|
These answers are based on information given by
the Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters,
and Laminators (AIMCAL) and CP Films.
Q: How
do I Clean my Window Film?
A: After thirty days, you may clean
the film using normal household cleaning solutions,
excluding ammonia based products, e.g. Windex, and a
soft, lint-free cloth or towel. You may also use a
squeegee to clean the film. Abrasive products, which
could scratch or damage the film, should not be used.
Q: Am I
Getting The Best?
Delaware
Glass Tinting, Inc. offers the finest installations
available.
Our window films are produced by CP Films, the largest
manufacturer 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.
CP Films has never had an adhesive failure with CDF
since
the 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
con-
sultant to the Sealed Insulated Glass Manufacturers
Association (SIGMA), to conduct the standard ASTM
tests
(E773 and E774) on standard sealed units with and
with-
out window film.
Based
on the testing conducted on these units, window
film had no observable effect on the performance of
high quality manufactured insulated units.
At Delaware Glass Tinting, Inc. our window film
products automatically
include a seal failure warranty for units that have an
existing
manufacturer’s 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. CP Films, 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 Warranty.
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
guide-
lines 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.
An accredited 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. Delaware Glass Tinting,
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 fifteen year manufacturer's
warranty.
Q:
What is Safety and Security Film
DGT,
Inc. 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.
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.
|
