fbpx

faq

fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Window tinting can provide numerous benefits, including reduced energy costs, improved comfort, increased privacy, enhanced aesthetics, and increased protection against UV rays.

Whether you are looking to reject the suns heat, reduce glare, block harmful UV, add privacy, add security, or decor, there are many benefits to having window film installed. Window films is a great solution to the common problem of wanting the privacy of blinds, but not wanting to lose your view. 

Depending on the type you choose, solar window film options reduce the Suns heat by up to 89%, keeping your home or office much cooler in the summertime and saving you money in the long run.

When it comes to reducing the Suns glare through windows, you can choose the shade you want and block anywhere from 10% up to 99%.

Almost all our window films block 99% of the Suns harmful UV rays for fade protection against the damage caused to interiors and furnishings.

Tired of people outside being able to see into your home? Would you like to see out while preventing others from seeing in? Your privacy is precious, but don’t sacrifice the view or sunlight for it by keeping the blinds closed all day. Nothing is darker than windows that are always covered up for privacy…

So keep those blinds open, the sunlight in, and maintain that privacy with daytime one-way window tint.

With decorative frost films we can turn glass offices into modern workspaces, glass deck railings private, or enable home front door glazings to have 24 hour privacy. Choose your own pattern, design, or style of stripes and we will make it a reality.

Hard to believe window film offers all these benefits? Let our reviews do the talking!

Due to each individual home/building having incredibly different energy efficiencies, window sizes, orientation, time of day, amount of direct sunlight windows receive, roof and wall insulation levels, paint (dark vs light), window coverings (dark vs light) and many other factors, the window film manufacturers and ourselves cannot give an exact figure of how many degrees less interior temperatures will be with film added for each individual client. That being said, the industry can be confident in what percentage of solar heat window film can reject from coming through a glazing. Our clients often mention that they are significantly more comfortable and have between 4°C-10°C (39°F-50°F) cooler interior temperatures on hot days after having film installed.

We have worked with many stratas over the years and in most cases only recommend neutral films that care for reducing the suns heat, glare, and UV, but do not change the exterior appearance of the windows. Stratas that take the time to research the many benefits of window films, often approve the use of the window tint. However each strata is quite unique when it comes to their methods, and the approval depends on the actual strata president/board itself. If you’d like, we could give you a quote, some product samples and share any specs which you could then present to your strata board.

Depending on the type you choose, solar window films can reduce the Suns heat passing through windows by up to 89%, significantly keeping the interior of your home and/or office much cooler in summertime and majority of our films add an insulating U-value to your windows equivalent to an additional pane of glass to keep thermal heat in during the winter. Ultimately saving you from spending money on heating and cooling costs in the long run making them a great investment.

The lifespan of window tinting depends on various factors, including the quality of the film and the conditions in which it is installed. The professional grade premium quality window tint we use, will in most cases last a lifetime when installed on interior applications.

The product is designed for daytime privacy only. Therefore we remind all our clients beforehand that (just as with regular glass) window coverings (blinds, shades, etc.) are required to be drawn at dusk to maintain nighttime privacy when interior lights are on.
During the evening/night when interior lights are on, the inside is very similar to normal glass in the sense that it is reflective on the inside when the interior lights are on at night, but even more so with reflective film installed.

All of our professional grade solar architectural window films block over 99% of harmful UV rays that damage/discolour interiors and furnishings while still allowing natural light to enter. 

While these window films block 99% of UV rays (which is the biggest contributor to fading), there are still other contributors to fading such as visible light, radiant heat, etc. Therefore these films greatly reduce the fading process but do not eliminate it completely.

Get the UV protection you need with clear UV rejecting window film, all without altering your view!

These optically clear window films are designed for situations where both maximum natural light is desired and when fade control is needed to protect your biggest investments from the damaging effects of UV rays.

Window films (tint) block UV rays – but not the red and blue rays that plants need to grow and flower.

Some plants will actually do better with window film, such as those that require less light (which are typically plants that have a dark green color).
Delicate plants will also do better with window film because it provides a more stable temperature.

So, for example, if you live in a hot climate during the summer, areas near sunny windows can get very hot and be harmful to delicate plants, often burning their tips.
Even in normal circumstances, some have certain plants that always seem to dry out or wilt on sunny days. Window film will actually help those plants retain moisture better.

Any window tinting company should not only use, but also have an extensive knowledge base when it comes to North American film-to-glass compatibility charts, as there are certain applications that are definitely incompatible and would damage glass (example: blackout on a sun facing multi-pane window). There are a number of different window tint manufacturers that offer products with great lifetime warranties.

Many professional window tinting manufacturers offer lifetime warranty for professionally installed interior applications that not only cover the film, but also the glass if still under warranty by its manufacturer.

