Homeowners, Dealers, Professionals
ARCHITECTURAL WINDOW FILMS
Enjoy Beauty, Safety, and Savings with Residential Window Film
Enjoy Beauty, Safety, and Savings with Residential Window Film
Experience your home in a better light with Madico residential window film.
Madico architectural window films offer numerous advantages for homeowners, providing a blend of style and functionality. Available in various styles and hues, these films can be as bold or as subtle as desired. They help save energy, reduce glare, and protect against UV rays, enhancing both comfort and aesthetics in your home. Additionally, Madico window films come with a manufacturer's warranty, ensuring long-term quality and peace of mind.
Window film laws vary from state to state, and country to country. Many countries allow window film on the entire car as long as they meet certain light transmission standards. In the U.S., window film is not permitted on the front windshield but allowed on the side windows and back windshield. The amount of allowable light transmission varies depending on state laws. Talk with your Madico® window film dealer to ensure you're within legal boundaries or check out these window film rules and laws per state, courtesy of the International Window Film Association (IWFA).
Yes, but it depends on where you live. Many electric utility companies offer rebate dollars for customers who install window film. It takes just a little homework to find out which utility companies participate in incentive programs. You can learn more at energy.gov/savings.
For commercial buildings, window film installation may also help you attain Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) credits and potential certification. LEED, is a highly-recognized green building certification program. You can learn more at usgbc.org/certification.
No – Madico automotive window films are professionally installed by dealers who are knowledgeable in the nuances of individual vehicles and are highly skilled in current installation techniques to assure a quality installation every time. Dealers can also help you discover the right automotive window film for your performance needs and closely match any existing factory-tinted glass on your vehicle.
Window film can help keep shattered glass together, reducing the chance of injury in the event of an accident or attempted smash & grab.
Window film can be removed, but it’s not a simple DIY swap—especially if the goal is a clean finish and minimal risk to the glass. Over time, adhesive can bond tightly to the surface, and improper removal often leaves stubborn adhesive residue, surface scratches, or even damaged weather seals. Because of this, professional removal by a trained installer is strongly recommended; pros use the right tools and techniques to safely lift and clean the glass, and they can advise on whether existing film is suitable for reuse (typically it’s not) or should be replaced with a new, high-performing product. Learn more about film permanence and service best practices here.
Along with saving you money on cooling costs in the warm summer months, architectural window film helps retain interior heat to help you reduce heating costs in winter. Year-round, the sun’s ultraviolet rays cause colors to fade, fabrics to fray, and woods to crack. This damage to your furnishings, flooring, and artwork becomes worse over time, and can never be reversed. But it can be significantly reduced with the application of architectural window film.
Madico® films block 99% of harmful UV rays, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in sun damage, while helping to preserve the beauty of your home or office—and your valued possessions—for as long as you own them. Window film by Madico improves the comfort of your space throughout the year, despite the temperature, by making windows more energy efficient—and conserving all that energy benefits the environment, too.
Yes. ClearPlex can be professionally installed on Jeep Gorilla Glass to add an extra impact-absorbing layer that helps reduce chips and cracks.
The answer, quite simply, is no. The International Window Film Association (IWFA) emphasizes that there's no bullet-proof testing for window film alone. If a salesperson states otherwise, insist on evidence. It's crucial to check if the windows in their tests are of the same type and thickness as your school's. The IWFA's detailed report, "Security Film in Schools," is accessible for download as a PDF from their website.
You can request a quote or additional information by contacting us through our website, email, or phone. Please provide details about your project requirements to help us serve you better.
The cleaning process for a filmed window very similar to cleaning ordinary windows. Before cleaning though, make sure that the tint has fully cured. Generally, we recommend waiting 30 days after the film has been installed before its first cleaning. When cleaning, follow this procedure:
A seismic event occurs when tensions in the bedrock quickly change so that the bed rock breaks. When the shock wave hits the ground it is felt as a vibrations. These vibrations can cause buildings to shake and deform which may result in the windows breaking. Safety films systems have been proven useful in holding on to broken fragments and retaining the glazing in the opening.
