Time and time again, we receive feedback from customers telling us how the quality of life inside their home has improved since installing window film. We aren’t surprised. Window film has multiple benefits for homeowners, yet there are some enduring myths around window film that steer people toward more expensive (and often less effective) light control solutions.
Don’t let the following five myths stop you from choosing window film to improve your home’s quality and comfort.
01 Window film ages badly
Everyone has seen bubbling, discoloured, warped window film (or poorly tinted vehicles), and it’s not pretty. It’s common for the DIY window film kits to have an inferior product that is improperly applied. However, the window film we use is rigorously tested for strength, durability, and manufactured to prevent discolouration and extreme temperatures.
Not only that, but we apply tint all every day to a variety of glazed surfaces so you can rest assured your windows will look great for years to come.
02 Tinted windows are too dark
From the outside looking in, window film appears to be very dark, and sometimes people get the impression that film will make their home feel dark and depressing from the inside. Not only does tinting come in a variety of different shades, but you can also reject all of the heat and UV rays you like without having to go completely dark anymore. Benefits include:
- Light rejection makes your home’s interior less visible from prying eyes on the outside.
- UV blocking protects your valuables, carpet, artwork and furniture from fading in direct sunlight.
- It can help block out glare from direct sunlight while allowing enough natural light to enter.
03 Film is all show, no function
It’s true tinted windows add a perception of high-class to almost any home. More importantly, professionally installed window tint can block out over 99% of harmful UV rays that can damage your home’s interior and lead to skin damage or even skin cancer. Tinting the windows in your home is more than a superficial investment; it reduces replacement costs for furnishings, increases the resale value of your home and, most importantly, protects your health.
04 Window film is burglar-proof
I am not sure how this one got started, but window film does not make your windows magically unbreakable. Commercial grade window film, the kind we install, does have the benefit of making glass more difficult to break, and the adhesive helps prevent the glass from shattering dangerously everywhere. Tinted windows can be a deterrent against burglary because it’s harder for burglars to assess the contents or determine how many occupants are inside your home.
If you are looking for real break-in security, you should take a look at Security Window Films. These are formulated to withstand impact, explosions, and earthquakes, but they are not the same thing as standard solar window films.
05 Tinting wrecks your windows
When a commercial grade film is applied professionally, the film enhances the glass; it doesn’t damage it. The DIY film is another story because when misapplied, the glass can be scratched or damaged with residue left on all surfaces. Glass breakage during window film application by a professional should never occur. However, we have experienced scarce instances of glass cracking after window film installation.
Here’s what happens: Every solar control window film works by reflecting a portion of the solar energy striking the window. Because the film is applied to the interior side of the glass, a part of the reflected energy is absorbed into the glass, increasing its temperature. Also, metallized window films absorb heat, some of which is transferred into the glass by conduction. Higher temperature subjects the glass to additional stress, especially at the edges. This stress is called thermal shock. Glass may crack under thermal shock if scratches or other flaws exist along the edge surfaces. This breakage happens in extremely rare circumstances, and professionals can mitigate the risks.
At Hi-Calibre Views, we stand by our work, and the tint itself is under a manufacturer’s warranty, so there’s virtually no risk of occurring damage.
Do you have any questions about film, but were afraid to ask? We’re happy to debunk any window film myths, just say hello.
