Installing Your Own Window Film?

We are always on the lookout for great window film and security products to offer our customers.

In addition to our ever-expanding line of quality window films and security hardware, we have been offering basic window film installation tools for our do-it-yourself customers.

To better serve our DIY customers, we have just added our professional grade, 6" Power Squeegee. This heavy duty squeegee is equal in quality to the tools used by window film installations pros. Our installers have been using it and thought it was great, especially helpful when installing thicker films, like security laminates.

Remember, our window film installation kit and Power Squeegee are only available online with the purchase of one or more of our DIY Window Films.

For more information on do-it-yourself window films, please visit our website at www.apexfilms.ca.

Can Window Film Crack Glass?

You may have heard that window films crack glass.

The short answer is, they shouldn't. The long answer is that window films that are installed appropriately do not crack glass. Unfortunately, there are too many cases where solar control window films and tints end up cracking glass because they are not installed appropriately. Here is the down-low...

Automotive Window Films: The prime suspect in architectural glass breakage from window films!
All too often, automotive window films have been (and continue to be) installed on architectural flat glass. In fact, we recently encountered such a complaint. A new customer, a municipal building, was having trouble getting approval for solar control window film as another recently constructed building had had its brand new windows crack in their first winter from films that had been installed. Upon further discussions it was learned that the contractor had subbed the window film work out to a company that had installed automotive window films.

Automotive window films are designed for auto glass application, a very different type of glass than that used in any building, either residential or commercial. Architectural, or flat glass, can not withstand the heat retention properties of auto tint. Fortunately, there are high quality solar control window films that have been designed for flat glass application. You can experience all of the benefits of solar control film, including, heat and UV blocking, glare reduction, and/or privacy without the worry that your windows will break.

Low-E Coated Thermal Pane Windows
If you have thermal pane windows on your home or office that have a low-e coating, it is not recommended that you use most solar control window films. Again, the effects of the two treatments may lead to glass breakage under certain conditions.

Large Thermal Panes with Uneven Sun Exposure
If you have very large panes of glass that receive uneven sun exposure, meaning that the glass may be partially shaded all or part of the day it is not recommended that you install solar control window films. Glass may crack due to the uneven heat distribution. In the case of large thermal panes we recommend getting the opinion of a reputable window film installer, and having the film installed professionally. Be sure that the work is warranted before proceeding.

Damaged Glass
Windows with pre-existing cracks, chips or other damage should be replaced before installing solar control window films. The window films may cause existing cracks to spread. Indeed most window film warranties will not cover windows with pre-existing damage.

If you are unsure, consult a professional before installing window films. Ask about glass break and seal failure warranties offered by the manufacturer.

Contact Apex Window Films for quality window films and installation in the GTA.

If you live outside the Greater Toronto Area, or prefer to do-it-yourself, visit our DIY Window Film online store