FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is window film made of?
Different polyesters are transformed during the manufacturing process to produce a thin, transparent film that adheres to glass when a pressure sensitive adhesive is activated by a mild solution of baby shampoo and water.
Do you install window film on the inside or outside of a home/building?
Window film is installed on the interior side of a window. Since window film is a finished product, it should be installed after all other nearby interior construction is complete.
Can you apply window film to Low-E/Tinted glass?
Absolutely! Window film will enhance the energy performance and fade control properties of your Low-E/Tinted glass after installation.
If I have Low-E glass do I even need window film?
It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Low-E glass and window film’s best attributes are different. Low-E glass is a great insulator (keeping heat inside in the winter and a/c inside in the summer). A good Low-E window can have a U-Value as low as 0.27, where traditional film will have a U-Value around 0.50 (lower the number the better). Window film outperforms Low-E glass significantly in reducing the sun’s energy coming inside your home. A traditional window film will reject 99% of the Ultra Violet Rays, and a good Low-E window will reject around 58% of the Ultra Violet Rays. Another major component of the sun’s energy entering your home is solar heat. Window films have a solar heat gain coefficient as high as 0.47 and as low as 0.33, and a good Low-E window will have a solar heat gain coefficient around 0.70 (lower the number the better). To sum up, Low-E is a great at keeping the energy from your furnace and air conditioner from escaping outside through your glass, and window film is great at keeping the energy outside from entering through your glass.
Does 3M Window Films cause seal failure when applied to insulated (double-pane/Thermo pane) windows?
No, 3M Window Films do not cause seal failure. 3M Window Films have been installed to insulated windows for over 30 years with several millions of square feet applied to date. When recommended films are applied to the inside pane of an insulated glass unit, there will be some absorption of the sun’s energy, which will increase the temperature of the glass pane. Some of this heat will transmit to the airspace, slightly raising the airspace temperature. However, even a 20 F degree increase (unusual for most films) will result in a less than 3% change in air pressure, whereas properly made units are designed and tested to withstand 22% changes in air pressure.
Will my energy costs decrease?
Absolutely! The amount of money saved depends upon the type of film chosen and certain property-specific variables (location, orientation, existing energy costs, HVAC system, thermostat placement, etc.). On commercial buildings we have seen paybacks in a two to five year period.
How do I clean window film after installation?
Window films may be washed with any kind of window cleaner (including ammonia-based products). Avoid using anything abrasive such as steel wool, razor blades, scouring pads, etc. Paper towels, soft cloths, squeegees, and micro fiber materials work well.
What is the life expectancy of 3M Window Film?
The life expectancy of 3M window film is dependent upon multiple variables such as climate, exposure to sun, etc. You can expect an average life expectancy for twenty years and beyond. Of course all 3M films come with a lifetime residential warranty and anywhere between a ten to fifteen year warranty for a commercial installation (warranty type depends on the film of choice)
Will my furniture/floor fade be reduced?
Absolutely! The amount of reduction depends on the type of film. Fading is caused by multiple factors in sunlight (see chart below). 3M Window Films can mitigate 90% of the factors that cause fading.
