Is Installing Window Film a Do-It-Yourself Job?

The big-box home improvement retail stores are chock-full of the materials, tools, and even the how-to classes that allow homeowners to take on a wide variety of do-it-yourself projects. DIY is huge today, and it's true that someone with average skills can often complete certain home improvement projects with a comparable level of quality to that of a professional job, and save money doing it.   What about window film? Is an installation of film as a DIY the right choice for you? Here are a few points to consider before you decide:    

Tricks of the trade.

  Like most skilled trades, installing window film right takes experience and knowledge of the products and techniques. Think of the professionally painted home interior vs. the homeowner's weekend adventure with brush and roller. Professionally-installed window film looks better, lasts longer, and performs as intended on the glass surface to which it's applied.    

Does the film match the glass?

  The window is just a piece of glass - they're all the same, right? No, and quality window films are designed for use on only specific types of window glass. Not only will some films simply not adhere properly to some window glass types, but the window can be damaged by installation of the incorrect window film which can potentially cause glass breakage and or seal failure in multi-pane window units. This can result in the costly replacement of the entire window. Most DIY-ers have neither the experience nor the access to information necessary to appropriately select the correct film for their glass type.    

You get what you pay for.

  Window film purchased at a big-box or a hardware store is almost always of an inferior quality to the film supplied by a window film professional.   When you call such a professional for an estimate, you'll learn that the most-recommended, reputable installers have strong relationships with a manufacturer of the highest-quality window films available. The window films shown to you by the pros most often carry warranties on the products, as well their installation and removal if defective. In addition, many carry a warranty that offers some protection should the rare but unfortunate occurrence of glass breakage and/or seal failure happen. Purchase and install the window film yourself, and you'll likely only be covered for the cost of the film.