Question 1

What are the benefits of Solar Control Window Films?

Accepted Answer

- Reduces fading of carpets, upholstery, and interior furnishings

-Rejects from 98-99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays

-Reduces your energy bill thereby helping to keep warmer in winter and cooler in summer

-Increases your comfort by helping to eliminate “hot spots”

-Rejects up to 80% of the sun’s solar energy

-Reduces the sun’s glare

-Increases your level of privacy

-Enhances the appearance of a building by creating a uniform appearance

-Provides improved safety when glass is broken

Question 2

How long does it take window film to dry?

Accepted Answer

One  aspect to consider when talking about the drying time of window film is  the time of year. Cold and non-sunny weather conditions can lengthen  the dry-out time. Warm weather and direct sun light exposure will  shorten the dry-out time. If slow drying occurs, do not be alarmed. The  trapped moisture will dry-out completely.

Some  safety and security window films will always have a longer dry- out  period due to their increased thickness. Thicker films and a less than  perfect drying climate will lengthen the dry-out period. Dry-out times  can vary from a few days to as long as several months.

Window  film creates an efficient vapor barrier between the glass and the film.  During the installation process, your window tinting installer will  remove as much of the mounting solution as possible by using a squeegee,  although a small amount will remain. Trapped installation moisture can  cause small water puddles and/or a slightly cloudy look. This is normal  and should be expected. Do not attempt to pierce a water puddle during  the dry-out period. This water and cloudy look will eventually  dissipate. Attempting to pierce a water puddle in an effort to drain  moisture will damage your film. This damage would not be covered by  warranty.

Question 3

Is window film scratch proof?

Accepted Answer

The  manufacturers of window films utilize numerous types of scratch  resistant coatings during the manufacturing process. This scratch  resistant coating is applied to the exterior surface of the window film  to protect the film from normal wear and tear and abuse by humans by the  natural environment.

While  most quality films are scratch resistant, no window film is entirely  scratch proof. With a small amount of care and precaution, window film  can provide you with years of service and protection.

Question 4

Will window film cause my thermal pan windows to break or blow the seals?

Accepted Answer

When  deciding to purchase window film for your home or office, the subject  of glass breakage may come up. Industry wide, glass breakage caused by  window film occurs in approximately 1/10 of 1% of all installations. In  most cases, when breakage is reported, the film installation was not the  sole cause for the failure. Breakage is usually the result of flaws,  imperfections, or expansion restraints that existed in the glass or  window framing prior to the installation of the window film.
​
Window  films reduce the transmission of damaging and harmful solar radiation.  By increasing the amount of solar radiation absorbed and reflected by  the glass, less solar energy can enter the building. When glass is  subjected to the effects of solar radiation, the normal and immediate  result is the increase in the temperature. The sun naturally warms the  glass as its powerful energy passes through. Glass with film has an  increased ability to reflect and absorb solar radiation. Because window  films are usually installed on the inside surface of the glass,  increased amounts of solar radiation will be absorbed as it passes back  and forth through the glass.

Some  window films can cause excessive solar energy absorption in certain  kinds of glass. The result can be extreme thermal expansion and stress,  which can cause glass breakage or seal failure in an insulated glass  (IG) unit. Additionally, thermal stress fracture can result from uneven  temperature distribution across the surface of a glass plate. This is  typically caused by partial shading of the window.

To  avoid problems, you must select the correct window film for your glass.  To do this, it is helpful to know how glass reflects, absorbs and  transmits solar radiation and how its ability to reject solar radiation  will change when a window film is installed. In the past, dark or highly  reflective films were very popular and used to attain maximum solar  energy rejection performance. Unfortunately, dark reflective films  typically have high absorption ratings which can increase the risk of  glass breakage and seal failure. Thanks to the technological and  manufacturing advances used in today's window films, it is no longer  necessary to purchase very dark films to achieve significant solar  energy rejection performance. Today's high-tech films provide impressive  performance without absorbing excessive amounts of solar energy. Best  of all these films save energy, reduce ultraviolet transmissions,  increase interior comfort and give a contemporary appearance to a  building or home.

Question 5

Why should I consider installing safety or security film in my home or business?

Accepted Answer

Every  year hundreds of thousands of people around the world are injured,  maimed or killed by lethal shards of flying or falling glass. Many  events can cause glass to break unexpectedly resulting in potentially  thousands of dagger-like projectiles.

