Window films are becoming more and more popular these days. Unlike double pane windows, they’re much easier to install and a lot more versatile too. Energy efficient windows do help with climate control, but that’s about it. Window films, on the other hand, provide this benefit along with others, including uv protection, glare reduction, and security. And they’re whole lot cheaper than new windows.

Still, some people shy away from window tinting because they’re concerned about durability. New windows can last for decades. But will a thin piece of film really be able to withstand years worth of rain, snow, and sun? Well, actually, yes. Glass laminates are tougher than most people realize. Here’s a little bit of information about how window films are made and their life expectancy.

How Window Film Is Made

Window films are made from a material called Polyethylene Terephthalate, or PET. This is one of the most common types of polyester. It’s the same material that’s used to make plastic soda bottles, water containers, and fabrics. We use it for a lot of different products because it’s lightweight, yet durable.

Some window films are made from a single sheet of polyester, while others are made from multiple sheets that have been stacked together. These sheets are covered with a protective coating that prevents scratching. The thickness of the film usually depends on its purpose. Some decorative and solar control films are thinner while security window films are usually quite thick.

Manufacturers may also add additional substances to the film, such as small pieces of metal or ceramic, to increase its effectiveness. The naturally reflective polyester material blocks heat and creates a thermal coating. This results in a film that is spectrally selective, meaning that only certain wave lengths (light) can get through while others (heat and uv rays) cannot.

How Long Does Window Film Last?

First time buyers often want to know how long they can expect their investment to last. This is a great question. Most window films last, on average, anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Some of the factors that affect the lifespan of a film include climate, materials, brand, quality of installation, and warranty.

Climate

Like all architectural products, window films are designed with weather in mind. However, there is a chance that weather can cause some wear and tear on the film. Hail, snow, and rain may cause the film to wear down sooner than it would in a moderate climate.

Materials & Brand

Not all window films are the same in terms of quality. Cheaper films are notorious for degrading quickly. These films are made of nothing more than thin polyester and dye. High quality films made from ceramic, metal, and durable PET last much longer.

Quality of Installation

Some businesses try to save a couple bucks by installing the film themselves. If you’re installing a small sheet of decorative film on a bathroom window, you might be able to get away with this. But you do run the risk of creating bubbles or creases in the film. This will affect how long it lasts. A professional installer will make sure that the film is properly adhered to the glass surface. This allows the adhesive to bond with the window pane so that it will stay in place.

Warranty

Most manufacturers and contractors offer a warranty. However, keep in mind that window films are designed to outlast the warranty. No business wants to pay to fix or replace a product. But a warranty does provide some peace of mind. If anything does go wrong, you know that you won’t have to pay the price for a faulty product or installation.

Get More Information

Do you have questions about a specific product? Want to talk to someone about a project that you have in mind? Give us a call. We’d be happy to provide you more information or answer any questions you have about how long different window films last.

Angus Faith is a window film installer with a professional background in institutional and commercial building construction and sustainable building design. After leaving his hometown in Scotland, Angus relocated to New York with his wife and family. He has been installing window film for commercial buildings in New York for over ten years and has overseen numerous projects for schools, retail buildings, office buildings, and hotels. Over the years, his training and research has allowed him to become a product expert, and gain an in-depth understanding of products from top brands like 3M, LLumar, Vista, and more. When he's not consulting on commercial window film projects, Angus enjoys spending his time visiting New York's many parks and museums and traveling abroad whenever he gets the chance.