Window film is a thin, multi-layered material that is applied directly to the interior surface of windows in residential and commercial buildings. It is primarily composed of polyester or vinyl materials and is available in a variety of types and styles to suit different needs and preferences.

Window film serves several purposes, including enhancing energy efficiency by reducing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, improving comfort by minimizing glare and hot spots, and protecting furnishings and occupants from harmful UV rays. Additionally, certain types of window film offer privacy by limiting visibility from the outside while still allowing natural light to enter the space.

Overall, window film is a versatile and cost-effective solution for improving the performance and aesthetics of windows in both residential and commercial buildings.

Window tinting specifically refers to the process of applying a thin, coloured film to the interior or exterior surface of windows to reduce the amount of visible light and heat that enters through the glass.

Window film is a broader term that encompasses various types of thin films applied to windows for a variety of purposes beyond just tinting. While some window films may have tinting properties to reduce visible light transmission, many other types of window film focus on functions such as UV protection, energy efficiency, glare reduction, privacy, and safety/security enhancement.

At Windsor Window Imaging, we believe there are several compelling reasons to choose professional installation for your window film needs. As authorized dealers, we undergo specialized training provided by manufacturers like 3M, ensuring that we have the expertise to handle installations with precision and care. Our extensive experience in working with window film allows us to tackle projects efficiently and effectively, delivering flawless results every time.

Safety is paramount in our installations. We adhere to industry best practices and safety protocols, equipped with the necessary tools and training to work safely at heights and in challenging conditions. Plus, as authorized dealers, we have access to premium-quality materials, including 3M window film, renowned for its durability and performance.

By choosing Windsor Window Imaging for your installation, you minimize the risk of errors that can occur during DIY projects. Our professionals are adept at assessing your specific needs and recommending the right type of window film for your requirements, whether it's for energy efficiency, UV protection, privacy, or decoration.

Additionally, our installations come with the added assurance of product warranties. As authorized dealers, we stand behind the quality of our workmanship and the materials we use, providing you with peace of mind long after the installation is complete.

When you choose Windsor Window Imaging for your window film installation, you can expect precision, reliability, and access to premium materials like 3M window film. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional results that enhance the comfort, aesthetics, and performance of your space.

All residential films are backed by a lifetime warranty direct from 3M™ Canada. 3M offers a lifetime warrant for residential applications (Original purchaser only). Other products are backed by varying degrees of warranty coverage, depending on the film and application. Ask your professional installer for a copy of the specific warranty for your film selection.

The lifespan of our window films can vary depending on factors such as the type of film applied, the type of glass, climatic conditions, and the level of care.

Based on our experience, our window films typically last between 10 to 15 years, with some installations exceeding 20 years and still performing well. Our 3M Sun Control window films are built to withstand the test of time, offering reliable performance and protection for your windows.

Should the lifespan of the window film exceed its expected duration, our unique adhesive system allows for easy removal and reapplication without the risk of damaging your glass. This flexibility ensures that you can continue to enjoy the benefits of our window films for years to come, making them a wise investment in the comfort, energy efficiency, and protection of your space.

Installing sun control window film can lead to significant energy savings, contributing to lower utility bills and a more sustainable environment. While the exact amount of savings varies depending on factors such as the type of glass, film, energy costs, and building characteristics, payback periods are typically less than five years.

Our 3M window films reject up to 77% of total solar energy which can reduce unwanted solar heat, thereby lowering the demand for air conditioning.

In fact, window films can decrease AC loads by up to one tonne for every 100ft² of glass, resulting in substantial energy savings over time. Even in the colder months window film helps reduce healing costs by retaining up to 30% of radiant heat.

Retrofitting existing windows with window film is a cost-effective alternative to window replacement, making it a wise investment for long-term energy efficiency and financial savings.

At Windsor Window Imaging, we ensure professional installation of 3M Sun Control window films by our skilled and well-trained authorized dealer/applicators. The installation process begins with meticulous preparation to safeguard your space, including placing drop cloths and protecting or moving furniture as needed. Our team then thoroughly cleans the window glass using gentle cleaning solutions and razor blade scrapers to ensure a pristine surface.

