Whenever we are making an investment on our home, there’s two questions that always pop into our minds: How Much? and How Long Will It Last?
We can’t really answer the first one, since it often depends on the home, however, here’s how long you should expect window film to last on your Vero Beach home (or business!).
What Is Window Film?
Before we dive into the details of how long window film lasts and the benefits, we first need to understand what it is.
Window film is a thin, adhesive material that can be applied to glass surfaces, such as windows and doors.
Simple enough right?
Depending on the type of film you get, it can offer a multitude of benefits like improved energy efficiency, increased privacy, and protection from harmful UV rays. Window film can also help reduce energy costs by insulating your home or office, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. So great for Florida weather!
It’s a practical and cost-effective solution for enhancing comfort and safety while preserving the aesthetics of your space.
Sold on it?
What Affects The Lifespan?
People often worry that they will need to get the film replaced or repaired within a year or two. This isn’t always the case.
If you’re ordering film from eBay, and installing it yourself, you might be looking at a year or less depending on the quality of the material and how well the install goes.
If you’re ordering from us, we use quality window film that we also warranty if any failure comes up. Our installers also have decades of experience, so the install will be done quickly and professionally.
Let’s move on to care.
The amount of care you put into maintaining the window film will greatly improve its lifespan. What do we mean by this? It’s important to clean your windows regularly. If you don’t, you’re increasing the odds of the window film failing. It’s like cleaning windows normally – once or twice a month.
WARNING: Don’t use these
- When cleaning your window film, you want to avoid using abrasive cleaners. Exposing the window films to powerful acids can corrode them and reduce their effectiveness and lifespan.
- Alcohol and ammonia-based cleaners have mildly corrosive properties that can affect the window film’s adhesiveness.
- Stay away from sharp cleaning objects. Any cleaning object with sharp edges can destroy the film surface. Which can cause rips and tears that will extend with the day, significantly reducing the film’s lifespan.
To clean the film, you want to use a soft, lint-free cloth. Microfiber cloths come in handy. You may also use a sponge or squeegee, but make sure you are using the soft side of the sponge rather than the scratchy texture. If you have dirt or smudges on the film, rub gently with liquid dish soap mixed with water. Glass cleaners like Windex can also be used on window film. To dry the film, use a different, clean, soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee. It is important to not leave the film wet.
Is There Anything I Should Look Out For?
If you’re taking good care of your windows, there’s not much to keep an eye on, however a warning sign that your window film may be deteriorating is fading. It’s more than likely not your fault while cleaning it, there’s many reasons that can lead to it, however, the most common is the constant heat exposure and sun exposure.
Can’t avoid it, it’s stuck on a window.
Another concern to look out for is bubbles forming between the window film and the window. This means that the heat is breaking down the adhesive supporting the film against the glass. This means that your window film may start pealing off soon.
Lastly, you might notice some cracks, again, from prolong exposure to the sun.
There’s really not much you can do in these situations, but luckily, you had Solar Solutions install your window film right? Right??
This is where that warranty kicks in. If we installed it, and for whatever reason you’re seeing it’s not lasting as long as initially mentioned, you’re able to reach out to us and the manufacture, and get some warranty done on your windows so they look as good as they should.
Now, we’ve taught you the basics of caring for your window film. Now what’s the number that you shoud expect the film to last on your Vero Beach home? Window film should last 5–10 years, but if you take care of it properly, and depending the climate and how the sun hits your window, it can last up to 20 years.
Solar Solutions is here for your window film needs. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you!