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 Frequently Asked Questions We often hear the same questions from our customers, so we have put together a list of the most common questions and our answers. If you don't see your question here, just Contact Us and send us your question.
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Does the film go on the inside or outside of the glass? Film is applied to the interior surface of the existing glass. There is no need to go through the expense of replacing the glass. At any point, the film can be removed without harm to the glass. For difficult to reach windows, such as skylights, we do have an exterior film. How do you attach the film to my windows? Will it be messy? The film is carefully applied directly to the glass. The first step is to thoroughly clean the glass and frames. The film has an adhesive already applied at the factory, protected by a liner, which we remove prior to the application. There are no odors or chemicals used. A very small amount of soap, such as liquid Joy, is used in the water. This "releases" the adhesive and allows the Film to be squeegeed to the glass. When installed properly, there are no bubbles or any distortion. The film is cut into the window, leaving a very thin, usually less than 1/8th of an inch margin around the edge. Most of the time this is imperceptible. Towels and tarps protect the surroundings. Minimal water is used. In special cases, such as wallpaper in the jamb of the window, or silk drapes, we use plastic taped to the area to give additional protection. Regular drapes and window treatments are not affected and usually can remain in place. Upon completion, the area and window is restored to original condition. Do I have to take my curtains down or do you do that? No… curtains and drapes usually remain. If there is a special concern for delicate drapes, it may be advisable to have your drapery installer remove and rehang the drapes. Should I have film put on all of my windows or only those facing the sun? It is recommended that all sun-facing windows be treated. If some windows receive less direct sun, we will apply a lighter film to those windows, for protection as well as uniformity. All windows transmit UV, regardless of whether they face direct sun. If fading protection is the primary concern and there are delicate furnishings or artwork that need protection, then use of film is strongly suggested. Can I put film on double paned windows? Yes. Independent tests confirm that the use of film is harmless to dual pane glass. If the windows are new and have a manufacturers warranty, Window Solutions can provide warranty coverage on the Seal Failure portion of the warranty, as well as on the glass itself. Your representative will review this option with you. Will my windows be darker after you put the film on? Can you see the film? Our goal is to maintain as much naturalness and clarity as possible on your windows. If you have high windows, oftentimes the glare and heat of the sun requires us to install a more tinted film. However, it is still our goal to apply a film that provides you with the protection you need, without taking away in any sense the quality and tone of light, or in any way detracts. You will be 100% satisfied with our products and service. How long will film last? Today’s films from 3M can last as much as twenty years. Realistically, windows in high traffic areas, such as sliding doors, or kitchen windows which get splattered with grease, may be replaced sooner. It is not unusual, however, that even these film panels will not be replaced for at least ten years. What kind of warranty do you give? We are fortunate to offer 3M products that come with a residential LIFETIME QUALITY PROMISE, direct form 3M. This warranty assures that you will be completely satisfied with our products for the entire time you live in your home. If the product needs to be replaced under the warranty there is absolutely no charge to you. All labor and materials are covered. If I sell my house is the warranty transferable to the new owners? The warranty is issued to the purchaser and is not transferable to the next homeowner. Are your installers bonded? How many people will be in my house during the installation? As many installers as necessary will be provided so as to complete the job in one day. Usually one or two installers will be able to take care of the job very quickly and efficiently. We schedule jobs at your convenience and will make every effort to arrive at your home at the appointed time and complete the job within the promised time. Window Solutions is fully licensed, bonded and insured. A copy of our Certificate Insurance is available. How do I clean the windows after the film is installed? 3M films can be cleaned with any commonly available window cleaning solutions and products, including ammonia based products, such as Windex. Use of a squeegee or soft cloth is recommended. The interior surface is specially treated with an acrylic "hard coat" to protect the Film and allows easy cleaning, without fear of scratching. What happens if I scratch the film? Minor scratching generally does not require replacement of the Film. However, if a deep and unsightly scratch requires special attention, generally it is necessary to replace the panel. The Film can be removed and replaced quite easily and at minimal cost. How long will it take to finish my house? We always try to finish your home in one day. If you have many French panes, or an unusually large installation, we make take slightly longer. Every effort is made to have as many installers as possible to complete the job in one day. Our estimators and scheduling coordinator will review the estimated time with you. Any special scheduling needs you may have will always be taken into consideration.
