Frequently Asked Questions

For skylights, we recommend a darker and more reflective film, since skylights receive the bulk of the heat energy from the sun. Usually, Silver R20, a highly reflective film, or a very dark tinted film is what we would suggest for skylight applications. It’s important to note that you will have to verify that the skylight is composed of glass...

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The warranty for window film varies depending on the manufacturer and type of film. 3M Window Films are warrantied to maintain their solar control properties without bubbling, peeling, cracking, or crazing. They are also warrantied to maintain their adhesion properties without blistering or delaminating from the glass. Additionally, many of our films are warranted against discoloration. The warranty duration varies,...

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 You can clean windows that have window film installed with soap and water. In fact, that’s what we recommend. You can also use common glass cleaning products like Windex on window film. The only thing you should NOT use to clean your window film is anything that is abrasive, because it will scratch the surface of the film. To obtain...

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Different window films are designed to address specific challenges, so consider whether privacy or security is your priority. If privacy is your primary goal, a frosted or decorative film is usually the best option for providing privacy and preventing people from seeing through the glass into your space. By the same token, a frosted film also prevents you from seeing...

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 Yes, window film can be removed. Certain types of film are very difficult to remove. To ensure successful removal, we highly suggest working with a professional to remove window film from your windows.  How Long Will Window Film Last? Window film will last many years before it needs to be removed. Properly installed premium-quality films are designed to remain adhered...

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A: With properly selected window film that is professionally installed, the likelihood of your glass breaking is minimal. Window film can cause the glass to break in certain conditions. It usually occurs when the glass is older and the film is extremely dark. In the rare event that the glass breaks, the manufacturer’s warranty will cover glass breakage.  The Importance...

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There’s no product on the market that can stop fading entirely while still allowing sunlight into the space. That said, window film will drastically slow the fading process, adding years onto the lifespan of your furnishings and interiors.  What Causes Furniture to Fade? Fading of furniture and hardwood flooring is caused not only by UV light but also by infrared...

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No, most window films will not work on Plexiglass or plastic windows. There is an application option where you can install a blister-free film over the Plexiglass and then install the window film over that. Regular window films will not work when installed directly on Plexiglass or plastic windows.  The Problem with Plexiglass and Window Film Plexiglass, which some may...

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Window film installed on the interior side of the glass 95% of the time, though there are films designed specifically for exterior applications. The film has a strong adhesive on one side that is protected by a clear liner and is activated when it comes into contact with water. Though there are many home improvement projects that homeowners can undertake...

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 Window film rejects the majority of the sun’s heat and the sun’s energy, which lowers the indoor temperature in your house or office. By helping to maintain the temperature around your set point, window film reduces the demand on your HVAC system to artificially cool and heat the space. This improves energy efficiency, lowers utility bills, and reduces your home...

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Today’s advanced window film technologies actually enhance your view, and depending on the type of film you select, it may be almost impossible to tell that a film was even installed. Window films come in a wide variety of designs, colors and tints ranging from virtually clear to completely non-transparent for privacy. You can see through almost all solar films....

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The best window film for you depends on what your objective is. If your objective is to reject heat, bring down your energy bills, or be more comfortable, you need a darker and more reflective film. If your objective is to prevent fade, you also need a darker, more reflective film. If you are looking to block some heat and...

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Window film is designed and manufactured to reflect the solar energy from the sun and the light coming through the glass through different types of filters. Heat-causing infrared light and damaging UV light are blocked out, while visible light is allowed to pass through the glass to brighten your space with natural light Different window films rely on different materials...

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There can be many reasons to choose window film for your home or office. Some of the most commonly cited benefits of window film include:  Heat Reduction Glare Reduction Increased Privacy UV Fade Protection Enhanced Security Improved Safety Maintained View  Enhanced Design Aesthetics Lower Energy Bills Increased Property Value Ultimately, the reason why you should install window film will depend...

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Window film is a multi-layer polyester material designed to reduce heat, reflect glare, and prevent fade. This transparent laminate film is typically applied to the inside of residential or commercial buildings. Window film attaches to glass with an adhesive that is activated by water and soap during the installation process.  Types of Window Film Window film does more than just...

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Thinsulate™ Window Films can be applied to your existing windows, increasing the performance of a single pane window nearly to that of a double pane and a double pane nearly to a triple pane. They achieve this at a fraction of the cost, disruption and time required to replace your existing windows. In addition, there is no need to discard...