There are vast differences in the construction properties of automotive and architectural film. Automotive window film is designed to absorb solar energy, which means a car can actually grow warmer inside as the car sits idle. The magic of creating interior comfort happens as the window's absorbed heat radiates as the car drives down the road.
Architectural window film, of course, is used on stationary structures. If one tried to install automotive window film architecturally, you can imagine how the solar-absorbing auto film would prove detrimental to a home or office environment. It's for this reason that architectural flat glass is designed to reflect heat. In fact, if you were to try putting solar-energy-absorbing auto film onto flat glass, there's a good chance heat buildup would cause the glass to break.
There are other differences. For example, automotive film is designed to be heat formed during installation, allowing the installer to shape the film as needed around the curvature of a vehicle’s windows. Architectural film uses a different adhesive than automotive film. It is formulated to give an installer more control when positioning film on large glass surfaces.
ClearPlex film and automotive window film are both polyester-based films that require heat molding for proper installation. Due to ClearPlex's thickness, installation takes slightly longer and requires more heat to mold the film correctly to the windshield.
When the sun hits glass that's not protected with window film, a significant amount of the sun's energy—about 90%—is transmitted through the glass. That's where the heat comes from. To counteract that, installing window film on glass will block up to 80% of the sun's energy. That means a whole lot less heat is getting through to you. The exact amount of heat absorption and reflectance of the film will depend on the type of film your professional installer recommends for your specific needs. Dyed films do not have metal and are considered non-reflective, and while they absorb solar energy, they're not as effective at solar control because of their non-reflective property. On the contrary, metalized and nano-ceramic films provide solar absorption and reflectance—and much more solar control—with nano-ceramic film offering the highest levels of solar protection. These films block up to 99% of the sun's harmful UV rays.
Solar radiation, also known as solar energy, is made up of three parts: visible light, which we can see, ultraviolet rays, which we can't see, and infrared rays, which we experience as heat. When solar radiation hits glass, window film blocks damaging UV rays and manages the light and heat that transmits through the glass. The amount is dependent upon the kind of window film installed.
All Madico® window films are installed by professional Madico window film dealers. The installation process begins with the dealer thoroughly cleaning your windows to remove even the smallest dirt particles. A piece of film is cut roughly to the size of your window—whether for an automotive installation or a window installation for home or commercial property. The installer then removes a protective release liner and sprays an application solution on the film’s adhesive to activate it. The application solution is also sprayed on the window to which the film will be applied. Then the film is installed on the glass, and the installer squeegees all the application solution out from between the glass and film. The installer will also do some final edge trimming to ensure the film fits perfectly.
With proper installation and care, ClearPlex is designed to last for years, even on Jeeps that regularly see trail use and highway debris.
When the dealer squeegees out the application solution during installation, it is nearly impossible to get every drop of solution out. Thus, there is a drying time (cure time) for the film, during which the remaining application solution between the film and glass evaporates. During this time, our window film is still performing to its full solar control and safety capabilities. However, it is common to see bubbles, haze, streaks, and other visual defects in the film as it cures. This is completely normal, and these will disappear as the film dries out.
The amount of time for the film to fully cure can vary drastically. If it is a dark solar control film on a south or west-facing window in a hot climate in summer, the film can be completely cured within a few days. However, if it is a heavy gauge safety film installed on a north facing window in wintertime, it’s not uncommon for the curing process to last over a month. Remember, though, that the film will perform as designed during the drying time, the bubbles and streaks are purely cosmetic.
Madico was founded in 1903, the same year as the Ford Motor Company.
Over 120+ years of excellence, the company has helped create many of the foundational technologies that sustain the window film industry today.
This depends on the film type, glass type, window construction, orientation, and geographical location of the building.
All Madico® architectural window films are covered by a warranty for some specified time. Most residential and automotive applications are covered by a lifetime warranty as long as you own the house or car. Most commercial installations receive either a 10- or 15-year warranty. There are some specialty films that have different terms; for example, exterior films are warranted for five years on vertical glass, two years on sloped glass; and decorative films usually have seven-year coverage.
