Frequently Asked Questions

What is window film?

Film basics – Window films are comprised of a polyester substrate. During manufacturing a scratch resistant coating is applied to one side of the film and a crystal clear mounting adhesive is applied to the other side. The adhesive is protected by a clear release liner.

What are the benefits of window film?

High quality window film offer the following – 99.9% ultraviolet (UV) ray light reduction resulting in the following:

  • Significant fade protection for furniture, carpet, artwork, etc.
  • Reduced fabric, textile and wood deterioration
  • Reduced UV radiation exposure, which has been linked to cancer

Significantly decreased solar heat build up resulting in:

  • Increased comfort
  • Reduced air conditioning costs
  • Reduced HVAC equipment wear and tear/ maintenance
  • Increased fade resistance

Attractive accent to home, business, car windows, daytime privacy, and glare reduction

Scratch resistant hard coating protects against:

  • Accidental abrasion and product deterioration from normal cleaning
  • Hazy appearance typical with plastic type materials

Heavy gauge increased shatter resistant film offers

  • Increased safety for you, your family, friends and increased peace of mind
  • Vandalism, smash and grab theft etc.
  • Additional layer of protection from natural disasters
  • Decreased graffiti or glass tagging on exterior windows which happen commonly in bathrooms, elevators, entrance doors, mirrors or any other vulnerable smooth glass surface

What are the six factors that cause fading in carpets, wood, artwork, vehicle dashboards and other surfaces prone to fading?

  1. Ultraviolet (UV) light
  2. Invisible light
  3. Heat and humidity
  4. Chemical vapors (including ozone)
  5. Age of fabric or leather
  6. Dye of fabric

Clear single pane glass (1/4” To 1/8”) will reject 23% – 28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36% – 41% of UV light. Installed window film on glass rejects 99.9% of solar UV light.

Different types of clear glass and dual pane window systems will reject 13% – 29% of the solar heat. With window films, 83% solar heat rejection can be obtained.

There is not any window film that can prevent all amounts of fading. Window film will, however, offer maximum protection from fading due to solar UV light and heat.

How is window film applied to glass?

A professional installer will properly clean and prepare the glass surface as this is an essential step in the process. Once the glass is prepared, the installer will precisely cut the film to the exact size of each piece of glass. Glass may appear to be the same size, however, can vary so the measurement of each piece is necessary to receive a quality installation. When the release liner is removed from the film, the adhesive side of the film is applied to the inside surface of the glass with the aid of a mounting solution. The film requires a period of time to dry. During the drying process there may be changes in the optical clarity. A hazy appearance may occur, which will go away. Professionally installed films look better longer and are likely to perform to specifications for the warranted lifetime vs. those that are improperly installed.

Are there special tools used to install window film?

Professional installers have experience and training which can help them to identify unique or unusual circumstances which may affect the performance of a particular product in a given installation. There are tools of the trade used to install that are not commonly used for other purposes.

How long does an installation take?

Installation of window film in your home is clean and unobtrusive. It will usually be completed in one business day. There are times that the install will take longer depending on the location of the glass and height of the window. During our free quote, we will discuss the generals with you and have more details soon thereafter.

Commercial installations vary by building, size and scope of work. The job can be completed with minimal disturbance to building occupants.

The average automobile takes two to three hours to tint.