Common Myths about Window Films

Let’s be clear up front: There are cosmetic-only films available, for privacy, blackout or security purposes. But window films can do so much more! There are invisible, solar-protection films that dramatically reduce the amount of heat entering your house, WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE LIGHT LEVELS. Many times these also block ultra-violet light, the primary reason your furnishings and floors can become bleached by the sun over time. These films are applied invisibly to your windows, with no one being the wiser, but working 24/7 to cut your utility bills and preserve your valuable home belongings!

If applied properly (see myth #4), high-quality window film will last for the duration of its warranty (anywhere from 10 years to a lifetime) without issues. Any bad window jobs you’ve seen can be traced back to either poor installation or low quality film.

This one actually appears true on its face — but the details reveal it to be myth. Yes, window manufacturers will many times void their warranty if film is installed on their windows. However, this is only for the glass portion of the window, not the frame. And the window film’s warranty usually covers the glass the window is applied on, which means you’ve essentially TRANSFERRED your warranty from the window/glass manufacturer to the window film manufacturer. If you’re confused or unsure, consult with us and we’ll make sure to obtain the right warranty for your job.

Trust us on this: Leave window film installation to the experts. Have you ever had difficulty applying a screen protector to your phone? It’s a bit like that, but the screen is 50x bigger. Properly installed window film requires precision, experience, and specialized tools to do the job right. DIY jobs tend to have unsightly bubbles trapped under the film, peel over time, and fade.

All industries have high quality and low quality products, and the same is true for window film. Galen’s Tinting has access to thousands of types of film, some more expensive than others. We’re going to recommend the best film for your application — not the most expensive — the best. There’s a sweet spot between price, heat, glare, UV, privacy, and security that we’ll nail for you every time, once we understand your needs.