Decroative FAQs

Decorative film styles that are fantastic!

1. What are the main advantages of 3M window film?

3M provides a three-in-one glass improvement solution:

Keep it cool: window film rejects high levels of solar heat, offering strong protection against bothersome glare, uncomfortable heat, hotspots and uneven temperature fluctuations - improving climate and occupant comfort.
Keep it new - window film blocks 99% of ultraviolet light and rejects various levels of solar heat, the two primary causes of fading and fabric deterioration (40% is attributed to ultraviolet light, 25% solar heat, 25% visible light and 10% other factors such as fabric dye quality and inside lighting). This prolongs the customized appearance and value of a property's interior.
Keep it safe - The flexible construction and pressure-sensitive mounting adhesive helps hold shards of glass on the film. This reduces the potential for personal injury and property damage during glass breakage.

The added beauty of 3M window film is that it keeps interior environments naturally sunlit and there are special versions available that keep indoors private from passersby.

3M also keeps it professional with only approved Dealers/Installers permitted to sell and install 3M window film. And, all 3M window films are covered by 3M's warranty. The warranty includes material and labor and is backed by a world renowned company.

2. What are the advantages of 3M window film compared with "outdoor" solar protection methods?

"Outdoor" solar protection, such as shutters, prevents unwanted solar energy, as well as desirable visible light from entering a room. 3M window film provides protection against uncomfortable solar heat, and damaging ultraviolet light, while maintaining maximum visible light and a clear view through the glass. Additionally, 3M window film is professionally installed with no drilling required.

3. What are the advantages of 3M window film compared with "indoor" solar protection methods?

With a one-time cost of having 3M window film installed, homeowners can begin enjoying a more comfortable, protected interior immediately, while maintaining visible light and desirable views.

"Indoor" solar protection methods, such as blinds or curtains, block visible light and the view to the outside.
Additionally, heat accumulates between the solar protection method and the window, eventually radiating into the room. Air conditioning is one solution, but steadily running it to maintain a constant indoor climate can become expensive.

4. Does 3M window film make a home cooler?

Yes, the spectrally select films optimize the rejection of infrared heat while allowing the natural light to continue to illumanate your home.

5. 3M window film reflects the heat during the summer, but what effect does the film have during the winter?

During the winter months, homes will maintain protection from the harmful and damaging effects of solar heat and ultraviolet light - helping to keep furnishings like new. 3M window films with low visible light transmission will also minimize glare that is common with waterfront and snow covered properties. While the safety film versions will also make homes safer if glass is threatened.

6. What effect does 3M window film have on visibility through the windows?

From the inside looking out? From the outside looking in? 3M window film maintains complete visibility through the windows. Inside, 3M window film is practically invisible once installed, as it allows high amounts of desirable, visible light to enter. From the outside, 3M film is either unnoticeable or it complements the exterior of any home as homeowners can choose from a range of films in colorless to soft, neutral hues. Plus, certain 3M films afford more privacy from the outside looking in. Whatever the homeowner's needs are, 3M offers the perfect window film for installation.

7. How do solar protection films work in general, and 3M films specifically?

Most window films work towards the same objective, to reduce the transmission of solar heat and ultraviolet light through glass. Window film does this by increasing the amount of solar energy glass reflects and absorbs, thus reducing the amount of uncomfortable, undesirable solar heat transmitted inside. In general, many window films control heat and ultraviolet using colored dyes, which are not efficient. The dark color absorbs the solar energy into the glass and reradiates a large portion inside, making the room heat-up. In addition, these colored window films prevent a large part of the visible light from penetrating into a room, giving interiors a dark, dim appearance.

3M window films in particular are a premier product made from the highest caliber raw materials to ensure flawless appearance. It is the unique layering of film that allows the infrared portion of the light spectrum to be rejected. This allows the light to still enter the room without the heat.

