Questions & Answers about Window Films

When I decided to install window films on my home, I did my research, asked my questions, and thought I had every thing covered-----That was until I left the shop and realized I had more questions. So that I would not forget what I wanted to know, I wrote down these questions. It wasnt until a few months later when a co-worker was also having window films installed that he asked me some of the very same questions I had written down. Below are these questions along with the answers that you may find useful.

1. When installing window films myself, what can I do to make the job a success and stress free?

The first thing you can do to make any home improvement job or any job a success is to READ the INSTRUCTIONS. I realize this may go against the grain of a lot of people, however, different manufactures have different application instructions. Usually the application instructions are rolled up within the film, so you will have to unroll the film in order to find and read them.

The next thing you can do, is gather all the tools you will need before you begin the project and mix or purchase any application solution. Make sure that you have plenty of solution to complete the job. You want to use a very generous amount of the solution to keep the glass and adhesive wet during application, then you will need to wet the outside of the film so that the squeegee will move smoothly over the film. In addition, make sure that you have some one who can and is willing to help you with this project. Two people working will make the job simpler.

If this is your first time applying window film, it may be best that you practice the application process, using small pieces of extra window film.

2. Is there a better time during the day to apply film?

Window film can be applied year-round. However, it is best to apply the film when the glass is cool. Therefore, during the summer, you want to apply the film in the early morning before the heat of the day such as before 9 A.M. or after the heat of the day like after 8 P.M. Likewise, never apply the film when the outside temperatures are below freezing for any period of time as the adhesive can Freeze or crystallize and flake off the film. You also do not want to apply the film in direct sunlight as this can cause the soapy solution to quickly evaporate.

3. Do I really need to trim a gap around the film edge?

The answer to this is a definite YES.

The reason, (as I found out) is so that you can squeegee all the water out from under the film. Without the small gap around the perimeter edges, the water remains trapped under the film and as the sun warms the water, it creates bubbles that are impossible to remove especially after the film has cured. Over time, these air bubbles can increase in size and trap dirt under them. So to avoid the problems that I had, including having to remove all of the film and reapplying it, you should trim the film, leaving a small gap around the edges so that you can squeegee all of the water from under the film. ** TIP** To help remove more water from around the edges, wrap a paper coffee filter around the edge of the squeegee blade.

4. How do you clean window films?

The best way to clean the film is to use the soapy application solution you made and a rubber squeegee. Thoroughly spray the window you are cleaning with the solution and a disposable clothe, then rub the window to loosen any dirt or grease. Spray the window again and then squeegee off the solution. You can use a lint-free towels or paper coffee filters to wipe away any remaining soap solution.

If you use an Ammonia-based window cleaner, do not allow the cleaner to sit on the film more than 1-2 minutes.

5. How long should window films last?

The answer to this question depends on the quality of window film youve installed, how much sun exposure it receives, the climate in your area, and how often it is cleaned and maintained. A medium quality window film that is cleaned on a regular basis should last up to 15 years or longer if the window receives indirect sunlight instead of direct sunlight. Lower quality films may need to be replaces within 5 years. If the purpose of the window film is to absorb UV rays, then, even if you have a medium quality film you may need to replace the film every 5 years because the protection level has of the window film can decreased to about 70% UV reduction. Again, this depends on how much direct sun exposure the window receives.

6. Can window films harm indoor plants?

Dark films and glare control films will block too much sunlight. Normal heat reducing window film should not harm indoor plants. However, you may have to move your plants closer to the window especially during the winter months.

7. Can window film be applied to plexiglass?

Most window film adhesive was not designed for use on Plexiglass, acrylic, and lexan windows. This is because any changes in temperature can cause the plexiglass to expand at a different rate than the film, thus causing the film stretch. If you want to apply window film to plexiglass, then you have to make sure the film that you purchase is formulated for use on plexiglass, acrylic, and/or lexan windows.

8. Can I put window film on my skylight?

This question goes back to question # 7, as many skylights are made of plexiglass. If the window film you are applying can be used on plexiglass, or if your skylight is made from single or double pane glass, then the next questions should concern your personal safety. Do you have the require tools, and experience to work standing on a ladder more than 7 feet above the floor, and do you have the required help as this job will require 2 people. If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you should consider hiring a contractor or window film installer to do the job for you.

9. Is it normal for the window film to feel warm on hot days?

Yes. All films will feel very warm, when the windows are hot. In addition, if the window is in direct sunlight, the window film can even feel warm on cold winter days. This is because the films block the transfer of heat. Depending on how well the film reduces heat gain will depend on how warm or hot they will feel. Metallized heat control films will have the lowest heat gain properties therefore, they reflect the greatest amount of heat and will feel warmer to the touch. Films that only control glare however, do not contain metal, and therefore do not reflect as much heat and will not feel as warm to the touch, but will still feel warm.

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