Frequently Asked Questions
1. Q. Will window film really stop fading of fabrics?
A. No window film can totally eliminate fading. It can, however, offer maximum protection from fading by reducing ultraviolet light, solar heat and glare.
2. Q. How long will film last?
A. The effective life of window film will vary based on.
• Film Type
• Window Construction
• Compass Orientation
• Climate Use any normal glass cleaning solution or cloth, which contains no abrasive materials.
There are documented cases of film lasting 12 to 22 years or more in some instances.
3. Q. How should I clean my windows after film is applied?
A. The availability of scratch resistant coatings as a standard feature of quality films has virtually eliminated the need for extra special precautions in cleaning.
4. Q. Will 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 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.
5. Q. Can Window Film be used on Low E windows?
A. Whether window film should be used on low E windows and how much you will benefit depends on three factors:
1. Type of low E surface used on glass.
2. Location of low E surface in the window system.
3. The desired amount of heat gain reduction, heat loss reduction, or other film benefits.
There are two basic types of low E surfaces on glass. One of these is a conductive coating put on glass as it is being made. It gives some heat loss reduction, but does little to reduce heat gain into a building. The second type is a more complex system of multiple layers of metals and conductive coatings deposited on glass after it has been made. This type of low E glass gives heat reductions of 30% to 50% in addition to reducing heat loss. Obviously there will be more heat gain reduction using film on the first type. If there is any question about the type you may have, ask your glass company or the window manufacturer to send you the specific information about your glass.
6. Q. Will window films cause glass to break?
A. 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, 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.
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.
