W |
Installation Type | Please note the current, 2023 model has a rolled film, not a folded one. |
Ultraviolet Light Protection | False |
Number of Items | 1 |
UPC | 784497787827 076787000052 343538340744 342192349964 745654282869 783961256777 075353091227 |
Global Trade Identification Number | 00075353091227 |
Manufacturer | Shurtape Technologies |
Unit Count | 90.42 Sq Ft |
Part Number | 281062 |
Item Weight | 9.5 ounces |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | 286217 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Style | Retail Packaging |
Pattern | Insulator |
Item Package Quantity | 1 |
Included Components | Window Film, Application Materials |
Batteries Included? | No |
Batteries Required? | No |