After more than 40 years working as professional, Bay Area window tint and window film installers, we’ve heard just about every question in the books. As a result, we can sum most of the answers up in seven of the most frequently asked questions about commercial and residential window film.
7 Commonly Asked Questions About Window Film
If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, contact a licensed window film installer in your area, or feel free to visit our blog where we update information about window film technology on a regular basis.
Does window film void my window warranty or damage the window?
Replacing windows is a significant investment, and you never want to compromise a window warranty with poor window film installation. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure, but most window manufacturers guarantee their products as long as your professional window film installers adhere to the window manufacturer’s instructions.
As a further safeguard, most window film installers back their work with their own guarantee. If you maintain the window film (and windows) as directed, your windows will be doubly guaranteed.
Improperly applied window films, or applying the wrong film for the window, can damage windows. This is another reason why you should choose a licensed and experienced installer.
Is the energy-efficiency benefit a big hype?
It’s true that just as the gluten-free movement caused food manufacturers to go crazy with obvious “gluten-free” labeling to sell their products, the eco-friendly movement caused construction manufacturers to label everything as “green” or “environmentally friendly” even if those terms were used loosely.
That said, the right window film products can absolutely help you to save money on energy-spending at your home or business. The right film products block UV sunlight rays, which minimizes solar heat gain (and also reduces sun fading on furnishings, computer/screen glare, etc.) Read, How Residential Window Tinting Can Lower Energy Costs to learn more (the same tenets apply to commercial buildings).
Will I get any tax incentives for tinted window film?
Along those same lines, the government has continued to offer certain tax incentives that encourage homeowners to invest in more eco-friendly building alternatives. These change from tax year to tax year, so your CPA or a licensed tax professional is always the best resource from year-to-year.
That said, as of this publication date (2021), certain, specifically-rated window films are able to be considered for certain tax incentives. Visit our post, Tax Incentives for Energy Efficient Window Films.
Won’t window films compromise my view?
Window films come in a wide range of colors, styles, and degrees or levels of tinting and reflection. Some are very dark and would diminish the view, others are tinted just enough to provide the energy savings or privacy you desire without detracting from the view at all.
The key any time you decide to invest in window film is to select the right film for the specific window location – and this often means applying different window films to different windows or sides of the building.
How much do window films cost?
Again, prices are going to vary depending on your goal and the size of the windows’ surface area requirements. Average window film prices per square foot for the most common types of window film are as follows (homeadvisor.com 2021):
- Standard 3M ($2 to $15). This is the standard, go-to window film product that provides the basics in tinting, surface protection, and perhaps some decoration.
- Ceramic ($5 to $10). Ceramic window film is a higher-quality film product. Click Here to read more about it.
- Carbon ($5 to $12). Carbon window tinting products are high-quality and durable, but you pay a little more. Click Here to read the difference between carbon and ceramic window film options.
- Solar ($8 to $14). Solar window films are specially designed to minimize or eliminate solar heat gain and UV penetration through windows. It may not be recommended for all applications.
- Smart Glass ($50 to $100). Smart Glass is the newest and highest-end product in the window film product. It is installed and integrated with automated home systems and can be changed via remote access on phones and devices. DesignTex Casper Smart Window Cloaks for office and commercial settings also fall in this category.
Why can’t I just install window film myself?
Good question. You’ve seen the answer for yourself on highways, on neighbors’ parked cars, and on the glass patio doors or windows of neighbors and friends. All those window films that were peeling off, wrinkles, off-kilter, or full of bubbles are examples of DIY window film products.
Unless you’ve been trained or practiced window film installation for hours on your own, there is no way to get the professional, long-term, high-quality results you’re looking for.
And, as per #1, your window manufacturer will absolutely not honor any window warranty agreements if your window film is a DIY job, so you’re taking a huge risk on an expensive investment.
Can I still clean my windows after they’re tinted?
Absolutely. Cleaning your window film is considered a routine part of window maintenance. Your window film product will come with maintenance recommendations, and your installer will leave you with instructions to follow. The key is to avoid using abrasive window cleaning products (the same rule you should adhere to for glass), that won’t scratch or compromise the surface.
Visit, How to Clean Windows that Have Solar Window Film, for more specific details and instructions.
The team at DayStar has applied window tinting and film products to the humblest and grandest cars, trucks, homes, offices, and sky rises in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. We are completely dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction and we believe all questions are good questions.
Have a question about window film for an auto or building in your life? Contact Daystar Window Tinting for a free consultation and estimate.