In the tens of thousands of residential and commercial windows we have personally tinted with the correct/safe architectural films (and never using automotive film or any other restricted types for such an application), we have not had any major issues and have a list of satisfied clientele to back such a statement.

If something were to go awry, a warranty would cover such an issue (that being said, issues are very much avoidable when sticking to the clear film-to-glass guidelines).
We are also very comfortable confidently saying “no” to restricted film-to-glass applications even when a client may insist on it being done. We have no interest in doing things the wrong way and of course have a name to uphold.

The most common window for a bird to strike is a perfectly clear one (without any window tint). As the bird thinks it can fly directly through vs. seeing itself in the reflection of reflective privacy film.

Unlike humans, birds can see the ultraviolet light spectrum which our window films block 99% of. Therefore when window film is installed (even reflective film), birds can then see the UV rays now bouncing off the window film allowing them to know they cannot fly through unlike regular glass.

That being said, birds are quite territorial (especially in mating season) and will strike windows or even shiny metal/surfaces in an attempt to hit another bird which is only a reflection of themselves.

Feel free to explore our blog that discusses various methods to avoiding bird strikes. 

https://luxwindowtinting.com/prevent-bird-deaths-window-film/

Even the highest quality untinted glass can naturally break with thermal or other stress. Especially if there is a pre-existing chip on the edge during glass manufacturing or window installation (which wouldn’t be seen behind the frame).

Hence, no window shop can provide an absolute guarantee against any potential thermal breakage from happening. We of course are also limited to these same parameters, as we work on the windows that they manufacture and install.

Some home windows have cracks and/or random seal failure (prior to ever having window film), simply due to a homes seasonal expansion and contraction, or other factors such as home movement (settling after being newly built). Many window manufacturer/installation companies describe this in greater detail on their websites. 

Thermal cracks/breaks are often covered in a homes insurance policy. That being said, of course all home insurance policies differ from one another.

Window films come with North American film-to-glass thermal stress compatibility guidelines/charts that account for different glass types and what products can be safely used on them. We strongly adhere to these guidelines at all times, and do so regardless of a clients personal opinion (whereas other companies may not). With this strict protocol, we have been almost completely able to eliminate any glass breakage over the many years we’ve been in business.

If for years we didn’t see it on a daily basis as a completely normal and expected drying process, we would also be asking the same questions.

During the approximately one-two week drying time, especially when the sun is on it an hour or so after installation, fully expect to see milky horizontal tiger stripe lines, micro bubbles, or white cloudy perimeters in window films as they cure.

Of course we may sound biased in the matter, therefore we recommend Googling “window film drying times” or “how long does it take for window film to dry” to help put minds at ease.

Window films have water activated adhesives to bond to glass, and although installers/technicians get the water out, the moisture/vapors indeed require time to cure/dry.
Security and frost window films are much thicker and require longer drying times, especially when frost is installed around freezing temperatures.

Just like a fresh coat of paint, it has to have time to dry!

Whether you get a professional to do the removal of window tint or do it yourself (using the correct tools/methods), it can absolutely come off without damaging the glass in any way (even if it had been on for 30+ years).

There are also multiple DIY window tint removal videos online on how to do it without needing a professional. But we cannot stress enough to use the correct tools to do so in order to avoid damage.

In almost all cases, interior grade window films are used (on the inside).
We as a protocol do however use exterior grade window films on all skylights and triple pane windows. Also, exterior grade window films are used when the interior sides of windows are in rare occurrences, inaccessible.

The cost of having window film installed depends on a number of things such as, project location, glass types, factors/obstacles to overcome, window film types, working heights, etc. Therefore there is no exact answer, but we would be more than happy to give you a free exact quote (not estimate).

Most glass windows can be tinted, including single-pane, double-pane, and even triple-pane windows. Even special types of windows, such as low-e or laminated windows, are suitable for tinting to be installed.

It is imperative however for a professional to first come and assess the windows type/condition in order to know which film they can recommend that is both safe/compatible with the glazing (glass) type that is under consideration. We would be happy to confirm which types of window films are safe and would work best your style of windows.

The lifespan of window tinting depends on various factors, including the quality of the film and the conditions in which it is installed. The professional grade premium quality window tint we use, will in most cases last a lifetime when installed on interior applications.

Tired of people outside being able to see into your home? Would you like to see out while preventing others from seeing in?

Your privacy is precious, but don’t sacrifice the view or sunlight for it by keeping the blinds closed all day. Nothing is darker than windows that are always covered up for privacy.
So keep those blinds open, the sunlight in, and maintain that privacy with reflective daytime one-way window film (mirror tint).

Modern glass entrances in homes look fantastic, however they unfortunately allow others to see in with ease. Having a frost film installed is an excellent choice for 24hr privacy needs while still allowing natural light in. It transforms glass at a fraction of the cost to changing the actual glass itself.

