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Old 09-30-2016, 10:44 AM   #1
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Reflectix-Dangerous for seals and glass??

Hi all,
My husband and I have discovered Reflectix for making our own sunshades. There is a remarkable difference in how much cooler it is inside when these are up.

However I read a terrifying article this morning: opinions please!!!!

https://arizonarv.wordpress.com/2010...out-reflectix/

Reflectix is a great product when being used for it’s intended use as a reflective insulation or radiant barrier. It is not intended for use in residential or RV windows. When used on the inside it can break any window whether it is single or double pane. The heat radiated from it will not dissipate through the glass at the needed rate, it will continue to build and eventually the glass could break. It is however, more common for double pane windows to break. It can also ruin window tint or film because of the excessive heat build up.
Windows that have Reflectix used on the inside will radiate enough heat so that the excessive heat can be felt up to 6′ away depending on conditions. The surface temperature of the glass can exceed the surface temperature of the wall by 30 to 50 degrees when the outside temperature is approximately 95 degrees.
Windows that have a 90% UV shade fabric will be approximately 30 to 50 degrees cooler than a window using Reflectix. The benefit is you will actually be cooling rather than heating the interior of your RV or home and not causing any damage. When your windows create enough heat to break the glass it is not unlikely that any rubber seals or sealing compounds used for keeping moisture out will be damaged. The other benefit is outside window covers that offer privacy and can be used all year long and do not leave a messy residue on everything they come in contact with.
The choice is yours to make based on your circumstances and needs but, now you have a little more information to help make your decision when purchasing window covers.
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Old 09-30-2016, 10:47 AM   #2
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I've used Reflectix in many windows for 2-3 years now; including 90+ degrees in Florida in direct sun.

IMO, this is posted by a dealership who wants to sell you something. As such, their information is biased and suspect.

I will say, we've had some transfer of silver coating to the windows. Nothing major, but a spot here or there.
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Old 09-30-2016, 10:49 AM   #3
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We use reflectix in our HTT canvas ends only. Obviously not a concern.
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Old 09-30-2016, 10:55 AM   #4
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They DO sell window coverings. And it's in Arizona, hot place. But it kinda makes sense.

Another thing about interior coverings, you don't have to go outside (in your PJs) and remove a covering when you're ready to see outdoors.

I don't know, it's always something. We have a cover for the winter, but in the summer 1/2 the front and passenger side gets several hours of direct baking heat.
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Old 09-30-2016, 11:22 AM   #5
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Have covers for all our window and skylights. Huge difference. Been like this for 2 years, no issues.
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Old 09-30-2016, 11:27 AM   #6
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I think their problem is that they're using the Reflectix on window "pains" and not window "panes!"

(Nancy apparently fixed their error in her quote!)

And remember, SOME of us are using Reflectix to keep heat IN, not OUT.
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Old 09-30-2016, 11:52 AM   #7
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We use reflectix panels in our windows. No issues, even on multiple 100+ degree days.
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Old 09-30-2016, 01:10 PM   #8
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...And a meteor can fall on you, or the Chinese Space Station could deorbit right on you... The chances are mighty slim. Even anecdotal evidence would help to add some weight to this opinion. There was none provided.

I wouldn't worry about it.
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Old 09-30-2016, 01:36 PM   #9
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I haven't seen this stuff under the Reflectix name, but it's basically just bubble wrap with aluminum foil on both sides, correct? I have some that I purchased at an HVAC supplier for duct insulation. Enough to make a panel for the windshield of my Pursuit if it's the same stuff.
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Old 09-30-2016, 01:56 PM   #10
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I believe that this will not be a problem with windows that are tempered. Any window that is operable will need to be tempered. If the glass is standard annealed glass then yes the heat buildup may cause the glass to break especially if there is differential shading on the glass.
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Old 09-30-2016, 02:10 PM   #11
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Sure hope somebody warns all the unsuspecting people who bought the number 1 selling windshield shade on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Hippo-Windshi.../dp/B01CSDYD04

Looks like reflectix material there also
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Old 09-30-2016, 02:53 PM   #12
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We have tinted all the windows in our RV and have used reflectix placed between them and the shades during 90+ temps with no problems during the three years we've been doing it.
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Old 09-30-2016, 02:59 PM   #13
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Now why would a reasonable person doubt this "warning" from Sunpro; a company that sells an alternate products to Reflectix? There could be an agenda hidden here, ya think? So, I asked my son-in-law since he represents a manufacturer that makes various film products. About their products they don't recommend any film with higher than 50% heat absorption on double / triple insulated windows. So, although I would like to bust the Sunpro statement, I am not so sure that it is true or not, but it seems reasonble Reflectix could cause cause a problem. Now, I have single strength and won't be getting ride of my beloved Reflectix.
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Old 09-30-2016, 03:56 PM   #14
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One option is to put the Reflectix on the outside of your window shades, so the reflectix isn't directly against the windows.
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Old 09-30-2016, 04:11 PM   #15
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One could cover the Skylights with Eternabond which would prevent any sun coming in and protect the skylights. As indicted, we have curtains on our side windows that works pretty well and also we can see out them.
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Old 09-30-2016, 06:26 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pashooter View Post
I haven't seen this stuff under the Reflectix name, but it's basically just bubble wrap with aluminum foil on both sides, correct? I have some that I purchased at an HVAC supplier for duct insulation. Enough to make a panel for the windshield of my Pursuit if it's the same stuff.
Pretty much... the shiny stuff is silver Mylar plastic. Some light gets through... maybe 10%. Its the stuff many windshield sun shields are made of.
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Old 09-30-2016, 06:28 PM   #17
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The stuff isn't designed for outdoor use and will not hold up out there. There are better products for outside.
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Old 09-30-2016, 07:08 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nancyc7 View Post
.
Windows that have Reflectix used on the inside will radiate enough heat so that the excessive heat can be felt up to 6′ away depending on conditions.
This statement alone would cause me to discount the entire review.
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Old 09-30-2016, 08:47 PM   #19
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Reflectix-dangerous for seals and glass?

My Dad has used this product inside his windows on his motor homes for the past 20 years at least, maybe even 30. He lives near Palm Springs where temps have topped 114 degrees regularly. Never had a problem with his window glass. I agree, sounds like hype from a competitor trying to sell their product. Pretty shady to me! 😎
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Old 09-30-2016, 10:23 PM   #20
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Well, that's why I posted that question. Collectively there is a lot of experience here. Personally, we love the silver bubble wrap and we want to take care of that MH. And I don't want to be Chicken Little.
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