FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW WINDOW FILM WORKS: (courtesy of Johnson Window Films)
Window film is a self-adhesive polyester film that is applied to glass surfaces. It is used as a "retrofit" application for existing glass on automobiles, homes and commercial buildings in order to upgrade solar control, safety and appearance.
Solar radiation from the sun is divided into 3 components: visible light we can see, infrared we feel as heat and ultraviolet rays, which are invisible. As solar radiation strikes a piece of glass, window film acts as a "sunscreen" to block harmful UV rays as well as regulate the levels of heat and light passing through the glass. The amount of heat and light rejected is dependent upon the type of window film selected.
Common types of window film – non-reflective or dyed films that primarily absorb solar energy, reflective or metallized films that absorb as well as reflect solar energy, and nano/ceramic films which use high-tech compounds to provide high performance.
1) ARE YOU AN AUTO-TINTER? WILL YOU BE PUTTING THE SAME KIND OF FILM ON MY HOUSE THAT YOU WOULD PUT ON MY VEHICLE?
A: No. I am not an auto-tinter. Automotive film and flat glass film are two separate sides of the same coin. Automotive film needs to stretch to go around curves and is usually made from a type of vinyl. Our films are strictly for flat glass (residential and commercial) and are fabricated for those applications. They will not work correctly on vehicles. Many people do both, but I like to keep my focus on one area and become an expert in it.
2) WILL MY HOUSE LOOK LIKE A BANK?
A: No. A lot of people are concerned their house will look ugly or odd from the outside. Window film has come a long way over the years. We have films available that are very lightly tinted with little or NO metals to them, as well as very dark and very reflective films. Different options for different needs.
3) HOW ARE WINDOW FILMS MADE?
A: Most window films are made from a polyester plastic sheet coated with an adhesive and a UV protective substance, followed by additional layers of dyed and/or metalized elements to control the amount of VLT (visible light transmission) and glare reduction.
4) HOW ARE WINDOW FILMS APPLIED?
A: Professional window film installers use many different techniques to apply the film to the glass. However, all film comes off the boxed roll with an adhesive layer that is protected by a clear plastic liner. After the glass is prepared (scraped with stainless steal blades and squeegeed with a cleaning solution) the film has the protective liner removed and placed onto the wet pane of glass. Then the installer uses different techniques to secure the film to the glass. All work areas are covered by drop cloths and everything is cleaned up as the installer progresses.
5) I HAVE A NEW HOUSE WITH LOW-E WINDOWS, DO I STILL NEED FILM?
A) While the window industry is constantly improving, they are not perfect. Low-E means low emissivity. Emissivity is the ability of something to transfer heat, and since Low-E means low emissivity, these windows usually reduce the amount of heat transfer by 30-60%. These windows do not block all the UV however, and still allow too much glare in. Low-E glass does routinely fail, just like double pane insulated glass can fail. It is much easier to replace window film any day over having to replace bad glass.
Honestly, most of our customers have low-e windows in their homes and still complain about too much heat, glare and fading.
6) WHAT IF I NOTICE SOMETHING BEHIND THE FILM (DIRT, DUST OR DOG/CAT HAIR)?
A) As professionals we have high standards for ourselves, and tend to have perfectionist personalities. However, most of the time the condition of the windows/frames (crack, chipped or loose panes and wooden frames with peeling paint, frayed dried out edges or excessive silicone) and cleanliness of the house/building can decide on the final outcome of the film. If there is a lot of dog/cat hair on the floor or floating in the air, the chances of a strand sneaking its way behind the film while it's being installed is heightened.
Most of the time an experienced installer will catch sight of the blemish and, if possible, before the film gets set will be able to remove the hair/etc. Although, please bear in mind that film is a retro-fit product and could potentially have some slight dust or debris particles trapped behind it here and there.
*General Rule of Thumb: Stand back 8-10 feet and if you can still see the blemish (being an inch or bigger) or its hindering your view...then its cause for concern.
"Remember, windows are for looking out of....not looking at." ;)
7) HOW DO I CLEAN MY WINDOWS AFTER I HAVE FILM INSTALLED?
A) First, the film needs to dry and "cure" out. The adhesive needs to form a permanent bond to the glass and excess moisture be dried out completely. The "curing" process generally takes 30 days and can even take longer when installed during the winter months as well when thicker "safety and security" films are used.
After the film has cured, you can use general household cleaners such as dish soap (we recommend Joy) and water, vinegar/water, baby shampoo/water or Ammonia-free Windex.
The use of ammonia products is not recommended for extensive use on the film. This will ensure the prolonged life of your purchase.
Soft paper towels such as Bounty are recommended as well as a soft rubber squeegee. Avoid using cheap coarse paper towels with large amounts of recycled content (these can leave fine scratches in the film's surface).
Goof-off or Goo-Gone can be used sparingly to remove anything that does not come clean with a normal solution and paper towel.
DO NOT USE: Tapes, scrubbing pads, brillo pads, scrapers, blades, bristle brushes or anything abrasive.
8) HOW LONG CAN I EXPECT THE FILM TO LAST?
A: All of the films we sell come with a lifetime warranty for residential applications and a 10 year warranty for commercial.
The films we use should uphold and perform as originally installed 20-30 years later with proper care.