Frequently Asked Questions
A wide range of questions asked over the years regarding our Safety & Security Window Films, Residential, Commercial & Conservatory Window Films.
Frequently Asked Questions
A wide range of questions asked over the years about Safety & Security Window Films, Car Headlamp Film, Residential Window Films & Conservatory Window Films.
Safety and Security Window Film
Q. On the Security Window film pages, it lists the gauge of the film as 10mil, isn’t this too thick, stopping the window on vehicles from opening and closing?
A. The film is classed as 10 mil or 250 microns (the thickness of thin cardboard) not millimetres which confuses most people. This will give maximum security without affecting the operation of the window mechanism.
Q. If a criminal cannot break into my vehicle or property, how will we be able to get out in the event of an accident or emergency?
A. For security reasons we cannot disclose details of how to exit from your vehicle or property on our website. We can assure you that the emergency services have extensive knowledge of security window film and the ways of entering your property in the event of an accident. The film is designed to allow exit from vehicles or buildings and we explain how to do this once we have installed the film.
Q.Can Security film be fitted to my home?
A. It can yes, but in most cases a specialised anchorage system, also known as an edge retention system is required. We would need to discuss with you the frame and glass type of your windows to determine whether this system is required.
PLEASE NOTE. Some companies will quote you for security film and not mention anchorage systems. Installed on the wrong type of glass they could in fact be putting you more at risk than your existing windows without film. With our specialist meters, extensive knowledge & ongoing training programmes we ensure everything is done correctly, giving you piece of mind knowing that a professional installation has been carried out.
Q. Is window film expensive?
A. No. It’s a small price to pay for the maximum in safety and security and works out more cost effective than other methods of security, including window bars and shutters on residential and commercial properties.
Q. Will 4mil ( 100 micron) film give me a high level of security?
A. No. 4mil is classed as a safety film only and we install this to hold glass in place in the event of an accident. For security we will only recommend 8mil (200micron) or thicker, ensuring that you have the very best form of protection available on the market at present.
Q. I have one window that needs protecting, would you come out to do it?
A. This all depends on your location and the size of the window. Please contact us either by phone or email and we can then discuss your requirements.
Q. My company is based in Northamptonshire, would you be able to provide us with a quotation of your Security window films?
A. Yes. We specialise in providing an installation service to companies requiring this form of protection throughout the county. Contact us today and we can arrange an appointment to discuss your requirements with you at your premises.
Q. Our company is based outside of Northamptonshire, would you be able to provide us with a quote for your films?
A. Yes. We have completed installations throughout the UK and would be happy to discuss with you the requirements of your company.
Residential Solar Window Films
Below are frequently asked questions about residential solar window film:
Q. I have a window with small panes at the top and larger panes at the bottom. Would I need your films on all of the window panes or can I have just the bottoms coated with your films?
A. In some circumstances, you can get away with just the bottom panes coated and still have the privacy you require. For windows that are south facing or get the sun, by just coating the bottom panes, sunlight will come in through the upper panes and neutralise the bottom panes, making them in-effective and allowing people outside to see in as normal. Therefore, in this case, you would need every pane of the window coated; however, on the day of the installation we assess all windows and if we think you don’t need it or the tops don’t need our films, we’ll tell you in order to save you money.
Q. Neighbours and passers by keeping looking into my home. I want privacy but I don’t like the reflective silver window film I’ve seen on offices. What should I do?
A. Our fantastic neutral film is just that – neutral in appearance. They blend in with the neighbourhood and other non-coated windows on your home.
Q. I want to stop glare on my computer screen and television. Is there anything to stop this?
A. Yes. The neutral window film we recommend for homes will reduce the glare on these screens without you having to close blinds or curtains during the day, allowing the natural sunlight in, but not the glare.
Q. What is the expected lifespan of your window films?
A. Our films are the very best available, manufactured in America and come with a 10 year manufacturer’s warranty which we match with our own 10 year installation warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty protects against the film fading, delamination of the many layers and scratching when cleaning, whilst our 10 year warranty protects against bubbles, contamination and peeling.
Q. My home gets cold in the winter. Will your window films keep the heat in?
A. Unfortunately our neutral residential window film can’t stop heat loss. We do have two specialist heat retention films that will hold a percentage of heat within the room, but they are only available in either reflective silver or gold.
These are ideal for commercial properties, but not residential.
