Servicing Boulder and Denver since 1982, Sun-Ease Window Tinting provides top quality window film products & window tint solutions.
(303) 440-7108
We specialize in the installation of solar control, automotive, decorative, privacy, & security window films across the Front Range.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF WINDOW FILM?
Because our window films can reject up to 82 percent of the sun’s total solar energy and block out almost 100 percent of harmful and damaging ultraviolet rays. In many cases, window film installation will pay for itself in energy savings within just a couple of years. You can experience these benefits after installation:
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Increased fade protection
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Reduced interior heat
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Reduced utility costs
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Reduced glare
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Improved occupant comfort
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Increased privacy
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Extended air conditioning equipment life
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Added protection from accidents, storms, earthquakes and burglars
WILL WINDOW FILM REALLY STOP FADING OF FABRICS?
There are six factors affecting fabric fading:
1) Ultraviolet Light (40%)
2) Visible Light (25%)
3) Heat (25%)
4) Chemical Vapors (including ozone)
5) Age of Fabric
6) Dye Fastness
Clear single pane glass (1/8" to 1/4") will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Our Window films installed on glass reject 99.9% of solar ultraviolet light.
Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat. With Panorama window films, 80% of the total solar energy can be rejected. No window film can eliminate fading. It can, however, offer maximum protection from fading due to solar ultraviolet light, visible light and solar heat.
IS WINDOW FILM INSTALLED ON THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR?
All films are generally applied to the INTERIOR of the glass. In rare circumstances window film may be applied to the outside surface of glass. Common reasons for EXTERIOR application include:
1.) The interior of the window is not accessible and removing the glass from the frame is not an option.
2.) You are applying Graffiti Film, a Solar Gard product applied to the exterior of glass, mirrors, and even elevator doors. This film is thick and clear, protecting surfaces from accidental or malicious behavior.
3.) If your glass is laminated, most films cannot be applied to the inside of the glass.
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WHAT IS WINDOW FILM MADE OF?
Solar Gard and Panorama window films are the result of a complex manufacturing process that uses the finest raw material and state-of-the-art manufacturing technology. Transparent layers of high quality polyester are laminated and coated using special adhesives, ultraviolet inhibitors and protective scratch resistant coatings. Select concentrations of metal or ceramic particles are sputter coated onto sheets of polyester, allowing for varying degrees of color and solar energy rejection. The result is the finest quality window film products in the world.
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HOW IS WINDOW FILM APPLIED?
1.) Windows are prepared for installation by a process of scraping and cleaning the glass thoroughly.
2.) The film is cut slightly larger than the size of the window so that it can be custom fit to the glass.
3.) The clear plastic liner attached to the film is removed, exposing the adhesive on the film. The adhesive is activated with a safe cleaning solution, which is usually water with a touch of Joy dishwashing liquid. We then squeegee out most of the water that is inbetween the film and the glass and finish the edges with a special tool. With some finishing touches, its all over. You can barely tell the window has been altered.
WINDOW TINTING: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Get the facts quick and easy. Here are some answers to some common questions from the professional installers here at Sun-Ease.
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DOES WINDOW FILM CAUSE SEAL FAILURE WHEN APPLIED TO INSULATED GLASS (IG) UNITS?
No, window films do not cause seal failure. All of our Solar Gard and Panorama films are IG unit safe. When recommended films are applied to the inside pane of an (IG) unit, there will be some absorption (except with clear safety films) of the sun's energy, which will increase the temperature of the glass pane. Some of this heat will transmit to the airspace, slightly raising the airspace temperature. Even a 20° F increase (unusual for most films) will result in a less than 3% change in air pressure, whereas properly made units are designed and tested to withstand 22% changes in air pressure.
Risk of seal failure is greatly determined by the quality of workmanship and the quality of materials that go into building the (IG) units. The best guard against seal failure is to purchase well-made units from reputable window manufacturers that have solid experience and histories with insulated units. Most films come with a standard 3 year (IG) Unit Seal Failure warranty. An additional Optional Warranty may be purchased for a modest fee that will cover any window or (IG) unit which breaks as a result of any defect in the glass or window at any time during the period covered by the window manufacturer’s warranty. As a PremierPlus Warranty Dealer our Panorama customers will automatically receive a warranty superior to any 'optional warranty' offered with the glass.
