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How do Solar window films work?
Window 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. Reflective films are films
that have been precision coated with metals. These metallised films are designed
to increase the solar energy reflection of the glass and some of the absorption.
Reflective films range from moderate to excellent in solar performance (heat
gain reduction). All clear 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 what is behind
the film (home and office furnishings) too. Films are protected with our
patented abrasion resistant coating for long-term durability and maintained
appearance.
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How do Solar window film; Low E
Insulation films work?
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
constructions of these films enable the metal coating to reflect more of the
interior room heat back into the room where it is needed. This improves comfort
by reducing potential draft feelings near the window, and may also 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.
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Why do commercial customers have
Solar window film?
Improved tenant comfort. Improved heating and cooling costs. Lower utility
demand costs. Improved aesthetics, uniform appearance. Improved safety and
security. Extended Air Conditioning equipment life. Valued alternative to adding
more A/C equipment. Most often, our commercial customers will purchases window
films for tenant comfort and justify the purchase with great energy cost savings
for the building.
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What is the typical energy pay
back for Solar window films?
Simple paybacks will vary depending upon the amount of sunlit glass exposure,
the type of glass, cost of fuel, cost application, and other variables. Paybacks
can be from 6 months to 15 years.
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How is Solar window film
applied?
Solar window films are applied by skilled, well-trained fitters. Most films are
designed to be applied to the inside of your glass. The first step is to prepare
the window area for the application; placing drop cloths on the floor protecting
and/or moving furniture where necessary. Next the window glass is cleaned using
simple cleaning solutions and razor sharp scrapers. Then the film is sprayed
with a slip solution (detergent and water) for proper positioning, and applied
to the window glass. Using a professional grade squeegee and following proper
techniques, the application is completed by removing excess water, trimming the
edges, and a final squeegee technique to dry the edges.
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How long does it take for Solar
window films to dry?
We suggest allowing at least thirty days for the film too fully dry and cure.
During this curing process, occasionally there may be small water bubbles and/or
a hazing milkiness appearance. These will disappear as the film dries; depending
upon the film type and weather conditions, drying may take as much as 30 days or
longer, dependent on ambient and building temperature. Once dried, films will
look great and perform for many years to come guaranteed.
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Can Solar window film be fitted
by anyone?
No, Solar window films require professional application; our fitters are
thoroughly trained and experienced in performing high quality work. In this way,
our customers will enjoy the benefits of window films and have the comfort of
the manufacturer's warranty.
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How do I clean my Solar window
film?
After 30 days, you may clean Solar films using normal household cleaning
solutions, excluding ammonia-based products and a soft, lint-free cloth or
towel. You may also use a squeegee to clean the films. Abrasive products, which
would scratch or damage the film, must not be used.
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How long does Solar window film
last?
Window films are made durable to last for many years; just how long may depend
upon the type of film applied, type of glass it is applied to and the particular
climate in which it is applied. Most applications last over 15 years and beyond.
Some applications are still performing after 25 years. Back to
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How do I remove the old film
from my windows?
Window films are designed to bond the film to the window glass for many years.
Yet when it is time to remove the film, removal can be performed by following a
relatively simple process. First try to pull the film off by lifting and peeling
the film from a corner. If removing the film is difficult, spray the film with a
solution of detergent and water and cover with a plastic film (e.g. bin liner).
Allow to soak for several minutes. Next the adhesive residue left on the glass
can be sprayed with a detergent, ammonia and water solution and scraped with a
four inch razor blade tool. Unfortunately, other window films are not
necessarily designed for removal in their future. They can prove to be
particularly difficult to remove, and may require more drastic measures.
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What warranty comes with Solar
window film?
Window films are warranted to maintain their solar properties without bubbling,
peeling, cracking, or crazing. Many of our films are warranted against
discoloration, too. Films which are not of dyed polyester). Should the product
prove to be defective, armorcoat and comfort zone windows will warrantee the film for a
lifetime on
residential homes and 10 years on commercial buildings free of charge.
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Do Solar window films cause
glass to break?
No, Solar window films alone do not cause glass to break. However, we do
understand that the application of Solar Guard will increase the temperature of
your sunlit glass, which will increase the stress on the glass edges. The
quality of those glass edges and several other factors (external shading,
interior shading, glass history, type of film size/shape of glass,
indoor-outdoor temperature) all contribute to the potential risk of glass
breakage. Our years of experience with applying window films to different types
of glass enables us to make proper film. Glass recommendations and minimizes the
potential for glass breakage.
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Do Solar window films cause seal
failure when applied to double glazed windows?
No, window films do not cause seal failure. Solar window films have been
installed onto double glazed windows for over 25 years with many million
of square feet of film applied to date world wide. When recommended films are
applied to the inside pane of a double glazed unit, there will be some
absorption of the suns energy, which will increase the temperature of the glass
pane. Some of this heat will transmit to the airspace, slightly raising the
airspace temperature. However, even a 7°C increase (unusual for most films) will
result in a less than 3% change in air pressure, whereas properly made units are
designed and tested to withstand 22% changes in air pressure. Risk of seal
failure is greatly determined by the quality of workmanship and the quality of
the materials that go into building the double glazed units. The best protection
against seal failure is to purchase well made units from reputable window
manufacturers that have solid experience with double glazed units.
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Will Solar window film stop my
furnishings from fading?
Nothing stops fading. Films are designed to help reduce the major causes of
fading (ultra violet light, visible light, and solar heat), thus prolonging the
life of your furnishings, perhaps as much as two to five time. Keep in mind the
article(s) to be protected; if they have a typical life of five years then they
may last 10 years longer depending on the performance of the film selected. As a
general rule of thumb, ultra violet (UV) is approximately 40% of the cause;
visible light is about 25% and heat about 25%. The remaining 10% can be
attributed to humidity, pollutants, interior lights, dye anchorage, and more.
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Does the ultra violet protection
lose its effectiveness over time?
No, the ultra violet light (UV) protection that we use in our proprietary
adhesive system is indefinite. It does not lose its effectiveness over the life
of the film.
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How do Armorcoat Safety and
Security window films work?
Armorcoat safety and security window films are designed to make glass
shatter-resistant by holding the glass pieces together when broken. Different
from Solar Guard film, Armorcoat window films are made with thicker polyester
and much thicker, more aggressive adhesive system. For further protection an
attachment system can be used in conjunction with the window film.
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Are Armorcoat films storm proof,
bullet proof, burglar proof, and bomb/explosion proof?
No, they are designed to make the window glass more shatter resistant. Armorcoat
films were originally developed due to the international concerns and needs from
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). Our films are not bullet proof. Armorcoat 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; even through a brick wall.
It is generally recommended that the property have a proper alarm system in
addition to Armorcoat window film. Armorcoat films protect adults and children
from the potentially lethal effects of accidental impact into non safety
glazing. Armorcoat films conform to EN 12600. In the event of extreme weather
conditions, these films may have significant safety and security value. They can
reduce the risk of injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possible help
prevent debris and water penetration through the window depending on the
severity of the weather (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).
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Will Armorcoat film keep my
glass from breaking?
This is difficult to answer with any degree of certainty. Window glass varies in
strength from piece to piece, as each cause of breakage varies in velocity. So,
if an Armorcoat protected window were impacted, yet, failed to break, it would
be difficult to determine if the glass alone, the film alone, or the film and
glass together resisted the breakage.
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Give us a call for your next project and let us add
some
Comfort,
Quality & Value!
(518) 322-9064
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