Can I use this outdoors? Will the silver film break apart under the sun?
522866
The short answer is "I don't know". My more verbose answer begins with "I would think so, probably for a year or so (but see short answer)." The front and back exteriors are aluminum foil, about the thickness of regular food-wrap aluminum foil, maybe a little thicker. Assuming that the application is stationary (not being hinged by a gate, for instance), you are essentially looking at how long a sheet of aluminum foil would last in that environment. Also, the foil and innards are entirely water-free, so there is no danger of freeze-thawing. Bottom line: If I had a potential outside application for the insulation - I'd give it a shot. The short answer is "I don't know". My more verbose answer begins with "I would think so, probably for a year or so (but see short answer)." The front and back exteriors are aluminum foil, about the thickness of regular food-wrap aluminum foil, maybe a little thicker. Assuming that the application is stationary (not being hinged by a gate, for instance), you are essentially looking at how long a sheet of aluminum foil would last in that environment. Also, the foil and innards are entirely water-free, so there is no danger of freeze-thawing. Bottom line: If I had a... » Read More The short answer is "I don't know". My more verbose answer begins with "I would think so, probably for a year or so (but see short answer)." The front and back exteriors are aluminum foil, about the thickness of regular food-wrap aluminum foil, maybe a little thicker. Assuming that the application is stationary (not being hinged by a gate, for instance), you are essentially looking at how long a sheet of aluminum foil would last in that environment. Also, the foil and innards are entirely water-free, so there is no danger of freeze-thawing. Bottom line: If I had a potential outside application for the insulation - I'd give it a shot. « Show Less
522867
RTG - I live on the central coast of CA, so it is interesting hearing about your experience. It did strike me, perhaps there is a clear UV-blocking urethane(?) spray you could apply to the film. Maybe that could add some protection from the sun.
522868
The short answer is "I don't know". My more verbose answer begins with "I would think so, probably for a year or so (but see short answer)." The front and back exteriors are aluminum foil, about the thickness of regular food-wrap aluminum foil, maybe a little thicker. Assuming that the application is stationary (not being hinged by a gate, for instance), you are essentially looking at how long a sheet of aluminum foil would last in that environment. Also, the foil and innards are entirely water-free, so there is no danger of freeze-thawing. Bottom line: If I had a potential outside application for the insulation - I'd give it a shot.
1824049
I have used it externally and have seen others use it that way also--but that is not to say it was intended to be. Outside the insulation will eventually deteriorate and crack due to weather and sunshine but that will take a while. Best wishes!
2193197
NO! It is not strong enough to withstand weather. It is only for internal (inside buildings, houses, etc) use not for outdoor use.
220117
I used this for connecting controllers within my Christmas display. So I did use them outdoors, but only for a month or so. I'm not sure about long-term exposure outdoors. I'm sure it would be fine within conduit or some area not exposed to UV.
187704
Doubt it but my last one lasted at least 5 years and it is in southern California full sun for half the day- I replaced it then tho it was still usable but faded and looked poorly. I am very pleased with the replacement.
1521428
It doesn't seem to be made for outdoor use. The wooden piece looks like it has vaneer and might not hold up to weather fluctuations and water/humidity. If you put a matte clear coat over all metal parts it might hold up fairly decent. The one part I would question holding up would be the wooden shelf. I'm enjoying the product. It is a good piece for the price.
756040
It is made of painted metal so it should be safe to keep outdoors. The only problem I see is the potential for it to rust
816543
yes it can be use outdoor. But keep in mind its rust resistance and not rust prove. So, eventually after years of usage it will rust.
1646189
Yes, it can be used outside. It works great keeping off the glare. I highly recommend this product.
1031854
Although it's not a cheap product, I think it may rust outdoors since it is metal.
331089
I can't answer this one from experience, as mine has not been rained on, and I can't seem to find the manufacturer's site anymore (it was up and running when I purchased mine). I wouldn't leave it out indefinitely--sun and weather will eventually destroy nearly any plastic material. I wouldn't worry about rain, though.
829617
It is made almost entirely of ABS plastic, so after about 10 years in the sun, it will start to degrade. But it will still work fine. There is a small connecting pipe made of galvanized steel that will start to rust eventually, in about 5 years and will probably be rusted through is 10 years. The water doesn't run through the pipe- it runs through the reel and has the handle connected to it. I live in a humid climate (Southeast Texas) where we get a lot of humidity and direct sun on the reel, and mine last ten years, but I'm ok with that. I have tried several hose reels and this one is the best I can find. It is made almost entirely of ABS plastic, so after about 10 years in the sun, it will start to degrade. But it will still work fine. There is a small connecting pipe made of galvanized steel that will start to rust eventually, in about 5 years and will probably be rusted through is 10 years. The water doesn't run through the pipe- it runs through the reel and has the handle connected to it. I live in a humid climate (Southeast Texas) where we get a lot of humidity and direct sun on the reel, and mine last ten years, but I'm ok with that. I have tried several hose reels and this one is the... » Read More It is made almost entirely of ABS plastic, so after about 10 years in the sun, it will start to degrade. But it will still work fine. There is a small connecting pipe made of galvanized steel that will start to rust eventually, in about 5 years and will probably be rusted through is 10 years. The water doesn't run through the pipe- it runs through the reel and has the handle connected to it. I live in a humid climate (Southeast Texas) where we get a lot of humidity and direct sun on the reel, and mine last ten years, but I'm ok with that. I have tried several hose reels and this one is the best I can find. « Show Less
1924626
I use it outside but cover with a wood cabinet ( stained ). I think it is ok for this under the rain but I am afraid it expose to the Sun ( UV ) too much and make the plastic crack.
1586221
I would not recommend this. I think the metal itself would be OK but the mechanisms (tabs) that hold the crystals on would be really susceptible to windy conditions in my mind. I wouldn't be comfortable with this outside unless it was really, really protected. Definitely not engineered or intended for outside based on my experience.
1622115
I use it for outside. It's plastic, so weather won't affect it all that much, although it could crack from extreme heat or cold. Then again, any plastic will do the same thing. It seems well made, and holds a lot of weight, me.
785047
I've been using mine outside since September 2013. I use it to keep a wood fence gate locked. I have not unlocked it once or removed it since that time. I live in Minnesota so it has been exposed to all the elements. There is some slight rust in two spots. I would still recommend this for outdoor use. If I had the ability to post a picture here in my response I would. I will complete a review of this lock and add the picture there.
1232789
It is pretty sturdy and made of resin, however, I would not be able to judge Arizona heat. I don't think I would keep out in direct sunlight.