The Terminology to Know When Considering Window Film

Like most products that perform one or more technical functions, window film carries with it a set of terms that may go over the average consumer’s head at first glance. There are certainly some words we’ve all seen and used – such as light energy, heat energy, even ultraviolet and infrared. Beyond those, there are the more scientific terms, like reflectance, transmittance and absorption.

And the language gets even more technical than that. Some familiarity with window film industry terms will help you make a more informed purchasing decision. You’ll better understand the different functions of various films, which allows you to make a smart choice. And you’ll level the playing field a bit when it comes to talking with the window film professional who estimates and installs your project.

Here is a bit of window film terminology to know:

Total Solar Energy

The total solar energy is the entire spectrum of the sun’s energy that reaches the Earth’s surface. It contains visible light, ultraviolet (UV) light — both UVA and UVB — and infrared rays (IR). Window films block all of these types of energy to some degree and for different purposes.

Window tinting blocks out some visible light, which reduces glare, eye strain and interior fading. Protecting against UVA and UVB rays helps prevent skin cancer, premature aging and other skin conditions. Infrared rays are the primary source of heat in sunlight, so filtering them out improves thermal comfort and reduces air conditioning costs.

Total solar energy rejected (TSER) is the percentage of the total solar energy that a tinting system is designed to keep out. This metric is helpful for consumers because it accounts for more than just UV light. A solar architectural film might reject 68% of visible light, 78% of IR rays and 99% of UV radiation. Because of sunlight’s makeup, these numbers translate to a TSER of 46%.

While TSER is an excellent general metric to compare films, recognize that this number is a combination of multiple factors, which may hold varying weights for your application. For example, if you’re looking to prevent glare or darken an interior space, visible light may be most important to you. To better understand a product’s performance, it’s helpful to look at some more specific metrics.

Visible Light Transmitted

Visible light transmitted (VLT) is a measurement of the amount of sunlight a piece of glass lets through. This measure is expressed as a percentage of the total amount of visible solar energy exposed to the window. A very dark window film may transmit only 5-10% of visible light into a room, while a light or nearly clear film may allow 90% or more. A similar metric, Visible light reflected (VLR), indicates how much light bounces back to the source. It refers to both light from the sun outside and the building’s interior lighting.

Reducing visible light transmission is a common goal for customers seeking automotive glass protection. A subtle car window tint can act like a pair of sunglasses, making it easier to focus on the road and avoid eye strain. For homes and commercial settings, a high level of visible light reflected can reduce glare and block out light without the use of blinds or curtains. It can make interior spaces more comfortable and improve visibility.

UV Rejection

UV rejection tells you how much of this harmful radiation the window film can turn away. Ultraviolet rays cause damage and fading to interior furnishings and carpet. It’s also associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA rays can cause premature skin aging, while UVB light can cause sunburns. Both can damage skin cell DNA, contributing to the risk of skin cancer.

Window films, whether transparent, tinted, matte or reflective, are excellent at rejecting UV light. Most window tint systems reject 95%-99% of UV rays from sunlight.

Emissivity

Emissivity is essentially the insulating quality of a piece of glass or the window film covering it. Low-emissivity (low-E) films allow very little heat to pass through the material. They can reflect a great deal of the heat generated on a building’s interior back inside, a desirable quality in colder climates. In warm temperatures, they can prevent outdoor heat from getting inside through the windows. Depending on the manufacturer, a low-E film might reflect 70%-80% of solar heat in the summer and 50% of interior heat in the winter.

Heat loss and gain through the windows is responsible for 25%-30% of heating and cooling energy use in residential buildings. Upgrading windows to improve their insulation can therefore have a considerable impact on energy costs. A General Services Administration study estimates an average 29% annual perimeter energy savings with a low-E window film compared to single-pane clear glass windows. These thin, protective layers offer varying degrees of insulation and can be an affordable alternative to replacing existing windows.

U-Factor

Another way to measure window film’s insulation properties, U-factor indicates the heat energy level, independent of the sun’s radiant energy, that passes through a glass and window film assembly. It’s calculated with a multiple of the difference between indoor and outdoor air temperatures. And, like low-E, a lower U-factor number means better heat retention inside a building in cold weather. It’s also good for keeping buildings and cars cool in hot weather.

