How much will this reduce my utility bills?

Depending on the amount of glass and the orientation of your windows will determine the amount of energy savings. In most cases there is a 3 to 4 year payback period on your utility bills and it normally reduces 33%-50% of energy costs annually. History shows utility rates increase just about every other year, so your lifetime warranty is a sure money saver.

How long does this last?

Atlantic Shoreline's Window Films carry a manufacturer's lifetime warranty on Residential applications and between 10 & 12 year warranties on Commercial application's for years of durability and performance.

Does this stop fading?

All materials will fade from sunlight in time. Fading is inevitable and the same whether it is caused by exposure to intensive sunlight for a short time or a long exposure to weaker sunlight. Glass provides limited protection from fading. Severe fading can be significantly minimized with the use of window films. Though it can not be totally eliminated, the installation of film can drastically reduce the damage, enabling most fabrics and furnishings to look fresh and vibrant 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.

Will this harm my plants?

Most plants actually grow better behind window film because rapid changes in temperature that stress plant surfaces and flowers is reduced.

How do I wash the film?

Household glass cleaners, such as Windex, and soft paper towels, such as Bounty, should be used. Polish the film like you would a Formica counter top..

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.

If we have Low-E windows do 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 surfaces ability to absorb or reflect far-infrared radiation. The lower the emissivity the higher the far-infrared reflection. Far Infrared radiation is that which is sensed by the body as heat. The sun's rays contain ultra-violet, visible, and near-infrared from the sun 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:

In the early days of low-a development the coatings used were applied to single pane glass. Filming over these old single pane systems would ruin the low-E properties of the window. Today, almost all low-a windows are dual pane system where the coating is on face 2 or face 3 (inside the air gap) of the window. Filming these window will not ruin the low-e properties. Be sure to check the film to glass recommendations for Low-E glass systems.

Standard solar control film and a Low-E window is perhaps the best complete protection available. The window will provide heat loss reduction, and the film will significantly improve the solar heat gain. In addition, the film will provide glare reduction and block 99% of the UV.

Low-E windows and UV protection:

Many homeowners believe they have adequate UV protection with low-a windows. While it is true that low-a window do perform better than standard windows, the amount of UV radiation transmitted is still many times that of windows retrofitted with solar control film.

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.

The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may affect. The use of window films will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass. However, there are also other factors which will increase thermal stress such as: partial shading of windows from overhangs, tightly fitting drapes or blinds, signs or decals on windows, heating and cooling vents directed at glass. In addition, different types of glass (annealed versus tempered, clear versus tinted) have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress.

The window film manufacturers have recommended film-to-glass tables for use by factory-trained dealer installers. If a consumer is ever in doubt, he/she should request a copy of such guidelines.