Architectural FAQ

For all the questions you can't find answered elsewhere on our site...

How do Solar Guard control films work?
Window films are designed to reduce the amount of solar heat transmission through window glass by increasing the solar reflection (not necessarily visible reflection) and solar absorption through the glass. Typical coloured or dyed films work primarily through increased absorption. The colour absorbs the solar energy at the glass, thus reducing the direct transmission into the room. These films only offer marginal performance when compared to reflective films. Reflective films are films that have been precision coated with metals. These metallised films are designed to increase the solar energy reflection of the glass and some of the absorption. Reflective films range from moderate to excellent in solar performance (heat gain reduction). All Solar Guard films are made to be transparent and optically clear. The ultraviolet protection in the adhesive system is there to protect the adhesive, the metals, the polyester film, and the abrasion resistant coating from UV degradation. This UV protection will also help protect what is behind the film (home and office furnishings) too. Most Solar Guard films are protected with our patented abrasion resistant coating for long-term durability and maintained appearance.

How do Solar Guard; Low E Insulation films work?
Low E films work much in the same way as the sun control films except that they offer an increased performance against cold weather heat loss. The patented constructions of these films enable the metal coating to reflect more of the interior room heat back into the room where it is needed. This improves comfort by reducing potential draft feelings near the window, and may also save on fuel costs, especially in commercial buildings. The LE films are also protected with our abrasion resistant coating for long-term durability and maintained appearance.

Why do commercial customers have Solar Guard film?
Improved tenant comfort. Improved heating and cooling costs. Lower utility demand costs. Improved aesthetics, uniform appearance. Improved safety and security. Extended Air Conditioning equipment life. Valued alternative to adding more A/C equipment. Most often, our commercial customers will purchases window films for tenant comfort and justify the purchase on energy cost savings.

What is the typical energy pay back for Solar Guard window films?
Simple paybacks will vary depending upon the amount of sunlit glass exposure, the type of glass, cost of fuel, cost application, and other variables. Paybacks can be from 6 months to 15 years.

How is Solar Guard window film applied?
Solar Guard films are applied by skilled, well-trained fitters. Most films are designed to be applied to the inside of your glass. However, where an external application would be preferable, due to glazing type, or access, we have an extensive range of dedicated external film, with one of the hardest exterior coatings in the industry to prolong its life and provide ease when cleaning. The first step is to prepare the window area for the application; placing drop cloths on the floor protecting and/or moving furniture where necessary. Next the window glass is cleaned using simple cleaning solutions and razor sharp scrapers. Then the film is sprayed with a slip solution (detergent and water) for proper positioning, and applied to the window glass. Using a professional grade squeegee and following proper techniques, the application is completed by removing excess water, trimming the edges, and a final squeegee technique to dry the edges.

How long does it take for Solar Guard window films to dry?
We suggest allowing thirty days for the film too fully dry and cure. During this curing process, occasionally there may be small water bubbles and/or a hazing milkiness appearance. These will disappear as the film dries; depending upon the film type and weather conditions, drying may take as much as 30 days or longer, dependent on ambient and building temperature. Once dried, films will look great and perform for many years to come.

How do I clean my Solar Guard window film?
After 30 days, you may clean Solar Guard films using normal household cleaning solutions, excluding ammonia-based products and a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. You may also use a squeegee to clean the films. Abrasive products, which would scratch or damage the film, must not be used.

How long does Solar Guard window film last?
Window films are made durable to last for many years; just how long may depend upon the type of film applied, type of glass it is applied to and the particular climate in which it is applied. Most applications last up to 15 years and beyond. Some applications are still performing after 20 years. Warranties vary according to film type; please refer to your warranty form.

How do I remove the old film from my windows?
Window films are designed to bond the film to the window glass for many years. Yet when it is time to remove the film, removal can be performed by following a relatively simple process. First try to pull the film off by lifting and peeling the film from a corner. If removing the film is difficult, spray the film with a solution of detergent and water and cover with a plastic film (e.g. bin liner). Allow to soak for several minutes. Next the adhesive residue left on the glass can be sprayed with a detergent, ammonia and water solution and scraped with a four inch razor blade tool. Unfortunately, other window films are not necessarily designed for removal in their future. They can prove to be particularly difficult to remove, and may require more drastic measures.