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WILL WINDOW FILM CAUSE GLASS TO BREAK?
Window film IS SAFE for glass. Applying the correct window film is key to preventing thermal stress breaks. Professionals here at Sun-Ease follow Panorama's recommended film-to-glass tables to ensure a suitable film is chosen for each installation.
Glass, however, does break when stressed.There are five types of stress, which may cause glass breakage:
1. Thermal Stress--from absorption of solar radiation (Can be affected by film)
2. Tensile Stress--from the weight of the glass itself (Not affected by film)
3. Mechanical Flexing Stress--from wind. (Not affected by film)
4. Impact Stress--from flying objects, hail, baseballs (Not affected by film)
5. Twisting Stress--from building or window frame sagging or settling (Not affected by film)
The first type, thermal stress, is the only one film can 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.
Listed are some glass types or conditions where the use of a solar control (not clear safety) type of window film is not recommended without extreme caution.
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ANY SINGLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 100 SQUARE FEET
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DOUBLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 40 SQUARE FEET
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CLEAR GLASS THICKER THAN 3/8 INCH
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TRIPLE OR QUADRUPLE PANE IG UNITS
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WINDOW FRAMING SYSTEMS OF CONCRETE OR METAL THAT HAS NO GASKETS OR SEALS
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GLASS WHERE FRAMING SEALANT OR GASKETS THAT ARE NO LONGER RESILIENT.
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DAMAGED, CHIPPED, CRACKED OR SCRATCHED GLASS
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ROUND, BENT, LAMINATED, TEXTURED, OR WIRED GLASS OR SKYLIGHTS
Sun-Ease will help identify if any of these "non-film-friendly" conditions are present in your home or building. In the extremely rare case that you do experience glass breakage after film installation, our Solar Gard films come with a standard Five to Ten Year Limited Glass Breakage Warranty. Additionally, as an authhorized PremierPlus dealer, our Panorama films come with the Panorama Premier Plus Warranty. (Click Here for more details)
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WILL WINDOW FILM KILL MY HOUSE PLANTS?
In most cases, if a house plant is already receiving adequate light the use of window film will not harm it. New growth or flowering may be slowed, and, for a few days, a plant may go into a state of shock while it adjusts to the light change. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with film installed. Although there are some obvious guidelines in determining what, if any, effect window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter colored ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation: merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs closer to maximal or minimal light.
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HOW AND WHEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY WINDOWS AFTER INSTALLATION?
Always use fresh clean soft materials to wash and dry your window film surfaces. A soft cloth or a clean synthetic sponge is recommended for washing the window film followed by another clean soft clothe or soft rubber squeegee for drying.A good economical cleaning solution for window film is one ounce of liquid dish soap added to 1 quart of fresh water.
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HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO CLEAN MY WINDOWS AFTER INSTALLATION?
Do not clean the film for 30 days after installation. This will help secure proper curing of the special mounting adhesive to the glass. Your interior windows will not need to be cleaned after an installation. It is ok to clean your exterior windows immediately after installation as long as there are no leaks in your window panes.
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WILL HIGH PERFORMANCE METALIZED FILM DIMINISH MY NIGHT TIME VIEW?
This is true for most medium to dark metallized window films. It all depends solely on the film you choose. We offer an easy solution with films that are “Dual Reflective” which is designed exactly for this type of application. Dual Reflective is a manufacturing process that is designed to make a film less reflective towards the interior side of a room. This way you can have all the benefits a metallized film has to offer but with an additional bonus, less reflectivity indoors. Panorama's Slate Series is a great solution for those concerned with night time reflectivity. That means you will see clearly day and night. If these “Dual Reflective” films still do not meet your criteria we also carry an excellent variety of non-reflective films that will block most of the glare and heat. Ask about our premium non-reflective films.
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WHAT KIND OF WARRANTY DOES PANORAMA FILM COME WITH?
As a PremierPlus Warranty Dealer, every customer inherits the finest warranty program available to date. Highlights on our Recommended Window Films are:
1) Lifetime for Residential, 16 yr's Commercial
2) 10 yr Glass Breakage
3) $1,750 per unit coverage
4) Match existing window manufacturer's 'Seal Failure' Warranty (with proof of original warranty)