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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
1. How do 3M™ sun control films work?
3M™ sun control films are designed to help 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.
Typical colored or dyed films work primarily through increased absorption. The color absorbs the solar energy at the glass, thus reducing the direct transmission into the room. These films only offer marginal performance when compared to reflective films.
Reflective films are films that have been precision coated with metals.These metalized films are designed to increase the solar energy reflection of the glass and some of the absorption. Scotchtint reflective films range from moderate to excellent in solar performance (heat gain reduction).
All 3M™ sun control 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).
Most 3M™ window films are protected with our patented abrasion resistant coating for long term durability and maintained appearance.
2. How do 3M™ Plus All Season (LE) Films work?
3M™ or 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.
3. Why do commercial customers have 3M™
film
applied to their buildings?
- Improved tenant comfort
- Lower heating and cooling operating costs
- Lower utility demand costs
- Utility rebates
- Improved aesthetics, uniform appearance
- Improved safety and security
- Extended A/C equipment life
- Valued alternative to adding more A/C equipment Most often, our commercial customers will purchase Scotchtint window films for tenant comfort and justify the purchase on energy cost savings. 3 Window Film Manual 101
4. What is the typical energy pay back for
3M™ window films?
Simple pay backs will vary depending upon the amount of sunlit glass exposure, the type of film, the type of glass, cost of fuel, cost of application, and other variables.However, we have seen pay backs often range in the 2-5 year period, with some reported to be even less than 6 months.
5. How is 3M™ window film applied?
3M™ films are professionally applied by skilled, well-trained authorized 3M™ Dealer personnel. Almost all of our 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 (often water and ammonia) and razor blade 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.
6. How long does it take for 3M™ window films to dry?
We suggest allowing thirty days for the film to fully dry and cure.During this curing process, it is natural to have 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 (or even 45) days, or as little as a few days. Once dried, 3M™ films will look great and perform for many years to come.
7. Can I install 3M™ window film myself?
No, Scotchtint window films require professional application; our authorized
3M™ window film Dealer/Applicators are thoroughly trained and experienced
in performing high quality work. In this way, our customers will enjoy
the benefits of 3M™ window films and
have the comfort of the
3M™ warranty.
8. How do I clean my 3M™ window film?
After thirty (30) days, you may clean 3M™ films using normal household cleaning solutions, including ammonia based products: e.g., Windex, 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 should not be used.
9. How long does 3M™ window film last?
All applications have a minimum warranty period of ten (10) years and
several films carry a
twelve (12) or ten (10) year commercial warranty, and all residential
carry a lifetime warranty.
10. Do 3M™ window films cause glass to break?
No, 3M™ window films do not cause glass to break. However, we do understand that the application of 3M™ 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.
3M™'s fourty plus (40+) years of experience with applying 3M™ window films to different types of glass enables us to make proper film/glass recommendations and minimize the potential for glass breakage. In addition, we support these recommendations with our five year glass breakage warranty against thermal shock fracture. Should the glass break within five year of application, 3M™ will replace the glass and the dealer will replace the film.
11. Do 3M™ window films cause seal failure when applied to insulated (double-pane,Thermopane) windows?
No, 3M™ window films do not cause seal failure.We've been applying 3M™ films to insulated windows for fourty plus years with several millions of square feet of film applied to date.
When recommended films are applied to the inside pane of an insulated glass unit, there will be some absorption (except with clear safety films) of the sun's 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 20 F degree 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 insulated glass units. The best guard against seal failure is to purchase well-made units from reputable window manufacturers that have solid experience and histories with insulated units.
12. Will 3M™ window film stop my furnishings from fading?
Nothing stops fading. 3M™ films are designed to help reduce the major causes of fading (Ultraviolet light, visible light, and solar heat), thus prolonging the life of your furnishings, perhaps as much as two to five times. Keep in mind the article(s) to be protected; if they have a typical life of five (5) years then they may last ten (10) years to much longer depending on the performance of the film selected. However, if the typical life is only 2-3 weeks, then the expectation should be expressed in terms of months.
As a general rule of thumb, Ultraviolet (UV) is approximately 40% of the cause, visible light is about 25%, and heat about 25%. The remaining 10% an be attributed to humidity, pollutants, interior lights, dye anchorage, and more.
13. Does the Ultraviolet protection lose its effectiveness over time?
No, the Ultraviolet (UV) protection that we use in our proprietary adhesive system is indefinite. It does not loose its effectiveness over time. In fact, we tested an actual glass sample from The Dumbarton House, Washington,DC. This was a ten (10) year old application and the Ultraviolet transmission still measures <1%!
14. How do 3M™ Ultra Safety and Security Window films work?
3M™ Ultra Safety and Security window films are designed to make glass shatter-resistant by hold the glass pieces together when broken.
Different from 3M™ film, 3M™ window films are made with thicker polyester and a much thicker, more aggressive adhesive system.The Ultra films are unique in the industry; they are built using a special micro-layered polyester technology which increases the films' tear resistance significantly. Pound for pound, the impact and tear resistance of Scotchshield Ultra films outperform all other films of similar thickness.
15. Are 3M™ (Ultra) films hurricane-proof? Bullet-proof? Burglar-proof?
In the event of a wind storm, these films may have significant safety and security value. They can reduce the risk of injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possibly help prevent debris and water penetration through the window depending on the severity of the storm (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, too).
Bullets: these films are not designed to stop bullets.
3M™ films were originally developed due to the international concerns and needs for 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 too).
3M™ ultra 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. It is generally recommended that the property have proper alarm systems in addition to 3M™ ultra window film.
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Security & Safety Films, Heat & Energy Savings Films, Solar & UV Window Films, Home Window Film,
Glass Tinting, Decorative Films & Architectural Finishes, Privacy Window Films, Hurricane & Storm Protection Films for Residential, Commercial, Condominium Complex & Governmental Buildings
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