3M™ Window Film FAQs

3M Sun Control Films are designed to reduce the amount of solar heat through window glass by increasing the sun’s reflection (not necessarily visible reflection) and solar absorption through the glass. Reflective films are films that have been precision coated with reflective metals. These metallized films are designed to deflect the solar energy impact on the glass.

3M™ Low E Films work much in the same way as the sun control films except that they offer an increased performance against cold weather heat loss. The patented construction of these films enables the metal coating to reflect more of the interior room heat back into the room where it is useable. This improves personal comfort by throwing heat onto cold spots near windows and can help save on fuel costs, especially in commercial buildings.

Lower heating and cooling operating costs Lower utility demand costs Utility rebates Improved tenant comfort Improved aesthetics, uniform appearance Improved safety and security Extended A/C equipment life Valued alternative to adding more A/C equipment Most often, our commercial customers will purchase 3M Window Films for tenant comfort and justify the purchase through energy cost savings.

Simple paybacks will vary depending upon the amount of sunlit glass exposure, the type of film, the type of glass, cost of fuel, cost of application, and other variables. However, we have seen paybacks often range in the 2-5 year period, with some reported to be even less than 6 months. Contact Columbia Filter to to analyze the potential energy savings in your commercial property. Energy rebates may apply to defer investment costs further.

3M™ films are professionally applied by skilled, authorized 3M™ Dealers such as Columbia Filters serving the NYC metro area. Almost all of our films are designed to be applied to the inside of the glass.

The first step is to prepare the window area for the application by protecting floors and furniture.

The window glass is then cleaned using simple cleaning solutions (often water and ammonia) and blade scrapers. Then the film is sprayed with a slip solution for proper positioning, and applied to the window glass. Using a professional grade squeegees, the application is completed by removing excess water, trimming the edges, and a final squeegee technique to dry the edges.

We suggest allowing thirty days for the film to dry fully and cure. During this process, it is normal to have small water bubbles and/or a hazy appearance. These will disappear as the film dries, but may take as much as 30 (or even 45) days, or as little as a few days. Once dried, 3M Window Films will look great and perform for many years to come.

No, 3M™ Window Films require professional application. Columbia Filters are Lifetime Achievement Award winners as Sellers and Installers of 3M™ Window Film, throughly trained in installation and perform high quality work. In this way, our customers will enjoy the benefits of 3M™ Window Films and have the comfort of the 3M™ warranty.

After thirty (30) days, you may clean 3M™ Films using normal household cleaning solutions, including ammonia based products: such as Windex, and a soft, lint-free cloth or towel. You may also use a squeegee to clean the films. Avoid abrasive products that would scratch or damage the film, and could void the warranty.

3M™ Window Films are made to last for year after year. The exact length really depends upon the type of film applied, window orientation, type of glass it is applied to and the particular climate in which it is applied. Most applications will last well beyond the warranty length.

3M™ Window Films are warranted to maintain their solar properties without bubbling, peeling, cracking, or crazing. Many of our films are warranted against discoloration, too. (Those which do not use dyed polyesters). Should the product proved to be defective, 3M™ and the authorized 3M™ Dealer will replace the film and provide the reapplication labor free of charge.

Seller also warrants against glass failure due to thermal shock fracture or seal failure (maximum value of $500 per window) caused only as a direct result of the application of 3M™ Window Films provided the film is applied to recommended types of glass and the glass failure is reported to the seller within the specified time (listed below) from the start of the installation.

Sixty (60) months coverage against thermal shock fracture Forty (40) months coverage against seal failure if covered by original window manufacturer Any glass failure covered by this warranty must be reviewed by Seller prior to repair, and only covers film and glass replacement.

Optional Platinum Warranty – Residential Applications Only The 3M Platinum Warranty matches the terms and conditions of the residential customer’s existing window manufacturer’s warranty. The 3M™ Platinum Select Warranty matches the terms of the Platinum Warranty, but also increases the replacement value of $500 per window to $1500 per window. This allows the customer continuous coverage on new windows and the peace of mind having assurance that a product from 3M™ is protecting their investment.

Contact Columbia Filters for details.

The application of 3M Window Films will increase the temperature of your sunlit glass which then increases the stress on the glass edges. The quality of those glass edges and several other factors (external shading, interior shading, glass history, type of film, size/shape of glass, indoor/outdoor temperature) all contribute to the potential risk of glass breakage.

3M’s forty plus years of experience with applying 3M™ Window Films to different types of glass enables us to make proper film/glass recommendations and minimize the potential for glass breakage. In addition, we support these recommendations with our 60-month glass breakage warranty against thermal shock fracture. Should the glass break within 60-months of application, 3M will replace the glass (maximum $500.00), and we at Columbia Filters will replace the film.

Nothing completely stops fading. However, 3M™ Window Films are designed to increase the longevity of furnishing by anywhere from two to five years by minimizing the fade factors of ultra violet light, visible light, and solar heat. As a general rule of thumb, ultra violet (UV) is approximately 40% of the cause, visible light is about 25%, and heat about 25%. The remaining 10% can be attributed to humidity, pollutants, interior lights, dye stability, and more.

The ultra violet (UV) protection that we use in our proprietary adhesive system is not indefinite, but we design our window films to maintain high UV protection throughout their lifetime. In fact, in a recent measurement of a DC museum, and the ultra violet transmission still measures <1% after 10 years!

3M Safety and Security Window Films are designed to make glass shatter-resistant by holding the glass pieces together when broken due to impact. Compared to 3M™ Sun Control Window Films, 3M™ Safety & Security Window Films are made with thicker polyester and a much thicker, more aggressive adhesive. 3M™ Ultra Safety & Security Window Films are unique in the industry in their special micro-layered polyester technology, which increases the films' tear resistance significantly.

Wouldn’t that be nice! No, 3M Safety & Security Window Films are not hurricane-proof, earthquake-proof, bullet-proof, bomb-proof, nor burglar-proof. But, they are designed to make the window glass more shatter-resistant. And definitely help minimize flying glass.

In the event of a windstorm, these films may have important safety and security value. They can reduce the risk of injury from flying shards, and possibly help prevent debris and water penetration through the window depending on the severity of the storm.

In an earthquake, these films can reduce the risk of serious injury from flying glass, and possible prevent glass from falling out of its casing altogether, of course depending on the severity of the storm.

As to bullets, these films are not designed to stop them. As to smash and grab,the tough, shatter-resistant qualities of the film can hold the window glass together even if a brick (or similar object) were actually to pass through the glass. The thief must now make a choice: continue to attack this window, try another window, or move on. Time is short. However, if they are determined to gain entry, they will get in. Together with an alarm system activated however, thieves usually move on.