GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT WINDOW TINTING IN SAN ANTONIO, TX
How are SunSafe films applied?
Professionally trained Sunsafe window technicians apply the films to the interior surface of your windows. The films are meticulously applied using a gentle liquid that is safe to use in commercial properties and homes.
Will SunSafe window films change the appearance of my home or office?
Depending on the product you choose, our window films can dramatically improve the appearance of your space. Whether you are looking for a subtle look, or a small frosted design or tint, it will improve your space and also save you money. Our Sunsafe product line includes a wide selection of styles, from rich tints to frosted films and softer, more subtle tints.
Will the products make my home safer?
Yes. If the glass were to break, the film would help bind the dangerous shards together. Safety and Security window films are specifically designed to lessen the dangers of broken glass resulting from everything from hurricanes to tornadoes and earthquakes.
How much money can I expect to save on my energy bill?
Sunsafe films dramatically filter the warm ultraviolet light that transfers through the windows. Our tints are designed to keep the cool air inside while preventing the heat from coming in, therefore lowering the need to use excessive amounts of air conditioning. However, the precise savings depend on other factors such as how much direct sunlight you receive, which way your building faces, and how much energy is being used in the home or business.
In most cases, there is a 3- to 4-year payback period on your utility bills and it could reduce 33%-50% of your energy costs annually. Utility rates have been shown to increase just about every other year, so your lifetime warranty is a sure money saver.
How long does this last?
SunSafe Window Films carry a manufacturer's lifetime warranty for residential properties and 10- & 12-year warranties for commercial buildings.
Does this stop items from fading?
Whether fading is caused by exposure to intensive sunlight for a short time or a long exposure to weaker sunlight, fading is typically inevitable. However, severe fading can be significantly lessened with the use of home window tint. It may not be completely eliminated, but the installation of film can drastically reduce the damage to keep furnishings and fabrics fresh for years to come.
Is this like "Low-E" glass?
Low-E coatings are designed to be an improvement in the heat retention capability of double pane glass during the heating season. They do very little to control solar heat gain or UV light in scorching areas like San Antonio, TX.
Will this harm my plants?
Most plants actually grow better behind window film because it reduces the stress caused by rapid changes in temperature.
How do I wash the film?
Simple household glass cleaners and soft paper towels. We recommend that you polish the film like you would a Formica countertop.
Can the films give me privacy?
Some films can provide daytime privacy, but at night people can see in.
Do I have to do all my windows?
All windows in any one room, as well as any room that has items of value, should be treated.
LOW-E WINDOW FACTS AND MYTHS
If we have Low-E windows, would we still need window film?
“Low-E” window systems have gained popularity in recent years. While these systems do a great job in some situations, they are not the complete answer to most homeowners’ needs.
What Is a "Low-E" window?
Low-E stands for low emissivity. Emissivity is a measure of a surface’s ability to absorb or reflect far-infrared radiation. The lower the emissivity, the higher the far-infrared reflection. The sun's rays contain ultra-violet, visible, and near-infrared radiation but reflect longer far-infrared wavelengths. Far-infrared radiation is re-radiated from objects (both inside and outside the home) that have been heated by the original radiation from the sun or heated in other ways.
Solar Control Film and the Low-E window system:
Today, almost all Low-A windows are dual pane systems where the coating is on face 2 or face 3 (inside the air gap) of the windows. Filming these windows will not ruin the Low-E properties. Be sure to check the film to glass recommendations for Low-E glass systems. Average solar control film and a Low-E window is possibly the best comprehensive protection available. The Low-E window will lower the amount of cool air escaping, and the film will reduce the amount of heat from coming inside. In addition, the film will provide glare reduction and block 99% of UV rays.
Low-E windows and UV protection:
Many homeowners believe they have enough UV protection with just low-a windows. While it is true that Low-A windows perform better than standard single-pane windows, harmful UV rays are still getting through the unprotected glass. Our films provide a protective barrier to weaken UV exposure by as high as 99%.
Will Window Films Cause Glass to Break?
Glass breaks when stressed. There are five types of stress which may cause glass breakage:
1. Thermal Stress--from absorption of solar radiation.
2. Tensile Stress--from the weight of the glass itself.
3. Mechanical Flexing Stress--from wind.
4. Impact Stress--from flying objects, hail, baseballs.
5. Twisting Stress--from building or window frame sagging or settling.
Window films offer protection from only thermal stress, thus reducing glass breakage over time.
Thermal stress, especially in hot areas such as San Antonio, can pose a serious risk to your windows.
Our films can filter the UV rays and save you money in the long run.
Is your question not answered here? Give us a call with any and all of your
window security film and tint installation questions!