Unfortunately,  many glass breakage events are not predictable, such as a child falling  into a patio door while playing. In these cases, existing homes or  buildings may have no form of glass protection causing a high-risk  potential of injury to the property and/or occupants.

There  are many potential users of safety film. It may be a homeowner who  lives next to a golf course, a storeowner with hight priced merchandise  in a display window, or anyone who wants to protect him or herself from  injury due to broken glass. Flying or falling glass shards can result  from acts of terrorism, vandalism, smash-and-grab burglaries and natural  disasters.

Question 6

How long will window film last?

Accepted Answer

The life of your window film will vary due to a variety of factors including:

-The type of window film installed

-The type of glass

-The construction of your windows

All  quality window films for both residential and commercial uses are  warranted by the film manufacturer. All of our Residential Films carry a  Lifetime manufacturer warranty, and all Commercial Films carry a 15  year warranty.

Question 7

Will window film effect my indoor plants?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, the application of window film will not have an affect on the growth of most indoor plants.

Near  growth and flowering may be retarded in the initial days after your  window film is applied as the plant adjusts. In some cases where plants  are in constant, direct light for long periods of time which causes  wilting, the plant may actually thrive after the window film is  installed.
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Where  there is concern about possible plant growth being affected, it is  recommended that owners move the plant, as a test, to another part of  the room to stimulate a less lighted area before the window film is  applied. This move will help to judge what the potential affects might  be. In addition, it may be wise to consult a local nursery for advice,  which is also recommended in the case of exotic plants.

Question 8

Can you apply window film over decals or stickers on glass?

Accepted Answer

Many  windows, especially those on storefronts, have stickers, decals,  burglar tape, and other such items on the glass. Depending on the  circumstances, these might have to be removed.

Your  window tinting professional should discuss the potential problems with  you and determine what to do with any decals. If they are not highly  raised above the glass, window film can be applied over them. However,  this will create a poorer bond on the decal than on the glass. More  highly raised stickers should be scraped off.

Burglar  tape and alarm contacts are also found on windows. Tape is usually only  slightly raised above the surface of the glass. Film can be installed  over such an irregular surface, but customers should be advised that the  installation will not be tip quality. Alarm contacts, however, should  be removed before applying film, but should not be done by the window  film installer. It is better to ask you, the customer, to contact your  security company to remove and replace the alarm contacts.

Question 9

Can I tint my skylights?

Accepted Answer

Application  of window film to the inside surface of skylights is very difficult.  The film tends to hang down at a ninety-degree angle, and is extremely  difficult to handle and apply to the glass surface. Another difficulty  is that many of the newly designed homes today have tunnels leading to  the skylights. This along with the difficulty level is the main reason  why you should make sure that the window film company you choose has the  specialized equipment and training to do skylights properly.

The  cost of tinting skylight can be slightly higher than tinting other  windows. This is due to the difficulty and height of most skylights as  well as the length of the tunnel leading of the windows.

The  benefits of tinting skylights are tremendous. With the sun rays being  more direct in the spring and summer, window films will reduce the  fading of items below the skylights. Window films also reduce the heat  coming in thru your skylights by 50%-80%.

The  application of window film to skylights is more restricted versus  tinting other windows in your home or business. Home or business owners  should consult with their window film professional and be aware of any  restrictions.

Question 10

Our home is under construction. When should we have the window film installed?

Accepted Answer

Window  film should generally be installed in new or renovated buildings only  when all other work has been completed. There are many reasons for  waiting until the end of construction.
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There  is little sense in applying window film to windows that have frames  that may need to be stained or painted. This could lead to stain or  paint splatters on the film itself which would need to be cleaned off.  Some cleaning agents would damage the film requiring the film to be  replaced.

Other  reasons could be the potential for damage to the film due to the high  amount of activity in a construction environment. Also, in many cases,  there is a high level of dust and particles, such as wood dust or carpet  fibers, in a construction area that could become trapped between the  glass and the window film.

The  best, most convenient time to install the window film is just before  your furniture is placed in from of your windows and before the window  treatments have been installed. However, this is rarely the case.

Question 11

Can window film be installed on tinted glass?

Accepted Answer

Tinted  glass is a major absorber of heat, and leads to a great deal of stress  within the glass. Window film itself absorbs a certain amount of heat.  If the combined absorption of the window film and tinted glass if very  hight, this can result in the glass cracking as a result of thermal  stress.
​
Thermal  stress may also occur if the sheet of glass has not been installed with  the appropriate amount of care. An example of this would be if the edge  of the glass is either chipped or damaged.

