Common Window Tint Issues

Installing window tint is a great upgrade, whether it's for your car, home or commercial business. Window tints add a layer of security to your vehicle or residence while also giving it a sharp new appearance. The safety benefits and exciting look offer many benefits for users.

However, applying window film is a careful process — so much so that it's usually best to get a professional installation. If not, you might encounter various problems with the film. Whether it's bubbling, peeling or discoloration, many problems might occur with the film after a DIY job.

Here's an overview of window film and other common car tint problems:

What Is Window Film?

Window tints are sheets of film that get applied to the insides of windows. Window film reduces the amount of radiation and heat from the sun.

As light passes through the window via visible light transmission (VLT), window film filters it by either absorbing, reflecting or transmitting the light. The tint rejects most of the light, preventing many rays from entering the car or building. Depending on the film's shade, it could reflect anything from 50% to 90% of the rays.

The film also protects components such as your car seats or house furniture from sun damage. Too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause severe skin reactions and fade car interiors. The tints reduce how much sun enters your car or home.

In addition, window film gives users privacy by adding a dark tint to translucent windows. For instance, if you use window film in your car, you can prevent passersby from seeing interior valuables.

While people commonly use window tints in their cars, you can also install them in your home and other areas. Here are three different types of window film:

Automotive

Automotive window film offers protection and attractiveness for your vehicle. You can apply window film to the inside of your windows or the exterior of your car. After installing, the tints give your vehicle both a sleek physical upgrade and increased privacy.

Here are more benefits of automotive window film:

Protection from UV rays: Excess sun exposure can severely damage car seats and other interior features. Over time, the sun can cause leather and materials to fade. It can also harm your skin during long car rides. By applying window tint, you limit the amount of sun entering your car and minimize these issues.
Improved privacy: Window tint prevents outsiders from seeing your car's interior, protecting any valuables you might carry in the vehicle. You also get more privacy during drives — while window tint prevents others from seeing inside your vehicle, you still get completely clear views of the outside.
Increased safety: Many types of window film help hold cracked glass together. In case of emergencies or accidents, the glass remains in place even when broken. Excess sun rays from windows can distract you from driving or cause you to miss important signs or lights. Window tint also reduces sun glares, keeping you safer during drives.

Residential

You can also apply window film to the insides of your home windows. Available in many styles, residential window tints offer a safeguard against heat and an attractive accent for your home.

These are additional advantages to residential window tint:

Increased comfort: Your home can become uncomfortably hot in warmer months even when you have an air conditioning system. Window film naturally decreases the warmth that enters your home and regulates a cooler temperature for the entire year. Tints also help protect you and your family from dangerous UV rays.
Decreased utilities: Window film reduces the amount of heat entering your home, providing natural temperature regulation. In turn, you might not rely so much on HVAC systems in the warm months, meaning you can decrease your utility bills. The film can also absorb heat when needed, particularly in colder times of the year.
Sleek new look: No matter the kind of window film you choose, window tints give your home an attractive accent. Many styles are available in different shades, so you can customize your home's new appearance as needed.

Commercial

Window tint also serves as an excellent shield for commercial buildings. Whether you work in an office, restaurant or store, commercial window films provide safety and comfort for both you and your customers.

Here are more ways window tint can assist your commercial windows:

Protects from fading: As a commercial building, your products and assets are your most essential features. Slow fading and damage to your inventory by installing protective window tints.
Additional safety measures: Break-ins are one of the biggest concerns for businesses. Many styles of window tints strengthen glass and hold it together even when intruders attempt to shatter it.
Improves enjoyment: Intense heatwaves can impact commercial buildings. Protect customers and workers from sun rays by installing window tint.

Safety Film

Window film is also available solely for protection. Safety window film keeps shattered glass together, and its high-strength materials are more likely to withstand weather disasters or attempted vandalism.

Safety film is available in multiple types. Here are a few of the options:

Anti-intrusion film: Break-ins pose significant threats to both commercial buildings and residential homes. Anti-intrusion window film has a layer of reinforced glass that reduces window shattering. The durable glass construction keeps intruders from using windows as an entry.
Natural disaster film: Natural disaster window film protects against natural weather disasters like earthquakes and blizzards. If you live in an area prone to frequent weather catastrophes, you might consider this window tint. Protect you, your family or your co-workers from glass fragments by installing this film.
Blast mitigation film: During explosions, flying glass shards cause severe injuries to nearby inhabitants. Blast mitigation window films are designed to keep glass together so broken pieces don't harm anyone.

Common Window Film Issues

Although window film provides many benefits to vehicles, homes and commercial buildings, potential issues can arise during use. Problems with window tint occur even more often with DIY jobs. Many people try to apply window tint themselves to save money, but they often encounter more problems in the long term. That's why most window tint services highly recommend a professional installation.