The easiest way to answer this is, as dark as you’d like the window film to be.We offer a wide variety of window film options from optically clear all the way to blackout (and everything in between).We would be happy to show you sample options during a free consultation.

There are neutral window films that aren’t reflective in appearance if needed, however reflective window films come in a wide variety of shades, reflections, and heat reducing specs.

We would be happy to show you some options and leave you with a sample during a free consultation and quote.

When it comes to reducing the Suns glare through windows, you can choose between a large variety of window film tint shades to block anywhere from 10% up to 99% of the suns glare coming through windows.

Window film! Depending on the type you choose, solar window films can reduce the Suns heat passing through windows by up to 89%, and they come in a variety of tint/shade options.

Solar window films significantly keep the interior of your home and/or office much cooler in summertime and save you money in the long run making them a great investment.

Depending on the type you choose, solar window films can reduce the Suns heat passing through windows by up to 89%,  and they come in a variety of tint/shade options.

Solar window films can keep the interior of your home and/or office significantly cooler in summertime and save you money in the long run making them a great investment.

Window films come in different thicknesses which offer a variety of insulating U-values (Similar to an R-value but for glass) to keep thermal/radiant heat from escaping windows during winter.

Beat the winter temperatures by adding window film with an insulation value that is equivalent to adding an addition pane of glass, making them much more energy efficient.

The percentiles (such as the “Total Solar Energy Rejection” percentile) are calculated not by the manufacturers of the product, but rather by separate agencies that operate between governments and the window film industry. These agencies are the same ones that place stickers on all windows/doors to let consumers know their true energy ratings.

The “National Fenestration Rating Council” independently tests, certifies, and labels window films for their energy efficiency. They are an independent non-profit organization that establishes objective window, door, and skylight energy performance ratings. They do not sell, service, or recommend products, or endorse manufacturers. Rather, they simply provide objective energy performance ratings so that consumers can make more informed decisions.

“Energy Star” is a program run by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and U.S Department of Energy that promote energy efficiency. In Canada, they are administered by Natural Resources Canada, their program is internationally recognized and users include various levels of government, public service companies, manufacturers, retailers and environmental organizations. Behind their label is a product, home, building or industrial facility that is certified to use less energy and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. In addition to administering the program, Natural Resources Canada oversees the promotion of its symbol and compliance with strict certification standards. Their qualified products include home appliances, office equipment, consumer electronics, heating, cooling and ventilation equipment, lighting and signage equipment, commercial and industrial products, and windows and doors.

The “International Window Film Association”, are a third-party industry source for accurate technical information on window film products and their uses. They educate industry influencers and consumers.

In our years of experience, when clients are looking to get a quote for window film to be installed, it is important for us to know specific information about the type and size of your windows. We can only get this information when we come to give a quote.

Saying that your windows are “average size or type” is not sufficient enough due to the size of windows varying significantly from one another, even within the same building. Without our specific measurements and the window type information, we truly cannot provide an accurate exact quote. We do not do rough estimates or ball parks as they only cause future misunderstandings/miscommunication.

Instead, allow us to come get the exact measurements of each window that needs film installed and determine the additional details about the windows, such as their shape, location, and the type of glass used, as these factors can also affect the installation process. We will then know the amount of film required, the time it will take to install (the time is not the same for all windows), and the unique challenges to the project. This will allow us to let you know the exact actual cost of the custom project to give you an exact free quote.

By allowing us to get precise information about your windows and the project, you can ensure that you receive an exact/accurate quote and that the installation process goes perfectly smooth if you decide to go ahead with using us.

There are a very wide variety of window films on the market, however see the science and technology behind how some window films are manufactured for yourself on the episode of “How Its Made – Window Film” linked below:

Premium grade window films use considerably higher quality materials and manufacturing processes than low budget films, which result in far better lifetimes, durability, and resistance to fading or discoloration.

Rather than cheap dyed films, premium window films utilize sputtered nanoparticles and carbons of various periodic table elements/metals such as Antimony Tin Oxide, Aluminum, Titanium, Silver, Gold, Nickel, Copper, Tungsten, and Ceramics. 

Because premium grade films do not rely on dyes or pigments to achieve their tinting, rather they use versatile and effective elements/metals, their effectiveness and colour do not simply disappear or go/fade away over time from the Sun as do budget window films.

Additionally, most premium grade window films come with extended lifetime warranties for residential applications that guarantee their effectiveness and color stability for many years to come.

Window films have been in use for over a century, and the technology has continued to evolve and improve over time. The first window film was developed in the early 1900s, when seeking a technology to make glass more shatter-resistant. The first films were made of cellulose acetate and were primarily used in industrial and automotive applications.

In the 1960s, the technology behind window films began to improve rapidly, and new materials and manufacturing techniques were developed that allowed for more advanced window films with a wider range of properties. For example, metalized films that used metals like aluminum or silver to reflect sunlight and reduce heat transmission through the window were developed during this time.