The warranty coverage is based on extensive internal testing and our years of experience in the field. It is common that we see films that last well beyond their warranties, sometimes as long as 15-20 years.
Madico automotive window films longevity depends on some specific variables as well, like product type and quality, the climate the car has to bear, and the amount of direct sunlight the car is exposed to. The good news is, Madico automotive window films are manufactured using high quality dyes, adhesives, and laminates and are covered by a lifetime warranty for as long as you own the vehicle.
The cost of automotive window film depends on many factors. Your local Madico® dealer will provide you with both a consultation and an estimate to address your individual needs. Visit our dealer directory to find an authorized Madico dealer near you.
All Madico dealers are highly trained, experienced professionals. The process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours depending on how many windows are being tinted and if any old window film is being removed. Your dealer will be able to advise you on the required amount of time needed when making your appointment.
Automotive window tint film is always applied on the inside of your vehicle's glass. Windshield protection film is installed on the outside of your vehicle’s windshield.
In a word, no. There is no such thing as bullet or hurricane-proof glass. While many companies claim theirs is, the tests they conduct to promote these claims use uncommon film(s) not typically found in installed glass. Most installed security glass is 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch, while these companies test 1/2-inch and use multi-layers of film. Madico's security film is engineered to reduce injuries and damages by keeping shattered glass together.
Safety and security window films can also increase comfort levels by reducing glare and balancing temperature. This can be beneficial for students and teachers who spend long hours in classrooms.
Safety and security window films can also protect students and teachers from harmful UV rays. This can help reduce the risk of skin cancer and other health problems associated with prolonged exposure to the sun.
Madico offers a full range of automotive window films engineered with different dyeing and construction technologies to meet a variety of performance, aesthetic, and budget needs. Below is a quick overview of the four main film types and the Madico products that use each.
Dye in Laminate films are constructed by embedding dye between layers of film. This method helps protect the dye from fading over time, offering better longevity compared to simple dyed films. These films generally provide a good balance of heat and glare reduction at a lower cost.
Madico Products:
Extrusion dyed films are made by mixing the dye directly into the film during the extrusion process. This allows for consistent color throughout the film and enhances durability. These films are known for their color stability and affordability.
Madico Products:
Solution dyed films involve dissolving dye into the film's polymer solution before forming the film. This method results in richer color saturation and higher optical clarity. These films typically offer enhanced aesthetic and color longevity.
Madico Products:
Onyx
Infrared (IR) and Nano-Ceramic films use advanced technology to block high levels of heat and infrared radiation without compromising visibility. These films are ideal for performance-focused customers seeking superior heat rejection, signal-friendly performance, and enhanced clarity.
Madico Products:
Window films have many benefits, depending on your choice of film.
For residences and buildings, tinted window films, also called solar control films, can do the following:
Automotive window films:
Safety & security films are comprised of thicker polyester and stronger, more assertive adhesives. They hold shattered glass in place to offer protection from threats like:
Reflective is a traditional film that is reflective in appearance. These films reject up to 98% of the heat keeping homes and offices more comfortable, provide privacy, cut glare, and help to lower energy costs.
Dual Reflective films provide sun protection while reducing daytime heat and glare. These films also offer optimal nighttime views by reducing the interior reflectivity of glass, providing a more natural view.
Neutral films are less reflective than traditional film—reducing glare and preventing heat gain, all while providing a natural neutral tone.
Made specifically for exterior applications, exterior films cut annoying glare, block 99% of UV rays, and help lower cooling costs while providing a uniform exterior appearance.
Solar Safety & Security films combine safety and security film with solar control properties, to reduce the energy consumption of a building.