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Commercial: |
What types of commercial applications can you do? Window Solutions can provide a film to resolve sun problems for commercial installations ranging from retail storefronts, an individual commercial office, or the largest high rise building. The variety of Films is suited for virtually any commercial requirement. Can you give me some examples of your work? Since 1966 Window Solutions has installed 3M films at a wide array of commercial offices and buildings. For specific projects in your immediate area, please call our Customer Service Department at 1.800.782.0660. What is the warranty on commercial installations? Commercial installations receive a Ten-Year Warranty direct from 3M. As one of the largest and most successful Premier Authorized 3M Dealer/Applicators, Window Solutions can professionally manage any sized project. We have worked with virtually all of the major general contractors and architectural firms in the area and will closely coordinate within their specifications and scheduling requirements. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured and are easily able to satisfy most insurance requirements. What is the expected life of window film? 3M patented and introduced its SCOTCHTINT Film line in 1966. Since then a vast number of improvements have been made, including:
3M Films, under normal circumstances, will maintain their effectiveness for fifteen to twenty years. Is there an energy credit for retrofitting commercial buildings with film? In Northern California Pacific Gas and Electric provides an energy saving rebate for the application of 3M Window Film. The proven benefit of window film in reducing the air conditioning load on a building's, south, east and west sides makes it possible to save on the energy usage. Many buildings may also experience an inability to keep perimeter offices comfortable, while non-sun exposed areas receive too much air conditioned air. Window film will help balance out the internal temperatures that keep the building manager’s phones ringing with complaints about the temperatures. Can you handle a large installation, such as a multi-story office building? Window Solutions’ staff is capable of professionally installing thousands of windows on a high rise office building, Silicon Valley campus office park, or in your home. We can accomplish this with our trained personnel who are dedicated to providing exceptional quality. Do my tenants have to move out during the installation? Installing window film involves no odors or chemicals and can be provided during normal office hours with minimal interruption of office routine. If there is a concern, special arrangements can be made for evening and weekend installations. We do ask that three to five feet of space be cleared in front of the window so that our crew can thoroughly clean the windows and apply the film. Will solar window film protect glass against breakage during an earthquake? The adherence of a pressure sensitive window film to the interior surface of the glass will provide some protection against shattering of glass in the event of breakage. If the building is in an earthquake zone it is advisable to apply a SCOTCHSHIELD SAFETY FILM, in an energy saving tinted version.
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What brand of window film do you sell? Is it a name I would know? Window Solutions has been selected to be a Premier Dealer Applicator of 3M SCOTCHTINT SUN CONTROL FILMS and a Certified Dealer applicator of 3M SCOTCHSHIELD ULTRAFLEX SAFETY AND SECURITY FILM SYSTEMS. 3M has brought its expertise in thin film technologies, plus its world famous adhesives R&D into a product that is designed to offer years of clear optics, with excellent solar control and durability. 3M films stand up to years of punishment from the sun, yet continue to perform. 3M backs up its products with the best warranties in the industry: RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Window Solutions’ trained applicators are also the best in the industry. Able to handle any sized job, whether a hectic Silicon Valley computer company facility, San Francisco financial stock brokerage or the elegance of a beautiful Northern California home in Monterey, the Peninsula, San Francisco, Napa Valley or the East Bay, Window Solutions' crews offer premier, world class service. Do you have references I could check? Yes. We have applied 3M Film to thousands of homes and businesses throughout the Bay Area. You are always invited to inspect and speak to any of our previous customers. Names and addresses are provided upon request. Where is your service area? All of Northern California, from Lake Tahoe, Sacramento, Napa and Sonoma Counties, all of the Bay Area, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Are you bonded and insured? California Contractors License Number: 435258, fully bonded and insured.
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Clearer and more durable
adhesives, exclusive to 3M