In the 1980s and 1990s, window films became more popular for residential and commercial applications as consumers and businesses became more aware of the many benefits of tinted windows, such as improved energy efficiency, UV protection, glare reduction, and privacy. During this time, new materials and technologies, such as ceramic window films and nano-ceramic coatings, were developed that provided even greater performance and durability.

Today, window films are much more widely used in residential, commercial, and automotive applications around the world than ever before, and the technology continues to evolve and improve. In some areas that in times past had milder weather, window film seems like a newer technology (due to global warming and the increasing needs for energy efficiency), however hotter countries/locations have been using this technology for quite some time. 

Modern window films can provide a range of properties and benefits, including solar heat rejection, UV protection, glare reduction, shatter resistance, and privacy, all while still allowing natural light to pass through the window.

A free quote/consulation includes us coming by to discuss window film options to care for your needs, drop off samples, measure, and give a free vocal quote.  Your PDF quote will then be sent to you by email within the next 24 business hours for you to consider.    

We must however be clear and transparent about the limitations of the free quote.

While we are thrilled to offer our expertise and provide you with an initial free quote/consultation, it’s important for us to outline the limitations of our complimentary services, which are required in order for us to survive as a business.

Our free quote includes one complimentary site visit consultation and approximately two hours of correspondence afterwards if required. During this time, we will diligently work on understanding your needs, assessing the project scope, providing you with an accurate/exact quote, and happily answer the questions you may have.

However, it’s essential to note that any additional site visits or consultations requested by you beyond the initial one, as well as correspondence exceeding the two-hour threshold, will have to become subject to being billed hours.

We believe this is necessary to ensure that we as a business allocate the appropriate time and resources to deliver the highest quality of service to our clients, primarily the ones who have accepted to proceed with projects and have entered into a business relationship with us beyond the initial free quote.

We do value your partnership and want to ensure that we are on the same page throughout the process.

Thank you for considering our services, we look very forward to working with you to bring your vision to life.

Without doing a home energy audit both before and after window film is installed, the exact reduction in interior temperatures of a specific home prior to having solar window film installed is challenging if not impossible to exactly predict for several reasons:

1. Variable Environmental Factors: The effectiveness of solar window film for each home/window depends on various environmental factors such as the angle and intensity of sunlight, outdoor temperature, humidity levels, and geographic location. These factors can vary significantly from one home/window to another.

2. Window Orientation: The orientation of the windows (e.g., north, south, east, or west-facing) and the amount of direct sunlight they receive throughout the day play a crucial role. South-facing windows, for example, may receive considerably more direct sunlight and thus have a different cooling effect compared to north-facing windows.

3. Type of Film: Not all solar window films are equal. Different films have varying levels of solar reflectance, absorption, and thermal insulation properties. The type of film chosen/used will however have a spec sheet to show the percentage of how much solar heat it rejects.

4. Home Design and Insulation: The overall design of the home, including factors like insulation, window size, and the presence of other cooling or heating systems, can influence how much the interior temperature is affected by the window film.

5. Climate Variability: Climate patterns can and are changing over time, making it difficult to exactly predict long-term effects accurately. A film that works well in one season or year may differ in another.

6. User Behaviour: How occupants of the home use heating or cooling systems, blinds or curtains, and their preferences for indoor temperature can also affect the perceived temperature reduction.

7. Measuring Techniques: Accurately measuring changes in interior temperature before and after window film installation requires precise equipment and methodologies. Even with such tools, results can vary due to differing outdoor temperatures.

Given these complexities, it’s common for manufacturers and experts to provide percentage ranges of solar heat reduction rather than exact temperature figures. When considering having solar window film installed, it’s advisable to consult with professionals who can come assess your specific situation, take into account your home’s location, windows, and climate conditions, and provide percentages of how much solar heat will be rejected by having solar windows film installed.

Have more questions? Email us at info@LuxWindowTinting.com
Or:

fill out our online form
for a free consultation and quote

    What Are You Looking To Achieve? (Required)


    Mailing Address​

    159-2223A Oak Bay Avenue
    Victoria, BC Canada
    V8R 1G4

    our fastest and preferred method of contact for new clients, is our website contact form. we respond same day or within 24hrs (during business hours).

    Email*

    info@luxwindowtinting.com

    PHONE*
    (Please note: We Are RARELY Available to Immediately take calls. This Phone Number Is Primarily For Scheduled Calls With Clients. For All Non-Emergency matters, Please Use Email)

    (778) 922-TINT (8468)

    *As A Protocol, We Do Not Do Any Quotes Over The Phone Or by email Without Us first Having Seen The Project. Please Fill Out The Digital Form To Schedule A Quote.

    HOME

    FAQ

    REVIEWS

    PHOTOS

    BLOG

    CONTACT

    0