Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS WINDOW FILM?
Window Film is a low-cost, high-return energy conservation measure made of micro-thin layers of film combined with high performance coatings that bond to the glass surface.
WHY IS WINDOW FILM NEEDED?
Adding Window Film upgrades your existing windows by improving energy efficiency, cutting glare, and reducing damage to furniture due to fading. It also helps make occupants feel more comfortable within a home or commercial building.
IS WINDOW FILM EXPENSIVE?
Depending on the type of film and installation difficulties, window film pricing will vary quite a bit. Standard films start around $6 per square foot installed. For reference, this is only 5-10% of the cost of window replacement.
WHAT LEVEL OF ENERGY SAVINGS CAN I EXPECT WITH WINDOW FILMS?
The energy savings depend on many factors, such as the existing type of glass, existence of overhangs, your location (climate), and energy rates in your area. However, for most buildings, high-performance window films can reduce energy costs from 5 to 15%.
WHAT TYPE OF RETURN ON INVESTMENT OR SIMPLE PAYBACK WOULD THESE ENERGY SAVINGS PROVIDE?
Though they provide similar energy savings, window films are much cheaper to install than replacement window – about 5-10% of the cost. Therefore, the capital investment is much lower for window film. Many projects produce a simple payback in less than three years (when including utility company rebates) – equivalent to a 33% return on investment!
IS WINDOW FILM DISRUPTIVE TO INSTALL?
Most windows can be filmed in 15 minutes with minimal or no disruption to building occupants.
I'VE READ TINT CAUSES SEAL FAILURE. TRUE?
No. 3M has been safely installing films on dual-pane windows all over the globe for more than 40 years. When recommended films are installed, there will be some absorbtion of the sun’s energy, which will increase the temperature of the glass. However, this slight increase is not nearly enough to cause any seal failure in a quality window.
ISN'T WINDOW FILM DARK? AND WON'T APPLICATION OF FILM CAUSE ME TO HAVE TO USE MORE LIGHTING, WHICH WOULD INCREASE MY ENERGY COSTS?
In many cases, there is so much solar heat gain before window films are installed that shades or blinds must be kept closed. By applying energy-saving window film, blinds and shades can remain open, allowing more light into the building than before film installation. Plus, window films come in a variety of light transmissions, from very dark (0% light transmission) to very light (80% light transmission).
ARE THERE UTILITY COMPANY REBATES FOR WINDOW FILM INSTALLATION?
Many utilities offer specific rebates for window film installation for both residential and commercial applications. Often window film is specifically listed as one of the rebate-eligible products. Other times window film qualifies under the “Custom Measures” option (commercial applications only).
DOES THE INSTALLATION OF ENERGY-SAVING WINDOW FILM AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF MY BUILDING'S HVAC SYSTEM?
According to U.S. Department of Energy statistics, solar heat gain through windows is responsible for about one third of a building’s cooling costs. Energy-saving window film that can reduce solar heat gain by 75% or more can significantly reduce the run time of air-conditioning systems or allow them to operate at lower load conditions. This can reduce cooling costs in commercial buildings by as much as 30%, lengthen HVAC equipment life, lower maintenance costs for air-conditioning systems, and allow for replacement of cooling equipment with smaller, less expensive equipment.
WILL WINDOW FILM DARKEN THE INTERIOR OF MY HOME?
No. Window Film will maintain the natural colors of your interior spaces. With less need for draperies, curtains, blinds, and shades, rooms may actually brighten significantly.
CAN WINDOW FILMS HELP WITH LEED CERTIFICATION OR QUALIFICATION AS AN ENERGY STAR LABELED BUILDING?
In fact, window films can assist with as many as 9 LEED Certification points (out of the 32 required for Silver LEED Certification). For more information about Window Films and LEED Certification, see www.usgbc.org/leed. The energy savings provided by window films can also assist buildings with their Energy Star Labeling requirements.
CAN I RECEIVE A TAX CREDIT FOR INSTALLING ENERGY EFFICIENT WINDOW FILMS?
A tax credit directly reduces your income tax, unlike a deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax. The credit then directly increases the tax refund you receive or decreases the amount you have to pay.
CAN WINDOW FILM HELP REDUCE THE GLARE ON MY TELEVISION AND COMPUTER SCREENS?
Absolutely. Window film reduces glare and helps eliminate eye fatigue.
WHY IS WINDOW FILM NECESSARY IF OTHER WINDOW TREATMENTS ARE ON THE WINDOWS?
The sun will often damage window treatments such as draperies, curtains, blinds and shades. Window film helps protect furnishings, including window treatments.
DOES WINDOW FILM HELP REDUCE THE HEAT IN A ROOM WHEN THE SUN COMES SHINING THROUGH?
Yes. Up to 75% of the heat is rejected by Window Film. You need not be afraid of installing beautiful windows for fear of too much heat.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A WINDOW BREAKS?
If the window breaks, the window film should hold the glass in place, thus reducing an incidence of injury or damage to furnishings.
CAN WINDOW FILM BE INSTALLED ON ODD-SHAPED WINDOWS?
Yes. Window Film is professionally installed and can fit virtually any size and shape of flat-glass window.
HOW LONG WILL WINDOW FILM LAST?
Most professionally installed Window Film comes with a residential lifetime warranty and 10 year commercial warranty against cracking, peeling, adhesive failure or demetallizing.
IS WINDOW FILM LEGAL FOR MY VEHICLE?
Window film laws vary by the State in which your vehicle is registered. Please refer to local laws to determine the window film legal limits in your area. You can also click the HERE for a chart from the International Window Film Association (IWFA) that summarizes the State Laws.
The Process
Step 1
The installation process starts with the dealer thoroughly cleaning your windows to remove even the smallest pieces of dirt. A piece of film is cut roughly to the size of your window, its release liner is removed, and an application solution is sprayed on the film’s adhesive to activate it. The application solution is also sprayed on the window.
Step 2
The film is then installed on the glass, and the installer squeegees all the application solution out from between the glass and film. The installer will also do some final edge trimming to ensure the film fits perfectly and precisely on the glass.
Step 3
When the installer squeegees out the application solution during installation, it is nearly impossible to get every drop of solution out. Thus there is a drying time (cure time) for the film, during which the remaining application solution between the film and glass evaporates. During this time, the film is still performing to its full solar control and safety capabilities.