Why Window Film? At Sound Waves Car and Home Audio, we offer you 7 Simple Reasons Why to Choose Window Film: Decrease Heat - Today's window film is extremely efficient at controlling the effects of solar energy. Window Film can provide up to 82% heat reduction when applied to untreated glass. Reduce Fading - Window Film blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays. This reduces solar heat and helps to protect your valuable interior furnishings from fading. Cut Glare - Whatever the cause - direct sunlight, or reflections from snow, water or surrounding windows - there is a perfect window film solution to help reduce annoying glare. Enjoy Energy Savings - Areas of extreme sun or shade can cause interior temperature imbalances and climate control issues. Window film can remedy this problem. Increase Safety - Acts of vandalism, environmental hazard's and unforeseen accidents can cause glass to shatter and become very dangerous. Window Film can act as a "safety net" by holding shattered glass together. Enhance Appearance - Whether it's a contemporary look or a uniform design, there are a variety of window film products that can aesthetically complement the appearance of your vehicle. It's Fast and Easy - Professional window film installation is quick and simple. There's minimal disruption to your daily lifestyle or work schedule What is Window Film and how does it work? Window film is basically a self-adhesive polyester film that is applied to the interior surface of glass. It’s used as a "retrofit" for existing glass on automobiles in order to upgrade solar control and safety. Solar radiation from the sun is divided into 3 components; visible light we can see, and infrared and ultraviolet rays which we can only feel. As solar radiation strikes a piece of glass, window film acts as a "sunscreen" to block harmful UV rays as well as regulates the levels of heat and light passing through the glass. The amount of heat and light rejected is all dependant on the type of window film selected There are basically two types of window film – non-reflective or dyed films that primarily absorb solar energy, and reflective or metallized films that absorb as well as reflect solar energy. Care and Maintenance Once window film has been installed, it’s very common to see a slight haziness and/or small water pockets. This is a normal part of the adhesive bonding process called "curing". Depending on the film type and weather conditions, it may take up to 30 days for the film to be fully cured. The curing process is slow because the remaining water used in installation must evaporate through the film. Once the film is dry and cured, it’s then safe for the film to be cleaned. The best cleaner is a simple solution of water and a small amount of soap. Clean the window and then squeegee dry with overlapping strokes in the same way you would clean the outside of your car windows. You may also clean the film surface with any normal strength glass cleaner. Do not use products with ammonia as they may damage the film if not used with extreme care. Do not use any abrasive cleaners, industrial strength glass cleaners and/or any other window cleaning tools that may scratch the window film. Remember, the surface of the film is coated with a scratch resistant not scratch proof coating. Window Film "Myth vs. Reality" Causes of FadingSource: IWFA and AIMCAL Myth – Window Film will stop fading of interior furnishings 100%Reality: While window film does a tremendous job in reducing the amount of harmful UV Rays (up to 99%) and solar heat (up to 78%), it will not completely eliminate the deteriorating effects of the sun, especially over a long period of time. However, window film is significantly better at stopping fading in comparison to untreated glass. Myth – Window Film will ruin my viewReality: Although a dark or reflective film may reduce the view from the outsidelooking into a car, it does not mean the same optical restrictions apply from the inside looking out. This is due to Visual Acuity where the human eye basically adjusts to its light surroundings and stabilizes sight enabling an unrestricted sight, even when the light transmission has been reduced by up to 70%. Myth – All Automotive Window Film is illegalReality: Laws vary from state to state, and country to country as to what types of window film are allowed. In the U.S., window film is prohibited on the front windshield but permissible on the rear side windows and back windshield. The amount of allowable light transmission varies depending on state laws. Many countries around the world allow window film on the entire car as long as they meet certain light transmission standards. It’s important to check with your dealer to ensure your film installation is legal. Myth – Anyone can install window filmReality: Window film installation may look relatively easy but there are many circumstances that could lead to a poor installation. It’s very easy for the film to become contaminated, thus ruining the film and creating dissatisfaction. A professional installer is experienced with many techniques to prevent problems with the film, and ensure a proper and quality installation. How Window Film Affects Glass Glass is designed to be a barrier from exterior elements (i.e. wind, rain and snow) while providing a natural view of the outside world. When solar energy – comprised of heat, light and UV Rays – hits a glass window almost 90% of the energy is transmitted through. When window film is applied to glass, its properties including special dyes and/or metals incorporated within the film act as a solar energy barrier either by absorbing part of the energy or reflecting a portion of the energy away from the glass. The level of absorption and reflectance is dependant on how the film is constructed. Dyed films contain no metal and are considered non-reflective because they only absorb solar energy. They are not as effective in controlling solar heat and light because they do not provide any solar reflectance. On the other hand, metallized films provide both solar absorption and reflectance. They do a much better job of solar control since the metal properties within the film reflect both heat and light away from the glass surface. Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to install film on my car?It all depends on the number of windows that need tint as well as the type of car. As long as you use a qualified, professional window film installer, the job will usually take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours. Is automotive window film installed on the inside or the outside of the glass? Window film is always applied to the inside of the automotive glass. Installers simply use the outside of the window to cut & heat shrink the window film for a proper fit. What film is legal for my car?Laws pertaining to how dark you can tint your car windows vary from state to state and country to country. Check your state or country where your car is registered to find out applicable tint laws. Go to http://www.iwfa.com/ for the latest automotive tint laws.
Why Window Film?
