The warranty is issued to the original purchaser and is not transferable to the next homeowner.

3M Architectural films used in a residential setting are covered by a LIFETIME QUALITY PROMISE, direct from 3M. 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…there is no pro-rating.

Today's films from 3M can last as much as 35 years. Realistically, windows in high traffic areas, such as sliding doors, or kitchen windows which get splattered with grease, may show enough wear over time to be replaced sooner. It is not unusual, however, that even these film panels will not be replaced for at least ten to fifteen years.

3M designed the films in the residential product line to provide as much clarity as possible on your windows. We usually recommend a slightly darker version of the film if you have large or high windows, due to the extra glare and heat from the sun. Most of our clients report that they cannot tell any visible difference from the inside…other that the fact that they don't have to squint anymore. We promise that you will be 100% satisfied with our products and service.

We typically recommend that only the most sun-facing windows be treated. If some windows receive less direct sun or are under an awning or other shade, we will apply a lighter film to those windows, for protection as well as uniformity. All windows can transmit UV, regardless of whether they face direct sun. If fading protection is the primary concern and there are delicate furnishings or artwork needing protection, then use of film would be recommended.

In most cases the curtains and drapes will remain in place. If there is a special concern for delicate drapes, it may be advisable to have your drapery installer remove and re-hang the drapes, although this would be a highly unusual situation. Your sales representative can advise you on these special situations.

The installation process is very neat and odor free. Step one in the installation process is to thoroughly clean the glass and frames. The film has an adhesive already applied at the factory, protected by a covering, which you will see us 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 to lubricate the adhesive and allow the film to be squeegeed to the glass. When installed properly, there are no bubbles or any distortion. The film is final trimmed on the window, leaving a very thin, usually less than 1/8th of an inch margin around the edge. Although this void is almost imperceptible, it is a requirement of the installation process from 3M.

Towels and tarps protect the surroundings from the very minimal water used. In some 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 re-cleaned…we like to leave your home in better shape that we found it.

In most cases, the film will go totally un-noticed by your houseplants. Occasionally we find that the film is beneficial to certain types of tropical plants, as the window environment that they had been living in was simply a little too warm for their own good. The application of the film created the perfect climate for them to thrive in. The only common exception to this is in the case of African Violets, which need large amounts of ultraviolet light to thrive. Unfortunately for the violets, 3M Architectural films are designed specifically to eliminate UV in order to protect your interior. Moving the violets to an un-treated window for two days a week is usually sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.

The film is designed to be permanent, but strippable. While that sounds like a contradiction in terms, the engineers at 3M designed a special adhesive system that offers long life but can be removed at any time without any harm to the glass. We can show you how to remove it yourself or we can provide this service to you for a nominal charge.

Yes. Independent tests confirm that the use of film is harmless to dual pane glass. If the windows are new and have a manufacturer's warranty, Energy Control Consultants, Inc. can provide you, thru 3M, continuing warranty coverage that matches the original manufacturer. Your representative will review this option with you. 3M has a vested interest in providing products which are safe to apply and provide long life in normal situations.

3M Architectural Tinting Film is applied to the interior surface of the existing glass. 3M is the only manufacturer that includes a UV inhibitor in the adhesive layer to give the both film and your interior protection from the harmful effects of the sun, so the film must be applied to the interior to receive that protection. There is no need to go through the expense of replacing the existing glass, as the addition of the film makes that glass into high-performance glass in place. For difficult to reach windows, such as skylights, we do have an exterior film and we offer other, non-film solutions should you have Plexiglas or other non-glass windows.