Window films provides specific personal and property protection from the effects of the sun as well as added safety and security for events that result in broken glass.

There are many types and constructions of solar control and safety window films. In their simplest forms, window films are composed of a polyester substrate to which a scratch resistant coating is applied on one side; a mounting adhesive layer and a protective release liner is applied to the other side. When the release liner is removed, the side of the film with the adhesive is applied to the interior surface of the glass.

Is window film applied to the interior or the exterior of my windows?

Typically window films are applied to the interior surface of your windows.  There are window films designed to be applied to the exterior of your windows. Initially for special circumstances such as limited access to the interior surface and triple pane windows they are being used increasingly for their elevated performace characteristics.

The effective life of window film will vary by the type of film, type of glass, window construction, compass orientation of glass, and in which part of the world the building is located.  There are documented cases of film lasting up to 22 years or more in some instances.  This should not, however, be assumed to be the normal expected life.

All quality window films for residential and commercial use are warranted by the film manufacturers for a minimum of ten years and up to the life of the home.

How should I clean my windows after film is applied?

Windows with film applied are easily cleaned without damage to their appearance as long as a few common-sense guidelines are followed:

1. use a soft clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge.
2. use a soft cloth for drying the window.
3. use any normal glass cleaning solution which contains no abrasive materials.

The availability of scratch resistant coatings as a standard feature of quality films has virtually eliminated the need for extra special precautions in cleaning.

When a customer calls to inquire about our service we begin with a sequence of questions that help us understand how to best meet your needs. Once we begin to zero in on what you are looking for, we are able to lay out a variety of options for you. Some basic opening questions are:

• What is it about your windows and/or home that you wish to correct, adjust, change?
• Is this resolving a current problem or is it pro-active action?
• Are you familiar with glass films/window films and have you used them in the past?
• How did you hear about us?

Once we have a reasonable understanding of your objectives, we set up an appointment to view your space in person. At our visit to your home or workplace, we make an assessment and present a series of options to suit your particular needs. In person quotes to individual residential clients are free of charge with no obligation to purchase.

At this point you are able to take the next step and set an installation date. To do so, you will be referred to our office assistant who will take your deposit and begin the scheduling process.

Glass breaks when stressed.  There are five types of stress which may cause glass breakage:

1. thermal stress – from absorption of solar radiation.
2. tensile stress – from the weight of the glass itself.
3. mechanical flexing stress – from wind.
4. impact stress – from flying objects, hail, baseballs.
5. twisting stress – from building or window frame sagging or settling.

The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may affect. The use of window films will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass. However, there are also other factors which will increase thermal stress such as: partial shading of windows from overhangs, tightly fitting drapes or blinds, signs or decals on windows, heating and cooling vents directed at glass. In addition, different types of glass (annealed versus tempered, clear versus tinted) have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress.

The window film manufacturers have recommended film-to-glass tables for use by factory-trained dealer installers. If a consumer is ever in doubt, he/she should request a copy of such guidelines. Listed below are some glass types or conditions where the use of a solar control (not clear safety) type of window film is not recommended without extreme caution.

• single pane glass larger than 100 square feet.
• double pane glass larger than 40 square feet.
• clear glass thicker than 3/8 inch.
• tinted glass thicker than 1/4 inch.
• window framing systems of concrete, solid aluminum, or solid steel .
• glass where sealant or glazing compound has hardened.
• visibly chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged glass.
• reflective, wired, textured, or patterned glass.
• triple pane glass.
• laminated glass windows.

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.

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.

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.

The benefits of tinting skylights are tremendous.  With the sun’s rays being more direct in the spring and summer, window films will reduce the fading of items below the skylights while reducing the ambient temperature.

In most cases if a house plant is already receiving adequate light the use of window film will not harm it.  New growth or flowering may be retarded, and, for a few days, a plant may go into a state of shock while it adjusts to the light change.  If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with film installed.

Although there are some obvious guidelines in determining what, if any, effect window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter coloured ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation: merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days.  In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs closer to maximal or minimal light.