Find a Madico®, Inc. Dealer to Install Window Film

Talking the window film talk will give you an advantage when selecting an adhesive window covering and getting the best value from your purchase. For the exceptionally scientific-minded, our full glossary of window film terminology provides an even deeper look into the functionality of these products.

Madico offers an exceptional selection of window films to meet your requirements for visible light transmitted, UV rejection and insulation alike. Find transparent films, tinted colors, matte or reflective finishes and decorative films to meet all your design needs. Besides eye comfort, energy savings and UV protection, our films also enhance impact resistance for windshields and windows. For both cars and buildings, they keep shattered glass in place for added security and safety. We also offer an unbeatable manufacturer’s warranty for all North American customers.

If you’re ready to install window film on your building, home or car, look for your local Madico dealer today.

   

Safety Benefits of Window Film

While most people know about window films’ ability to extend windows’ life, reduce glare and lower air conditioning costs, they offer some crucial safety benefits, too. By retaining shattered glass through the window film’s adhesive, safety window films can protect building occupants from personal injury and stop shattered glass from damaging interiors. This feature can also impede crimes such as breaking and entering. No matter how the glass shatters, whether through an accident, severe weather, crime or sometimes even explosions, Madico®, Inc. window film helps keep the broken pieces together.

Accident Protection

Safety window films mitigate the dangers of broken glass during an accident inside your home, office or car. When glass shatters, the broken shards pose the threat of severe injury, and in some cases, death. We engineer safety film for glass with a powerful adhesive that makes this fractured glass less hazardous and keeps the fragments in place, securely attached to the film.

Crime Protection

Statistics reveal that 23% of home burglars gain entry through a first-floor window, while 34% use the front door. Glass doors and windows can make for easy access to a home or building. Smash-and-grab crimes can affect businesses, homes and even parked cars. Intruders often try to shatter the glass because it lets them enter the property quickly and get away sooner.

With some security films, the glass is more impact-resistant, making it harder to penetrate even with a heavy object. And if would-be burglars manage to break the glass, it won’t fall apart, so the thieves often become discouraged and move on to an easier target.

Protection From Natural Disasters

While steady wind doesn’t usually pose a threat to windows, a powerful storm can produce sharp wind gusts, putting added pressure on the glass. According to the National Weather Service in Portland, Ore., hurricane-force winds, which reach speeds of 75 miles per hour or more, are powerful enough to break windows. Wind can also pick up stones and debris or knock down tree branches, which may break glass on impact.

Specific security film window systems including safety film and attachment systems can offer impact resistance for natural disaster mitigation. For example, the GullWing® Anchoring System, which holds the SafetyShield by Madico window film in place, absorbs and disperses energy from impacts. It then transfers the load over the entire glaze. 

When the glass breaks, it remains within the window frame, along with the film. This technology keeps wind, rain and flying debris out even as the storm continues. Retaining the broken glass shards also minimizes property damage and potential injuries. And, since severe weather can happen at any time, with little or no warning, security films provide passive protection 24/7.

Protection From Explosions

Post-incident analysis of explosion sites reveals that broken glass is one of the leading sources of injury and death in many of these events. A single square foot of glass can produce up to 200 deadly, razor-sharp fragments. While no building material can completely stand up against industrial explosions, bombs or other catastrophic events, some highly specialized security films attached to the window frame with patented anchoring systems have proven effective in reducing the risk of breakage.

Additional Benefits of Safety and Security Window Film

Of course, window film can offer the security your home, business or car needs. It also has many benefits aside from safety. Your investment can provide the following advantages.

  • Anti-vandalism protection: Security film goes on the window’s exterior. If a vandal tries to mark the window with etching or graffiti, the film is easy to peel off and replace. It’s much faster and more affordable than cleaning paint off glass or replacing a window altogether. This benefit goes well with security film’s anti-intrusion advantages, since windows vulnerable to breaking and entering may also be susceptible to graffiti.
  • Interior protection: Security film can block up to 99% of ultraviolet light. Since UV rays contribute to the fading and deterioration of furniture, carpet, flooring and artwork, window film can preserve your interior décor.
  • Temperature control: Window film can also absorb or reflect the sun’s heat, and some models can also enhance insulation. This feature prevents heat from entering your building through the windows, making it more comfortable and more affordable to air condition.
  • Glare reduction: If you choose tinted or reflective security window film, you’ll also reduce some of the visible light that passes through the glass. Tinted windows can reduce glare — especially on computer screens or while driving — and increase eye comfort.
  • Aesthetics: Window film comes in many styles and options. You can choose from tinted films in shades of bronze, silver or gray, reflective and non-reflective options. You can also find frosted textures or printed designs, which can complement your décor or branding.