Q. Will your window film prevent my carpet and furniture from fading?
A. Our films will make a considerable difference as they contain an ultraviolet inhibitor to protect carpets, fabrics & furniture from fading by 99%. In some cases this can double the lifespan of your carpets and furniture.
Damaging ultraviolet from the sun only plays a small part in this. Natural light, heat, ageing and humidity all play a major part in the fading process, therefore no window film will stop fading completely.
Q. How do we go about cleaning the film once it’s installed?
A. A clean trigger sprayer mixed with 100 parts water to 1 part soap solution, is all that’s required to clean and maintain the film without damaging it.
A spray of the solution on the film and removal with kitchen roll, or paper towelling will keep the film clean, protected and smear free. This is much easier than household window cleaners, or other traditional methods.
Q. Will we have to clean the glass prior to the film installation?
A. No. We will clean and prepare the glass and window frames on the day of the installation, to ensure they are spotless prior to the film being applied. All we ask is that the installation area is free from ornaments or furnishings, so easy access can be gained by our installers.
Q. My windows suffer from condensation. Will the film stop this or cause a problem for the film once applied?
A. Unfortunately our window film will not stop condensation, but once bonded to the glass by our installers, won’t be affected by it either
Q. I’ve had quotes from other companies, why should I choose you?
Conservatory Solar Window Film
Below are frequently asked questions about conservatory solar window film.
Q. Do you have a showroom where I can see some of your products?
A. Unfortunately not. However please contact us as we can still send out samples of our films to your home. As of 2024, we will be bringing our virtual showroom visits into the armchair of your home via a simple link.
Q. Do you install the film on the inside or the outside of the glass?
A. We install the film to the inside of the glass rather than the outside as this then entitles you to the maximum 10 year installation & manufacturer’s warranty. External films are available but come with a 7 year warranty as weather conditions will affect the film over time. To prevent water ingress the film will require external silicone to seal it to the frame and glass to the manufacturer’s specification. This all adds to the cost, hence an internal film is more cost effective.
Q. Will the film you install to my conservatory make the room dark?
A. No. Unlike alternative roof shading methods like false ceilings and tiled roofs that companies offer to stop heat and glare, we specialise in installing only the very best window films available to your conservatory, allowing natural light into the room while protecting you and the contents from the sun far more effectively. By having our films installed allows extra light into adjoining rooms such as Living rooms, Kitchens and Dining rooms.
Q. Do I need any special chemicals to clean the film?
A. No. All that’s required is an occasional gentle clean with a soapy solution and kitchen towelling. A standard garden hand sprayer mixed 1 part baby shampoo to 100 parts water will clean the film to a high standard without leaving smears, protecting the film and preventing eye injury when cleaning the panels overhead.
Q. I have a specialised glass installed to the roof of my conservatory. Can you install window film on this?
A. Yes, this is something we have done on a number of installations to conservatory roof glass and will not cause any problems. We have found that our window films are more effective than this specialised glass alone and will reject the heat and glare dramatically, allowing you to use the room on the hottest of days.
Q. Will I be able to see out through the window film installed to my glass conservatory roof, both day and night?
A. Yes. Although there are a number of single ply reflective window films available for conservatory roofs, with our vast experience we recommend the installation of a specialised 2 ply film. Reflective on the outer layer rejects the excessive heat and glare, whilst the inner layer is non-reflective, allowing you to look up and out through the glass both day and night (depending on internal lighting used) with minimal reflectance.
Q. Will we have to clean the glass prior to the film installation?
A. No. We will clean and prepare the glass and window frames on the day of the installation, to ensure they are spotless prior to the film being applied. All we ask is that the installation area is free from ornaments or furnishings, so easy access can be gained by our installers.
Q. Do you need me to move all the furniture out of the conservatory ready for you to install the film?
A. We understand that heavy furniture can be awkward to move and therefore we will do all this for you. All that we ask is that small items be removed prior to us arriving so that our installers can then move the larger items for you. Once the installation is complete, we will return all of the large furniture back as it was and to your satisfaction prior to leaving.
Q. I live the other side of the country. Would your installers come out this far?
A. With our central office in Walgrave, Northamptonshire, we cover the majority of the UK offering high-quality conservatory solar window film installations. In most cases, we can assist, but this can depend on where you are in the UK. Please contact us by clicking here to discuss your requirements.