3M™ Window Tinting
Radiant Barriers
Cellulose Insulation
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479-443-4888
Serving All Of Northwest Arkansas Including
Fayetteville AR, Springdale AR, Rogers AR, Bentonville AR, Bella Vista AR
FAQ
American Window Tinting wants to offer as much assistance as possible to clients and
potential customers. To help in our efforts to give our customers as much information as
possible, we have provided this frequently asked questions section. If there are questions
that you have that we were unable to address feel free to email us using our contact
form or call us at our office, (479) 443-4888.
3M™ Sun Control Films are designed to reduce the amount of solar heat transmission
through window glass by increasing the solar reflection (not necessarily visible reflection)
and solar absorption through the glass.
Typical colored or dyed films work primarily through increased absorption. The color
absorbs the solar energy at the glass, thus reducing the direct transmission into the
room. These films are not as effective as reflective films for reducing heat.
Reflective films are films that have been precision coated with metals. These metallized
films are designed to increase the solar energy reflection of the glass. 3M™ reflective
films range from moderate to excellent in solar performance (heat gain reduction).
All 3M™ Sun Control Films are made to be transparent and optically clear. The ultraviolet
protection is built into the adhesive system to provide longevity to the film as well as
provide UV protection for your home and office furnishings.
Most 3M™ Window Films are protected with our abrasion resistant coating that provides
long-term durability and maintained appearance.
3M™ Low E Films work much in the same way as the sun control films except that they
offer an increased performance against cold weather heat loss. The patented
construction of these films enables the metal coating to reflect more of the interior room
heat back into the room where it is needed. This improves personal comfort by reducing
cold spots near windows and can help save on fuel costs, especially in commercial
buildings. These low-e films are also protected with our patented abrasion resistant
coating for long-term durability and maintained appearance.
buildings?
* Lower heating and cooling operating costs
* Lower utility demand costs
* Utility rebates
* Improved tenant comfort
* Improved aesthetics, uniform appearance
* Improved safety and security
* Extended A/C equipment life
* Valued alternative to adding more A/C equipment
Most often, our commercial customers will purchase 3M™ Window Films for tenant
comfort and justify the purchase through energy cost savings.
What is the typical energy pay back for 3M™ Sun Control Window Films?
Simple paybacks will vary depending upon the amount of sunlit glass exposure, the type
of film, the type of glass, cost of fuel, cost of application, and other variables. However,
we have seen paybacks often range in the 2-5 year period, with some reported to be
even less than 6 months. See your 3M™ authorized 3M™ Window Film Dealer to analyze
the potential energy savings in your commercial property.
How is 3M™ Window Film applied?
3M™ films are professionally applied by skilled, authorized 3M Dealers. Almost all of our
films are designed to be applied to the inside of your glass.
The first step is to prepare the window area for the application; placing drop cloths on
the floor protecting and/or moving furniture where necessary.
Next, the window glass is cleaned using simple cleaning solutions (often water and
ammonia) and razor blade scrapers. Then the film is sprayed with a slip solution
(detergent and water) for proper positioning, and applied to the window glass. Using a
professional grade squeegee and following proper techniques, the application is
completed by removing excess water, trimming the edges, and a final squeegee
technique to dry the edges.
How long does it take for 3M™ Window Films to dry?
We suggest allowing thirty days for the film to fully dry and cure. During this curing
process, it is normal to have small water bubbles and/or a hazy appearance. These will
disappear as the film dries; depending upon the film type and weather conditions, drying
may take as much as 30 (or even 45) days, or as little as a few days. Once dried, 3M™
Window Films will look great and perform for many years to come.
Can I install 3M™ Window Film myself?
No, 3M™ Window Films require professional application; our authorized 3M Window Film
Dealers are thoroughly trained and experienced in performing high quality work. In this
way, our customers will enjoy the benefits of 3M™ Window Films and have the comfort
of the 3M™ warranty.
How do I clean my 3M™ Window Films?
After thirty (30) days, you may clean 3M™ Films using normal household cleaning
solutions, including ammonia based products: e.g., Windex, and a soft, lint-free cloth or
towel. You may also use a squeegee to clean the films. Abrasive products which would
scratch or damage the film should not be used.
How long does 3M™ Window Film last?
3M™ Window Films are made to last for many years. The exact length of time depends
upon the type of film applied, window orientation, type of glass it is applied to and the
particular climate in which it is applied. Most applications last well beyond the warranty
length.
What is the warranty for 3M™ Window Film?
3M™ Window Films are warranted to maintain their solar properties without bubbling,
peeling, cracking, or crazing. Many of our films are warranted against discoloration, too.
(Those which do not use dyed polyesters). Should the product prove to be defective,
3M™ and the authorized 3M™ Dealer will replace the film and provide the reapplication
labor free of charge.
Seller also warrants against glass failure due to thermal shock fracture or seal failure
(maximum value of $500 per window) caused only as a direct result of the application of
3M Window Films provided the film is applied to recommended types of glass and the
glass failure is reported to the seller within the specified time (listed below) from the
start of the installation.