Find Window Security Film Products by Madico

At Madico, we manufacture our window films to the highest standards to help you keep your property, family or building occupants safe in the event of shattering glass. With durable adhesives and quality construction, these films also come with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty for any North American installation. Learn more about the safety and security features of Madico products, and search for a dealer near you to outfit your windows with security film.

   

Will Installing Window Film Kill Indoor House Plants?

Like other common misconceptions about window film, many people think it’s harmful to house plants. Luckily, that’s not the case. Just as home window film can help conserve energy, it can also help your house plants.

A Green Thumbs Up: How Window Film Helps House Plants Flourish

A Green Thumbs Up

Solar control window film only blocks UV rays – not the red and blue rays that your plants need to grow and flower. And some plants will actually do better with window tints and films, such as those that require less light — which typically have dark green leaves. Delicate plants will also do better with window film because it provides a more stable temperature.

So, for example, if you live in a hot climate during the summer, areas near sunny windows can get very hot and be harmful to delicate plants. Or even in normal circumstances, you may have certain plants that always seem to dry out or wilt on sunny days. Window film will help your greenery retain moisture better. Just remember that all plants – especially fussy ones – need time to adjust to a new environment, so if you see wilting or color loss after installing window film, you can relax. These issues should disappear after a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Control Window Film and House Plants

Wondering how window film may affect your plants? While most plants do just fine with tinted window films, you may want a few more answers before you make any decisions.

Will Window Film Kill My House Plants?

In many cases where house plants are already receiving adequate light, adding window film to your home should not harm them. It may take the greenery a few days to adjust to the new lighting conditions, which may impact new plant growth and flowering at first.If you install an optically clear window film, such as UV Gard by Madico®, Inc., your plants should notice little difference. While a transparent window film filters out 99% of UV light, it still transmits 80% of visible light — plenty for your house plants.

For plants that typically wilt before the end of a sunny day, you may notice that they actually thrive even better once the window film is installed. By rejecting some of the bright light and heat that can cause delicate flowers and leaves to burn or lose moisture, window films create a more balanced environment for these types of plants.

If you’re concerned that adding window film to your home will damage your indoor plants, consider moving the plant to an area of your home with less sunlight for a few days to see how it responds. Remember that most plants are sensitive to changes in their environment, so make sure you leave the pot in the new spot long enough to see whether it bounces back. Additionally, most nurseries or local agricultural agencies can advise on the amount of light a particular plant should receive.

Will Frosted Window Film Affect My Plants?

Decorative frosted window film is an excellent option for homeowners who want a little more privacy or a more uniform appearance in a room. Since these films obscure views, many wonder if they also block too much light for their house plants. Frosted windows change the lighting conditions in the room because they diffuse and soften the sunlight that passes through them.

A popular frosted window film, Frost Matte by Madico, offers 67% visible light transmittance, providing adequate light for most indoor greenery. Expect your plants to take some time to adjust since the diffused light is a new, unfamiliar condition for them.

What Types of Plants Need More Light Than Others?

Typically, lighter leaves, or variegated plants, need more light than darker green plants. Darker leaves have higher chlorophyll concentrations, which makes them better able to use the available light for photosynthesis.

What Kind of Light Do Plants Need to Grow?

Contrary to popular belief, plants do not need ultraviolet (UV) light to grow. Plants require blue and red light, which are not a part of the UV color spectrum. Blue light encourages chlorophyll production, which helps the plants create strong and healthy stems and leaves. Red light helps during the early stages of a plant’s life, assisting with seed germination, bulb development and root growth. It also allows a plant to flower and produce fruit.

