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Chances are, you’ve seen window film used in hundreds of homes and businesses. But it was so cleanly installed that you didn’t realize it was there. Window film is a thin material made from multiple layers of polyester. The layers are designed in a way that scientifically reduces UV light, glare, and heat, and enhances your privacy. These layers can be adjusted to adapt to your preferred performance criteria and shading.

Traditionally window films have been made primarily for interior installations and this is still the most common side of the glass to install on. However, in recent years exterior window film technology has advanced so rapidly that exterior films have much better longevity, warranties and color options. Consulting with a professional window film company is the best way to learn which product would be ideal for your project.

Window films come in a wide variety of colors, shades, and performance levels. Some key considerations include whether or not you want the glass appearance to change including the level of darkness and reflectivity. The length of the warranty is another differentiator. Performance is likely the most important aspect of choosing a film. The amount of light transmission, a film’s ability to block the sun’s heat, clear of dark privacy, UV/fade protection, level of reflectivity, etc. A professional window film company can help you narrow down the options by asking you questions about your needs and desires and help you attain the perfect window performance and appearance.

This question is frequently asked because for a few days, the film can look cloudy. It’s common to see water bubbles, blotches, and streaks in your freshly installed film. This is due to the moisture used to adhere the film to the glass. It can take anywhere from 72 hours to a few months for the adhesive to fully “cure.” Curing happens when the mounting solution evaporates through the film. The end result is the ideal clarity for your glass and film level. Along the way, though, it is to be expected that you’ll see some haziness.

You paid for a professional window film installation, and you don’t want to risk damaging it. It’s understandable that you’re concerned about how to clean the glass, and it’s a good thing you asked! For one week post-installation, don’t clean any of the filmed area. It needs time to cure and settle. After that, you can use any ammonia-free window cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth or a squeegee. Don’t use anything abrasive or sharp, like a scouring pad, or you’ll end up with scratches in your film.

It is very rare that we have customers call about damaged film, but in the rare cases this occurs, the film cannot be repaired. However, a professional installer can remove the damaged piece and retint your glass.

While films can make the glass more difficult to crack, it’s not unbreakable. Filmed glass can still crack if it’s hit by something hard enough. The difference is that you’re safer behind a filmed window because the strong adhesive and thick film prevents the broken glass from splintering off and hitting you. This shatter resistance makes your home or business safer and clean up will be much easier if it does get damaged.

That depends on many factors such as the size and number of windows you have, the accessibility to the windows, and the type of film you choose. Windows requiring ladders and/or scaffolding will take longer than lower windows. Security window films will take longer than solar control films, and French-style windows will take a lot longer than open expanses of glass. Talk to your professional film company to get cost and time estimates.

Using tint on your home or business windows gives you a return on your investment by saving energy. When it’s hot outside, the film reflects the sun’s rays. This reduces the heat that is transmitted into the building which lowers your air conditioning costs. During the winter, the film retains up to 15% of the heat inside your home, reducing the work of your heater or furnace. Other cost-saving benefits can be realized in the form of reduced fading of furnishings, flooring, art, etc, and in increased comfort and employee productivity.

The unique adhesive on window film works on any smoothly finished glass surface. Don’t try to apply a regular film to other clear surfaces, like Plexiglas, plastic, or Lexan. These have a lot of oils and outgassing which can cause film to blister in a short period of time. There are specialty films designed for these materials, but you have to order them specifically with a “blister-free” adhesive.

This depends on whether your current film is factory window tint or aftermarket window film. Factory tint changes the color inside the glass. So, aftermarket film is easily installed over the top of the window because there’s nothing already on the surface. However, aftermarket film can’t be installed over pre-existing aftermarket film. Many people prefer to add a layer of aftermarket film over the factory window tint because it has more solar benefits, rejecting the UV rays and heat, and offering more privacy.