What is Window Film?
Window film is a premium advanced glass laminate made from the highest quality polyethylene terephthalate (PET – Polyester). Among the many benefits of window film are high heat rejection, ultimate UV protection, glare reduction, unsurpassed optical clarity, and increased glass safety.
How Is Window Film Applied To Glass?
Window film has a unique adhesive on one side that is protected by a clear liner. The liner is removed at the time of installation. Professional window film technicians completely clean and prep the glass prior to installation. Using a special mounting solution, squeegee and trimming blades, they prepare, fit and apply the film to the glass.
Can Window Film Be Applied To Any Surface?
There are window films that can be applied to both glass and polycarbonate surfaces. Madico Window Film has a special proprietary adhesive system that adheres to polycarbonate surfaces called “Blister-Free”. It is important to distinguish which type of surface the film is being applied to so the appropriate film adhesive system is used.
To What Extent Can Window Film Reduce Heat?
Heat rejection properties of window films vary from one product to another. Some films can reject as much as 85% of the total solar energy.
What About Warranties?
Film manufacturers often provide limited lifetime warranty coverage for a number of their residential films, plus warranties for many of their commercial films. Other products are backed by varying degrees of warranty coverage, depending on the film and application. Ask Solar Energy Control for more information on specific warranties for your film selection.
Why Is Window Film A Better Choice Than Tinted Glass?
Window films provide numerous benefits including solar heat and ultraviolet rejection and they can be easily retro-fitted to most existing glass which makes them less costly than replacing windows with tinted glass. They also help protect occupants from flying shards of broken glass in the event of accidental breakage.
Can Window Film Stop Fading?
Window film is constructed with ultraviolet inhibitors, which blocks more than 99 % of the ultraviolet rays that are harmful to humans and damaging to fabrics and furnishings. However, ultraviolet energy is only one of the factors that contribute to fading. Solar heat and visible light also contribute to fading. Since these factors vary for different types of films and materials, the fade reduction benefit will also vary depending on the type of film selected, the quality of the products being protected and the environment.
Can Window Film Save On My Energy Bill?
Once installed, window film helps reduce the amount of solar heat energy coming through your glass. This makes it easier to cool a room, resulting in lower energy consumption. The extent of savings will depend on the type of film selected and the geographic location where the film is used.
Can I Install The Film Myself?
Window films are designed exclusively for professional installation and sold only through professional window film technicians. This helps ensure the proper installation of your film and warranty coverage. Warranties for replacement film and removal/replacement labor are only valid if the initial installation is performed by an industry professional.
Are There Different Types Of Window Films?
The window film line up includes product solutions for just about any solar control, safety or security need. Contact Solar Energy Control for help in selecting the film that best serves your needs.
Can The Film Be Scratched During Cleaning?
Proper care and cleaning are critical to maintaining the beautiful appearance of window film. All window film products are susceptible to scratching and damage if they are not properly maintained. To help prevent minor scratches that can occur with cleaning, window films come with a very tough, scratch-resistant coating. Still, it is important to follow the care and cleaning instructions provided to ensure a long service life from your window film product. Clean only with soft cloths, squeegees, and soft paper towels.
Does Window Film Reduce The Chance Of Glass Breakage?
Standard solar control window films can help hold broken glass together in the event of accidental breakage. However, these films do not strengthen the glass enough to provide shatter-proofing, or reduce the chance of glass breakage. Ask about our safety & security films if you require that level of protection.
How Long Does It Take To Install Window Film?
The amount of time it takes to install window film depends on the site of the application, access to the glass and the experience level of your selected technician.
What Is Meant By “Curing” And How Long Does It Take?
All window film technicians use a special soapy solution during installation. It is normal for some of this solution to become trapped between the glass and the film, requiring time to “dry-out”. The curing, or dry-out time, is necessary for window film adhesive to properly bond to the glass. How long it takes depends on factors such as the film type, temperature, and sun exposure during and after the installation.
What Do I Need To Know About Maintenance?
After the curing process is complete your window film will not need any special care. Cleaning window film can be done safely with mild soapy water or normal glass cleaning products and a soft cloth, squeegee, or soft paper towel. Do not use any rough or abrasive materials for cleaning the film side of the glass. Always use cloths that are free of contamination or dirt particles.
