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During the course of helping thousands of homeowners install Concord Window Film over the years, we’ve been asked a lot of common window film installation questions. We thought we’d compile them here for those who are considering installing window film in their home, but are wary of the installation process. It’s our belief that armed with good instructions and answers to these common window film installation questions, you will feel confident in your ability to install tint like some many DIYers before you!
Let’s dive in…
Yes! All our film including our ComforTech Ceramic Series is designed to be safe for double-pane glass up to 40 square feet in size and tempered glass up to 100 square feet in size.
The issue with installing some film on double-pane windows has to do with the risk of increasing the thermal stress on the window which could lead to cracking or seal failure. In general, the industry rule of thumb is to avoid installing film with greater than a 50% absorption rate on double-pane windows. This was more common years back when people starting putting automotive window films (many of which were simple dyed films that have much higher absorption rates than flat glass film). Experience taught the industry this wasn’t a good idea and new technologies were developed, like nano-ceramic technology, to lower absorption rates and minimize risk.
You can read more about window film and double pane windows here.
The short answer is, all our films are made to be installed on the inside of the window. External window film exists for specific applications, but is constructed differently and often doesn’t last as long in the elements. The vast majority of solar control window film in the professional sphere is installed inside the home.
You can read more about where in the home to install window film.
Use a squeegee made for window film and squeegee thoroughly!
By far the biggest installation issue we see is from folks who haven’t used the proper squeegee for installation. Our Window Film Installation Tool Kit has everything you need to confidently install film. We put it together to provide you with the same tools the pros use to install film to help ensure your success.
And don’t be afraid to apply good pressure as you are squeegeeing. You want to remove as much water from under the film as possible. Any small bubbles left behind will disappear as the film dries.
You can read more about what makes a good squeegee here.
Yes, you can, but we typically don’t recommend filming windows when it is less than 40 degrees outside. In general, for any window film installation, the room should be climatized and the inside temperature should be above 60°F at all times.
Other tips are: avoid filming first thing in the morning when windows may be very cold or just before the sun goes down when the glass temperature will cool rapidly. If you live in a cold zone, best is a mid-morning start!
Also please allow extra drying time if you live in a cold zone.
Most films take 7–14 days to fully dry and bond to the glass, depending on temperature (see above) and humidity. To cover all situations, we recommend a 30-day curing period where you refrain from cleaning or touching the film.
Our ComforTech Ceramic Series film has a dry adhesive that makes the film easier to handle and install. But it is also different than a pressure sensitive adhesive found on other films. The dry adehsive must be activated by water and bonds with the glass during the curing process – i.e. adhesion isn’t immediate. That is why it’s important to let the film “cure’ on the glass.
You can read more about the different types of window film adhesives here.
We recommend you purchase the Window Film Installation Tool Kit along with your film. It includes everything professionals would use to install the window film.
Using the wrong tools – especially during the squeegeeing phase of installation or the wrong installation solution – can lead to installation problems.
For example, having bubbles appear under the film after it has dried is a sign that it has not been properly squeegeed. You need the correct tool that is hard enough to press all the water and solution out from under the film without damaging the film itself. Another thing to note is that our ComforTech Ceramic Series film is 2MIL thick – that is twice as thick as what you can purchse in the big box stores – so you need a tool that can handle the job of removing the water from under a thicker film.
And using anything other than slip-tack solution or baby shampoo in the installation solution could leave behind a residue under the film that will compromise the optical clarity of the film.
It’s also important that you use a clean spray bottle when mixing the installation solution. Any residue from past chemicals or detergents that were previously in the bottle can adversely affect the film and/or it’s adhesive.
Our goal in putting together the kit was to minimize installation errors and to ensure your success.
Of course we have other installation resources on our site to help you with this process:
We have created an installation video to walk you through the process. You can find them on the “How To Install” page of our website and also on Concord Window Film’s YouTube channel.
We also have written instructions that come packaged with all our film along with a downloadable PDF version of the instructions: Concord Window Film Installation Guide.
Be sure to refer to our window film FAQ page for answers to other questions we are frequently asked about the film or the buying process. We try to keep this page updated so it is a comprehensive resource.
We hope getting the answers to these common window film installation questions along with our installation resources have helped make you feel more confident to install window film yourself! The fact is, thousands of homeowners like you have purchased Concord Window Film and successfully installed it in their homes. And the reviews on our site – all from real people who have actually purchased our film (no amazon bots over here!) – speak for themselves.
If you are thinking about window film to solve your window issues – please do reach out to us! We recognize this is an investment in your home and the importance of getting the purchse right. Our US-based team is here to help every step of the way.
You can contact us via email: support@windowfilm.com, by calling us 888-206-1413, or through the chat bubble in the bottom right corner of the website.