These are some common DIY window tinting issues:

Peeling

Peeling after a few years is typical, but when window film peels soon after application, it's a sign it wasn't installed properly. Window film usually slides off after glue hardens from exposure. The tint might peel slightly or so much that the entire film falls off.

If you tried to apply the tint yourself, you might have used the wrong or weak adhesives for the tint to stick. Diluted glue can't hold the film up properly. Instead, it slides off the glass.

On the other hand, you might have tried to install the film when the car wasn't in the right condition. For instance, if your car's surface is wet, the tint won't stick to the adhesive properly. Excessively hot windows might also resist adhesives.

When you get window film professionally installed, it reduces the chance that any peeling will occur.

Bubbling

Bubbles sometimes develop in window film after years of use. If they develop right after installation, though, it's probably a sign of an issue. In many cases, bubbles form due to exposure to dirt. If you missed a few spots of grime before starting an installation, it could cause the tint to trap the surrounding air and the tint to expand.

Bubbles detract from the window film's appearance and could cause distractions during driving. Bubbles inhibit light rays and may cause them to distort, impairing your driving ability. It's best to enlist the help of a professional installer to avoid them appearing in your tint.

Discoloring

Another common DIY window tinting issue is discoloration. Window films are constantly exposed to UV rays and sunlight, and the heat places a lot of stress on the materials. Cheaper dyes start to fade quickly and might develop a purple hue. If your tint starts showing purple tinges, it's a sign that the dye was either incorrect or not of the best quality.

Tints might also become cloudy or hazy with improper application. This is normally due to a wet car surface during installation. The water becomes trapped under the tint and turns to vapor, clouding the rest of the film. In these cases, you should seek professional assistance — cloudy surfaces prevent you from seeing the road properly and might lead to accidents.

Gapping

If you try to apply window tint yourself, you might find little gaps or uneven spaces after installation. These gaps are frequent in DIY installations. Look for uneven lines around window edges or door handles, which are common spots people miss.

You might have to remove all of the tint and start over to fix these gaps. This is often more costly than seeking an expert application in the first place. Professional tint installers typically use computerized templates to ensure a thorough administration. It's best to contact a professional for the most thorough window film application.

Temperature Problems

One of the best advantages of window tint is temperature regulation. After installation, your car or building naturally adjusts for excess heat and cold. However, if you notice your car or room feels stuffy or cold a few days after an application, that means the job probably wasn't done correctly. The film might be preventing healthy air movement, which is more harmful than helpful.

To fix this, it's probably best to contact a specialist for safe removal. Once you get the correct film application, your residence or car should feel cooler and more comfortable.

Not Sticking Correctly

A professionally applied window film sticks fully to all areas of the window. Many cars have textured dots or lines on their windows and window tint might not adhere well to the texture. If you attempt a DIY application, you might not fill in these areas correctly, causing a misshapen appearance. An awkward placement around the textures might cause the film to peel or bubble immediately.

In these cases, or if you have any particular glass design that might make an installation difficult, it's good practice to contact a professional for help. They can ensure a correct application and work with you to find the best fit.

Benefits of Madico® Window Film

Madico is a leader in the window film industry, offering high-quality window films and specialized solutions. We understand the necessity of correct window tint installations and pride ourselves on providing premier installations for customers.

These are more benefits of using Madico window film:

Professional installation: At Madico, a professional completes every film installation. Instead of a DIY attempt, our team will perform an expert application. We start by meticulously cleaning your car so it's free of all dirt particles. Then, we cut the film to perfectly match your window size. We use a high-quality application spray to place the film onto the window. Lastly, we trim any excess film for an ideal fit.
High-quality film: Madico commits to using top-tier products in all installations. We use the strongest dyes, adhesives and laminates to create durable and sleek window tints. Because of the excellent quality, you won't encounter any common issues like bubbling, peeling or color degradation.
UV ray blockage: Our tints block 99% of harmful UV rays, guaranteeing safer interactions while exposed to the sun. This extreme protection shields your skin from harmful exposure and decreases the chance of your interior belongings fading or becoming damaged. The blockage can also prevent eye strain from sunlight while driving or working.
Manufacturer guarantee: All of our films are backed by our manufacturer warranty. Our warranties represent our long history of customer satisfaction and top-notch installations. For residence installations, this warranty extends for a lifetime. You can buy our films with the secure knowledge that we will repair any potential damages.

When you choose a Madico installation, you avoid any common car tint problems associated with DIY. Instead, experience expert applications and a worry-free warranty.

Find a Madico Dealer Today

You shouldn't have to experience problems after a window tint application. Dodge any common signs of bad window tinting by choosing Madico products.

At Madico, we understand the importance of high-quality window film. Whether you want to upgrade your vehicle or residence windows with window tint, consider Madico products. Our expert, customer-focused services promise a superior installation and are backed by a warranty guarantee.

Find a Madico dealer today to get started with a skillful window film application. We look forward to helping you add safety and sleekness to your windows.