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Window Film Questions and Answers
An online mail order window film distributor’s website says installing window film is easy. So why can’t I just buy some window film online and install it myself?
Well, there are websites that will sell you rolls of window film. But if you are interested in obtaining the unique performance characteristics and industry-leading warranty coverage of 3M window films, your film must be installed by a 3M authorized dealer.
On a more practical note, most people intuitively understand that installing large sheets of an adhesive-backed material requires practice and patience. The “money back satisfaction guarantee” promoted by one prominent mail order window film website only applies to unused window film.
Finally, you may want to seriously consider this direct quote from the same mail order window film company’s website:
The application of [window] films will result in additional [stresses] being placed on glazing systems. Customers who require a comprehensive warranty … should contact a professional solar film installer, rather than installing their own films.
Our factory certified applicators are thoroughly trained and experienced in applying advanced window films. Installation by a factory authorized applicator is required in order to obtain the full coverage and benefits of 3M Window Film warranties.
How long does it take for 3M Window Films to dry?
We suggest you allow at least 30 days for the film to fully dry and cure. During this curing process, you may see small water bubbles and a hazy appearance. This is normal and any bubbles and haze will disappear as the film dries. Depending upon the film type and weather conditions, drying may take up to 45 days or just a few days. Once dry, your 3M Window Film will look great and can be expected ot perform for many years.
How do I clean my 3M Window Film?
After the curing period (see above), you can clean 3M Window Films with normal household cleaning solutions (including ammonia-based products like Windex®) using a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. You may also use a squeegee to clean the films. Do not use abrasive products that might scratch or tear the film.
How do 3M Scotchtint Sun Control Films work?
3M Scotchtint Sun Control Films are designed to reduce the amount of solar heat transmission through window glass by increasing the solar reflection (not necessarily visible reflection) and solar absorption through the glass.
Typical colored or dyed films work primarily through increased absorption. The color absorbs the solar energy at the glass, thus reducing the direct transmission into the room. These films are not as effective as reflective films for reducing heat.
Reflective films are films that have been precision coated with metals. These metallized films are designed to increase the solar energy reflection of the glass. 3M Scotchtint Reflective Films range from moderate to excellent in solar performance (heat gain reduction).
All 3M Scotchtint Sun Control Films are made to be transparent and optically clear. The ultraviolet protection in the adhesive system is there to protect the adhesive, the metals, the polyester film, and the abrasion resistant coating from UV degradation. This UV protection will also help protect home and office furnishings.
Most 3M Window Films are protected with our patented abrasion resistant coating that provides long-term durability and maintained appearance.
How do 3M Scotchtint Plus All Season (LE) Films work?
3M Scotchtint Plus All Season Films, or Low E Films, work much in the same way as the Sun Control Films except that they offer an increased performance against cold weather heat loss. The patented construction of these films enables the metal coating to reflect more of the interior room heat back into the room where it is needed. This improves personal comfort by reducing drafts near windows, and can help 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.
Why do commercial customers have 3M Scotchtint Film applied to their buildings?
- Lower heating and cooling operating costs
- Lower utility demand costs
- Utility rebates
- Improved tenant comfort
- Improved aesthetics, uniform appearance
- Improved safety and security
- Extended air conditioning equipment life
- Valued alternative to adding more air conditioning equipment
Most often, our commercial customers will purchase 3M Window Films for tenant comfort and justify the purchase through energy cost savings.
How long will it take to recoup my window film investment through energy cost savings?
Your payback period depends upon a variety of factors: the surface areas and orientation (direction) of your window surfaces, type of window film, type of glass and current energy costs. That said, most 3M Window Film applications will achieve total energy cost savings equal to your investment within two to five years. In some cases—for example, a large west-facing expanse of glass—property owners have reported payback periods as short as six months.
We can give you a better idea of your potential energy cost savings after inspecting your site.
How are 3M Window Films applied?
Most 3M Window Films are designed to be applied to the inside of your glass. The first step is to prepare the window area by placing drop cloths to protect the floor and furniture, and moving furniture where necessary.