8. How do safety films work in general, and 3M window security films specifically?

Safety films in general mitigate the dangerous effects of projectile glass during accidental and intentional glass breakage, such as natural disasters, terrorism and burglary attempts. Once installed to the interior surface of glass, safety films help hold broken glass together on the film upon impact to prevent airborne pieces from harming people and damaging property. Safety films consist of one or more layers of polyester film laminated together to form a tough, resilient product. The safety series of 3M window film works towards the same principle: to help keep shattered glass within the frame and prevent harmful shards from becoming airborne. These films are constructed of multiple layers of film, somewhat similar to plywood with the layers alternating direction. This gives the 3M security films the greatest tear resistance while maintaining a fantastic view.

9. Does 3M window film prevent your window from breaking?

No, 3M window film does not stop a glass from breaking no matter the thickness. When something impacts an untreated window, the glass will likely shatter and the pieces become airborne into the room. The safety film series works by helping to hold the dangerous shards together securely in the frame. This minimizes the potential for personal injury and property damage/theft.

10. Can 3M window film withstand storms?

Yes, thicker 3M window films can withstand storms as the safety series is designed to help protect homes and occupants during violent weather. When storm debris hits a window with safety film, the glass will likely shatter. However, the safety film helps hold the broken glass in place, in the frame - keeping property safe from subsequent looters and wind/rain damage. Violent weather is unpredictable, so having 3M window film installed on a home offers 24-hour protection all year long. Anchoring the film to the frame is recommended for optimum glass breakage retention. In addition, the thicker the film the greater the glass breakage protection.

11. 3M window film bullet-proof?

No, the safety series of 3M window films are designed to protect property and lives during violent weather, break-ins and accidental impacts.

12. Does 3M window film prevent breaking and entering?

Yes and no, the safety series of 3M window film does act as a theft deterrent, as it slows down a potential intruder by making it more difficult to gain entry. When an intruder strikes the safety film protected window with a hammer or similar object, the glass will likely shatter. However, the safety film helps hold the broken glass in place, in the frame.

It takes quite a bit more effort for someone to fully penetrate through the glass and film. Once the burglar sees that they can not gain easy access, they are likely to move on to an easier target.

13. What factors lead to colors fading inside a room?

There are four primary contributors to the fading of furnishings, flooring and window treatments. Ultraviolet light accounts for 40% of fading. Solar heat and visible light are each responsible for 25% of fading. The final 1 0% is caused by miscellaneous factors, such as fabric dye quality and humidity. Since Panorama window film blocks 99% of ultraviolet light and some films reject various levels of solar heat and visible light, this prolongs the customized appearance and value of a property's interior.

14. Does 3M window film stop furnishings from fading inside a room?

No, nothing can completely prevent the fading of furnishings, flooring and window treatments over time. Yet 3M window film will help keep colors like new longer, as they were designed to specifically block over 99.9% of harmful ultraviolet light and high amounts of solar heat. Homeowners will receive optimum protection for their furnishings as 3M film prolongs the customized appearance and value of a property's interior.

15. Does 3M window film affect houseplants?

Yes and no, 3M window film typically has little to no affect on houseplants. A recent study conducted at the laboratory of Plant Ecology of the Department of Applied Ecology and Environmental Biology of the University of Ghent, Belgium shows that most houseplants acclimate automatically to new lighting conditions by making maximum use of the available light, without affecting the ornamental value of the houseplant.

Houseplants that do not need high light intensities will never experience growth problems once 3M window film is installed. However, houseplants with a very high light intensity need and hence a very small or poor physiological tolerance can show a reduction of the photosynthesis process when grown under any kind of solar control window film with a low visible light transmittance. This reduced photosynthesis process can, in the long run, prove to be detrimental for these type of plants.

1. Can anyone install 3M window film?

No, 3M window film is only installed by 3M's expert network of Dealers/Installers. This elite, global network of window film professionals are trained to properly assess the homeowner's needs and seamlessly install the right product. Plus, having 3M film installed by certified Dealers/Installers enables homeowners to benefit from the product's comprehensive warranty.