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The Thinsulate™ Window Film should be cared for in accordance with the warranty document you received from your installing dealer. In general, you should wait a minimum of 30 days after installation before you clean your windows. At that time, you can clean your windows using commercially available window cleaning products with a clean window cleaning squeegee, or by gently...

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A home or building is only insulated as well as its windows. A single pane window loses 20 times as much heat as the same area in an adjacent well insulated wall. This leads to nearly 30% of all energy used to heat and cool homes going out the window. Thinsulate™ Window Film helps improve the insulation value of a...

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Solar control films focus on the solar energy spectrum and are primarily designed to help keep the sun’s energy from entering a building. In order to be effective, the glass needs to be exposed to sunlight. The effectiveness of a film in helping to prevent solar energy from entering a building is measured by its Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)....

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Low E is short for Low Emissivity. Products that have Low E properties, such as Thinsulate™ Window Film, are designed to help reflect radiant heat, rather than allowing the glass to absorb it....

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3M™ Thinsulate™ Brand is a well-known 3M brand that stands for comfort, warmth, and quality. The Thinsulate™ brand has been in existence for almost 50 years. Many of the products under the Thinsulate™ brand are key warming/insulation components in jackets, hats, gloves, shoes, and bedding. And now Thinsulate™ Window Film products include low-e window films....

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If you have a specific door that a pet paws on over and over we would recommend a tougher pet guard type of film for that door....

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To obtain maximum service life from your window film product, note the following instructions for proper care and maintenance. DO NOT CLEAN THE FILM FOR 30 DAYS AFTER INSTALLATION. This will help to secure proper curing of the adhesive system to the glass. Do not use ammonia solutions to clean any window film product. A good economical cleaning solution for...

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Residential & Commercial window film installations vary depending on how many windows are involved in the project but in many cases the film can be installed in one day. Call or email for a Free Quote today....

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General Solar has the experience to assist in picking the correct window film for your situation and can provide samples showing the different shades available. Call or email for a Free Quote today....

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Safety and Security Window Films are designed to make glass shatter-resistant by holding the glass pieces together when broken....

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No, 3M Window Films do not cause seal failure. We’ve been applying 3M Window Films to insulated windows for many years with several millions of square feet of film applied to date....

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Energy payback will vary depending upon the amount of sunlit glass exposure, the type of window film used, cost of application, type of glass, cost of utilities, and other variables. However, we have seen energy paybacks often range in the 2-5 year period, with some reported to be even less than 6 months....

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Yes! Window film can be custom cut to fit any size or shape of window, patio door, skylight and other glass. Each sheet of window film is custom cut to match exact sizing of your windows. This technique means there are no visible seams and the process works on single & double hung, dual pane, tempered glass windows, sliding patio...

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Window film has an adhesive on one side that is protected by a clear liner. The liner is removed at the time of installation. General Solar professional window film technicians thoroughly clean and prepare the glass before installation. Using a special mounting solution, squeegee and trimming blades the film is then applied to the glass....

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Yes Window film doesn’t have to be dark to provide benefits like heat reduction, energy savings and ultraviolet (UV) protection. General Solar offers a wide range of window film shades for architectural applications, giving you options that best suit your needs....

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Yes, many films offer tremendous heat reduction properties. You can still enjoy both a beautiful view and rooms that are cooler and more comfortable, which also saves energy & money....

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The options are virtually unlimited based on each situation. From virtually clear to complete privacy. These advanced window films are designed to control heat, reduce glare & fading without obscuring sunshine & natural light. Our professional window film installers will help you decide what film is right for your home or office....

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There are many types of window film available including Solar Control, Glare Control, Decorative, Privacy, Low-e & Security. General Solar professionals will help you decide which will work best for your home or office....

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When properly installed, Window Film should not take away from the quality of your current view. For some official Industry Standard Viewing Conditions, please see the document found here....

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Window film can enhance all types of windows’ performance and style including single pane clear glass, dual pane low-e glass or anything in between in residential homes, office buildings and more....

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There can be many reasons to choose window film for your home or office. Benefits of window film include Heat Reduction, Glare Reduction, Increased Privacy, UV Fade Protection, Security, Protection, Maintaining View & Lower Bills....

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