Next, the window glass is cleaned with a common ammonia-based cleaning solution, aided by razor blade scrapers. Once the glass surface is clean, the film’s backing is carefully removed and the film is sprayed with a detergent and water “slip” solution that makes positioning the film on the glass easier.
Now, the film sheet is applied to the window glass—a step that is easy to describe but requires great skill and patience. If you have ever experienced the frustration associated with a piece of adhesive tape becoming wrinkled and sticking to itself, imagine working with sheets of adhesive-backed material the size of windows.
Finally, using a professional grade squeegee and proper technique, the application is completed by removing excess water and trimming and drying the edges.
How long do 3M Window Films last?
Our 3M Prestige and other premium 3M Window Films carry a lifetime residential warranty for the original owner. And all 3M Window Films are engineered and manufactured to last for many years. Just how long your film will last depends upon several factors, including:
- type of glass the film is applied to
- the specific film product’s characteristics
- local climate
Most 3M Window Film applications can be expected to last 10 years or more, with many applications still performing well after 15 years. All interior applications have a warranty period of at least 10 years. Exterior application warranty coverage is limited to two years.
What is the warranty for 3M Window Film?
3M Window Films are warranted to maintain their solar properties without bubbling, peeling, cracking, or crazing. Many of our films are warranted against discoloration, too. (Those which do not use dyed polyesters). Should the product proved to be defective, 3M and the authorized 3M Scotchtint dealer will replace the film and provide the reapplication labor free of charge.
Seller also warrants against glass failure due to thermal shock fracture or seal failure (maximum value of $500 per window) caused only as a direct result of the application of 3M Scotchtint films (or 3M Scotchshield Films) provided the film is applied to recommended types of glass and the glass failure is reported to the seller within the specified time (listed below) from the start of the installation.
Sixty (60) months coverage against thermal shock fracture 40 months coverage against seal failure if covered by original window manufacturer There is a consumer deductible of $25.00 (or 5% of the replacement cost, whichever is greater) per claim.
Any glass failure covered by this warranty must be reviewed by Seller prior to repair, and only covers film and glass replacement.
Optional Platinum Warranty - Residential Applications Only
The 3M Platinum Warranty matches the terms and conditions of the residential customer’s existing window manufacturer’s warranty for just 35 cents per square foot of surface area. Platinum coverage provides continuous coverage on new windows and peace of mind, knowing that 3M Window Film is protecting your investment.
Can 3M Window Films cause glass to break?
Glass breakage during window film application is very unlikely. However, we have experienced rare instances of glass cracking after window film installation. Here’s what happens: Solar control window films increase the temperature of glass surfaces exposed to direct sunlight. Higher temperatures subject the glass to additional stress, especially at the edges. This stress is called thermal shock. Glass may crack under thermal shock if scratches or other flaws exist along the edge surfaces. Factors that can increase the risk of glass breakage as a result of thermal shock include:
- condition of glass edge surfaces
- exterior and interior shading
- glass history (e.g. age and handling)
- type of film
- size and shape of glass
- indoor and outdoor air temperatures
3M’s 41 years of field experience with window films—longer than any other manufacturer—arm us with the knowledge to recommend the appropriate 3M Window Film product for every glass type, thickness and size. And you can have peace of mind knowing that our recommendations are backed up by a 60-month warranty against glass fractures caused by thermal shock. This warranty covers glass replacement cost up to $500 per window, with a five percent deductible ($25 minimum) per claim. We will replace the window film at no charge.
Do 3M Window Films cause seal failure when applied to insulated (double-pane, Thermopane) windows?
No. 3M Window Films do not cause seal failure. Millions of square feet of 3M Window Films have been applied to insulated windows since the late 1960s, without any evidence that these films cause seal failure.
3M solar control window films applied to the inner pane of an insulated glass window will increase absorption of solar energy and raise the temperature of the glass pane. Some of this heat will transmit to the airspace, slightly raising the airspace temperature. However, even a highly unusual 20°F increase in airspace temperature will result in an air pressure change of less than three percent. Insulated windows are designed and tested to withstand air pressure changes of up to 22 percent.
The risk of insulated window seal failure is primarily a function of product quality. Cheap windows are more likely to experience seal failure. The best way to reduce this risk is to invest in quality windows from a manufacturer with an established track record building insulated windows.
