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FAQ / Questions on Window Film, Tinting, Glass
© Questions on Window Film, Service, and Installation
Do you sell the film only, without installation?
How far will you travel from your location for quotes and installation?
Will window film ruin my view?
How will I benefit from 3M™ Window Film?
Is the film difficult to maintain after installation?
Will the film give a mirrored exterior appearance?
What is window film made of?
Do you install window film on the inside or outside of a building?
What is the procedure to install window film?
Can you apply window film to Plexiglas®?
Can you apply window film to tinted or Low-E glass?
What is the life expectancy of window film?
How is 3M™ Window Film warrantied?
Will my energy costs decrease?
Will my furniture fade be reduced?
Does the Ultraviolet Protection Lose Its Effectiveness Over Time?
Does 3M™ have a GSA contract?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you sell the film only, without installation?
No. In order to be eligible for the 3M Warranty provided for the product and labor, ATD Solar & Security Inc. must perform the installation of the film.
How far will you travel from your location for quotes and installation?
ATD Solar & Security Inc. will travel roughly a 300 mile radius from its home location in Frederick, MD, although all jobs are on a case-by-case basis and those with a far travel distance may be subject to a minimum installation price.
Will window film ruin my view?
No; depending on the film you choose, 3M™ Window Films will actually reduce so much glare, both indoors, and out, that they will add clarity to your view.
How will I benefit from 3M™ Window Film?
3M Window Films can lower energy bills, reduce heat and glare, eliminate 99% UV rays, decrease “hot spots” to increase efficiency of the cooling system in the summer and the building’s heating in the winter time.
Is the film difficult to maintain after installation?
High quality 3M™ Window Film and scratch-resistant coatings make cleaning as easy as before. After thirty days, you may clean 3M™ Sun Control Films using normal household cleaning solutions, e.g. Windex, and a soft, lint-free cloth or towel – although one should stay away from ammonia-based products. You may also use a squeegee to clean the film. Abrasive products, which could scratch or damage the film, should not be used.
Will the film give a mirrored exterior appearance?
It depends. 3M™ has developed a new line, the Night Vision series, that is actually less reflective than naturally clear glass. If you are seeking a privacy or one-way film, however, there are products that can help to provide an outside view during the day without the ability to see inside.
What is window film made of?
Different polyesters are transformed during the manufacturing process to produce a thin, transparent film that adheres to glass when a pressure sensitive adhesive is activated by a mild solution of dishwashing detergent and water.
Do you install window film on the inside or outside of a building?
Window film is typically installed on the interior side of a window. As it is a finished product, is best installed after all other nearby construction is complete. If access to the interior side of the window is difficult to obtain, an exterior application can be performed.
What is the procedure to install window film?
The individual installation steps, assuming a typical interior application, would be as follows:
- Prepare window area by placing drop cloths on floor and / or moving nearby electronics, appliances, or furnishings
- Thoroughly clean interior side of glass pane and gaskets with a mild solution of dishwashing detergent and water to remove dirt and other residue
- Wet glass with solution
- Place film against glass
- Squeegee to remove excess solution between glass and film
- Trim film to gasket
- “5-way” film edges to ensure film lies flat
- Wipe film to ensure clean finished product
- Remove drop cloths and replace furniture to original positions
Can you apply window film to Plexiglas®?
No. The film’s specially designed adhesive will not adhere to Plexiglas®.
Can you apply window film to tinted or Low-E glass?
Absolutely! You will notice enhanced energy performance from your tinted / Low-E glass windows after installation.
What is the life expectancy of window film?
The life expectancy of window film is dependent upon multiple variables (climate, exposure to sun, etc…). The average life expectancy is ten years and beyond; and, many customers have had 3M™ Window Film on their windows for over twenty years.
How is 3M window film warrantied?
Please visit the warranty section within the Documentation page for more information.
Will my energy costs decrease?
Absolutely! The amount of money saved depends upon the type of film chosen and certain property-specific variables (location, climate, existing energy costs, HVAC system, etc…). After obtaining some basic energy unit costs for a given building, we can conduct a 3M™ Energy Audit to estimate the annual dollars saved by different film types. Feel free to contact us for a free consultation and analysis.
Will my furniture fade be reduced?
Absolutely! Furniture / fabric fade is caused by multiple factors. 10% of fading is caused by miscellaneous factors (i.e. fabric color, material, etc). 25% is caused by heat. 25% is caused by visible light. And the remaining 40% is caused by UV rays. 3M™ window films can mitigate 90% of the factors that cause furniture and fabric fade.
Does the Ultraviolet Protection Lose Its Effectiveness Over Time?
No, the ultraviolet (UV) protection that we use in our proprietary adhesive system is indefinite. It does not lose its effectiveness over time. In fact, an actual glass sample from The Dumbarton House in Washington, DC was tested. This was a ten-year old application and the ultraviolet transmission still measured <1%!
Does 3M™ have a GSA contract?
Yes! 3M™ has a GSA contract for both labor and material to facilitate government procurement.