Plants also need some infrared (IR) light, on the opposite side of the spectrum from UV light. Exposure to adequate levels of far-red wavelengths can encourage blooming and healthy stem growth. However, too much infrared light can damage leaves, stems and flowers. Most window films filter out some infrared light, which we experience as heat. This feature gives homeowners tremendous energy savings. Plants susceptible to damage from hot climates and excessive infrared light will also appreciate it.

Glazes that block a low or moderate amount of IR energy should not deprive your plants of the far-red light they need. You can safely choose a window film that blocks up to 70% of heat energy.

Does Solar Control Window Film Block Natural Light?

Transparent solar window film specifically blocks harmful UV rays while still allowing natural light into your home. There are many styles and colors to choose from to achieve the perfect balance between natural light and UV protection in your home.

Tinted window films darken your windows to filter out more visible sunlight, which does block some red and blue light. The amount of visible light a film lets in depends on its visible light transmittance. A higher percentage means it allows more natural light to pass through, while a lower percentage blocks more sunlight.

In general, the best window film for plants offers 25% light transmittance or higher. Highly reflective or high opacity films may block more than that and should not be used for windows you plan on keeping potted plants near. However, most window films fall above 25% transmittance and let in plenty of natural sunlight. If your plants need lots of sun, consider a film that offers 50% or more light transmittance.

To find the perfect window film for your home, check out our Residential Window Film Selector tool and choose the qualities that are most important to you.

Other Benefits of Window Film for Your Home

Other Benefits of Window Film

By rejecting the sun’s solar energy, window film offers the following benefits for your home:

  • Improved home comfort and heat control: Installing window film on your home can help create a more comfortable environment by reducing the temperature in your home.
  • Reduced energy costs: By reducing the heat in the summer and reflecting light to keep your home warmer in the winter, you can conserve energy and reduce your air conditioning and heating bills throughout the year.
  • Furniture and furnishing fade protection: Reduced exposure to the sun can improve the longevity of your furniture, carpets, woodwork and other interior furnishings by offering significant fade protection.
  • Enhanced skin protection: By blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays that lead to premature skin aging and skin cancer, solar control window film helps protect your skin.
  • Increased visibility: Window film also helps reduce glare to improve the visibility of your devices such as computers and TV screens.

As you can see, window film offers many benefits that make your home more comfortable and inviting, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor views without the negative consequences.

Find a Professional Window Film Installer Near You

Madico offers premium window films for homes and businesses made from high-quality adhesives and laminates. And our installers are highly trained to ensure a smooth installation that won’t bubble, peel or crack. We offer a manufacturer’s warranty on all products installed in North America.

Our products offer many advantages, from protecting your plants and building occupants to lowering your energy bills. If you’re interested in enjoying the many benefits of window film, we invite you to find a nearby dealer and check out Madico’s premium line of architectural window film, Sunscape. Your local Madico dealer can recommend home window film products that will meet the lighting requirements of your prized house plants, whether they love direct sunlight or shade.


Updated: 22/06/2021

   

5 Questions to Ask Before Tinting Your Car Windows

Tinting your car’s windows will offer countless benefits including protecting skin by blocking UV rays, cooling your car, and reducing glare – just to name a few. But, before you make the initial purchase, ask yourself these 5 important questions to ensure you are on the right track.

The Benefits of Window Tinting

How Long Will It Take In Text1. How long will my car’s window tint last?

The lifetime of window films are dependent on many factors including product type and quality, the climate, and the amount of direct sunlight your car is exposed to. Generally, most professionally installed automotive films are designed to last much longer than the typical owner will keep the vehicle; many films will perform well past 10 years.

Most automotive films are designed to perform well past 10 years

How Long Will It Last2. How long will it take to tint my car’s windows?

The process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours depending on how many windows are being tinted. If you’re only adding window film to the two front side doors, the installation will be much quicker than if you desire a full installation that includes all four side windows and the back window. The dealer installing your window tint may want to keep the vehicle for at least a half day in order to best complete the job and allow the film time to dry before returning the vehicle back to you. It is best to make arrangements for a ride on the day of your window tinting appointment. Tip: Make an appointment with a professional window film dealer to ensure a quality job.

Window tinting can take from 45 minutes to a few hours

Covered By A Warranty In Text3. Is my car’s window film covered by a warranty?