There are three types of window film (in automotive, referred to as window tint). Non-reflective or dyed film that absorbs the sun's energy—providing heat reduction for automobiles. Reflective or metalized film that both reflects and takes in solar energy for architectural applications. And nano-ceramic film, which utilizes molecular science to engineer nanoparticles (which measure 1 billionth of a meter) to identify and absorb vast amounts of infrared heat, practically all the UV radiation, and varying degrees of visible light
While we're aware that many installers have perfected their own methods to install window film, the following information is a popular way professionals install car window film on most vehicles.
The term ceramic is frequently used when nitrate and oxide coatings are used in window film construction. During the coating process, nitrogen and/or oxygen are introduced into the sputtering chamber in conjunction with a negative electrical charge and argon gas. By introducing these gases, the target metal is transformed into a non-metallic ceramic. The appearance of the coating changes drastically and is less reflective in appearance compared to a metalized coating. Hence the term ceramic, as the coating is no longer metal with metal properties and appearance.
The terms nanotechnology and nano-particle are used quite frequently in today’s discussions of advanced window film technology. Nanotechnology is a term meaning anything that is 100 nanometers or less in size. Many different substances can be broken down to nano-sized particles. In relation to window film, these particles are dispersed in one of the polymer coatings to control solar energy.
Nanotechnology is one of the premier sciences in the world today. From biotech to aerospace, the implementation of nanotechnology has exponentially advanced many industries including window film. In the window film world, we refer to some of these particle as nano-ceramics.
The advanced nano-ceramic coatings that Madico® offers selectively interfere with light. Being selective, the coating allows the visible light to transmit while blocking the infrared light. Each of these components have an impact on heat gain.
Madico scientists can engineer nanoparticles or nanoceramics (which measure 1 billionth of a meter) to identify and absorb vast amounts of infrared energy, 99% or greater of the ultraviolet light, and varying degrees of visible light. It’s why we can refer to films such as our Black Pearl® Nano-Ceramic as spectrally selective.
Details on window film warranties, including automotive window tint, flat glass window film, and safety & security films, are available on Madico.com, search for "warranty information."
Window film or window tint, is a self-adhesive polyester film generally made of PET, Polyethylene Teraphthalate, the same polymer used to manufacture water bottles, for example. Most films are applied to the interior surface of a glass window in a home, commercial building, or car with an adhesive, and have a scratch-resistant coating on the outer surface to protect the film. So basically, window film is comprised of three components: the polymer film, coatings with adhesives, and outer protective coating.
Madico® offers many types of window films. Some are tinted with metals, dyes, or pigments to reduce the visible light transmitted through the glass, and block heat coming through from the sun. Others are clear and feature multiple layers of PET to offer protection from shattering glass. There are even decorative window films that can replicate the look of frosted glass or etched patterns.
Windshield protection film is a clear, durable film that is installed on the exterior of your windshield offering a physical barrier to protect against everyday road debris like rock chips ensuring the longevity and clarity of your vehicle's windshield. It effectively safeguards against various environmental damages.
An SPF number lets you know how effective sunscreen will be. The higher the number, the more effective it is.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, to block 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Translated to window gets a little scientific.
SPF is a measure from 280 nm (or nanometers) to 400 nm of how much ultraviolet light is transmitted. A basic way to calculate the SPF of a product is to divide 100 by the UV transmission, for example 100/0.5 transmission = 200 SPF. This isn’t exactly accurate as SPF goes up to 400 nm, but it provides an estimate. Every film has a different SPF reading since each film is slightly different up to 400 nm.
For example, a clear film such as CL 800 by Madico® would have an SPF of 236 while a dark film like Sunscape® Starlite 8 by Madico would be 2,723. A film such as UV Gard by Madico, which is designed for UV protection, has a SPF of 1937 since it blocks further into the visible spectrum than a CL 800 type of film.
Those are some pretty huge numbers compared to that 30 SPF you put on yourself. SPF numbers are officially determined according to established testing protocols. No claims can be made about actual SPF numbers without having these tests performed by a qualified laboratory.