At Sound Waves Car and Home Audio, we offer you 7 Simple Reasons Why to Choose Window Film:
Decrease Heat - Today's window film is extremely efficient at controlling the effects of solar energy. Window Film can provide up to 82% heat reduction when applied to untreated glass.
Reduce Fading - Window Film blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays. This reduces solar heat and helps to protect your valuable interior furnishings from fading.
Cut Glare - Whatever the cause - direct sunlight, or reflections from snow, water or surrounding windows - there is a perfect window film solution to help reduce annoying glare.
Enjoy Energy Savings - Areas of extreme sun or shade can cause interior temperature imbalances and climate control issues. Window film can remedy this problem.
Increase Safety - Acts of vandalism, environmental hazard's and unforeseen accidents can cause glass to shatter and become very dangerous. Window Film can act as a "safety net" by holding shattered glass together.
Enhance Appearance - Whether it's a contemporary look or a uniform design, there are a variety of window film products that can aesthetically complement the appearance of your vehicle.
It's Fast and Easy - Professional window film installation is quick and simple. There's minimal disruption to your daily lifestyle or work schedule
What is Window Film and how does it work?
Window film is basically a self-adhesive polyester film that is applied to the interior surface of glass. It’s used as a "retrofit" for existing glass on automobiles in order to upgrade solar control and safety.
Solar radiation from the sun is divided into 3 components; visible light we can see, and infrared and ultraviolet rays which we can only feel. As solar radiation strikes a piece of glass, window film acts as a "sunscreen" to block harmful UV rays as well as regulates the levels of heat and light passing through the glass. The amount of heat and light rejected is all dependant on the type of window film selected
There are basically two types of window film – non-reflective or dyed films that primarily absorb solar energy, and reflective or metallized films that absorb as well as reflect solar energy.
Care and Maintenance
Once window film has been installed, it’s very common to see a slight haziness and/or small water pockets. This is a normal part of the adhesive bonding process called "curing". Depending on the film type and weather conditions, it may take up to 30 days for the film to be fully cured. The curing process is slow because the remaining water used in installation must evaporate through the film.
Once the film is dry and cured, it’s then safe for the film to be cleaned. The best cleaner is a simple solution of water and a small amount of soap. Clean the window and then squeegee dry with overlapping strokes in the same way you would clean the outside of your car windows. You may also clean the film surface with any normal strength glass cleaner. Do not use products with ammonia as they may damage the film if not used with extreme care. Do not use any abrasive cleaners, industrial strength glass cleaners and/or any other window cleaning tools that may scratch the window film. Remember, the surface of the film is coated with a scratch resistant not scratch proof coating.
Window Film "Myth vs. Reality"
Causes of FadingSource: IWFA and AIMCAL
Myth – Window Film will stop fading of interior furnishings 100%Reality: While window film does a tremendous job in reducing the amount of harmful UV Rays (up to 99%) and solar heat (up to 78%), it will not completely eliminate the deteriorating effects of the sun, especially over a long period of time. However, window film is significantly better at stopping fading in comparison to untreated glass.
Myth – Window Film will ruin my viewReality: Although a dark or reflective film may reduce the view from the outsidelooking into a car, it does not mean the same optical restrictions apply from the inside looking out. This is due to Visual Acuity where the human eye basically adjusts to its light surroundings and stabilizes sight enabling an unrestricted sight, even when the light transmission has been reduced by up to 70%.
Myth – All Automotive Window Film is illegalReality: Laws vary from state to state, and country to country as to what types of window film are allowed. In the U.S., window film is prohibited on the front windshield but permissible on the rear side windows and back windshield. The amount of allowable light transmission varies depending on state laws. Many countries around the world allow window film on the entire car as long as they meet certain light transmission standards. It’s important to check with your dealer to ensure your film installation is legal.
Myth – Anyone can install window filmReality: Window film installation may look relatively easy but there are many circumstances that could lead to a poor installation. It’s very easy for the film to become contaminated, thus ruining the film and creating dissatisfaction. A professional installer is experienced with many techniques to prevent problems with the film, and ensure a proper and quality installation.
How Window Film Affects Glass
Glass is designed to be a barrier from exterior elements (i.e. wind, rain and snow) while providing a natural view of the outside world. When solar energy – comprised of heat, light and UV Rays – hits a glass window almost 90% of the energy is transmitted through.
When window film is applied to glass, its properties including special dyes and/or metals incorporated within the film act as a solar energy barrier either by absorbing part of the energy or reflecting a portion of the energy away from the glass.
The level of absorption and reflectance is dependant on how the film is constructed. Dyed films contain no metal and are considered non-reflective because they only absorb solar energy. They are not as effective in controlling solar heat and light because they do not provide any solar reflectance. On the other hand, metallized films provide both solar absorption and reflectance. They do a much better job of solar control since the metal properties within the film reflect both heat and light away from the glass surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install film on my car?It all depends on the number of windows that need tint as well as the type of car. As long as you use a qualified, professional window film installer, the job will usually take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Is automotive window film installed on the inside or the outside of the glass? Window film is always applied to the inside of the automotive glass. Installers simply use the outside of the window to cut & heat shrink the window film for a proper fit.
What film is legal for my car?Laws pertaining to how dark you can tint your car windows vary from state to state and country to country. Check your state or country where your car is registered to find out applicable tint laws. Go to http://www.iwfa.com/ for the latest automotive tint laws.