FAQ's

the most FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WINDOW FILM

WHAT IS WINDOW FILM?
There are many types and constructions of solar control and safety window films. These films are considered in the building industry to be "retrofit" products; that is, products to be applied to existing buildings as opposed to use in new construction. In their simplest forms, window films are composed of a polyester substrate to which a scratch resistant coating is applied on one side; a mounting adhesive layer and a protective release liner is applied to the other side. When the release liner is removed, that side of the film with the adhesive is applied to the interior surface of the glass.

HOW DO SOLAR WINDOW FILMS WORK?
Solar radiation from the sun is divided into 3 components; visible light we can see, and infrared and ultraviolet rays which we can only feel. As solar radiation strikes a piece of glass, window film acts as a “sunscreen” to block harmful UV rays as well as regulates the levels of heat and light passing through the glass. The amount of heat and light rejected is all dependant on the type of window film selected.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING WINDOW FILM INSTALLED?
Decrease Heat - Window film is the most efficient way to reduce unwanted solar heat transferring through your windows. It can provide up to 78% heat reduction versus untreated glass, while controlling hot spots and cooling off sun-drenched areas in your home or office.

Reduce Fading & Health Risks - Window film blocks up to 99%* of UV rays, while also significantly reducing heat. This helps to protect your valuable furnishings from fading and provides a “sunscreen”for your skin against the harmful effects of the sun.

Cut Glare - Whatever the cause - direct sun, reflections from snow, water or surrounding buildings - there is a perfect window film solution to help reduce annoying glare.

Enjoy Energy Savings - Reducing temperature imbalances caused by extreme sunlight is why so many designers, architects and building engineers desire window film. Reducing heat will increase HVAC efficiency and lower energy costs.

Increase Safety - Accidents, environmental effects and vandalism can instantly turn a pane of glass into life-threatening shards. Window film can act as a “safety net” by holding shattered glass together.

Enhance Appearance - Whether it's a contemporary look or a uniform design, there's a choice of window film products that can aesthetically complement the exterior of a home or office building.

It's Fast and Easy - Professional installation is quick and simple. There’s minimal disruption to one’s daily lifestyle or work schedule.

HOW ARE WINDOW FILMS INSTALLED?
Our films are professionally applied by skilled staff. 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.

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL ENERGY SAVINGS?
The savings that are made depend on your consumption of energy. In an all year round hot climate like Thailand, the airconditioners are your biggest suckers of power. On a three bedroom house we found by installing window films, typical savings of between 1100 baht-1500 baht per month or around 25% - 40% of your monthly electric bill are not uncommon. That's 13,200 baht - 18,000 annually saved, and you window film investment returned in under 2 years.

DOES WINDOW FILM STOP FADING?
No, but it does really help slow it down. There are six factors affecting fabric fading: 1. Ultraviolet Light 2. Visible Light 3. Heat and Humidity 4. Chemical Vapors (including ozone) 5. Age of Fabric 6. Dye Fastness

Clear single panel glass (1/8" to 1/4") will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Window films installed on glass reject 95-99% of solar ultraviolet light. Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat. With window films, 80% solar heat rejection can be obtained. No window film can eliminate fading. It can, however, offer maximum protection from fading due to solar ultraviolet light and solar heat.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR WINDOW FILMS TO DRY?
We suggest allowing thirty days for the film to fully dry and cure. During this curing process, it is normal to have small water bubbles and/or a hazy 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, our Window Films will look great and perform for many years to come.

HOW DO I CARE FOR MY NEW WINDOW FILM?
Once window film has been installed, it’s very common to see a slight haziness and/or small water pockets. This is a normal part of the adhesive bonding process called “curing”. Depending on the film type and weather conditions, it may take up to 30 days for the film to be fully cured. The curing process is slow because the remaining water used in installation must evaporate through the film. Sputtered and heavy security films take the longest to dry and will take longer for any hazy appearance to disappear.

Once the film is dry and cured, it’s then safe for the film to be cleaned. The best cleaner is a simple solution of water and a small amount of soap. Clean the window and then squeegee dry with overlapping strokes in the same way you would clean the outside of your car windows. You may also clean the film surface with any normal strength glass cleaner. Products with amonia will not damage the film if used in reasonable quantities and if the film is not left to soak in it. Do not use any abrasive cleaners, industrial strength glass cleaners and/or any other window cleaning tools that may scratch the window film. Remember, the surface of the film is coated with a scratch resistant not scratch proof coating.

HOW LONG DO WINDOW FILMS LAST?
The effective life of window film will vary by the type of film, type of glass, window construction, compass orientation of glass, and in which part of the world the building is located. There are documented cases of film lasting 12 to 22 years or more in some instances. This should not, however, be assumed to be the normal expected life. All quality window films for residential and commercial use are warranted by the film manufacturers for a minimum of five years (certain products may have extended coverage). Our films have either a 5, 10 year or a lifetime guarantee.

WILL WINDOW FILMS AFFECT MY PLANTS?
In most cases if a house 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, a plant may go into a state of shock while it adjusts to the light change. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with 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 less light than lighter colored ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation: 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.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
The cost very much depends on the size of your house, the number of rooms you want covered in film and the type of film you choose. But as a very approx guide, an average three bedroom house with standard size windows is usually between 20,000-35,000 baht. The money saved on your energy costs, aircon etc often means you get your investment back in less than two years.