Most quality products come with a limited lifetime warranty. However, you should confirm the exact warranty length and stipulations prior to purchasing any film. Also, make sure you receive a manufacturer’s warranty that is completely filled out by your installer, so you’re covered even if by chance your installer ever goes out of business. It is important that you abide by all state and local tint laws. Most warranties will be void if your film installation is illegal. The local installing dealer should know all current tint laws that apply to you.

Which Window Tint Is Right In Text4. Which automotive tint is right for me?

In order to select the best film for your vehicle, you should consult a professional window film dealer. Dealers offer a wide range of products in a variety of shades and colors, as well as different styles and performance benefits. A dealer can show you swatches and talk to you about which auto tint best fits your needs. You should also understand the tint laws of your state. Professional window film dealers can also help you with selecting the best tint for your vehicle that still adheres to state laws. That being said, your window tint is entirely up to you.

Window tints come in a wide variety of shades and colors

Which Dealer In Text5. Which window film installer is right for me?

Never compromise. There are tons of companies in your area to choose from. Ensure that you have found the best professional window film installer by comparing customer service, prices, quality of products and brands, previous work, and the dealer’s overall reputation, as well as the reputation of the manufacturer or manufacturers of the window film they sell. With websites like Angie’s List and Yelp, it has never been easier to read reviews.

Remember, do your research. Gather quotes from multiple dealers and compare prices and the quality of the films. With these things considered, you are on your way to a more enjoyable ride!

Check with your local installing dealer about current tint laws

Find a Madico Automotive Window Tint Installer Near You

Looking for a professional window film dealer near you who can properly install the window tint on your car? Take a look at our window film selector tool to find the right automotive tint for you and find a dealer near you today!

Find a Dealer View The Tint Simulator

Updated: 09/16/2019

   

Window Film Magazine – Guest Column “Selling Green Benefits”

Window Film Magazine recently invited Jim Black, Madico’s Director of Window Film Sales, to contribute to a guest column for their May/June 2019 issue.

Jim chose to focus his column on the “green” or energy saving benefits of window film and tips on how dealers can communicate these benefits to their customers.

An industry veteran, Jim began working with window film in 1988 as a dealer installer. He has served in various positions for major manufacturers in the film industry, the AIMCAL Window Film Committee, and the International Window Film Association (IWFA) Board. He currently serves as the IWFA board of directors as chair for the Communication and Education Committee.

Read the full article “Selling Green Benefits” in Window Film Magazine.

   

Infographic: Benefits of Window Film for Your Home

Have you ever moved your couch or some other piece of furniture and noticed your carpeting that was once one shade of gray is now two different shades? Or perhaps you’ve had to close your blinds or curtains to avoid that annoying sun glare on the TV? Well if either scenario sounds familiar, window film can help resolve these issues.

Professionally installed residential window film can block up to 99% of UV rays and reduce the fading of your home’s interior and upholstery. Ultraviolet light and the sun’s visible light are the main causes of interior fading (65%), followed by the heat from the sun (25%). Window film can also reject heat rays up to 92%, cutting cooling costs by as much as 30%. This infographic shows how professionally installed window film can make a beneficial difference to your home’s interior.

Infographic-Benefits-of-Window-Film-for-Your-Home-004-MADICO-BRANDING

Window film is not limited to your home’s windows. It can also be applied to buildings in your community and to your vehicle.

   

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.

   

How Window Film Enhances and Protects Homes

You already know about the extensive benefits that Sunscape window films by Madico offer to homeowners including decreasing heat, reducing fading and health risks, and unprecedented energy savings. But many homeowners don’t realize that window film is a powerful and cost-effective alternative to enhancing the natural aesthetics of their home.

 

It’s worth explaining to potential customers that because their home is a personal space that they share with the people closest to them, it’s worth investing in window film not only to capture those potential health and energy savings benefits, but also to take advantage of the problem-solving, decorative potential of window film.

 

In the projects seen here, real Sunscape dealers have used Madico window films to solve real-world problems, and enhance the natural beauty of homes and businesses by applying our products to unique challenges.

 

 

Reduce glare and improve appearance

 

In addition to helping your customers live in greater comfort and safety, window film can most immediately cut glare. Over time, glare from the sun can cause eyestrain and ruin the natural qualities of light in a home. By blocking up to 99 percent of UV rays, window film can cut reflective glare by huge margins at home or in the office.

