FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Madico always recommends the use of an anchoring restraint system for glass with spontaneous breakage. There are many anchoring restraint systems available. Mechanical anchoring such as FrameGard®, which holds the film in place through a combination of screws and tape and an aluminum extrusion. This is by far the safest attachment system, tested to hold from 500 to 800 pounds per linear foot of attachment.
Because many frames and building situations do not allow for screws to be used, the Wet Glaze attachment system is the most common attachment method used for these applications. Wet glaze attachment systems have been thoroughly tested to blast mitigation standards and wind loads. As such, Wet glaze attachment systems are a very practical choice for NiS failure mitigation.
In a Wet Glaze installation, the safety film is installed in a daylight configuration, after which a sizeable bead of structural silicone is installed with a minimum of a 1/2-inch (13 mm) contact with the film and the frame. Heavier pieces of glass may require a bead which uses 3/4-inch (19 mm) or larger contact on both the film and frame system.
Choosing the best system for your glass is based on the weight of the glass and the type of framing system. Contact your Madico sales representative and Madico Technical Services for aid in calculating the bead size.
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.
Yes, we offer manufacturing in clean room environments to meet the stringent requirements of several different industries.
Yes! ShopMadico is available to any dealer in the United States today. Our complete line of films, tools, and marketing materials are all available for purchase. ShopMadico is also the exclusive place to access Clearance Center, Madico's super-discounted overstock items, which are updated weekly.
Film roll downs and slitting services are available through your regional Service Center. For more information, call (888) 887-2022.
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.
Madico maintains eight Service Centers in the USA and Canada where optional film pick-up is available.
Service Centers are located in Pinellas Park (Tampa), FL, Kennesaw (Atlanta), GA, Houston, TX, Grand Prairie (Dallas), TX, Tempe (Phoenix), AZ, Huntington Beach (Los Angeles), CA, Oakville (Toronto), ON, and Richmond (Vancouver), BC.
Film pick-up is subject to availability and orders must be placed by 2pm local time to qualify.
Yes. Details on return policies are available through your regional Service Center.
Yes, Protekt PPF works great on vehicles, RVs, boats, jet skis, utility vehicles, tractors, and motorcycles.
Yes, in most cases, window film can be very beneficial when used in conjunction with Low E glass.
Whether window film should be used on Low E windows and how much you will benefit depends on three factors:
- Type of Low E surface.
- Location of Low E surface on the window.
- The desired amount of heat gain reduction, heat loss reduction, or other window film benefits that you are looking for.
The location of the Low E surface in your window system is also very important in deciding whether film should be used. If the Low E coating is on the room-side surface of the innermost pane of glass, the use of window film may reduce or eliminate the heat loss reduction of the glass itself. This may be more than offset by the heat gain reduction/heat loss reduction properties of the films to be used. Most Low E window systems, however, consist of double pane windows where the Low E surface faces the air space between the panes. In this case, film can be installed without eliminating the heat loss reduction benefit of the Low E glass. The type of window film you choose for Low E glass depends entirely on your desired benefit—whether you want to reduce heat gain, control glare, prevent heat loss, reduce fading or enhance the safety of your windows and glass doors. Carefully consider all these benefits before making a final decision.
Window film can help keep shattered glass together, reducing the chance of injury in the event of an accident or attempted smash & grab.
Spontaneous glass breakage is a very real issue with tempered or thermally toughened glass. Nickel sulfide inclusions, while not the only cause, are by far the most common cause for spontaneous breakage.
Yes, we have in-house capabilities to develop and test custom coating formulations to meet specific client requirements.
Yes, we offer prototyping services and can handle small batch production runs to support product development and testing.
Madico maintains eight service centers throughout North America which act as regional support and supply centers. Most of your day-to-day interaction will be with these centers.
Service Centers allow speedy order shipment with most requiring one a day or two for delivery to your location.
Service Centers are located in Pinellas Park (Tampa), FL, Kennesaw (Atlanta), GA, Houston, TX, Grand Prairie (Dallas), TX, Tempe (Phoenix), AZ, Huntington Beach (Los Angeles), CA, Oakville (Toronto), ON, and Richmond (Vancouver), BC.
