Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Window Film and Solar Screens?
Window Film
- Enhances the aesthetics of your home
- Reduces more heat
- Clear views from inside
- Applied to inside of glass with limited cleaning restrictions
- Window film provides additional safety protection by holding glass in place when broken
- Our products are completely safe for dual-paned glass, including Low-E
- Our product comes with a lifetime labor and materials warranty from the mfg
Solar Screens
- Unattractive
- Heat reduction not what they claim
- Distorted views from inside
- Must be removed to clean your windows
- Window cleaners charge extra to remove them
- Collects dirt and debris, susceptible to damage in extreme weather
- Their lifetime warranty is only on the screen material, not the cost to rescreen
Can Window Film reduce the heat and lower my energy costs?
A simple and commonly overlooked way to reduce the sun’s effects and to lower energy bills is to apply Solar Window Film. Window film, manufactured specifically for residential and commercial applications, is designed to block sunlight and associated heat, glare and UV rays. According to the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, 40% of unwanted heat enters your home through the windows. Window film is applied on the inside of your windows and glass doors and can reject up to 79% of the total solar energy. An application of solar window film can typically, 6” from the glass, drop the temperature up to 18 degrees. Different types of clear glass and dual pane window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat.
Are Solar Screens more effective than Window Film?
No. Solar screens get their performance by cutting visible light and absorption. Since visible light is only responsible for 44% of heat, the claim of 80% – 90% heat reduction is misleading. Further, solar screens cut at most 70% of UV light, the major cause of fading. Window film keeps out 99%+ of UV light all the time. Solar screens effectiveness varies with the angle of the sun. Window film is constantly effective regardless of the angle.
Can Window Film really reduce sun damage in my home?
There are six factors that cause fading of fabrics, carpet, wood, etc.
- Ultraviolet Light
- Visible Light
- Heat and Humidity
- Chemical Vapors (including ozone)
- Age of Fabric
- Dye Fastness
Clear single pane glass (1/8″ to 1/4″) will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Window films installed on glass reject 99.9% of solar ultraviolet light. No window film can eliminate fading. It can, however, offer maximum protection from fading due to solar ultraviolet light and solar heat.
Does Window Film cause seal failure and glass breakage?
Window film has never been proven to cause seal failure. Windows seals fail (foggy windows) at the same rate, whether they have window film or not, and glass breakage or thermal cracks are caused by defective windows not film. Our window film manufacturer offers up to a 5 year glass breakage and 3 year seal failure warranty on windows installed by American Tinters.
How is film applied to the glass?
Professional installation is the key to satisfaction. Proper cleaning of the glass is an essential part of quality film installation. Once the glass is prepared the installer will precisely cut the film to the exact size of each piece of glass. When the release liner is removed from the film, the adhesive side of the film is applied to the inside surface of the glass with the aid of a mounting solution which is then squeegeed out. The film requires a period of time to dry. During this drying process there may be changes in the optical clarity. A hazy appearance may occur which is normal and will go away. Professionally installed films look better longer and are more likely to perform to specifications for their warranted lives, or even longer, than those improperly installed. Spectrum professional installers have experience and training which can help them to identify unique or unusual circumstances which might affect either the installation or performance of a particular product in a given situation. Installation of window film is clean and unobtrusive and most homes can be completed in one day.
Isn’t window film expensive?
No. The average installation cost less than most other window treatments. Actually, your investment in window film will return dividends in the form of reduced air conditioning cost, and protection against costly fading.
How long will window film last?
Llumar window films, professionally installed by Houstinters.com, should last as long as the window; the window films we install are backed by a manufacturer’s lifetime written warranty for as long as you own your home.
Will window film make my house seem dark inside?
Technological advances in window film allow you to enjoy virtually clear, un-tinted and non-reflective glass with all the fading and heat protection offered by darker, reflective films. If you desire a dark film or any shade in between we have a full line of different grades to choose from. Our experienced residential film representative can help you choose a film that is right for you.
Do I need film if I have low-E glass?
Low-emission glass has a microscopically thin coating of metal oxide on its surface that purports to reflect heat back into the room. However, it does not block heat from entering the room by way of the sun’s radiation. It does block some percentage of UV rays, but not nearly the 99%+ that our window films block.
Can I have my dual pane windows tinted?
Yes. Our residential window films are designed to be safe for dual pane installations and carry warranties that match existing window manufacturers’ coverage. Call us for complete details.
How do I clean my windows after they have been tinted?
After installation, you can clean your windows using any common commercial window cleaning fluid, or with vinegar and water, or soap and water. Avoid abrasive materials, and cheap paper towels (which tend to be abrasive).
Post-Installation Cleaning Instructions: Do not clean your windows within 30 days of the installation. Waiting at least 30 days helps secure the adhesive’s curing process.
Cleaning Solutions: Most all standard cleaning solutions can be used. However, the most effective and economical cleaning solution for window film is 1/2 ounce of liquid dish soap added to 1 quart of fresh water.
Cleaning Materials: A clean, soft cloth or a clean, synthetic sponge is recommended for washing the window film, followed by another clean, soft cloth or appropriate rubber squeegee for drying. Never use abrasive materials to clean your film. Do not use bristle brushes, abrasive scrubbing sponges, cheap paper towels, or any other cleaning materials that could scratch the film. Some brands of paper towels are coarse enough to put fine scratches into the film. While these scratches might be too thin to see initially, over time they can damage the polished look of the film. Always use clean, soft, gentle materials to wash and dry your window film.
