Location: Shenfield, Essex.
Customers Pain points: Neighbours they backed onto where installing skylights, which meant they could see directly into the back of their home.
Solution: Silver 20 Solar Film
The problem: privacy lost overnight
This job took place in Shenfield, Essex, at a residential property backing onto neighbouring homes. The homeowners contacted us after a sudden change to their surroundings made privacy a real concern.
Their neighbours had recently installed skylights as part of a home extension. While this was great for bringing light into the neighbouring property, it had an unexpected side effect. The new skylights created a direct line of sight into the rear of our customer’s home.
Rooms that previously felt private suddenly felt exposed. The issue was most noticeable during the day, when natural light made visibility even clearer from above.
The customer didn’t want to keep their curtains shut all day, what sort of life is that to lead. They needed a way to restore privacy, without changing how the room looked or functioned.
This is a situation we see regularly across Essex and the southeast, especially in affluent areas like Shenfield where extensions, loft conversions, and skylights are becoming more common.
Initial consultation and assessment
We carried out an initial consultation to understand:
- which windows were affected
- how the rooms were used throughout the day
- What sort of style they was looking for
The main concern was daytime privacy. The homeowners were less concerned about privacy at night, as they already used blinds in the evenings.
We also assessed:
- the type of glass
- the size and orientation of the windows
This helped us recommend a solution that addressed the problem without introducing new issues, such as excessive darkening or damage to the windows
Choosing the right solution
After discussing the options, we recommended Silver 20 Solar Film.
Although often associated with heat and glare reduction, Silver 20 Solar Film is also a very effective Privacy Film during daylight hours. From the outside, it creates a reflective finish that reduces visibility into the property, while still allowing clear views from the inside.
This made it ideal for the customer’s situation in Shenfield as:
- It restored privacy from the neighbouring skylights
- It maintained natural light
We explained how Silver 20 works, including its limitations. Like most reflective films, it is most effective during the day. At night, when interior lights are on, the effects are reversed. The homeowners were happy with this, as their main concern was daytime privacy.
Transparency is important on jobs like this, and we always make sure customers understand exactly how a film will perform in real-world conditions.
What the customer also gained from having Solar Film
Silver 20 Solar Film offers several benefits other than just privacy:
- Glare reduction: The customer would now have a significant glare reduction of up to 80%.
- Heat rejection: Rooms will be kept warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer.
- UV protection: 99% of UV rays would be blocked eliminating bleaching.
The installation process
On the day of installation, we arrived at the Shenfield property as scheduled, and prepared the area for fitting.
The process involved:
- thoroughly cleaning the glass
- checking for imperfections or damage
- carefully measuring each pane
- Cutting applying the Silver 20 Solar Film with precision
Correct preparation is key to achieving a clean finish. Any dust or residue can affect how the Film looks once installed, so we take our time at this stage.
Once the Film was applied, and trimmed to fit perfectly within the window frames with only a small 1mm lightgap. The result was a clean, even finish, that blended seamlessly with the existing glass.
The installation itself caused minimal disruption to the household, and was completed within the agreed timeframe, meaning the customer was able to get on with their work without being disturbed.
If you want to learn more about our installation guarantees, visit our Terms and Conditions
The result
The difference was immediate.
From inside the home, the rooms remained bright and comfortable. From outside, the reflective finish significantly reduced visibility into the property, restoring the sense of privacy that had been lost.
I even got an unexpected scare after returning from my lunch-break, when the customer (who I failed to see) was standing behind the door.
Addressing a growing issue in Shenfield and Essex
This type of privacy concern is becoming more common in Shenfield and across Essex. As more houses are crammed into the county, more people want privacy from their neighbours.
Being based in Woodham Mortimer, Essex, we love to transform local homes to be more comfortable for their owners.
Aftercare and expectations
Once installed, we explained how the Film would settle over time. It’s normal for slight haziness or moisture to appear initially, which clears as the film cures.
We also gave the customer an aftercare guide, to ensure proper longevity of the Film.
Looking for Privacy Film installation in Shenfield?
If you’re experiencing privacy issues in your property, Privacy Film may be the right solution.
We carry out privacy film installation across Essex, and the wider South East. If you’d like advice on which Film would suit your home, we’re always happy to help.