Madico offers a number of specialized films, including Blister Free 200 for protecting plastic surfaces, Blister Free 600, specifically designed to prevent bubbles or delamination on acrylic, polycarbonate, and other plastic surfaces, and Amber 81, which blocks ultraviolet light while allowing safe visible light to pass through.
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.
Absolutely. For both automotive and architectural film, the useful life of window film can depend on the film type and the glass type. For buildings, window construction, building orientation, and geographical location come into play. Most residential and automotive applications are covered by a lifetime warranty for as long as you own your house or car. Most commercial installations receive either a 10- or 15-year warranty. The warranty coverage offered by Madico® is based on extensive internal testing and our years of experience in the field. To learn more, contact your dealer.
Yes, nearly 300 tools of all kinds are available for purchase, including hard cards, knives and blades, meters, squeegees, PPF tools, installation accessories, and many others.
Yes, Madico provides a 7-year warranty for Protekt PPF.
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:
- Use any normal glass cleaning solution which contains no abrasive materials. Typical off-the-shelf glass cleaners are acceptable.
- After spraying the cleaning solution on the window, use a soft clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge to wipe it off. Normal scrubbing with these materials is fine, but make sure not to scrub aggressively with anything abrasive.
- To finish, use a soft cloth or squeegee for drying the window, and avoid any cleaning tools that may scratch the tint.
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.
We employ rigorous quality control measures including inline inspection systems, optical defect detection, and viscosity control. Our processes comply with ISO standards.
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.
During a storm, wind and debris can cause a window to break. Once broken the home or office is open to the elements. Wind and rain can then further damage the home or office. Installing SafetyShield and attachment can hold broken glass within the window frame helping to keep the building envelope sealed from the wind and rain.
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.
ClearPlex uses a unique adhesive that keeps the film adhered tightly to the windshield, but at the same time, the adhesive is not permanent. If ClearPlex needs to be removed for any reason, it can be removed by simply lifting one edge of the film and pulling the film using slow and consistent pressure. Any adhesive remaining on the windshield can be removed with a non-caustic cleaner designed to remove adhesive. New ClearPlex can then be installed on the clean windshield.
The film can be removed by lifting one edge with a hard plastic or stainless-steel object (like a credit card edge or blade) and pulling with steady pressure. Any remaining adhesive can be cleaned off with a non-caustic adhesive remover, allowing new ClearPlex film to be installed on the clean windshield.
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.
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.
All orders placed by 3pm are typically shipped the same day.
Madico does accept American Express plus Visa, Mastercard, Discovery, and, when purchasing online at ShopMadico.com, PayPal.
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.
No, ClearPlex is a film that protects the windshield from harsh conditions that often break or chip standard windshields. Being a film, ClearPlex should occasionally be removed and replaced to provide the best protection for the windshield. The need and timing to replace the film are dependent upon the miles driven and the conditions in which those miles are accumulated.
ClearPlex uses a unique adhesive that keeps the film tightly adhered to the windshield but is not permanent. Its longevity depends on mileage driven, operating conditions, and adherence to proper care instructions.
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.
All tools available through Madico are listed on the ShopMadico website.
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.
Safety and security window film systems can help protect K-12 schools from natural disasters such as windstorms and seismic events. For windstorm mitigation, these security film systems are designed to protect the envelope of the building. For seismic, these film systems are designed to protect individuals from falling glass.
Safety and security window film systems can make it harder for intruders to gain access to your building. These security film systems can make windows more difficult to break and remain in place following a break, giving those inside time to react or seek a safe a safe location.
Safety and security window films provide an added layer of protection for K-12 schools by holding broken glass in place, mitigating the risk of injuries.
- Any glass or window that is not behind a perimeter fence
- Entrances and vestibules
- High-traffic areas
- Corridors
- Gathering spaces, cafeterias, auditoriums, libraries, gymnasiums, etc.
- Classroom and interior doors
- Staff facilities
- Mobile Learning Cottages
View Control film systems can enable the person within the building to see out while limiting or even preventing the person outside the building from see in. These are systems are often called “one way” or “dual reflective”.
Areas View Control protection film systems can be used:
- Any glass or window that is not behind a perimeter fence.
- High traffic areas
- Entrances
- Cafeterias
- Gymnasiums
Nickel sulfide (NiS) inclusions are small, pencil point size particles or imperfections that may be found within a sheet of glass. These are not an issue in common annealed glass but when tempered/toughened glass they can expand due to thermal cycles, breaking the outer plane of compression, causing the entire sheet of glass to explode.
