FAQs

No, our select films will not do this. Ask for your free installation sample when making your consultation with us to ensure you will be completely happy with your selection. Some newer films on the market in fact do have these inherited iridescent aesthetics that are not visible until after the film has been installed to the glass. Fluorescent lighting can enhance the rainbow effect.

There is no such film that can block the view from the exterior during nighttime while allowing you to see out. Daytime privacy films can be considered to be Medium to Very Dark which you can see through while inside the room. Frost films allow the light to transmit through it, but you cannot see in or out from the inside or from the outside/exterior back into the room. Opaque/Blackout or Whiteout Films block out 100% of the light, allowing absolutely no light into or out of a room. Solar window films are designed to see through, while Frost, Blackout, Whiteout and decorative films are designed for interior and exterior privacy glass from both the interior and exterior of a room.

There are six factors affecting fabric fading:

1. Ultraviolet Light (40%)
2. Visible Light (25%)
3. Heat (25%)
4. Chemical Vapors (including ozone)
5. Age of Fabric
6. Dye Fastness

Clear single pane glass (1/8″ to 1/4″) will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun.  Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%.  Our Window film installed on glass rejects 99.9% of solar ultraviolet light. Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat.  Our window film products, for example, will reject 82% of solar energy, which drastically reduces any hot spots. No window film can eliminate fading.  It can, however, offer maximum protection from fading caused by solar ultraviolet light, visible light and solar heat.

In most cases window film is applied on the interior surface of the glass. Exterior films are less common and typically don’t last as long due to exposure of the exterior elements. However, there are circumstances where exterior film is required.

1. If for any reason a window is not accessible from the inside, an exterior window film would then be your only option, unless the glass is pulled out from the frame.
2. We are applying graffiti film. Graffiti films are thick, clear films applied on the exterior surface of glass, mirrors and even elevator doors designed to protect the surface from accidental or malicious behavior. This saves you from having to replace the damaged surface.

1. The installer(s) will survey the window area and place a drop cloth down to protect the area where the window film will be applied. Typically, a 3-foot clearance to the window will allow sufficient access.
2. Next, the installer(s) will thoroughly clean the interior of the glass with a biodegradable soapy water solution. They will use a commercial razor blade scraper and sponge to prepare the window to be tinted.
3. Now that the window is prepared the installer will apply the pre-cut piece of film by removing the plastic liner and activating the adhesive with a water solution. The installer(s) will then apply pressure to the glass with a squeegee to work the moisture out to the edges in order to secure the film to the glass. Next they will trim the edge to fit, customizing your window film to the glass for a perfect fit. The window film will have a 1/16”-1/32” border around the frame of your glass as recommended by the manufacturer. After the window film has been applied, you may notice small water spots or a haziness to your windows. This is part of the drying process and should dissipate within 30 to 90 days.

Window film can reject up to 82% of the sun’s solar energy and block out 99.9% of harmful and damaging ultraviolet rays. Here are some additional benefits that you may also experience after an installation:

• Reduced interior heat
• Increased fade protection
• Reduced glare
• Increased privacy
• Improved interior comfort
• Reduced utility costs
• Extended air conditioning equipment life
• Added protection from accidents, storms, earthquakes and burglars

Yes, window films that are designed for dual pane glass do not cause seal failure or glass breakage. When recommended films are applied to the inside pane of a window, there will be some absorption (except with clear safety films) of the sun’s energy, which will increase the temperature of the glass pane. Some of this heat will transmit to the airspace, slightly raising the airspace temperature. Even a 20° F increase (unusual for most films) will result in a less than 3% change in air pressure, whereas properly made units are designed and tested to withstand 22% changes in air pressure.

Risk of seal failure is greatly determined by the quality of workmanship and the quality of materials that go into building the dual pane window. The best guard against seal failure is to purchase well-made units from reputable window manufacturers that have solid experience and histories with dual pane windows. Most films come with a standard 3-year Unit Seal Failure warranty.

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, and 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.

Our 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 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:

• Any single pane glass larger than 100 square feet
• Dual pane glass larger than 40 square feet
• Clear glass thicker than 3/8 inch
• Triple or quadruple pane glass
• Window framing systems of concrete or metal that have no gaskets or seals
• Glass where framing sealant or gaskets that are no longer resilient
• Damaged, chipped, cracked or scratched glass
• Round, bent, laminated, textured, wired glass or skylights

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 colored 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.

Yes, in California as long as the light transmission is not restricted to less than 70 percent. Every state has different laws about where window film can be applied. Please check the IWFA link for complete details.

• Automotive: We use FormulaOne high performance window film that comes with a nationwide manufacturer-backed warranty.
• Residential/Commercial: Our various window film products, manufactured by different companies, supply you with warranties that can be limited to five (5) years for specialty film applications, fifteen (15) years for traditional solar window film in commercial applications, or lifetime for solar window film in residential applications. All manufacturer warranties can be viewed by clicking on the manufacturer links which can be navigated through our site.