Next, the window film is carefully sprayed with clear water to facilitate proper positioning and adhesion to the glass. Using professional-grade tools and following precise techniques, our installers expertly apply the film, removing excess water and smoothing out any imperfections with a professional-grade squeegee. Edges are trimmed to perfection, and a final squeegee technique is employed to dry the edges thoroughly.

Throughout the installation process, our team maintains a commitment to excellence, ensuring that your window film is applied flawlessly for optimal performance and aesthetics. With Windsor Window Imaging, you can trust that your window film installation will be conducted with the highest standards of professionalism and care.

Nothing stops fading completely, however, solar control window film can help significantly reduce fading of furniture, artwork, and other objects caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. 3M Solar Control window film is specifically designed to block a high percentage of harmful UV rays, which are a primary cause of fading. By blocking up to 99% of UV rays, window film helps protect your furnishings, artwork, flooring, and other valuables from fading and deterioration.

While sun control window film primarily focuses on reducing heat gain, glare, and UV rays, it can also offer some security benefits. Sun control window film can help keep glass together in the event of accidental breakage, however, it may not be sufficient for deterring forced entry.

For homeowners and commercial property managers who want both sun control & security, we recommend the 3M Ultra Window Film Series, which provides enhanced protection for both sun control and security needs

Learn more about 3M Safety & Security window film

At Windsor Window Imaging, we prioritize the proper installation of window film to ensure optimal performance and longevity. To maintain the integrity of the installation, we adhere to the following

We do not install film if the exterior temperature is expected to drop below 32°F in the next 15 days.

We avoid installing film if the temperature of the exterior glass exceeds 120°F or is too hot to touch. In some cases, we ensure that the installation occurs on the side of the building not receiving direct sunlight during the installation period.

We check for windy conditions, as strong winds can affect the installation process and result in suboptimal outcomes.

While window film can be installed in colder temperatures, we recommend adhering to these guidelines, especially when temperatures are expected to be under 10°F for double-pane glass or under 40°F for single-pane glass within 72 hours of the installation period. By prioritizing proper installation practices, we ensure that your window film performs effectively and maintains its appearance for years to come.

Window film can be applied to a wide range of windows, glass surfaces, and products to provide benefits such as energy efficiency, UV protection, privacy, and glare reduction.

Here is a list of some applications

Windows:

Single-pane windows

Double-pane windows

Skylights

Picture windows

Bay windows

Casement windows

Awning windows

Sliding windows

Fixed windows

Glass Surfaces:

Glass doors (sliding, French, patio)

Glass partitions

Glass walls

Glass cabinets

Glass tabletops

Glass shelves

Glass shower enclosures

Products:

Mirrors

Conservatory glass

Glass block windows

Glass domes

Glass skylights

No. 3M Sun Control window films do not cause the glass to break.

With the application of any film, it will increase the temperature of your sunlit glass that in turn will increase the stress on the glass edges. The quality of those glass edges and other factors such as external and/or interior shading, type of glass, type of film etc. all contribute to the potential risk of thermal glass breakage.

Since 3M invented the world's first window film in 1966 and holds the original patent, our experience of applying window films to glass around the world enables us to offer proper film/glass combinations to minimize the potential for thermal breakage. In addition, we support these recommendations with our 5 year thermal glass breakage warranty.

No. 3M window films will not cause seal failure. Over 90% of our installations in Canada are on IG (Insulated Glass) units. When films are applied to the inside of an insulated unit, there will be some absorption (except for clear safety and security films) of solar energy, which will increase the temperature of glass. Some of this heat will transmit to the airspace, slightly raising the airspace temperature. However, even a 20° increase will result in a less than 3% change in air pressure, whereas properly made insulated 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 the materials used in manufacturing the insulated unit. Manufacturers of insulated units usually offer a warranty of 5-10 years against seal failure. (No insulated unit manufacturer offers warranty for glass breakage of any kind, only seal failure). Since some manufacturers may cancel the seal failure warranty if window films are installed, 3M Canada is offering a seal failure warranty of 3 years, however the 3M warranty cannot extend beyond the original window manufacturer’s seal failure warranty period.