Whether you own a home or manage a commercial building, windows and energy efficiency are essential topics to consider. Unobstructed windows allow light to enter buildings creating a warmer environment. Natural light can even cut energy costs, except if the windows are causing unnecessary heat. Some homes and businesses keep their windows shaded to avoid unwanted heat, drafts, harmful rays, and more. Window film can solve all these problems affordably and efficiently. Unfortunately, many people believe that window film can break windows, rendering them a useless option. Today we will discuss why window film does not necessarily contribute to window damage and is a viable option for you and your property. 

NOTE: Any modification to glass or window units carries with it certain risks. Glass and windows are not perfect or indestructible building materials and degrade on their own over time with or without modification. A modification to glass, such as the installation of window film, cannot be found entirely at fault if a window unit fails. We recommend you consult with the NFRC if you have further questions or concerns about windows and window film or request a copy of the document The Use Of Window Films On Insulated Glass from the International Window Film Association (IWFA). You may also request a copy of this same document from Meridian Window Tint.

Types of Window Damage

Thermal Glass Breakage

Glass can break due to 5 types of stress, including thermal stress. Window film does increase thermal energy, increasing the risk of thermal stress. This stress can be exacerbated by drapes, blinds, and other blockages. Hiring experts who understand different types of window film and glass will help ensure no damage occurs. In Boise and the Treasure Valley, we have the right blend of films for the local climate and elevation. Meridian Window Tint is a proud 3M Prestige Window Film Dealer, offering Prestige Series films that provide superior comfort and clarity designed to maintain the appearance of any home or business. 3M has been an industry expert in window film for over 50 years. After all, they invented the product! Our staff is expertly trained to evaluate and take the necessary steps to mitigate the risk of window film breaking your windows and recommend the films that will be compatible with your glass. Even more so, 3M believes so strongly in their products that they offer a 60-month glass breakage warranty on windows with an existing warranty. 

Window Seal Failure

One of the most common concerns among customers is the likelihood of window film causing seal failures. This idea is completely erroneous. Insulated windows are windows with multiple panes with gas sealed between the layers of glass. The multiple pane insulation aids in keeping building temperatures regulated and sealed off from outside temperatures. Over time, windows will experience seal failure with or without window film. The rate at which they do so depends completely on the window, the manufacturer, those who may have installed the window, and how it is positioned or facing on the property. Window films have zero effect on window seals. 3M feels so strongly on this matter that they offer a 40-month glass seal warranty provided the window is currently under a manufacturer warranty.

Window Discoloration

Another common grievance among skeptics of window film is the worry of window film discoloration. Window film has been around for decades, and it has made massive advancements. 3M Window Film today has amazing features such as nighttime viewing being clearer with the film, like with their Night Vision series! A good example of poor-quality tint is the kind you see on cars that bubble and turns purple. High-quality 3M window film is made with metalized layers that do not discolor. When installed by a professional, 3M window film could last 25 years or even longer with proper care and will have a window film warranty.

Trust Meridian Window Tint to Install Window Film

Window film helps conserve energy while making windows more functional. It protects both people and interiors from harmful rays and makes living and working areas more comfortable. Although it is possible any modification to windows can cause damage, when Meridian Window Tint professionally installs window film your windows should be safe from breakage, failure, and discoloration. If a window cracks or fails, many factors could have contributed to it outside of the window film itself. Window film does apt stress to the glass, but our experts minimize as many risks as possible. At Meridian Window Tint, we are so confident in our product that we back it up with warranties sure to put even the most skeptical at ease. Above all, we are fully insured and if you do encounter an issue after an install, we will be there to help and make things right. If you are ready to improve your property with window film, contact us for a free quote.