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The Window Film Installation Process, Explained
What does the window film installation process entail and what prep work do you need to do beforehand? We explain the answers in this guide.
Did you know that harmful sun rays can come through your windows? When you've just built your beautiful new home with all those windows, you want to make sure your family is protected. Or, you've taken the next step in your business and built a fantastic new building, you might want to save on energy costs.
So, how can you solve all of these problems? The answer is simple: window film installation.
Window film installation can provide many benefits to improve your home. You're probably wondering how the process works. Keep reading to learn how the process works and how it can help you!
Benefits of Window Film Installation
There are many benefits, but they may vary depending on the property type. Let's look at the benefits of window film installation in residential and commercial properties.
Residential
The main benefits of residential window film relate to comfort for yourself and your family. Here is a quick list of how it can help you:
- Protects from dangerous sun rays (UVA)
- Less glare on electronics such as TVs
- Can be decorative and add style to your home
- Reduced heat from direct sunlight
- Maintain the value of your home
- Be eligible for a tax credit
Commercial
The benefits of commercial window film vary based on what the property is for. Maybe you own an apartment building and want to improve tenant retention. Or, the building in question might be for work or learning.
Check out the many ways of how window film installation can help your property:
- Save energy with window film rather than window replacement
- Eliminate hot and cold spots for employee comfort and productivity
- Reduce glare on employee work areas
- Protect employees and furnishings from damaging solar UVA rays
For more in-depth reading on commercial window film installation, check out our blog. We can show you how investing in window tinting can help you!
Window Film Installation Process
With the benefits in mind, let's look at how you actually install window film. You're probably wondering why shouldn't DIY window film by yourself. But, you should avoid this unless it's a small project.
Window film installation is not necessarily difficult—but it is definitely difficult to do well. It's important to hire someone who understands the need to properly clean and dry the window before installation.
Even more importantly, a professional will understand how window glass expands and contracts over time. You can learn more about how glass reacts to different temperatures.
How Long Does It Take?
Luckily, window film installation doesn't take very long. In fact, depending on the size of your building, it can take as little as one day. Some places will even cut the film ahead of time, so jobs can be completed quickly.
The process is normally straightforward and rarely tricky.
Window Preparation
As mentioned earlier, preparing the windows is a vital part of the installation process. Proper measurements must be taken, and the window must be cleaned with the correct soap. Finally, the window must be squeegeed dry to remove the last bits of dirt and debris.
Film Preparation
Using the window measurements, your contractor will cut the film to be just a tad larger than the window. This will account for that expanding and contracting you can expect in a normal window.
Using soapy water they will thoroughly wet the window and the film. By spraying directly onto the film they can reduce static electricity. Sometimes static electricity can affect the installation process because it can make it difficult to line up and will attract dust quickly.
Installation
The actual installation is what will take the most time. The process is fairly simple but requires some skill to properly line up the film to the window.
Once the film is in place on the window, the installer will then work to carefully remove the water and air bubbles. They will use a squeegee to work out the bubbles - this can take a bit of time and good light is needed to see the smaller bubbles.
Finally, the window film needs to be trimmed with the proper sharp tools to avoid stretching and imperfect lines.
How to Maintain Your Tinted Windows
Properly installed window film can have a life of well over ten years if properly maintained. There are a few key points to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your windows when they have a film or tint on them.
First, you normally shouldn't clean your windows for a bit after installation. This is because the moisture used to install the windows needs time to evaporate away. Additionally, they should be clean because they're new anyways!
After giving your windows about 30 days you can clean your tinted windows with a soft cloth. The use of gentle cleaners that do not have ammonia is important. Ammonia can damage the film, as can abrasive cleaning methods.
Typically, a mixture of vinegar and water is the best option. This cleaning method finds itself at the intersection of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. And it's environmentally friendly! But, it's important to ask your installer what they think is best for the specific film or tint they use.
Where Can I Hire Someone?
Now you have a good understanding of what window film installation can do for your home or business. With all of this information, you are now ready to move forward.
At Latitude 33 Window Tint, we can help you with all of your window film and window tint needs. From commercial to residential, we've got you covered—literally! Be sure to check out all of our options and get a free estimate.
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday: CLOSED
