Frequently Asked Questions
Residential
Film is applied to the interior surface of the existing glass. There is no need to go through the expense of replacing the glass. At any point, the film can be removed without harm to the glass. For difficult to reach windows, such as skylights, we do have an exterior film.
The film is carefully applied directly to the glass. The first step is to thoroughly clean the glass and frames. The film has an adhesive already applied at the factory, protected by a liner, which we remove prior to the application. There are no odors or chemicals used. A very small amount of soap, such as liquid Joy, is used in the water. This "releases" the adhesive and allows the Film to be squeegeed to the glass. When installed properly, there are no bubbles or any distortion. The film is cut into the window, leaving a very thin, usually less than 1/8th of an inch margin around the edge. Most of the time this is imperceptible.
Towels and tarps protect the surroundings. Minimal water is used. In special cases, such as wallpaper in the jamb of the window, or silk drapes, we use plastic taped to the area to give additional protection. Regular drapes and window treatments are not affected and usually can remain in place. Upon completion, the area and window is restored to original condition.
Towels and tarps protect the surroundings. Minimal water is used. In special cases, such as wallpaper in the jamb of the window, or silk drapes, we use plastic taped to the area to give additional protection. Regular drapes and window treatments are not affected and usually can remain in place. Upon completion, the area and window is restored to original condition.
No… curtains and drapes usually remain. If there is a special concern for delicate drapes, it may be advisable to have your drapery installer remove and rehang the drapes.
It is recommended that all sun-facing windows be treated. If some windows receive less direct sun, we will apply a lighter film to those windows, for protection as well as uniformity. All windows transmit UV, regardless of whether they face direct sun. If fading protection is the primary concern and there are delicate furnishings or artwork that need protection, then use of film is strongly suggested.
Yes. Independent tests confirm that the use of film is harmless to dual pane glass. If the windows are new and have a manufacturers warranty, Solar Control can provide a matching warranty coverage on the Seal Failure portion of the warranty, as well as a 5 year thermal glass breakage warranty. Your representative will review this option with you.
Our goal is to maintain as much natural light and clarity as possible on your windows. If you have high windows, oftentimes the glare and heat of the sun requires us to install a more tinted film. However, it is still our goal to apply a film that provides you with the protection you need, without taking away in any sense the quality and tone of light, or in any way detracts. You will be 100% satisfied with our products and service.
Today's films can last as much as twenty years. Most residential films have a lifetime warranty for the original home owner and up to a 12 year commercial warranty. Realistically, windows in high traffic areas, such as exit doors, may be replaced sooner. It is not unusual, however, that even these film panels will not be replaced for at least ten years.
We are fortunate to offer products that come with a residential LIFETIME WARRANTY and up to 12 YEARS for commercial customers direct from the manufacturer. This warranty assures that you will be completely satisfied with our products for the entire time you live in your home. If the product needs to be replaced under the warranty there is absolutely no charge to you. All labor and materials are covered.
The warranty is issued to the purchaser and is not transferable to the next homeowner.
Depending on the size of the job, one or two installers could take a day or two to complete. Usually the installers will be able to take care of the job very quickly and efficiently. We schedule jobs at your convenience and will make every effort to arrive at your home at the appointed time and complete the job within the promised time.
The Solar Control Company is fully licensed, bonded and insured. A copy of our Certificates of Insurance is available.
The Solar Control Company is fully licensed, bonded and insured. A copy of our Certificates of Insurance is available.
Window films can be cleaned with any commonly available window cleaning solutions and products, including ammonia based products, such as Windex. Use of a squeegee or soft cloth is recommended. The interior surface is specially treated with an acrylic "hard coat" to protect the Film and allows easy cleaning, without fear of scratching.
Minor scratching generally does not require replacement of the Film. However, if a deep and unsightly scratch requires special attention, generally it is necessary to replace the panel. The Film can be removed and replaced quite easily and at minimal cost.
