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Philadelphia's FAQ's of window film

General Window Film FAQs

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  • What is window film and how does it work? Window film also known as window tint is considered in the building industry to be "retrofit" products. In their simplest forms, window films are composed of a polyester substrate to which a special scratch resistant coating is applied to one side with a mounting adhesive layer and protective release liner applies to the other side.

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  • Does window film really reduce heat in a home or office? Yes, window film is an amazing product packed with numerous consumer benefits. All types of window film exhibit three important primary product features: Solar heat control, ultraviolet radiation control and improved protection from shattering glass.

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  • Can window film lower my energy bill? Yes, installing a solar control window film can reduce solar heat gain by reflecting or absorbing that solar energy in turn reducing your energy bills.

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  • How long does window film last? Interior window films will typically lasts between 15-20 years. Exterior films have a life span of between 10-15 years on some newer advanced films.

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  • Does window film go on the inside or outside of the glass? Typically, it goes on the inside. There are some films designed to go on the exterior in specific applications that make interior application too difficult or nearly impossible

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  • Can window film be removed later? Yes, window film can be removed later. Some are easier than others to remove.

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  • Will window film damage my windows? No, using the proper window films and taking the factors of the environment around your window into account will ensure that you don't damage your glass. This is why its important to go with an experienced professional. 

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  • Does window film cause glass to crack? Using the wrong window film in the wrong application on the wrong type of glass CAN cause glass breakage or seal failure. This is why it is important to select the RIGHT window film professional. And to ensure those  professionals carry the proper insurance.

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  • Does window film void my window warranty? If you have brand new windows installed on your home or business, window film will likely void your manufacturers warranty. Fortunately, using the right professionals our manufacturers offer glass breakage and seal failure warranties with the installation of their films.

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  • Is window film worth it compared to replacing windows? Well, that depends on many factors but for energy efficiency if your seals aren't blown and you don't have cracked glass. Window film is typically between 10-20% of the cost to replace your windows.

Heat Reduction / Energy Savings FAQs

  • What is the best window film for heat reduction? The best window films for heat reduction are ceramic and  high performance films like Madico's Purelite film. 

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  • Can window film reduce heat coming through west-facing windows? Yes, it can reduce the heat coming through any glass it is installed on the orientation of the glass doesn't change the effectiveness of the film. 

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  • Does window film help with hot rooms upstairs? Yes, window film will help reduce the temperature of hot rooms upstairs especially since that heat is likely coming from solar heat gains.

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  • Can window film help a sunroom stay cooler? Yes, I have installed solar films on sunrooms to help keep them cooler for customers many times.

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  • How much heat can window film block? Window film can reduce the heat by 20-40%. At the Urban Outfitters Corporate building in the Philadelphia Naval Yard. We were able to reduce the temperature by more than 25 degrees in the middle of summer on the hottest days.

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  • What is the best window film for south-facing windows? The best films for south facing window are going to be reflective films or high performance ceramic films. 

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  • Is ceramic window film better for heat reduction? Ceramic films are great for heat reduction. But depending on the application sometimes its better to go with a highly reflective film. 

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  • Does window film work in winter too? Actually, yes. Window films work very well in winter time they are great for stabilizing temperature so you don't have the large spike in the morning and when the sun goes down at night

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  • Will window film make my house darker? Not necessarily, not all window films make the glass darker. High performance films are designed to allow more visible light while cutting out the harmful parts of the light spectrum that cause most heat gain. 

Glare Reduction FAQs

  • What is the best window film to reduce glare? The best films to reduce glare are going to be highly reflective films that work like sunglasses or if you want to cut visibility all together frosted films are also very effective.

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  • Can window film reduce glare on TV screens? Yes, window films can reduce glare on tv screens the same way that sunglasses reduce glare when you put them on.

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  • Can window film reduce glare in an office? Yes, window films are extremely effective at reducing glare in offices.

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  • How do I stop glare without closing blinds? Install window film. It is the most effective solution to reduce glare.

