FAQ

Most window films are applied to the inside glass surface of a window. As the sunlight hits the glass surface, four basic things occur:

  1. Sunlight hits the window and a part of its energy is reflected away from the window
  2. The glass absorbs some of the sun’s energy
  3. A portion of the sun’s solar energy is transmitted thru the window film and into the room
  4. Part of the sun’s energy is absorbed by the window film and part is reradiated in and out of the room.

  • Reduces fading of carpets, upholstery, and interior furnishings
  • Rejects from 98-99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays
  • Reduces your energy bill thereby helping to keep you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer
  • Increases your comfort by helping to eliminate “hot spots”
  • Rejects up to 80% of the sun’s solar energy
  • Reduces the sun’s glare
  • Increases your level of privacy
  • Enhances the appearance of a building by creating a uniform appearance
  • Provides improved safety when glass is broken

Fading is a complex issue. Each and every material will fade at different rates from exposure to ultraviolet radiation as well as other contributing factors. An example of this is the different color dyes in fabrics. Red and green colors tend to fade faster the other colors.
Factors that cause fading include:

  • 40% of all fading is caused by UV Radiation (Window Films reject up to 98% of UV rays)
  • 25% of fading is caused by heat (Window Films reject up to 77% of the sun’s heat)
  • 25% of fading is caused by visible light (Window Films help reduce the glare and brightness)
  • 10% of fading is caused by a variety of factors including artificial light, fabric dyes, age of the fabrics and the humidity in your home or office.

Most window films have a scratch resistant coating on the outside surface of the film. This scratch resistant coating is used to protect the film from normal wear and tear. However, care and caution must still be used in cleaning the surface of the glass on which film has been applied to reduce possible damage:

Use any normal household glass cleaning solutions or plain soapy water.

  • Do not use any solution that contains abrasive material, such as baking soda, Comet, Softscrub, etc. Also, do not use anything sharp such a razor blades or scrubbing pads.
  • Use soft clean lint-free towels or synthetic sponges to apply cleaning solutions.
  • Use a soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee for drying the glass. Care must be taken when using a squeegee, as to not gouge the film with any sharp metal edges.

While most window film companies use scratch-resistant films, you should ask to make sure. If a company has an extra charge for a scratch-resistant film, you may wish to contact a few more companies for quotes. With today’s technology, scratch-resistant films are considered standard.

Yes,  Kansas city window film will definitely help improve the comfort of your home or business.

The biggest problem in controlling comfort in homes and businesses is dealing with the radiant heat from the sun. The energy generated by the sun literally pours through windows and is absorbed by all it touches. The greater the glass area of a home or building, the more the potential for excessive radiant heat gain.

One of the most outstanding characteristics of solar control window film is its ability to regulate or control the amount of solar energy that passes through the glass.
Your window tinting professional should be able to assist you in choosing the right window film to help with your comfort needs.

Film Dry-Out Time

During the installation process, your dealer will remove as much of the mounting solution as possible, although a small amount will remain.

Trapped installation moisture can cause small water bubbles and/or a slightly cloudy look.  This is normal and should be expected.  Do not attempt to pierce a water bubble during the dry-out period.  Water bubbles and a cloudy look will eventually dissipate.  Attempting to pierce a water bubble in an effort to drain moisture will damage your film.  This damage is not covered by the warranty.  Any haziness you see is water under the film.  You will see less and less of this as the days pass.  All water bubbles will dry out, but a few small particles or points may be apparent when dry.  These points are very tiny and are inherent in the use of a water-activatable pressure sensitive adhesive system.  An adhesive of this type is used because it is the only one that will withstand high humidity and window condensation. An edge gap 1/16 to1/8 th Recommended around the film, the light will be more noticeable with a darker film.

Climate Conditions and Dry-Out Time

Cold and non-sunny weather conditions can lengthen the dry-out time.  Warm weather and direct sun light exposure will shorten the dry-out time.  If slow drying occurs, do not become alarmed.  The trapped moisture will dry-out completely.  Film type selection and climate conditions will determine the dry-out period.  Dry-out times can vary from a few days to as much as 3 months.  Panorama safety films will always have a longer dry-out period due to the increased thickness of the film.

Cleaning

Do not clean the film for 30 days after installation.  This will help secure proper curing of the special mounting adhesive to the glass.

Cleaning Solutions

Most glass cleaners will work well, although a good cleaning solution for window film is ½ ounce of liquid dish soap added to 1 quart of fresh water.

Cleaning Materials

Always use fresh clean, soft materials to wash and dry your window film surfaces.  A soft cloth or a clean synthetic sponge is recommended for washing the window film followed by another clean soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee for drying.