 

Naturally, window films by Madico can also enhance the appearance of a home. Using real-world examples where your company or other Sunscape dealers have augmented or upgraded the look of a home can be a powerful tool, especially when used in concert with the Sunscape Sales Meter Kit. This helps demonstrate to customers not only the health and wellness benefits of window film, but also that you understand the look and feel that the customer is seeking in their window film application.

 

 

Aesthetic and protective strategies

 

It’s also easy to demonstrate the fundamental value of a window film application. Whether they are using window film to hide clutter or refresh the style of a room, give life to old furniture styles or adding privacy with filtered light, window film can be an integral part of an overall aesthetic strategy.

 

You can see in these larger estate-style homes, window film is being used not only to conserve energy and block UV rays but also to focus attention on carefully composed views of landscaped grounds throughout the structures. Clients like these spend millions of dollars on custom construction, furniture, landscaping, and maintenance, so it’s a no-brainer for them to protect these valuable investments with window film.

 

Conversely, not every edifice benefits from spectacular views. Particularly in office buildings and the hospitality industry, window film can be used to block less desirable outdoor scenery and focus attention on the interior space of the building while cutting glare and potentially creating a division of space and/or privacy needed without blocking light. This works particularly well in open concept designs in both homes and offices.

 

 

A product for every need

 

Always remember that different applications are well suited to individual products. Our standard Duralite and Softlite are perfect for creating a neutral appearance, where Purelite tends to generate a soft light effect. Designer Grey is well-suited to panoramic windows where homeowners want to have a clear, crisp view, while homeowners with skylights may be interested in Solar Safety film.

 

Whichever Sunscape film you choose to employ, knowing its features and being able to express them uniquely to customers can be a real boost to your business. Finally, remember that you can always share your great window film projects on our private Facebook Group, as well as your company’s website.

   

Earning Rebate Dollars with a Window Film Installation

One of the primary benefits of a window film installation for the home or office building is the energy saved through reduced cooling costs. More consumers every day are catching on to the way film can save close to 40% of a cooling bill.

 

Consumers aren’t the only ones paying attention to this energy-saving measure, though. Electric utility companies across the U.S. have offered or are currently offering incentives for their customers to install window film. These incentives most commonly come in the form of rebate dollars from the utility, either as an account credit or a check.

 

Want to know what rebates or incentives you can get? Check out this website where you can select your location to see what rebates or incentives are available in your area.

 

 

A few points to remember while you research the availability of utility company rebates for your window film project.

 

First, utilities and their rebates vary, from state to state and even within larger states, where there is more than one utility company.

Second, most if not all rebate programs are for pre-approved window films, professionally installed and with a warranty.

Third, the incentives are calculated most often as a function of dollars per square foot of window film installed. The per-square-foot rebates range from $.50 to $2.00.

And fourth, many window film rebates are often limited or “capped”, no matter how much film is installed.

 

If you’re considering a window film project for your home or business, it can pay to do a little homework and learn whether your local utility company offers rebates. Depending on the size of the installation, the rebate can become a significant subsidy to the cost of saving energy in the long run.

   

Exploring the Car Tinting Process

If you’ve just booked an appointment to have your car windows tinted or are considering it, you’ve probably wondered how exactly your installer will apply the film to the glass. It’s an entirely different process from factory tinting, like your car’s original manufacturer might’ve done.

Every make and model is unique, and film installers have to cut their film to the precise shape of your car windows and ensure it fits perfectly along the slight curve of the glass. It’s a complicated process. Installers go through months of training before they’re ready to give your ride the professional window tint installation it deserves.

How It All Happens

You did your research and made an appointment to have your car tinted by a reputable installer. Now, you may be wondering, “What exactly is going to be happening to my vehicle while I sit in the tint shop’s waiting room?”

While most window tint installations follow the same basic process, individual installers often have their own unique methods of installing automotive tints, and their techniques may differ from this overview. Nevertheless, the installation technique we describe here is an excellent example of what’s going on behind the scenes when you take your car to a professional window tinter. 

Here’s how a professional installs window tints.