In  cases where tinted glass is tempered or strengthened, the application  of window film is unlikely to result in the glass cracking or  fracturing.

If  you have tinted glass or are unsure if your glass is tinted, ask your  window tinting professional which films are safe to install. Though the  selection of films is limited, there should be a film available to solve  your solar control needs.

Question 12

Definitions for understanding window films?

Accepted Answer

Below are a few definitions to help you understand how to choose the best window film for you:

Total Solar Transmittance: The percent of incident solar radiation to be directly passed through a window system
​
Total Solar Reflectance: The percent of incident solar radiation to be reflected by a window system.

Total Solar Absorption: The percent of incident solar radiation to be absorbed by a window system.

Visible Light Transmittance: The percent of total visible light to be passed through a window system.

Visible Light Reflectance: The percent of total visible light to be reflected by a window system that can be seen visually.

Percent Ultraviolet Transmittance: Percent of total ultraviolet light to be passed through a window system.

Percent  of Total Solar Energy Rejected: The percent of incident solar energy  rejected by a window system, equals solar reflectance plus the part of  solar absorption which is reradiated outward.

Question 13

Why should I choose to purchase window film from a window tinting professional?

Accepted Answer

Window  films are available at a variety of automotive self-service stores as  well as many home improvement stores for the do-it-yourselfer.

Window films that are available at automotive self-service stores are very limited.
​
The  selection of window films that are available at home improvement stores  do not come with any type of manufacturers warranty. These films also  come in a very limited selection.
​
Only  your window tinting professional can offer the quality, variety of  selection, and manufacturer-backed warranty that gives you the best  window film for your money. Though the process of installing window film  for your money. Though the process of installing window film appears  quite simple, your window tinting professional has the training and  expertise along with years of service to provide you with the best films  available. Most high quality window films are available with superior  warranites as well as glass and seal-failure warranties.

Question 14

How does window film work?

Accepted Answer

Most  window films are applied to the inside glass surface of a window. As  the sunlight hits the glass surface, four basic things occur:

A. Sunlight hits the window and a part of its energy is reflected away from the window.

B. The glass absorbs some of the sun’s energy.

C. A portion of the sun’s solar energy is transmitted thru the window film into the room.

D. Part of the sun’s energy is absorbed by the window film and part is reradiated in and out of the room.

Question 15

How does window film work in the winter?

Accepted Answer

In the winter, window film helps to  reflect radiant heat back inside your home. By reducing your heat loss,  you will stay warmer as well as save money both day and night all winter  long.

Question 16

How long has window film been around?

Accepted Answer

Window  film dates back to the early 1960’s. Originally, window films were made  only of a silver base with a highly reflective appearance.

As  the concept of the window film was developed and improved, a demand  required the improvement for better window films. With new architectural  designs requiring window films to compliment the appearance of homes  and commercial buildings, the manufacturing of sun control window films  in a variety of colors became a reality.

Question 17

What are the leading causes of glass breakage?

Accepted Answer

Glass breakage can occur as the result of many different factors. Some of the most common causes of glass breakage are:

-Twisting stress from building movements

-Tensile stress from the weight of the glass itself

-Mechanical flexing stress, i.e. from the wind or pressure

-Impact stress from flying objects

-Thermal stress from absorption of solar radiation

Question 18

How does the film stick or adhere to the glass?

Accepted Answer

Window  film manufacturers have developed and utilized a variety of patented  adhesive formulas to apply their films to the glass surfaces. These  formulas are know as mounting adhesives.

Films,  utilizing all types of adhesives are installed in similar fashion. Most  films are installed by using soapy water sprayed on both the glass  surface and the film adhesive surface after the protective liner has  been removed . The film is then positioned on the glass, cut to size,  and squeegeed to remove excess water.

Question 19

What is a thermal pane or insulated glass window?

Accepted Answer

The  term insulated glass, or (IG) unit, does not refer to the physical  makeup or construction of the glass, but how the glass is fabricated  into an IG unit. An IG unit consists of two sheets of glass separated by  an airspace of constant thickness.

Spacers or edge seals are placed between the two sheets of glass to create airspace.
​
The  seal between the glass sheets is accomplished through the use of a  variety of different types of materials and sealants. In addition, a  desiccant is incorporated into the edge seal technology to absorb water  vapor that migrates across the seal.