What warranty comes with Solar Guard window film?
Window films are warranted to maintain their solar properties without bubbling, peeling, cracking, or crazing. Many of our films are warranted against discolouration, too. Films which are not of dyed polyester). Should the product prove to be defective, Solar Guard and the authorised dealer will replace the film and provide the re-application labour free of charge.

Do Solar Guard window films cause glass to break?
No, Solar Guard window films alone do not cause glass to break. However, we do understand that the application of Solar Guard will increase the temperature of your sunlit glass, which will increase the stress on the glass edges. The quality of those glass edges and several other factors (external shading, interior shading, glass history, type of film size/shape of glass, indoor-outdoor temperature) all contribute to the potential risk of glass breakage. Solar Guard's years of experience with applying window films to different types of glass enables us to make proper film. Glass recommendations and minimises the potential for glass breakage.

Do Solar Guard window films cause seal failure when applied to double glazed windows?
No, window films do not cause seal failure. We've been applying Solar Guard films to double glazed windows for over 25 years with many million of square feet of film applied to date world wide. When recommended films are applied to the inside pane of a double glazed unit, there will be some absorption of the suns energy, which will increase the temperature of the glass pane. Some of this heat will transmit to the airspace, slightly raising the airspace temperature. However, even a 7°C increase (unusual for most films) will result in a less than 3% change in air pressure, whereas properly made units are designed and tested to withstand 22% changes in air pressure. Risk of seal failure is greatly determined by the quality of workmanship and the quality of the materials that go into building the double glazed units. The best protection against seal failure is to purchase well made units from reputable window manufacturers that have solid experience with double glazed units.

Will Solar Guard window film stop my furnishings from fading?
Nothing stops fading. Films are designed to help reduce the major causes of fading (ultra violet light, visible light, and solar heat), thus prolonging the life of your furnishings, perhaps as much as two to five time. Keep in mind the article(s) to be protected; if they have a typical life of five years then they may last 10 years longer depending on the performance of the film selected. As a general rule of thumb, ultra violet (UV) is approximately 40% of the cause; visible light is about 25% and heat about 25%. The remaining 10% can be attributed to humidity, pollutants, interior lights, dye anchorage, and more.

Does the ultra violet protection lose its effectiveness over time?
No, the ultra violet light (UV) protection that we use in our proprietary adhesive system is indefinite. It does not lose its effectiveness over the life of the film.

How do Armorcoat Safety and Security window films work?
Armorcoat safety and security window films are designed to make glass shatter-resistant by holding the glass pieces together when broken. Different from Solar Guard film, Armorcoat window films are made with thicker polyester and much thicker, more aggressive adhesive system. For further protection an attachment system can be used in conjunction with the window film.

Are Armorcoat films storm proof, bullet proof, burglar proof, and bomb/explosion proof?
No, they are designed to make the window glass more shatter resistant. Armorcoat films were originally developed due to the international concerns and needs from improved safety and security against terrorist acts of bombings. These films can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of glass due to blasts; however, much depends upon the severity of the blast and the proximity of the window glass to the blast (and glass type, framing system, and more). Our films are not bullet proof. Armorcoat films are a low-profile, high performance measure of security in the battle against 'smash and grab' crime, the tough, shatter resistant qualities of the film can hold the window glass together even if a brick (or similar object) were actually to pass through the glass. The thief must now make a choice; continue to attack this window, try another window, or move on. Time is short, and often they move on. However, if they are determined to gain entry, they will get in; even through a brick wall. It is generally recommended that the property have a proper alarm system in addition to Armorcoat window film. Armorcoat films protect adults and children from the potentially lethal effects of accidental impact into non safety glazing. Armorcoat films conform to EN 12600. In the event of extreme weather conditions, these films may have significant safety and security value. They can reduce the risk of injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possible help prevent debris and water penetration through the window depending on the severity of the weather (and the type of glass, framing system, size and velocity of objects, and more). In an earthquake, these films can reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possible prevent glass from falling out of a home or building. Again, much may depend upon the severity of the quake (and the type of glass, framing system, and more).

Will Armorcoat film keep my glass from breaking?
This is difficult to answer with any degree of certainty. Window glass varies in strength from piece to piece, as each cause of breakage varies in velocity. So, if an Armorcoat protected window were impacted, yet, failed to break, it would be difficult to determine if the glass alone, the film alone, or the film and glass together resisted the breakage.

Architectural FAQ

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