2. Can 3M window film be installed to any type of window?

Yes, Panorama window film can be installed to any window. However, the important thing for any 3M dealer/installer to check is the extent in which the film absorbs solar energy. Darker films absorb more solar energy and will greatly heat glass. If part of a window is shaded in this instance, it can lead to thermal stress sometimes to the point of a window breaking (thermal break). In the case of double glazing (IG Units), installing too dark of a window film on the interior glass may result in an increase in the temperature of that window compared with the outer window. The expansion may ultimately cause the seal between the windows to break. This is why 3M window film is nly installed by 3M's expert network of dealers/installers, to ensure the right film is used considering all circumstances.

3. Can 3M window film lead to thermal stress or cause the window to break?

It is uncommon for 3m window film to lead to thermal stress, thus causing a window to break. Most 3M window films are automatically approved for installation on the most common glass types, since the solar absorption rate is very low. However, there are select film-to-glass installations which may require special approval to ensure warranty coverage.

4. Can 3M window film damage a double glazing seal?

It is uncommon for 3M window film to damage an IG unit, since the solar absorption rate is very low. Over the last 25 years, 3M has installed several hundred thousand square feet of window film to dual pane windows throughout the world. Seal problems are generally associated with incorrect window installation.

5. What thicknesses do safety films come in?

3M window films for safety are 4 Mil (.004") up to 14 Mil (.014") thick, with standard 3M window films for solar control measuring less than 2 Mil (.002"). The thicker the film, the greater the glass breakage protection. Film to frame anchoring is recommended for optimum glass breakage retention.

6. What do I need to do before the installation?

A few preparatory tasks on the part of the homeowner make installing 3M window film easier. Be sure to give a copy of the customer advice guide to the homeowner prior to the installation date. Window sills should be cleared of any items. Curtains or blinds should be removed or hung in a way to leave the window totally unobstructed. Any furniture that may impede access to the windows should be moved. If the Dealer/Installer needs to move heavy furniture, this should be discussed and noted on the estimate agreement. To limit the amount of dust and particles in the air, we recommend closing the air conditioning and heating vents around the windows. Pets should be kept in another room or outside. (cont'd 9.10)

Before the installation, the homeowner and dealer/installer should inspect the windows together. Broken glass, loose or uneven windows, self-adhesive stickers, alarm systems and other elements that might affect the installation should be discussed and recorded on the estimate. This will allow the dealer/installer to take adequate measures and suggest the most suitable film. Dealers/installers need to be aware of any glass that has been broken or if there have been previous problems with the windows. This information can help the dealer/installer suggest the window film best suited for the homeowner. Failing to provide this information could lead to a less suitable film being chosen and/or the warranty being cancelled.

7. What do I need to do if the view is blurred after installation?

Do not do anything, as the water bubbles and blurred view will disappear over time. The water bubbles and/or a blurred view are normal. The dealer/installer removes as much of the installation fluid from between the film and glass as possible, but the remaining fluid used during the installation of 3M window film requires a drying time. Do not pierce water bubbles during this drying period. This damage to the window film will not be covered by the warranty.

8. How long does window film take to dry out?
Film type and climate conditions will determine the drying time experienced. Warm weather and direct sunlight will shorten the drying time, while cooler climates, cloudy conditions and thicker films may prolong it. Drying may vary from a few days to several months.

9. How do I clean window film?

Window film should not be cleaned for 30 days after it is installed. This helps the installation fluid to dry and secures the special mounting adhesive to the glass. The best cleaning method is to use 1/2 ounce of liquid detergent mixed with about 1 quart of pure demineralized water. We do not recommend degreasing agents or detergents containing alcohol, acid or ammonia. Clean, soft materials should be used to clean and dry the coated surfaces. A clean, soft cloth or sponge is recommended for washing the window film, followed by another clean, soft cloth or rubber squeegee to dry the film. To avoid scratching the film do not use bristle brushes, abrasive scrubbing sponges, paper towels or cleaning materials that may have been contaminated with dirt particles. These materials can cause the polished layer of the film to deteriorate over time.

10. How do I remove window film?

3M window film is not meant for easy removal, as it is a professionally retrofit product for long-term performance. Only an approved 3M dealer/installer should remove the window film as they have the skill and tools to do so. For further advice, contact your local 3M sales representative or service center.

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