We always try to finish your home in one day. If you have many French panes, or an unusually large installation, we make take slightly longer. Every effort is made to have as many installers as possible to complete the job in one day. Our estimators and scheduling coordinator will review the estimated time with you. Any special scheduling needs you may have will always be taken into consideration.
It is advisable to have the Film professionally installed. We service the Northern California region and are able to schedule jobs in the Lake Tahoe area, or as far south as the Monterey/ Peble Beach area. We have installed large jobs out of state.
If, because of your location, you need to apply the Film yourself, we will ship Film directly to you, with application instructions. Measure all of your windows and phone our Customer Service team.
If, because of your location, you need to apply the Film yourself, we will ship Film directly to you, with application instructions. Measure all of your windows and phone our Customer Service team.
Yes, window film is often used to minimize the visible light that passes through windows to reduce glare on TV screens and computer monitors.
Yes, there are high performance, ceramic based films that provide heat reduction and glare reduction without creating a reflective look on your windows. Please see our non-reflective solutions page for additional details.
Commercial
Solar Control can provide a film to resolve sun problems for commercial installations ranging from retail storefronts, an individual commercial office, or the largest high rise building. The variety of Films is suited for virtually any commercial requirement. Check out our new Non-reflective Ceramic window films.
Since 1975 The Solar Control Company has installed window films on a wide variety of commercial offices and buildings. We provided film for the number two hotel in the world, The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows and Llewellyn's restaurant up at Harveys Casino / Lake Tahoe. . For specific projects in your immediate area, please call our Customer Service Department at 800 999-3828.
Commercial installations can receive up to a Twelve-Year Warranty direct from the manufacture. As one of the largest window tinting companies in Northern California, Solar Control can professionally manage any sized project. We have worked with virtually all of the major general contractors and architectural firms in the area and will closely coordinate within their specifications and scheduling requirements. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured and are easily able to satisfy most insurance requirements.
Since the 1970's, the window film industry have made a vast number of improvements in the quality of its products, including:
- Clearer and more durable adhesives and polyesters
- Laminating and thin-film technologies that prevent premature aging
- Use of specialized metals that maintain their transparency and effectiveness throughout the life of the Film.
- A unique "hard coat" that protects the interior surfaces and prevents scratching during normal cleaning.
- More UV inhibitors (99.9%) to control the fading of fabrics and woods
- Non-reflective, Dyed, Dual Reflective, Ceramic and XIR High Performance Films.
In Northern California Pacific Gas and Electric provides an energy saving rebate for the application of Solar Control Window Film. The proven benefit of window film in reducing the air conditioning load on a building's, south, east and west sides makes it possible to save on the energy usage. Many buildings may also experience an inability to keep perimeter offices comfortable, while non-sun exposed areas receive too much air conditioned air. Window film will help balance out the internal temperatures that keep the building manager's phones ringing with complaints about the temperatures.
The Solar Controls' staff is capable of professionally installing thousands of windows on a high rise office building or hotel, Silicon Valley campus office park, or in your home. We can accomplish this with our trained personnel who are dedicated to providing quality service and professional installation.
Installing window film involves no odors or chemicals and can be provided during normal office hours with minimal interruption of office routine. If there is a concern, special arrangements can be made for evening and weekend installations. We do ask that three to five feet of space be cleared in front of the window so that our crew can thoroughly clean the windows and apply the film.
The adherence of a 6 to 8 mil pressure sensitive window film to the interior surface of the glass will provide some protection against shattering of glass in the event of breakage due to vadilisum or earthquake. If the building is in an earthquake zone it is advisable to apply Madico's FRAME GARD Safety / Security Window Film.
Yes, window film is often used to minimize the visible light that passes through windows to reduce glare on TV screens and computer monitors.
The new non-reflective ceramic and high performance window films reduce heat and glare without causing a reflective look on your windows, inside or out.
