Frequently Asked Questions

Q:

What is window film?

A:

Window film provides specific personal and property protection from the effects of the sun, as well as added safety and security in the events that result in broken glass. It can also be used as a decorative glass addition, adding character and style to any given space.

There are many types and constructions of solar control, safety and decorative window film. In it’s simplest form, window film is composed of a polyester substrate to which a scratch-resistant coating is applied on one side; a mounting adhesive layer and a protective release liner is applied to the other side. When the release liner is removed, the side of the film with the adhesive is applied to the interior surface of the glass.

Q:

Can window film be applied to the outside surface of the glass?

A:

Typically, window film is applied to the interior surface of your windows. There is window film that is designed to be applied to the exterior of your windows for special circumstances, such as limited access to the interior surface or triple-pane windows.

Q:

How long will window film last?

A:

The effective life of window film will vary by the type of film, type of glass, window construction, compass orientation of glass, and in which part of the world the building is located.  There are documented cases of film lasting 12 to 22 years, or more in some instances.  This should not, however, be assumed to be a normal expected film lifespan.

All quality window film for residential and commercial use is warranted by the film manufacturers for a minimum of five years (certain products may have extended coverage).

Q:

How should I clean and care for my windows after film is applied?

A:

Windows with film applied are easily cleaned without damage to their appearance as long as a few common-sense guidelines are followed:

  1. Use a soft clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge.
  2. Use a soft cloth for drying the window.
  3. Use any normal glass cleaning solution that contains no abrasive materials.

The availability of scratch-resistant coatings as a standard feature of quality film has virtually eliminated the need for extra special precautions in cleaning.

Q:

Will installing window film kill my house plants?

A:

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 delayed 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 effect, if any, window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter coloured ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation:
Move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days.  In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you as to whether a particular plant needs maximal or minimal light.

Q:

Can window film be used on low-E windows?

A:

The location of the low-E surface in your window system is also very important in deciding whether film should be used. If the low-E coating is on the room-side surface of the innermost pane of glass, the use of window film may reduce or eliminate the heat loss reduction of the glass itself. This may be more than offset by the heat gain reduction/heat loss reduction properties of the film to be used. Most low-E window systems, however, consist of double pane windows where the low-E surface faces the air space between the panes. In this case, film can be installed without eliminating the heat loss reduction benefit of the low-E glass. The type of window film you choose for low-E glass depends entirely on your desired benefit – whether you want to reduce heat gain, control glare, prevent heat loss, reduce fading or enhance the safety of your windows and glass doors. Carefully consider all these benefits before making a final decision.

Q:

Will window film cause glass to break?

A:

Glass breaks when stressed.  There are five types of stress that 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 (ex. hail, baseballs, etc.)
  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 film will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass. However, there are also other factors that will increase thermal stress, such as:

  • Partial shading of windows from overhangs
  • Tightly fitting drapes or blinds
  • Signs or decals on windows
  • Heating and cooling vents directed at glass

In addition, different types of glass (annealed vs. tempered, clear vs. tinted) have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress.

The window film 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 below 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.

  • Single pane glass larger than 100 square feet.
  • Double pane glass larger than 40 square feet.
  • Clear glass thicker than 3/8 inch.
  • Tinted glass thicker than 1/4 inch.
  • Window framing systems of concrete, solid aluminum, or solid steel .
  • Glass where sealant or glazing compound has hardened.
  • Visibly chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged glass.
  • Reflective, wired, textured, or patterned glass.
  • Triple pane glass.
  • Laminated glass windows.

Q:

What does window film do?

A:

Window film is a self-adhesive, retrofit glass application made of polyester. Window film is applied to glass surfaces and provides a number of commercial and residential benefits, including:

  • Reducing sun exposure and glare
  • Providing more private work spaces
  • Providing a barrier against graffiti
  • Minimizing the chances of theft
  • Protects interior finishes from harmful UV rays
  • Regulating internal temperatures and reduce energy costs

Q:

Does window film keep heat out?

A:

Professionally designed and installed window film will block heat flow and reduce heat gain in warmer summer months, while still allowing natural light into the space. This allows for energy savings for both homes and businesses. Window film is also beneficial in keeping heat out of older homes where dated or inexpensive windows are not efficiently blocking external heat.

Q:

Can window film damage your windows?

A:

There are a number of benefits to the application of window film for both businesses and homes, but for some, it’s common to wonder if there are any risks involved with the installation of window film. In short, as long as professionally designed, manufactured film is used and installed by trusted professionals, there is little to no risk of damage to delicate glass.

The team at Window Film Systems is highly skilled in the selection and installation of window film for homes and businesses and are happy to provide customers with insights into choosing the very best film for the application at hand as to avoid any damage to glass surfaces.

Q:

What types of damage to your windows can be caused by unprofessional window film installation?

A:

If window film is installed incorrectly your windows are at risk to be damaged. The most common types of damage window glass can suffer are:

  • Breakage caused by thermal heat stress
  • Foggy glass damage to your windows cause by broken seals

By getting your window film installed by the professional team a Window Film Systems you will avoid the risk of damaging your underlying glass. We understand the appropriate products to complement your windows and know that proper installation can make or break your film project.

Q:

Is there one-way privacy film that works at night?

A:

Generally speaking, one-way privacy film does not work at night. The film is reflective to the greatest source of light, which during the day would be the sun, and would be the reflection outside. At night, when the lights are turned on inside and it’s dark out, the reflection would be present on the inside.

That being said, some measures can be taken to trick the film into getting the desired effect at night. This could potentially be achieved using bright soffit lighting and dim interior lighting at night, which could produce the exterior reflective nature of the film at night if the lighting balance was correct.

Q:

Can window film be applied to textured glass?

A:

Unfortunately, no is the only answer here. Film needs a flat surface to adhere to. Every void, no matter how small, between the film and the glass and leave the adhesive exposed and will allow the rest of the film to release over time.