Frequently Asked Questions:
1) Does Window Tint Film give me night time privacy?
No, privacy is related to how much light is outside and inside. You can get good daytime privacy with a reflective film, but at night when it is dark outside, and the lights are on inside, you can see through the film. ( You can see this with Downtown buildings – reflective during the daytime and see through at night ). Frosted Films can provide privacy, but you cannot see out of them as well. Frosted films are great for entry glass and bathrooms, as well as side windows in between homes where there is no view, but you still want light to come in.
2) Will the films reduce all my fade?
Our Vista Solar films reduce the UV by 99% . UV is a large portion of what causes fade, but Light and Heat are also large contributors to fade. A tint film, even a light one is more effective vs a plain clear UV film. Fade reduction is between 60% to 80% from the light to dark films.
3) How much does the film cost to have put in my home or business?
It is more affordable than one would expect. Solar films range from $6 – $10 per sq ft depending on the type of film. The average runs around $7 – $8 per sq ft. The Safety/Security films range from about $6 – $13 per sq ft with the average of $8 – $9 for the most common ones. Frosted films range from $7 – $10 from basic to Gradient films. Any work with ladders or lift will have extra charge.
4) How long does Solar Control window film last?
Based on our experience most solar films will last a lifetime. Our window films are very durable and designed to last for many years, just how long will depend on the type of film applied, type of glass, climatic conditions and care. Should the film ever need to be removed it can be done without damaging the glass.
5) What is the warranty on the films?
The Llumar solar films carry Lifetime Limited Warranty for Residential applications. The Vista Films carry a Lifetime Limited Warranty with a one time no-charge transfer warranty (the best in the business). Commercial solar warranty for LLumar is 10 years and for Vista is 15 years. The security films are 10 year warranty on the film for residential and commercial.
Most of our frosted films carry a 5 year warranty. On the solar films we do have a warranty that is placed on the glass which varies depending on if it is LLumar or Vista and age of the glass units. Some glass manufacturers void their warranty if anything is put on the glass, but we have some warranty that goes on in place as well as there is an optional Gold Warranty that can be purchased matching the manufacturer’s warranty.
6) Will the film wreck my glass?
This is often claimed by glass manufacturers, yet there are no tests that prove this. In fact, film manufacturers have done tests to show that films are safe on the glass. We use Film to Glass charts to make sure we use films that are compatible for use on specific glass. We also test the glass to see if it has a Low E coating so we can use what is best suited in each situation. If the glass units are of a good quality, there should never be any issue with film on them. Seal failure is very rare on new glass, and seldom on old glass. Glass Thermal cracking is less than 1 in a thousand and is usually caused by very close blackout blinds or a flaw on the edge of the glass such as an edge chip, glass sitting on a screw or nail, or tight fitting glass. We do cover Thermal breakage after film install – contingent on film-to-glass application for the films.
7) What is the typical energy pay back from Solar Window Films?
Lowers Energy Costs up to 15%
LLumar® Energy Saving Window Film can boost the performance of nearly any glazing system, significantly reducing energy consumption and peak demand. Professional energy audits estimate that buildings retrofitted with LLumar® energy saving films could realize annual energy savings as high as 15% or more with improved HVAC efficiency, reduced carbon emissions and an average payback within three years.
LLumar® One Minute Challenge™
The LLumar® One Minute ChallengeTM uses the U.S. Department of Energy’s DOE-2 energy simulation program, along with average energy costs for your area, to calculate expected savings. Simply select your location, glass type, building type and film product type and we’ll show you how much you can expect to save and how quickly an investment in LLumar® can pay you back.