The  intervening airspace reduces heat transfer by conduction and convention  through the glass. In order to increase the insulation performance of  the IG unit, inert gases such as Argon and Krypton may be used to  replace air between the panes of glass. Both Argon and Krypton are  invisible, harmless, odorless, and heavier than air, which results in  slower convective movement and a reduction in heat transfer. IG units  pose a risk of thermal stress fracture for many types of dyed or  sputtered films that absorb excessive amounts of heat.

Question 20

Will window film prevent my glass from breaking?

Accepted Answer

Generally  speaking - No. While the glass industry has yet to make a product that  will prevent glass from breaking, both solar control window films and  safety films provide protection against the effects of glass breakage.  Window films help to prevent glass that has been shattered from flying  dangerously through the air resulting in personal injury or property  damage.

Flying  and broken glass can be a result of a variety of acts ranging from  natural disasters, playing catch with your son or family pet, to  vandalism or theft. Standard window film will hole broken glass in place  to some extent.

If  safety of your glass is a concern, talk to your window tinting  professional about their line of safety and security in mine. Most  residential films are 2 milliliter thick. Safety and security films can  range from a 4 milliliter to up to 14 milliliter thickness.

Question 21

Can window film be applied to plexiglass or plastic windows?

Accepted Answer

Standard  window films should not be applied to acrylic or polycarbonate  (plexiglass) windows. These are plastic sheeting products and they all  have the potential to outgas. Heat and visible light from the sun causes  outgassing. Outgassing is the release of chemical components and/or  moisture absorbed by the plastic. The outgassing interferes with the  window film’s adhesive system, and results in bubbling between the  plastic window and the window film

It  should also be noted that many window film adhesive systems, when  applied to plastics, will create a permanent bond. In the event that the  film should have to be removed, it will be almost impossible to remove  the film completely without damaging surface of the plexiglass window.

Question 22

What causes fading?

Accepted Answer

Fading  is a complex issue. Each and every material will fade at different  rates from exposure to ultraviolet radiation as well as other  contributing factors. An example of this is the different color dyes in  fabrics. Red and green colors tend to fade faster than other colors.

It  is generally accepted that UV radiation can be responsible for roughly  40% of all fading. In addition to ultraviolet radiation, other factors  that cause fading include:

-25% of fading is caused by heat

-25% of fading is caused by visible light

-10%  of fading is caused by a variety of factors including artificial light,  fabric eyes, age of the fabrics and the humidity in your home or  office.

Question 23

How is window film installed?

Accepted Answer

The  basic procedures for installing window film will vary for different  types of window film and from installer to installer. It is the  responsibility of each installer to determine the best method for  installation depending on the type of film being installed. Whatever  method is used, the end result should be a clean, optically clear  installation.

The  installation begins by clearing access to the windows. Any furniture or  window treatments should be moved to the side or out of the way to  provide easy access to the windows. Care should be taken since window  treatments are very expensive.

Your  window tinting installer should cover any flooring or carpeting in from  of the windows. Drop cloths should be used to protect the flooring from  the water solution used during the installation process.

The  next step is to properly clean the glass and frame. Your installer  should pay special attention to remove any foreign particles from the  glass and from around the edges of the window, such as paint, varnish,  caulks, etc. The window is then squeegeed to dry.

The  window film is now ready for the actual installation. A release is  pulled from the top of the film to expose the adhesive on the film.  While the film is being peeled, soapy water is sprayed on the film and  window. This helps to reduce the static electricity generated by the  liner removal and allows for proper positioning of the film on the  window. The film is squeegeed and trimmed to fit the window. A final  check for excess water both under the film and around the framing is  done.

Finally,  any drop cloths are picked up and removed. Any window treatments that  may have been moved are replaced along with any furniture moved back  into place.

Question 24

Do window treatments need to be removed for installation?

Accepted Answer

The  majority of the time, a qualified window tinting installer can easily  work around most window treatments. In the event a window treatment  restricts an installation, this instance should be discussed with the  customer at the time of the estimate.
​
During  the window tinting installation process, most installers use a soap and  water mixture (such as baby shampoo or a dishwashing liquid, such as  Dawn). Your window tinting installer will use this mixture to both clean  and install the window film. This soap and water solution is  recommended as it does not stain or discolor any fabrics, woodwork, or  paint.

Question 25

Can window film be installed on the outside of the window?

Accepted Answer

The application of window film to the outside surface of some windows may also be considered.
​
Most  window film manufacturers make a few products for exterior  applications. As these films are subjected to an extreme amount of  weathering and may easily be abused because of their location, or as a  result of careless window cleaning, they have a somewhat limited life.  These products generally have limited warranties for shorter periods of  time.