Although tempered/toughened glass breaks into small light pieces, these pieces may still cause injury to people should they fall out of a building above pedestrians. Through our testing, Madico has seen that portions of many panes of tempered/toughened glass, once broken, will hold together until they impact the ground. This allows large portions of glass to strike with considerable weight and force.
Buildings with spontaneous breaks have used safety films for years to hold a broken sheet of tempered glass in place once NiS failure occurs. Depending on the size and weight of the glass, a 7 or 8 mil safety films is used to hold the glass together. For exterior applications, an exterior grade 7 mil safety film is used.
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:
- Significantly reduce solar heat gain (up to 86%) and temperature inside a building
- Reduce air conditioning costs in summer and heating costs in winter
- Extend the life of HVAC systems by reducing maintenance and strain on the system
- Decrease a building’s environmental emissions
- Increase occupant comfort
- Reduce up to 95% of annoying glare to improve visibility inside, especially for computer and TV screens
- Allows natural light in without the glare, reducing the need for artificial lighting
- Provide daytime privacy
- Block up to 99% of damaging UV radiation, protecting furniture, carpets, woodwork, and other interior furnishings from fading
- Improve building aesthetics and accent windows
- Increase shatter resistance
- May help in attaining LEED credits towards certification
Automotive window films:
- Improve personal safety by blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays
- Improve occupants' comfort due to maximum heat and glare reduction
- Offer extreme IR rejection—up to 92%
- Reduce fading of interiors
- Help hold shattered glass together in the event of an accident
- Accent the look of automobiles
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:
- Burglary and vandalism attempts—the film's thickness helps make treated glass harder to break or rupture
- Graffiti—anti-graffiti film protects buildings from taggers and artists
- Wind-borne debris
- Natural disasters
- Bomb blasts
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.
- Step 1: Move the vehicle into the tinting bay, an area that is free from airborne contaminants to help ensure a clean installation.
- Step 2: Clean the windows by removing dirt, debris, fingerprints ad any old window film.
- Step 3: Measure and cut a piece of film that is close to the size of the window being tinted.
- Step 4: The film is then heat-shaped to the exact size and shape of the window to ensure a perfect fit.
- Step 5: The film is then fitted to the interior of the window using a special adhesive activation solution. All solution is squeegeed out from under the film and starts the curing process.
- Step 6: The dealer will inspect the installation job to make sure no contamination has occurred and that the edges are trimmed correctly.
- Step 7: Cure time - Once the tint job is complete, do NOT roll down the vehicle’s windows or attempt to clean the windows for at least three days. Depending on weather conditions and the film type, it can take up to three weeks for the film to fully cure. During this time, small water bubbles and/or a hazy appearance may appear. This is normal and will disappear as the film cures. Once the cure time is over, you can gently clean your windows.
Most Service Centers are open Monday-Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM, subject to holiday schedules. Call you regional Service Center at +1 (888) 887-2022 for exact hours.
Minimum order quantities depend on the specific project and materials involved. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and we will provide detailed information.
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.
We serve a wide range of industries including automotive, aerospace, public transportation, building materials and many more.
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.
Toll coating and contract coating are both services provided by Madico to apply specialized coatings to materials, but they differ primarily in terms of material supply and scope of service. In toll coating, the client supplies the raw materials, including both the substrates and coatings, and Madico applies the coatings using our own equipment and expertise, making it a cost-effective solution for clients who already have the necessary materials. Conversely, contract coating, Madico provides the coating materials, managing the entire process including research and development, quality control, and sometimes even packaging, to deliver a turnkey solution tailored to the client's specifications. Thus, contract coating offers a more comprehensive service package compared to the more narrowly focused toll coating.
Lead times can vary based on the complexity and scale of the project. Typically, we provide an estimated timeline after initial consultations and feasibility assessments.
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.
National windstorm mitigation standards only address new construction not retrofit applications. This is because there are thousands of different types of windows in existing homes and buildings. It is not possible to perform testing on every type and configuration to ensure they will withstand the testing.
Please note, this product is not approved in the State of Florida for use as hurricane, windstorm, or impact protection from windborne debris from a hurricane or windstorm.
