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These answers are based on information given by the Association of Industrial Metallizers,
Coaters, and Laminators (AIMCAL) and CPFilms.
Q: Am I Getting The Best?
Our window films are produced by CPFilms, the largest manufacturer in the world, and 3M, one of the top 50 companies in the world. One of the unique qualities of our solar control films is the Clear Distortion Free (CDF) adhesive technology that is based on a chemistry that is quite different from traditional pressure sensitive technology. In most ways it is superior for the solar control application. CDF, based on its unique chemistry and mounting solution, offers superiority in applications, facility, and longevity. It offers a harder, thinner, more crystalline adhesive that yields little or no distortion initially or under the pressure of environmental stress. CPFilms has never had an adhesive failure with CDF sincethe introduction in 1977.
Q: What is Solar Window Film?
Window film is a very durable polyester that is applied directly to the surface of the glass. It is constructed of several thin plastic layers laminated together into a sheet. The base material is a clear polyester with other layers consisting of dyed for color, coatings of metal alloys, or layered with UV absorbers. Most of our films are metal alloy with UV filters, but dyed combinations can be used on single pane glass for cosmetic reasons. Depending on the film selected, we can reduce from 37% to 93% of the visible light, 34% to 81% of the solar energy, and over 99% of the UV rays.
Once applied to the glass, solar control window film can help to: save money, decrease premature fading, and alleviate discomfort. Whichever film is selected, you are assured that it will enhance the appearance of homes or aesthetically improve the exterior appearance of commercial buildings and storefronts.
Q: Will Film Cause Seals to Fail?
Sealed unit manufacturers, window manufacturers, and builders have often indicated to consumers that the
installation of ANY window film will cause or contribute to seal failure. While it is true that some window films are not suitable for sealed units, there are many films on the market today that are designed to be installed on these units. The Window Film Committee of the Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters, and Laminators (AIMCAL) commissioned A. William Lingell, P.E., a technical consultant to the Sealed Insulated Glass Manufacturers Association (SIGMA), to conduct the standard ASTM tests (E773 and E774) on standard sealed units with and without window film. (for more information, click here)
Based on the testing conducted on these units, window film had no observable effect on the performance of high quality manufactured insulated units.
Our window film products automatically include a seal failure warranty for units that have an existing manufacturers warranty. This warranty is for your own "peace of mind", even though it is not necessary since the products we use are specifically designed for I.G. units.
Q: Will Film Cause Glass to Break?
Glass breaks when stressed. There are five types of stress which may cause glass breakage:
1. Thermal Stress- from absorption of solar radiation
2. Tensile Stress- from the weight of the glass itself
3. Mechanical Flexing Stress - from wind
4. Impact Stress - from flying objects, hail, baseballs
5. Twisting Stress - from buildings or window frame sagging or settling
The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may affect. The use of window film will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass, however, different types of glass have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress. This is why window film should only be installed by an accredited professional who has been factory certified. Most of our window film products have an inclusive thermal stress warranty on the glass when a Film South, Inc. technician films your windows. Our representatives are industry accredited for your protection.
Q: Will Film Void My Manufacturer's Warranty?
The VISTA Gold Warranty Program was designed in response to window manufacturers putting more and more restrictions on the warranties provided to purchasers of their products. Although there is a small percentage of windows that have thermal shock failure, we have observed that some manufacturers actually void there consumer warranty on residential windows if window film is applied to the glass. (In many instances they void warranties for blinds, shading devices, draperies or other window treatments as well) This situation has put consumers who would like to enjoy the benefits of putting window film on their glass at risk with respect to continuing their warranty. CPFilms, the world's largest window film manufacturer, has decided to support the consumer's right to choose window film by offering a comprehensive warranty program that will match your original warranty word for word. Ask us about VISTA Gold.
Q: Can Film be used on Low E Glass?