Weather  conditions need to be considered in the installation of exterior window  films. When an exterior application is needed, high winds, cold  temperatures (outside air temperature less than 40 F), rain and snow can  prevent installations from being scheduled. Please remember your window  film professional is at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Question 26

Can I use tape, decals, static clings or suction cups on my window film?

Accepted Answer

While  all interior window films have a protective scratch resistant coating  they are still subject to physical abuse and damage. A problem can occur  when foreign matters are applied to the film or inside window. This is a  very real issue for commercial retail accounts such as convenience  stores, fast-food outlets, grocery stores, clothing stores where the use  of merchandising signs is a common practice-such as special offers,  holiday sales, etc.

Signs  such as static cling, are preferable and should cause no damage to the  window film if properly applied and removed. When other types of signs  are applied and removed. When other types of signs are applied using  various tapes with a sticky adhesive, as the tape is removed it leaves a  residue or adhesive on the window film. This residue will eventually  attract dust and other airborne particles giving the area a cloudy  appearance. Such tape residue can only be removed with a cleaning  solvent such as Goo Gone, taking precautions to use a soft cloth or  paper towels to dry the window. Some types of tape do no leave a  residue. However, if at all possible, tape should be avoided. Signs  which are affixed to the glass by suction cup devices should not damage  the window film and are recommended.

Question 27

Can I apply window film to a wired glass window?

Accepted Answer

Solar  control window film should not be applied to the interior surface of  the wired glass which receives any direct sunlight. The wire contained  within the glass absorbs heat and if the film is installed on the  interior surface the heat reflected out of the film greatly increases  the heat absorption of the wire, leading to a high rate of expansion.  The wire expands to a point that the glass can no longer withstand,  resulting in glass breakage.

For the above reason, we strongly recommend that are wired glass window not be tinted.

If  your wired glass window received no direct sunlight or it is an  interior window and has a smooth surface, this window may be considered  for tinting.

Question 28

Can patterned glass or textured glass be tinted?

Accepted Answer

Patterned or textured surfaces will not  allow window film adhesive to form an adequate strong bond to the uneven  glass surface. Obviously, the type and degree of pattern or texture  will influence this bonding.

Question 29

How is window film manufactured?

Accepted Answer

Most  solar control window films are the result of a sophisticated  manufacturing process using only the finest raw materials and  manufacturing technologies that are available. Under very careful  monitoring, a number of transparent layers of quality polyester are  laminated together. These layers are then coated using special  adhesives, ultraviolet inhibitors, and finally covered with a special,  protective, scratch-resistant coating.

Next,  a concentration of metal particles are sputter coated onto laminated  sheets of polyester. This sputter coating allows for the varying degrees  of color as well as the degree of solar energy rejection.

Question 30

How do I clean window film?

Accepted Answer

Most  window films have a scratch resistant coating on the outside surface of  the film. This scratch resistant coating is used to protect the film  from normal wear and tear. However, care and caution must still be used  in cleaning the surface of the glass on which film has been applied to  reduce possible damage:

Use any normal household glass cleaning solutions or plain soapy water.

Do  not use any solution that contains abrasive material, such as baking  soda. Comet, Softscrub, etc. Also, do not use anything sharp such as  razor blades or scrubbing pads.

Use soft clean lint-free towels or synthetic sponges to apply cleaning solutions.

Use  a soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee for drying the glass. Care must be  taken when using a squeegee for drying the glass. Care must be taken  when using a squeegee, as to not gouge the film any sharp metal edges.

While  most window film companies use scratch-resistant films, you should ask  to make sure. If a company has an extra charge for a scratch-resistant  film, you may wish to contact a few more companies for quotes. With  today’s technology, scratch-resistant films are considered standard.

Question 31

Will window film help improve the comfort of my home or business?

Accepted Answer

Yes, window film will definitely help improve the comfort of your home or business.

The  biggest problem in controlling comfort in homes and businesses is  dealing with the radiant heat from the sun. The energy generated by the  sun literally pours through the windows and is absorbed by all it  touches. The greater the glass area of a home or building, the more  potential for excessive radiant heat gain.

One  of the most outstanding characteristics of solar control window film is  its ability to regulate or control the amount of solar energy that  passes through the glass.

Your window tinting professional should be able to assist you in choosing the right window film to help with you comfort needs.

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