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  • Does anti-glare window film still allow natural light? Yes, window films will reduce glare and still allow natural light through.
     

  • What’s the difference between glare reduction and tinted film? The difference in glare reduction films is they are typically metalized and shiny to the exterior or they're frosted. Where "tinted film" is typically what people talk about that they installed on their cars. One is designed for buildings the other is designed for cars. 

UV Protection FAQs

  • Does window film block UV rays? Yes, window films block up to 99.9% of UV rays.

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  • How much UV does window film block? Up to 99.9% of UV rays are blocked by most window films.

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  • Can window film prevent furniture fading? Yes, window films are Very effective at preventing furniture, hardwood floors, cabinets and even paintings from fading or becoming damaged.

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  • Can window film protect hardwood floors from sun damage? Yes, window films are actually the best product you can use to protect the investment after getting or refinishing your hardwood floors.

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  • Does UV window film help protect artwork and curtains? Yes, window films are perfect for protecting paintings or curtains.

Safety & Security Film FAQs

  • What is security window film? Security film is comprised of either optically clear, tinted or reflective layers of polyester film varying from 4 mil all the way to 15 mil and even 23 mil that have an aggressive adhesive on one side (this side goes to the interior of the glass surface) and a scratch resistant coating on the other to prevent the film from being scratched over time.

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  • Does security film stop break-ins? Security film is great at slowing down or stopping break-ins and crimes of opportunity. But, if someone decides they wat to drive a car through your glass film wont stop them. 

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  • Can window film prevent smash-and-grab theft? Yes, Window film can prevent smash and grab thefts like in jewelry stores these are considered "crimes of opportunity" and typically done by low level thief's. 

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  • How strong is security film on glass? Security films strength on glass varies by thickness they are strong enough to withstand bomb blasts and multiple strikes from different objects. 

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  • Is security film worth it for storefronts? In my opinion yes, I have seen videos from clients of people throwing bricks at store fronts during riots and protests that turned violent and they couldn't get into the store easily so they went to the next store and broke in there. I have also seen videos of attempted robberies that the film allowed law enforcement to arrive and catch the would be thief's still trying to get in.

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  • Does security film make glass shatterproof? It does NOT make it "shatterproof" It makes the glass more shatter resistant and if it does shatter. the film will hold the shattered glass together rather than it just falling on the floor.

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  • Can security window film be installed on tempered glass? Security film can be installed on tempered glass. It actually helps the glass stay together if the tempered glass is shattered. Which is why most people think the film is "shatterproof".

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  • Does security film help during storms or accidents? Yes, security films help during storms accidents or even terrorist attacks by holding glass together and keeping it from becoming a projectile.

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  • What thickness security film do I need (4 mil vs 8 mil vs 12 mil vs 15mil)? This is a difficult question to answer without answering things like "What are you trying to protect against?" But, lets give a simple answer without getting too detailed, 4mil is great for simply holding glass together on something like a jewelry case inside the store to prevent injury if it was broken and to make clean up easier. 8 mil is a great film for storms and for a starting point for crimes of opportunity thief's. 12 mil is a great for smash and grab or serious break-in attempts or threats. 15 mil is great for slowing down or stopping professional thief's, bomb blast or active shooter threats to slow them down and to buy as much time as humanly possible without spending hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions on ballistic glass. 

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  • Is security film bulletproof? While I am well aware of the claims made by many companies out there that their films are "bulletproof". I have yet to find ANYONE in those companies willing to pull out a customers EXISTING glass install their film on it and let me shoot my AR-15 or AR-10 or any one of my handguns while wearing a ballistic vest. So, I think that tells us everything we need to know. If they wont literally stand behind their product on YOUR glass. Your probably shouldn't either.

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  • Can security film really be used to stop active shooters? Security film can be used to deter and slow down an attack and it could even help in keeping the shooter outside of the building by forcing them to literally have to shoot a hole big enough and accurately enough to make a hole big enough to fit an arm or their body through without being cut by broken glass. Tinted security film also adds an additional layer of security as it makes it so they don't know if there is a police office standing there ready to shoot back at them.