There are two basic types of low E glass. One of these is a conductive coating put on glass as it is being made. It gives some heat loss reduction, but does little to help reduce heat gain in a building. The second type is a more complex system of multiple layers and conductive coatings deposited on glass after it has been made. This type of low E glass gives heat rejection of 30% -50% in addition to reducing heat loss. Adding window film can drastically increase the heat rejection. Also, on average, low E glass only filters 56% of the damaging UV rays, while our films have the ability to filter over 99%. The combination of Low E glass and window film can be the best overall system in some climates.
Q: Will the Window Film Kill my House Plants?
In most cases, if the plant is already receiving adequate light, the use of window film will not harm it. New growth or flowering may be retarded, and for a few days, the plant may go into a state of shock while it adjust to the light change. If a particular plant would normally wilt by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with the film installed. Although there are some obvious guidelines in determining what, if any, effect window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need more light than lighter colored ones), there is a simple test which can be done prior to film installation; that is, merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs closer to maximal or minimal light.
Q: Will the Film Look Dark or Shiny?
Yes and No. Yes, there are films that are dark and there are films that have a reflective finish. And no,
not all films are designed to look that way. With the advances in manufacturing techniques in recent
years, the option of having an energy efficient film with little or no color that is virtually invisible and neutral in appearance is now available.
Your accredited Film South, Inc. representative will help you pick the right product for your specific needs.
Q: How Long Will The Film Last?
There are many factors that can determine how long a window film will last. These variables include: film construction, type of glass it is applied to, the window construction, and the direction the window is facing.
There have been documented cases of window films lasting as long as 22 years. Film South, Inc. uses solar films that utilize a special adhesive that has not had a documented failure since 1977. We use the best window films available with today's technology. Our residential applications typically come with a factory backed lifetime warranty, and most commercial applications have a ten year manufacturer's warranty.
Q: What is Safety and Security Film?
Iowa Sun Control uses films which fill the various needs of the market for different levels of protection. Thickness is the key design feature which separates the basic solar film from the safety and security films. These films are made of layers of polyester film bonded by special adhesives and impregnated with ultraviolet absorbers. Solar safety \ security films can also contain high performance metals and alloys which enhance their heat and glare reduction properties.
Although all films are safety films, this series works like an invisible shield, helping glass resist penetration as the result of an accident or premeditated act. As it protects people and property, it also helps protect against the relentless fading and deterioration of furnishings caused by the sun's rays. See our 3M Ultra Safety and Security Films.
Our safety \ security films meet or exceed the specifications and requirements set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in Z97.1-84 test break safe characteristics.
The ability to secure a building or home has become a major concern. With our experts and films, being secure does not have to look 'ugly'.
Q: How does Film Reduce Fading?
To understand the causes of fading, one must know a little about the makeup of sunlight.
Sunlight is basically made of three elements:
- Visible light - the part that we 'see'
- Infra Red - the part which we 'feel' as heat
- Ultraviolet light - which we neither see or feel but is the main factor in causing fabrics and furnishings to fade. Ultraviolet absorbers are used to stop UV at the film. The type, amount, and location of the absorbers in the product determine the film's ability to reduce fading. Absorbers that are located in the adhesive only (blocking 95%-98%) instead of the film itself (blocking over 99%) are far less stable and enduring. All of our solar control products absorb more than 99% of the UV rays.
Facts about Fading "As a Rule of Thumb"
miscellaneous = interior artificial lighting,
dye anchorage, and humidity
Laboratory studies of a large variety of fabrics and woods show significant differences in the color stability of these products. Fabric fading results differ depending upon fiber type, dye, color, stability, and/or pattern printing techniques. Expensive fabrics are not necessarily a guarantee of fade protection.
Natural wood finishes are much more stable than stains or finishes that alter the natural color of the wood. Wood may actually darken with prolong exposure to UV rather than fade to a lighter color. The nature of certain delicate fabrics and dyes will lead to premature fading regardless of the application of any window film or protective treatment.
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