When the weather is warm, window film can reduce air conditioning costs and save on lighting costs by reducing solar heat gain, while still letting in natural light. When it’s cold outside, window film can retain interior heat, saving on heating costs. In existing commercial structures, the energy savings achieved by window film can offer a payback in less than two years, or up to a 70% ROI — depending on factors such as construction, location, and type of film used. Window films can block up to 86% of the sun’s heat. A significant reduction of the sun’s heat aids in a building’s energy efficiency as less energy is needed from the HVAC cooling system — saving up to 30% of a building’s cooling costs.
Using an automotive protective wax like Turtle Wax, NuFinish, RejeX, or Meguiar’s Wax is essential for maintaining ClearPlex windshield protection film. The wax preserves the film’s scratch resistance and water repellency when used as directed and also protects against bird droppings, bugs, oil, tar, grease, dirt, and grime. The installer will apply an initial layer of wax when the film is installed, and the vehicle owner should continue applying it monthly for the life of the ClearPlex film.
Madico® window films are available through our extensive dealer network nationally and internationally. Our films are manufactured at our facility in Tampa Bay, Florida, and distributed through eight service centers across North America. Internationally, Madico has distributors all over the world including in Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa.
To find a window film or window tint dealer near your in North America check our dealer locator here.
To find an international distributor please visit our window film distribution page.
Protekt PPF works on a full range of vehicle surfaces including the hood, bumpers, fenders, side view mirrors, grills, rocker panels, rear quarter panels, truck bed rails, door frame edges and thresholds, wiper blade landing areas, door handles and looks, roof areas, under utility racks, and around wheel wells.
Madico operates a modern 250,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Pinellas Park, Florida, where over 45 filim lines are made, along with a number of specialty films typically sold through OEMs. These lines include popular films like Black Pearl Nano Ceramic, ClearPlex, SafetyShield, Sunscape, Optivision, Blister Free, Protekt PPF and, Charcool.
Quality window films are designed for use on specific types of window glass. Although Madico® offers many types of solar control and safety & security window films in a wide variety of shades, colors, and performance characteristics, it can be challenging to decide what to choose. So, in addition to reviewing our window film products on this website, we highly recommend visiting our dealer directory to find a local authorized Madico dealer who can determine your needs and help you select the best window film.
Madico® provides its dealers with swatch samples of automotive window film in a wide range of shades and colors to facilitate customer selection. Our professional dealers' role is to assist you in making a final selection. The one mandatory contribution they will make will be to ensure your final selection is in accordance with the state/province laws in which your vehicle is registered. So, in addition to reviewing our automotive window film products on this website, we highly recommend visiting our dealer directory to find a local authorized Madico dealer to spend time with to help make your window film selection.
When it comes to protecting your vehicle’s paint finish, it’s a jungle of flying objects and natural forces out there: stones, gravel, sand, bird droppings, winter salt, tree sap, bugs, oil, and other road debris. Fortunately, Protekt PPF is an easy, long-lasting solution to protecting your vehicle and maintaining its new car look.
All window films by Madico are engineered and manufactured with the highest quality standards and, when professionally installed, are backed by factory warranties.
No. ClearPlex is optically clear and fully compatible with Jeep windshields equipped with forward cameras and ADAS systems, maintaining proper visibility and sensor performance.
No, ClearPlex is optically clear and guaranteed not to peel, bubble, crack, or yellow for the warrantied life of the product. When installed properly, ClearPlex is truly invisible.
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 impacted, as the plant may take a few days to adjust to the light change. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it can 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 — simply 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 maximum or minimal light.
While it’s nearly impossible to eliminate all risk of fading, window film can significantly reduce the amount of fading for interior furnishings — protecting the flooring, artwork, drapes, and furniture that experience damaging sunlight from nearby windows.
No. Professionally installed Madico® window films will not distort your view and are essentially clear beyond the film's shade or color. In fact, automotive window film can help to improve a driver’s view as it cuts out annoying glare, helping to reduce eyestrain. Dark or reflective architectural film may reduce the view from the outside looking in, but that is not the case from the inside looking out, thanks to Visual Acuity. With Visual Acuity, your eyes adjust to the amount of light they are receiving, allowing you to see outside, even when the light transmission has been reduced.