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  • Is there anything that separates the films window Film Ninjas uses from competitors like 3M or Llumar dealers? Actually yes, Madico's Safety and security films are the ONLY window film that is UL listed. This matters because UL does regular checks on raw materials as well as the manufacturing process for consistency of the products to ensure they are the same as the products that were tested by UL. NO OTHER MANUFACTURER SUBJECTS THEMSELVES TO THIS LEVEL OF SCRUTNITY.

Commercial / Office Window Film FAQs

  • How much does commercial window film cost in Philadelphia? Commercial window film costs between $10-$20 per square foot. There are factors like size of glass height of glass and difficulty of the installation. If you want an accurate quote call a professional today!

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  • What is the best window film for office buildings? The best window film depends on what problem you are having and having the right professional that can offer you the film that solves YOUR specific issue. 

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  • Can window film reduce HVAC costs in commercial buildings? Yes, window film can reduce the HVAC load on the building reducing the load on your system and lowering your HVAC costs on your building!

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  • Can window film help with employee comfort near windows? Yes, window films are great for helping with employee comfort near windows and if you have large open spaces it can help with the comfort if those that are not right up on the glass by stabilizing the temperature throughout the space so you don't have hot and cold spots.

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  • Does window film improve building energy efficiency ratings? Yes, window film does improve building efficiency ratings in MOST areas of the US. 

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  • Can you install window film after business hours? It is possible to install window film after business hours for most businesses at Window Film Ninjas we work hard to accommodate our customers needs. To see if we can accommodate your needs give us a call and we can discuss what those needs are!

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  • How long does commercial window film installation take? Commercial window film installations have a lot of factors that can change the amount of film an installer can install from day to day. But, on average an installer can install between 350-650 square feet per day.

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  • Do you offer multi-location commercial window film installs? Here at Window Film Ninjas we are very capable of handling multi-location commercial window film installations for customers. Even if those other locations are in other states all across the US, Canada and even Mexico!

Privacy & Decorative Film FAQs

  • What is the best window film for daytime privacy? The best films for daytime privacy is a 20% reflective film or a "1 way Mirror" film. Our Madico Starlite 20 and Starlite 8 are great for achieving daytime privacy!

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  • Can people see through privacy film at night? A reflective film like a 20% silver or a "1 way mirror" film work base off of light levels on both sides of the glass so at night, yes, people can see through the film and it can be more difficult to see out.

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  • What is the difference between frosted film and privacy tint? The difference between frosted film and "privacy tint" is one is a decorative film and in the context most people use the term "privacy tint" they mean a reflective film that offers daytime privacy. 

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  • Can frosted window film be installed on office conference rooms? Yes, this is actually the most common use of frosted films.

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  • Can decorative window film be custom cut with logos? Decorative films can be custom cut with your logos in them.

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  • Can privacy film be used in bathrooms? Frosted film is ideal for bathrooms as its effectiveness is not altered based on light levels. 

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  • Does frosted film still allow sunlight in? Yes frosted films still allow light into the space on varying levels as the opacity of each frost is different. 

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  • Can you custom print something that I have an idea for? Absolutely, our graphic designers can create almost anything you want. We can even print textures on film!

Residential Installation Process FAQs

  • How long does residential window film installation take? Residential window film installations can vary based on the size of the glass panes, the quantity of the panes, and the level of difficulty of installation. But, MOST residential installations can be done in 1-2 days.

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  • Do I need to move furniture before installation? Large furniture, expensive paintings, or items that can be broken or easily damaged we will request these items be moved prior to installation. Minor furniture we will assist customers in moving based on the capability of the installation team and the owners or managers directives. 

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  • How soon can I clean my windows after film installation? Madico like other manufacturers do not recommed cleaning your windows until after 30 days. 

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  • What should I expect after window film is installed? You should expect to see things like a tiny light gap at the edges of the glass (this is called a light gap) and it is necessary for a proper cure process. You may also see a haze that will dissipate over the following days, it is also possible to see small water pockets the size of a dime or smaller in the film. These are all normal and a part of the curing process as the film cure these all go away. 