* Sixty (60) months coverage against thermal shock fracture
* Forty (40) months coverage against seal failure if covered by original window
manufacturer
Any glass failure covered by this warranty must be reviewed by Seller prior to repair, and
only covers film and glass replacement.
Optional Platinum Warranty - Residential Applications Only
The 3M™ Platinum Warranty matches the terms and conditions of the residential
customer's existing window manufacturer's warranty for a mere $.35/square foot. The
3M™ Platinum Select Warranty matches the terms of the Platinum Warranty, but also
increases the replacement value of $500 per window to $1500 per window. This allows
the customer continuous coverage on new windows and the peace of mind having
assurance that a product from 3M™ is protecting their investment.
Do 3M™ Window Films cause glass to break?
The application of 3M™ Window Films will increase the temperature of your sunlit glass
which will increase the stress on the glass edges. The quality of those glass edges and
several other factors (external shading, interior shading, glass history, type of film,
size/shape of glass, indoor/outdoor temperature) all contribute to the potential risk of
glass breakage.
3M™'s forty plus years of experience with applying 3M Window Films to different types of
glass enables us to make proper film/glass recommendations and minimize the potential
for glass breakage. In addition, we support these recommendations with our 60-month
glass breakage warranty against thermal shock fracture. Should the glass break within
60-months of application, 3M; will replace the glass (maximum $500.00), and the dealer
will replace the film.
Do 3M™ Window Films cause seal failure when applied to insulated
(double-pane) windows?
No, 3M™ Window Films do not cause seal failure. We've been applying 3M Window Films
to insulated windows for many years with several millions of square feet of film applied
to date.
When recommended films are applied to the inside pane of an insulated glass 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. However, even a 20 F degree 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
the materials that go into building the insulated glass 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.
Will 3M™ Window Films stop my furnishings from fading?
Nothing completely stops fading. 3M™ Window Films are designed to help reduce the
major causes of fading (ultra violet light, visible light, and solar heat), thus prolonging
the life of your furnishings, perhaps as much as two to five times.
Keep in mind the article(s) to be protected; if they have a typical life of five (5) years
then they may last ten (10) years to much longer depending on the performance of the
film selected. However, if the typical life is only 2-3 weeks, then the expectation should
be expressed in terms of months.
As a general rule of thumb, ultra violet (UV) is approximately 40% of the cause, visible
light is about 25%, and heat about 25%. The remaining 10% can be attributed to
humidity, pollutants, interior lights, dye stability, and more.
Collapse/Does the Ultra Violet protection lose its effectiveness over
time?
The ultra violet (UV) protection that we use in our proprietary adhesive system is not
indefinite, but we design our window films to maintain high UV protection throughout
their lifetime. In fact, we tested an actual glass sample from The Dumbarton House,
Washington, DC, and the ultra violet transmission still measures <1% after 10 years!
How do 3M™ Safety and Security Window Films work?
3M™ Safety and Security Window Films are designed to make glass shatter-resistant by
holding the glass pieces together when broken.
Compared to 3M™ Sun Control Window Films, 3M™ Safety & Security Window Films are
made with thicker polyester and a much thicker, more aggressive adhesive. 3M™ Ultra
Safety & Security Window Films are unique in the industry; they are built using a special
micro-layered polyester technology which increases the films' tear resistance significantly.
The impact and tear resistance of Ultra films outperform all other films of similar
thickness.
Are 3M Safety & Security Window Films hurricane-proof? Bullet-proof?
Burglar-proof?
No, 3M™ Safety & Security Window Films are not hurricane-proof, earthquake-proof,
bullet-proof, bomb-proof, nor burglar-proof. Again, they are designed to make the
window glass more shatter-resistant.
In the event of a windstorm, these films may have significant safety and security value.
They can reduce the risk of injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possibly help
prevent debris and water penetration through the window depending on the severity of
the storm (and the type of glass, framing system, size and velocity of objects, and more).
In an earthquake, these films can reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of
broken glass, and possible prevent glass from falling out of a home or building. Again,
much may depend upon the severity of the quake (and the type of glass, framing
system, and more, too).
Bullets: These films are not designed to stop bullets.
3M™ Safety & Security Window Films were originally developed to address international
concerns and needs for improved safety and security against terrorist acts of bombings.
These films can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of glass
due to blasts, however, much depends upon the severity of the blast and the proximity of
the window glass to the blast (and glass type, framing system, and more too).
3M™ Safety & Security Window Films are a low profile, high performance measure of
security in the battle against 'smash and grab' crime. The tough, shatter-resistant
qualities of the film can hold the window glass together even if a brick (or similar object)
were actually to pass through the glass. The thief must now make a choice; continue to
attack this window, try another window, or move on. Time is short, and often they move
on. However, if they are determined to gain entry, they will get in. It is generally
recommended that the property have proper alarm systems in addition to 3M™ Safety &
Security Window Film.
479-443-4888
900 N. College Fayetteville, AR 72703
COMING SOON: 18 E. Township St. Fayetteville, AR 72703