Will 3M Window Films prevent fading of my home furnishings?
Nothing completely prevents fading. However, 3M’s solar control window film products are specifically engineered to reduce fading. Absent physical wear and tear, you can expect our solar control window films to extend the life of your sunlight-exposed indoor fabrics and surfaces by two to five times.
Fading is caused by the following factors; the percentages indicating the relative significance of each factor:
- 40% ultraviolet light
- 25% visible light
- 25% solar heat energy
- 10% other
“Other” factors that contribute to fading include humidity, airborne pollutants and interior lighting, and the chemical stability of surface materials, finishes and color dyes.
Does the ultraviolet protection in your window films lose its effectiveness over time?
No. The ultraviolet (UV) protection ingredients in 3M’s proprietary adhesive systems do not lose effectiveness over time. In fact, an actual 10-year old glass sample from The Dumbarton House in Washington, DC was tested and the ultraviolet transmission still measured less than one percent.
How do 3M Scotchshield (Ultra) Safety and Security Window Films work?
3M Scotchshield Ultra Safety and Security Window Films are designed to make glass shatter-resistant by holding the glass pieces together when broken.
Compared to 3M Scotchtint films, 3M Scotchshield Window Films are made with thicker polyester and a much thicker, more aggressive adhesive, 3M Scotchshield Ultra Films are unique in the industry; they are built using a special micro-layered polyester technology which increases the films’ tear resistance significantly. Pound for pound, the impact and tear resistance of Scotchshield Ultra films outperform all other films of similar thickness.
Are 3M Scotchshield (Ultra) Films hurricane-proof? Bullet-proof? Burglar-proof?
No. 3M Scotchshield Ultra Films are not hurricane-proof, earthquake-proof, bullet-proof, bomb-proof, or burglar-proof. Again, they are designed to make the window glass more shatter-resistant.
In the event of a windstorm, these films may have significant safety and security value. They can reduce the risk of injury from wind-propelled shards of broken glass, and possibly help prevent debris and water penetration through the window depending on the severity of the storm (and the type of glass, framing system, size and velocity of objects, and more).
In an earthquake, these films can reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possible prevent glass from falling out of a home or building. Again, much may depend upon the severity of the quake (and the type of glass, framing system, and more, too).
As for bullets: These films are not designed to stop bullets.
3M Scotchshield Films were originally developed to address international concerns and needs for improved safety and security against terrorist acts of bombings. These films can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of glass due to blasts, however, much depends upon the severity of the blast and the proximity of the window glass to the blast (and glass type, framing system, and more too).
3M Scotchshield Ultra Films are a low profile, high performance measure of security in the battle against “smash and grab” crime. The tough, shatter-resistant qualities of the film can hold the window glass together even if a brick (or similar object) were actually to pass through the glass. The thief must now make a choice; continue to attack this window, try another window, or move on. Time is short, and often they move on. However, if they are determined to gain entry, they will get in. It is generally recommended that the property have proper alarm systems in addition to Scotchshield ultra Window Film.
Will 3M Scotchshield® (Ultra) Film keep my glass from breaking?
This is difficult to answer with any degree of certainty. Window glass strength varies from piece to piece and lot to lot, even for pieces of similar type and thickness. If a window protected with 3M Scotchshield® is impacted and does not break—even in a controlled test setting—it is difficult to determine if the glass, the film, or some combination of the two is responsible. That said, 3M Scotchshield® Ultra Film demonstrates its superior protective features when breakage does occur.
Does 3M actually manufacture all its window film products?
Yes. 3M is the only manufacturer that produces all of its raw materials: polyesters, adhesives, metals and scratch-resistant coatings. This provides 3M with a level of quality control and product consistency that other manufacturers simply cannot match. What’s more, 3M Window Film is backed by a warranty that covers 100 percent of materials and labor. It’s the most comprehensive warranty you can get.
3M was awarded the very first patent in 1966 for window film, so no company has more window film experience. And 3M is the undisputed world leader in adhesives technology, so you can rest assured that 3M Window Films are safe for your windows and can be trusted to help protect your family and your property.