To avoid scratching the film, do not use bristle brushes, abrasive scrubbing brushes or any cleaning materials that may have been contaminated with dirt particles, as is commonly the case when washing interior and exterior windows with the same cleaning materials.  Some brands of paper towels are course enough to put fine scratches in the film, even films with Durogard® protective hard coat finish.  While these scratches may be too thin to be seen at the beginning, they can damage the polished look of the film over time.

Glass breakage can occur as the result of many different factors. Some of the most common causes of glass breakage are:

  • Twisting stress from building movements
  • Tensile stress from the weight of the glass itself
  • Mechanical flexing stress; i.e. from the wind or pressure
  • Impact stress from flying objects
  • Thermal stress from absorption of solar radiation

While there are many different events that can contribute to glass breakage, the above are some of the primary causes of glass breakage.

The manufacturers of window films utilize numerous types of scratch resistant coatings during the manufacturing process. This scratch resistant coating is applied to the exterior surface of the window film to protect the film from normal wear and tear and abuse by humans or by the natural environment.

While most quality films are scratch resistant, no window film is entirely “scratch proof”. With a small amount of care and precaution, window film can provide you with years of service and protection.

Generally speaking, the application of window film will not have an affect on the growth of most indoor plants.

New growth and flowering may be retarded in the initial days after your window film is applied as the plant adjusts. In some cases where plants are in constant, direct light for long periods of time which causes wilting, the plant may actually thrive after window film is installed.

Where there is concern about possible plant growth being affected, it is recommended that owners move the plant, as a test, to another part of the room to simulate a less lighted area before the window film is applied. This move will help to judge what the potential affects might be. In addition, it may be wise to consult a local nursery for advice, which is also recommended in the case of exotic plants.

Many windows, especially those on storefronts, have stickers, decals, burglar tape, and other such items on the glass. Depending on the circumstances, these might have to be removed.

Your window tinting professional should discuss the potential problems with you and determine what to do with any decals. If they are not highly raised above the glass, window film can be applied over them. However, this will create a poorer bond on the decal than on the glass. More highly raised stickers should be scraped off.

Burglar tape and alarm contacts are also found on windows. Tape is usually only slightly raised above the surface of the glass. Film can be installed over such an irregular surface, but customers should be advised that the installation will not be tip quality. Alarm contacts, however, should be removed before applying film, but should not be done by the window film installer. It is better to ask you, the customer, to contact your security company to remove and replace the alarm contacts.

The application of window film to the outside surface of some windows may also be considered.

Most window film manufacturers make a few products for exterior applications. As these films are subjected to an extreme amount of weathering and may easily be abused because of their location, or as a result of careless window cleaning, they have a somewhat limited life. These products generally have limited warranties for shorter periods of time.

Weather conditions need to be considered in the installation of exterior window films. When an exterior application is needed, high winds, cold temperatures (outside air temperature less than 40 F), rain and snow can prevent installations from being scheduled. Please remember your window film professional is at the mercy of ‘Mother Nature’.

While all interior window films have a protective scratch resistant coating they are still subject to physical abuse and damage. A problem can occur when foreign matters are applied to the film or inside window. This is a very real issue for commercial retail accounts such as convenience stores, fast-food outlets, grocery stores, clothing stores where the use of “merchandising signs” is a common practice-such as special offers, holiday sales, etc.

Signs such as ‘static cling’, are preferable and should cause no damage to the window film if properly applied and removed. When other types of signs are applied and removed. When other types of signs are applied using various tapes with a ‘sticky’ adhesive, as the tape is removed it leaves a residue or adhesive on the window film. This residue will eventually attract dust and other airborne particles giving the area a cloudy appearance. Such tape residue can only be removed with a cleaning solvent such as “Goo Gone”, taking precautions to use a soft cloth or paper towels to dry the window. Some types of tape do no leave a residue. However, if at all possible, tape should be avoided. Signs which are affixed to the glass by suction cup devices should not damage the window film and are recommended.

Window films are available at a variety of automotive self-service stores as well as many home improvement stores for the do-it-yourselfer.

Window films that are available at automotive self-service stores are very limited.

The selection of window films that are available at home improvement stores do not come with any type of manufacturers warranty. These films also come in a very limited selection.

Only your window tinting professional can offer the quality, variety of selection, and manufacturer-backed warranty that gives you the best window film for your money. Though the process of installing window film for your money. Though the process of installing window film appears quite simple, your window tinting professional has the training and expertise along with years of service to provide you with the best films available. Most high quality window films are available with superior warranties as well as glass and seal-failure warranties.