Common Questions about Window Film/Tinting Products and Installation
Generally, the film is applied to the window’s interior except when impractical. 3M window films/tinting last about 20-30 years. Most importantly, 3M offers comprehensive warranties for film products and installation – one more reason Solar Art confidently stands behind their products.
Can I install 3M Window Film myself?
3M™ requires that these window films be applied by trained and experienced installers. At Solar Art, all of our installers are highly qualified and experienced. From the moment you call our office, until our installers finish, we are ready to prove that we provide the best window film installation in the Bay Area. Contact us at Solar Art, we will work with you and your budget to find and install the 3M window film product that best suits your needs.
3M window films can be applied to most windows systems – single or double pane. Generally, the film is applied to the window’s interior except when impractical.
How Do I Clean My Window Film?
After thirty (30) days, you may clean 3M Films using normal household cleaning solutions, including ammonia based products: e.g., Windex, and a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. You may also use a squeegee to clean the films. Abrasive products which would scratch or damage the film should not be used.
How is the window film tinting applied?
3M films are professionally applied by skilled, authorized 3M Dealers. Almost all of our films are designed to be applied to the inside of your glass.
The first step is to prepare the window area for the application; placing drop cloths on the floor protecting and/or moving furniture where necessary.
Next, the window glass is cleaned using simple cleaning solutions (often water and ammonia) and razor blade scrapers. Then the film is sprayed with a slip solution (detergent and water) for proper positioning, and applied to the window glass. Using a professional grade squeegee and following proper techniques, the application is completed by removing excess water, trimming the edges, and a final squeegee technique to dry the edges.
How long does it take for 3M Window Films to dry?
We suggest allowing thirty days for the film to fully dry and cure. During this curing process, it is normal to have small water bubbles and/or a hazy appearance. These will disappear as the film dries; depending upon the film type and weather conditions, drying may take as much as 30 (or even 45) days, or as little as a few days. Once dried, 3M Window Films will look great and perform for many years to come.
How Long Do Window films Last?
3M Window Films are made to last for many years. The exact length of time depends upon the type of film applied, window orientation, type of glass it is applied to and the particular climate in which it is applied. Most applications last well beyond the warranty length.
Can I put window film on my Low-E windows?
The location of the low E surface in your window system is 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 interfere with the heat loss reduction of the glass itself.
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.
3M™ Sun Control All Season Window Films, 3M Low E film offers an better performance against cold weather and heat loss. The patented constructions of these films enable the metal coating to reflect more of the interior room heat back into the room where it is needed. This improves comfort by reducing potential draft feelings near the window, and may also save on fuel costs, especially in commercial buildings. The LE films are also protected with our abrasion resistant coating for long term durability and maintained appearance
Will window film cause my window seal to crack
No, 3M Window Films do not cause seal failure. We’ve been applying 3M Window Films to insulated windows for many years with several millions of square feet of film applied to date.
When recommended films are applied to the inside pane of an insulated glass unit, there will be some absorption (except with clear safety films) 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.
Risk of seal failure is greatly determined by the quality of workmanship and the quality of the materials that go into building the insulated glass units. The best guard against seal failure is to purchase well-made units from reputable window manufacturers that have solid experience and histories with insulated units.
Will window film cause my windows to break?
The application of 3M Window Films will increase the temperature of your sunlit glass which will increase the stress on the glass edges. The quality of those glass edges and several other factors (external shading, interior shading, glass history, type of film, size/shape of glass, indoor/outdoor temperature) all contribute to the potential risk of glass breakage.
3M’s forty plus years of experience with applying 3M Window Films to different types of glass enables us to make proper film/glass recommendations and minimize the potential for glass breakage. In addition, we support these recommendations with our 60-month glass breakage warranty against thermal shock fracture. Should the glass break within 60-months of application, 3M; will replace the glass (maximum $500.00), and the dealer will replace the film