1. Tinting Environment

When you arrive at the tinting shop, a technician will take your car to a wind- and dust-free space, usually a large indoor garage or an interior bay. Professional window glaze dealers regularly vacuum and clean this space to prevent contaminants from wedging themselves between the adhesive and the glass.

2. Prepping the Windows

The tinting professionals will remove dirt and debris and prep your car’s windows on both sides with a solution of soap and water, a sponge and a squeegee. On the exterior side, the installer will also clean off the area on the door, hood or trunk just below the window. While prepping the film, they will move it below the window, so having a clean surface to work with is critical.

After wiping down the exterior and interior surface of the window, many installers give extra attention to the inner surface of the window, where the film will ultimately be installed. They’ll spray the window down with soapy water again and use a razor blade to scrape off any dirt and debris. On new cars, this step also helps remove any sticker glue residue.

3. Measuring & Cutting

The installer will measure your car’s windows and cut pieces of film from a master roll to fit those measurements. The film is then laid out on the exterior surface of the car window, where it’s cut down more precisely. First, the installer ensures the bottom edge of the sheet is perfectly straight and aligned with the window. If it’s not, they’ll cut the edge with a blade.

Then, the professional installer cuts the film to the unique shape of the left and right sides of the window. They’ll leave the top edge uncut for now.

Next, installers use a heat gun to heat-shrink the film. This step contours the flat sheet so it curves to the glass. Usually, the installer starts from the top and moves down, smoothing out irregularities in the sheet with a flat plastic scraper. Note that the heat guns for window glazing emit a low heat that doesn’t harm the vehicle.

After it’s perfectly smooth, the window film installer cuts the top edge of the material by rolling down the window slightly so they can align the blade with the top edge.

4. Peel Board

Once they’ve cut the film to the same shape as the window, installers will remove it and positionit on a pane of glass known as a “peel board” to refine the edges and carve out the finer details. One critical step to take during this stage of the process is to round out the corners. By rounding out the sharp edges on the corners, the installer ensures the film will not get caught or peel when the window rolls up and down.

The installer often removes the release liner during this step, too.

5. Installation

Once the film is properly sized and shaped, it’s time to install it onto the window’s interior surface. First, the tinting professional sprays soapy water onto the window alongside the film itself. This solution activates the film’s adhesive and allows the sheet to glide along the glass until it’s correctly positioned.

Then, if they haven’t already, the installer peels off the release linerand applies the film to the window, adhesive side down. They’ll use a squeegee to push out any excess solution under the film and press the film firmly to the glass to activate the adhesive that secures it to the window.

The installer also uses specialized plastic scrapers in different shapes to remove any bubbles, smooth out the edges and ensure the film is correctly inserted into the window’s rubber lining. After the material is in place, they may also use the heat gun again to help dry the soapy water and further contour the film to the curve of the window.

6. Final Inspection

Lastly, the installers will take a critical eye to their work. They examine the window from both the outside and the inside to identify and smooth out any imperfections. They can use specialized scrapers to work out any bubbles or blemishes before the film’s adhesive dries.

7. Dry Time

Once the tint job is complete, the installer will return your car and remind you to let the film dry for three days before you roll down your vehicle’s windows. Depending on the film type and the weather conditions, it can take up to three weeks for the adhesive to completely cure. During this time, you may notice a hazy appearance or tiny water bubbles. That’s normal and will go away once the adhesive dries.

You’ll experience the benefits of your car’s newly tinted windows right away. Enjoy your drive home, free from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, annoying glare and uncomfortable heat!

Book Your Car Window Tinting Appointment With a Madico Dealer

Once you know everything that goes into a proper tinted window glaze application, it’s easy to see the benefit of working with an experienced professional. Madico dealers are masterful installers who treat automotive window tinting film application as a true craft. When you choose a Madico dealer, you also know that your tint will last for years to come. All Madico films come with a manufacturer’s warranty in North America, so you can have peace of mind with your purchase.

Experience all that window film has to offer — from cooler temperatures and reduced glare to slowed upholstery fading and UV protection. Browse our selection of automotive window film to choose your favorite shade. To schedule an appointment to have tinted window glaze installed, contact your nearest Madico dealer today.

Book Your Car Window Tinting Appointment With a Madico Dealer