Glass types and window film, the importance of using a film-to-glass checklist

Do you use checklists? Most of us do for the grocery store. Some of us still like to have a hand-written checklist for work, even with the current technology that organizes our workflow. But there are certain scenarios in which a checklist is imperative – glass and window film is certainly one of those.

A little-known fact is that for certain types or sizes of glass, particular window films may cause stress fractures in the glass. This is rare – but it can happen. Typically, these are small cracks that usually appear around the edges of the glass. This is not an experience NGS ever wants its clients to have. Thus, we adhere to the film-to-glass checklist. It saves us all a lot of heartache in the end.

Window Film Warranties

Extenuating circumstances have a way of affecting our lives even if we fail to know just when or how. Fortunately, when it comes to window film, we are here to help take the guesswork out of your experience. No one wants to have to replace their windows – it’s expensive. That’s part of the success of window film! Hence NGS utilizes an industry-approved checklist that affords our users confidence in their window film glass project.

When assessing your building for the right window film, there are a lot of extenuating circumstances to consider such as shading, overhangs, the thickness of the windows (single pane or double), and much more. This is why we employ film-to-glass checklists. Premier window film manufacturer 3M™ requires the use of these checklists to provide warranties for their products. These can be anywhere from 10 to 15 years depending on the glass and film combination. NGS will add an additional 2 years to 3M warranties for our clients. In some cases, this can result in as great as a 15 to 20 year warranty on your window film.

Once your window film representative completes the assessment, it will be sent to 3M™ for approval. Upon return, the client will know what exactly is warrantied and for how long. This all takes place before the project begins. This way, you’ve assured the value of your investment.

You can access the 3M™ film-to-glass checklist, here.

How to know what to do, when

Many window films have metals in their make-up. Oftentimes, it’s the metal that protects from the sun. Consequently, these window films, have to be gauged according to the type of glass the user has and wants the window film applied to. Although triple-pane glass is rare, particularly in commercial buildings, these windows don’t always respond well to window films with metals in them.

Both Madico and SolarGard are also quality window film manufacturers. Each of these companies has its own checklist as well:

• Madico film-to-glass checklist
• Solar Gard film-to-glass checklist

You can see when reviewing these lists that it’s much clearer your options for the glass type that your building currently has. Once assessing your needs, solar, security, or privacy, then your window film consultant can best ascertain/determine the best window film for your building.

Window Film manufacturers (3M, Madico, and Solar Gard) all know that in order to ensure client satisfaction, curtailing any possible difficulties is imperative. Everything is always easier with a guide. No, it isn’t more work. Instead, consider it a layer of assurance within the process. More importantly, we’ll do the work for you.

Window film-to-glass success

The convergence of window film and glass requires that checklists are utilized in order to ensure overall, long-term success. Additionally, this affords the project the best possible warranty. Different manufacturers provide their own checklist according to the history of their product(s). Thus, each checklist is determined by that particular manufacturer’s experiences.

We take great pride in making buildings better and are confident that we can do the same for you. We believe in and use faithfully, the glass-to-window film checklists that have become a quality standard in our industry. It saves everyone a lot of hassle and ensures that the client is happy with the product and workmanship that they receive.

If you would like to reach out to us for a complimentary assessment of your property, you may do so here. NGS looks forward to making your window glass film project a positive and successful venture!