Madico accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discovery, American Express credit cards and, when purchasing online at ShopMadico.com, PayPal. Terms agreements (purchase orders) are also an option for qualified dealers.
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.
MadicoU is our online training center and includes detailed installation instructions, informational webinars, and videos. Targeted in-person training is available from time to time.
Madico always recommends the use of an anchoring restraint system for glass to protect against seismic events. There are many anchoring restraint systems available. Mechanical anchoring such as FrameGard®, which holds the film in place through a combination of screws and tape and an aluminum extrusion. This is by far the safest attachment system, tested to hold from 500 to 800 pounds per linear foot of attachment.
Because many frames and building situations do not allow for screws to be used, the Wet Glaze attachment system is the most common attachment method used for these applications. Wet Glaze attachment systems have been thoroughly tested to blast mitigation standards and wind loads. As such, Wet glaze attachment systems are a very practical choice for seismic upgrades. When using the Wet Glaze attachment for a seismic event, a bead size capable of supporting the weight of the entire glazing unit is required.
A third attachment option is called GullWing. Similar to Wet Glaze, GullWing is a flexible PVC and VHB tape system that affixes the filmed glass to the framing members. GullWing is available in three sizes to accommodate the various sized glazing gaskets used in both residential and commercial windows.
Choosing the best system for your glass is based on the weight of the glass and the type of framing system. Contact your Madico sales representative and Madico Technical Services.
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.
Depending on the number of panes of glass depends on which surfaces of glass
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.
Madico typically ships domestic and Canadian orders through UPS and FedEx. Some orders and most international orders use various freight providers.
ClearPlex is ideal for luxury, EV vehicles, and all vehicles equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) windshield technology. These vehicles have windshields that carry high replacement costs. Replacing an ADAS-equipped windshield averages $1500 and higher.* ClearPlex film is also perfect for fleet vehicles such as buses, delivery trucks/vans, and rental cars because ClearPlex helps keep these revenue-generating vehicles on the road. ClearPlex is also an excellent product for recreational and off-road vehicles, as well as for anyone interested in deterring smash-and-grab thefts.
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.
Due to the potential for fallout, Madico does not recommend a simple daylight installation of safety film. Daylight installations is when the film is installed on the visible part of the glass. In this type of installation, once glass breakage occurs, these vibrations may cause the entire sheet of filmed glass to fall from the opening.
Madico has been a leader in the window film industry for over 120 years, known for its innovation, quality, and dealer-focused initiatives. As a Madico dealer, you gain access to premier products, including over 50 high-quality film solutions for automotive, architectural, and safety applications. Our films, proudly made in the USA, are developed by a team of experts and shipped quickly across North America.
Madico supports its dealers with specialized training programs, strong warranties, and a robust online ordering system for films, tools, and marketing materials. With eight service centers across North America, we ensure fast shipping and local support, helping you enhance your business profitability and customer satisfaction. Join our network and benefit from our commitment to long-term dealer relationships and comprehensive support.
ClearPlex’s benefits include:
- Impact resistance against normal road hazards.
- UV stabilizers which reduce vehicle heat, prolonging interior life.
- Faster run-off of rain, snow and other elements, providing better visibility.
- Keeps vehicles on the road and off the repair list.
- Protects investments and bottom lines.
Due to the break pattern of tempered glass, Madico does not recommend a simple daylight installation of safety film. Daylight installations is when the film is installed on the visible part of the glass. In this type of installation, once spontaneous breakage occurs, the entire sheet of filmed glass may potentially fall from the opening. The small pieces of broken glass encapsulated within the frame are insufficient to hold the filmed glass within the frame.
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 guaranteed not to peel, bubble, crack, or yellow for the warrantied life of the product. When installed properly, ClearPlex is truly invisible.
No, ClearPlex is optically clear and does not reduce visible light through the windshield. It is also warrantied against peeling, bubbling, cracking, or yellowing.
The adhesive is strong enough to withstand any speeds that a vehicle may reach. ClearPlex is even strong enough to withstand speeds reached by professional racing vehicles.
ClearPlex is strong enough to withstand speeds reached by professional racing vehicles.
Protekt PPF is a transparent paint protection film that is optically clear and resistant to stains and discoloration.
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.