Shelley did a fantastic job talking about Solar Vision and 3M Window Film on Colorado and Company. Heath and Ben did the installation on the video and Lucinda did the sales. A special thanks to Lisa and Steve Strother who let us film in their home and to Lisa who was interviewed.Shelley demonstrated with a heat source in a box and glass with 3M Prestige window film applied, other window film, and glass with no film. She showed how well the 3M Prestige window film performs.
3M Residential Warranty
3M has a residential limited lifetime quality promise. The warranty applies to the purchaser as long as he/she lives and owns the home. It can not be transferred to the next owner. The warranty for the 3M Sun Control Window Film promises to:
- Keep its solar reflective properties without cracking, crazing, or peeling
- Keep its adhesion properties without blistering, bubbling, or delaminating from the glass
- Keep its appearance without discoloration
If the product is found to be defective under the warranty, 3M will:
- Replace the quantity of film that is defective
- Provide removal and reapplication with the labor being free of charge
The 3M residential warranty is also for glass failure due to thermal shock fracture or seal failure for up to $500 per window. The glass failure would need to be a result of the application of 3M Sun Control Film as long as the film is applied to the recommended types of glass and the glass failure is reported to the Seller within the specified time from the start of the installation. See specific warranty for these time frames.
Glass failure covered by this warranty must be reviewed by the Seller prior to repair, and only covers film and glass replacement.
A claim is made to the dealer from whom the film was purchased or to 3M.
The warranty is void if the product has been given improper care such as the use of abrasives to clean the window. The care recommendations are sent to the purchaser and is also at the bottom of the warranty information. The care instructions are also in a previous Solar Vision blog and/or is easily found on the Internet. (solutions.3m.com)
In comparing other window film warranties to the 3M residential warranties, most are similar to each other. As far as I could find, none surpass the 3M warranty. 3M has a reputation of standing behind their products. You can trust the 3M brand.
Clean Filmed Windows
Clean filmed windows is an easy process. You basically clean it as you would any window after 30 days. What to expect:
- Window film takes a period of up to 30 days to dry and cure.
- There may be a haze which will cause a visual distortion.
- There may be small water beads or bubbles.
- This is normal. The haze or bubbles will disappear in a few days as the window film dries and cures. The water used in installation needs to evaporate through the film during the curing process.
- Cold weather may lengthen the time while warm weather will shorten the time.
- Security films are thicker and take longer to dry.
Note: The film may cure less than 30 days. To be on the safe side to clean filmed windows, wait the 30 days.
What to use to clean your filmed windows:
- A soft cloth or clean synthetic sponge is recommended to clean filmed windows.
- To dry them use a soft cloth, paper towel or soft squeegee.
- Most glass cleaners work well.
- A good cleaning solution is 1/2 ounce of dish soap or baby shampoo in about a quart of water. This is about one or two drops in a spray bottle. You do not need much soap.
What to avoid:
- The film has a scratch resistant coating not a scratch proof coating, so never use any abrasive material on the window.
- Coarse paper towels may leave fine scratches on the film
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or abrasive sponges.
- Do not use cleaning materials that are contaminated with dirt. This might happen if you clean outside the windows and then use the same sponge to clean the inside filmed window.
- Do not use industrial strength cleaners.
- Do not use cleaning tools that may scratch the film, such as hard squeegees.
- Products containing ammonia can be used but not in large quantities or often.
If you ever have any question about caring for your window film, please ask your installers or give Solar Vision a call. We will happily give you the information you need.
3M Exterior Prestige Window Film
3M Exterior Prestige window film was applied to these windows. The film applied to these windows was Exterior Prestige 40. Exterior window film is put on glass when the windows inside are not as accessible as the outside. A wall, bookcases, heavy or immovable furniture or any number of things may may make it difficult to put the film in the inside. Skylights that are really high may be easier to have film applied to the outside via the roof. Exterior window film may also reduce the risk of thermal stress on windows with multiple glass panels. 3M Exterior Prestige window film may be applied to both new buildings and retrofit projects. Advantages of 3M Exterior Prestige Window Film include:
- The film is non-reflective-less reflective than glass
- It has heat rejection with excellent visibility
- It comes in Prestige 40, Prestige 70, and Prestige 90. The 90 lets in 99% of the normal light
- The film blocks 99.9% of UV rays and prevents fading and deterioration cause by UV rays.
- It reduces glare
- People in the inside are not exposed to the UV rays which can cause skin cancer
- It provides heat control so the inside is more comfortable and less air conditioning is used.
- The film does not interfere with cellular or wireless signals.
- The thickness of the film is less than a piece of paper
- After 30 days it can be cleaned, as any other window.
The film is less reflective than glass. Because of the lower reflection, retail displays are more visible and there is less distraction. In the day or at night, potential customers see a beautiful window and whatever is displayed or lit up in the window. This can draw more people to a business and increase sales.
This window film is used in commercial as well as in residential buildings. It is back by the 3M lifetime warranty.