We see many vehicles on the road today with small roller-blind type shades fastened to their windows with suction cups. These blinds have many perforations in the material to reduce the heat of the sun from coming into the vehicle in certain areas yet still allow the occupant to see out.

It is not unusual today to see a bus or commercial vehicle with a mesh type material applied to the windows with advertising messages printed that still allow the passengers to have a full view of the world outside. These shades do not remove ultraviolet light.

We apply sunscreen lotions to our skin to prevent the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun from affecting our health through sunburn, cataracts, premature aging of the skin, and the weakening of our immune system. We are constantly reminded that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer or melanoma. Since the ozone layer of the atmosphere that normally stops most ultraviolet radiation has decreased, it is more important for us to protect ourselves from this increased radiation.

Tinted windows allow a person to see from the darker side to the lighter side. This means that in daylight, it is easy to see out through the tint on a vehicle's windows, and more difficult to see in. This one way transmission of light allows us privacy when we are inside a vehicle as it prevents people outside from looking in, giving a secure feeling that they cannot see items left inside the car that we don't want them to see. But, we have to remember that at nighttime, if we turn on lights inside the vehicle, it is now easy for people outside to see into the lighted area.

Tinted windows have not been a factory option on many recreational vehicles or motorhomes. Gila Window Films offers gray colored heat control metallized films for application to window surfaces that will increase the retention of 55% of the radiant heat energy inside in the winter. The heat control film will reflect 99% the ultraviolet rays of the sun to prevent the fading of upholstery fabrics and restrict transfer of heat up to 70% during the summertime. This means that your air conditioner does not have to work as hard to cool your living quarters. Do-it-yourself kits can be installed on any single pane, thermal, or pre-tinted windows and are available in 36-inchwide rolls 6.5-feet long to be applied by owners to their vehicles.

Gila Glare Control film is a re-usable static-cling vinyl film that can be moved to reduce glare anywhere inside the RV. This reduces eyestrain for passengers without disturbing the view of the great outdoors. This film will adhere to smooth glass, plexiglass, or plastic surfaces. Just hold it against the window and rub it with your hands. (Top)

Privacy film is perfect for bathrooms, bedrooms, or to provide security for your belongings. It allows 92% of the ambient light to enter the area, but diffuses the light to keep anyone from seeing in through a shower door.

The film is simple to apply to your windows. Gather all your tools together before starting on a warm day. These will include some Gila Film Aid concentrate (or no-tears baby shampoo), some bottled water- not tap water, a spray bottle, a break-away utility knife, a single edged razor blade, a ruler or tape measure, and a soft lint-free cloth or paper coffee filters to clean the glass.

Do not apply Gila RV Films to passenger cars, vans, or truck windows. Gila automotive films are available for that purpose.

The front windshield and side windows beside the driver and passenger must be kept clear to comply with Provincial laws.

Handle the film carefully. As with aluminum foil, once it is creased it will remain creased. The film should not be applied in direct sunlight as the adhesive will dry too quickly. In freezing weather the film will not stick at all. Try early morning or late evening on a warm day. Plan to use several single edge razor blades to clean the window, and use a breakaway utility knife to trim the film. The metallized film can quickly dull a razor blade edge, so use a new blade for each window. Remember that a dull blade can tear the film.

Clean the window with a solution of one quart of bottled water and a bottle of Gila Film Aid (or 1/4 teaspoon of no-more tears baby shampoo- without conditioner)- Film Aid offers the best drying clarity and pH balance.

It is best to also clean the outside of the window, so that you can see which side any dirt is on.

Unroll the film on a flat surface (such as the dinette table), and cut the film one-inch larger than the size of the window, to be certain the film will fit. Spray the window with your solution to act as a lubricant to help you move the film into the proper place. Then remove the clear liner from the adhesive side of the film- this is usually on the outside of the roll.

It is easier to separate the liner from the film if you apply some transparent adhesive tape to each side of the film at one corner and then pull apart.

It will be necessary to wet the adhesive side of the film with your solution to prevent static buildup and don't forget to wet your fingers to prevent leaving fingerprints on the adhesive. Do not allow the adhesive side of the film to touch itself. This is easier with two people.

As long as the window is wet, you can use your hands to move the film around to position it correctly. Spray the surface with solution and now use your squeegee to move water and air out from beneath the film starting at the centre and working to the outside edges. Tiny bubbles will disappear in six to ten days as long as they are not trapping dirt particles. Use your sharp razor blade to trim the film, then rewet the film and squeegee again.

Move any water from the centre to the outside with firm stokes and use the paper coffee filters to absorb it.

The film will cure in one to eight days. Always clean the film with the same soapy water solution and a flexible squeegee. Do not use ammonia, vinegar, household glass cleaners, paper towels or brushes. You can expect the window film to last ten years. Because the film is absorbing the ultraviolet light over these years, it will lighten in hue a little. If you need to remove the film, it can be removed easily with Gila FR200 window film and adhesive removal spray.

Gila RV Film kits are available in Canada through Canadian Tire, and Camping World in the USA. You can contact Gila at www.gilafilms.com. (Top)