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  • Why does window film look hazy or cloudy at first? So, the easiest way to explain this is to imagine putting soapy water on the window then putting plastic wrap on the glass with air pockets. As the water evaporates on the glass it has an effect on the plastic wrap as it gets cloudy. The window film is similar to this as it has the same effect on the film and the adhesive. This goes away rather rapidly after installation typically between 24-72 hours its completely gone.

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  • How long does window film take to cure? Most window films cure in a period of 30 days. Heavy safety and security fgilms can take up to 90 days to completely cure. 

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  • Can window film be installed in winter? Yes, the only time that winter changes whether window film can be installed is during a polar vortex with temperatures below freezing. 

Pricing / Quote FAQs

  • How much does window film cost per window? The cost varies based off of things like window size, film type, and difficulty of installation. For a simple answer I recommend calling a profession for pricing on your specific project. But, if you're looking for quick pricing it can vary from $50-$750 per pane. 

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  • How much does window film cost per square foot? Most window films can be professionally installed for between $10-$20 per square foot. 

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  • Is window film cheaper than replacing windows? Yes, window film is generally 10-25% of the cost of glass replacement.

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  • Do you offer free estimates for window tinting? Yes, we do offer free estimate to customers. 

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  • What affects the cost of window film installation? Things that can affect the cost of window film installation are the size of the windows, scope of work, level of difficulty of installation, height of glass, fall protection needed. 

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  • Do you offer financing or payment plans? I do not currently offer financing in house but, we are working on helping customers get financing options that fit their needs. If you have questions on financing give us a call to discuss options available.

Maintenance & Cleaning FAQs

  • How do you clean windows with window film? The best way to clean window with window film is to fill a spray bottle with water and add 2-3 drops of dish soap. If you want it to work like Windex add 1-2 table spoons of Isopropyl alcohol. You can also by ammonia free glass cleaner.

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  • What cleaning products should I avoid? Avoid ammonia or other harsh chemicals and adhesive removers as the can destroy the films adhesive and void warranties.

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  • Can I use Windex on window film? As long as it is ammonia free, you can use Windex safely on window film. 

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  • Will window film scratch? Yes, using abrasive pads even the blue ones will scratch window films. ALWAYS us a clean microfiber cloth or a glass squeegee to clean. 

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  • How do I remove stickers or tape from window film? Removing stickers from window film is difficult to do without damaging film. If you can get it off without scratching it using your finger nail always try this first. If not the type of sticker will depend on how you get it off. If its paper try soaking it in soapy water and covering with plastic wrap and leave it for a while coming back only to ensure its still wet under the plastic wrap. after a few hours try rubbing a wet microfiber to get it down to the adhesive. Then try to use the least harsh chemical possible to remove the adhesive. Even as a professional I sometimes have to just replace the film. 

Warranty & Longevity FAQs

  • Does window film come with a warranty? Yes, professionally installed window films from quality manufacturers like Madico, Llumar, 3M and others come with a manufacturers warranty and a glass breakage an seal failure warranty.

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  • What does the window film warranty cover? Window film warranty covers cracking, peeling, discoloration, fading of dye in films, oxidation of metalized films, they also have a glass breakage and seal failure warranty. These terms are subject to the manufacturers specific warranty for the film applied. 

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  • How long does commercial window film warranty last? Most commercial warranties are between 10 and 15 years. 

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  • What happens if window film bubbles or peels? IF window film peels, bubbles, cracks or has discoloration issues. Call the installation company to have them file warranty paperwork and have it fixed under the warranty. 

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  • Is your window film company, manufacturer certified (3M, Llumar, Madico, etc.)? Window Film Ninjas is Certified by Madico Window Films as we are a Madico dealer. We also hold Madico's Safety Shield certification for proper installation of safety and security film products. We are also a Madico Sunscape certified dealership allowing us to install All of Madico's window films for commercial and residential properties!​

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