The Inner Circle: Shopping For Window Tinting In Tampa- Ten Things Not To Do

The Inner Circle

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The Inner Circle: Shopping For Window Tinting In Tampa- Ten Things Not To Do

Shopping For Window Tinting In Tampa- Ten Things Not To Do

You've made the decision to research window film solutions.

Congratulations!

You understand that today's thin film technology provides immediate benefits for your comfort, energy cost reduction and glare and UV.

Still it can often be confusing when you get estimates from local window film companies in Tampa.

It seems that everyone has the "best" films, everyone has the best price.

This blog has several recurring themes. We extol the virtues of choice.

After all we offer the widest selections of window film brands in Florida.

It might be helpful for consumers to point out ten things YOU shouldn't do when making this investment.

Don't assume that all window films are the same. There are huge differences between window film brands. It will help if the films being proposed are NFRC certified!
There are some unusual characters in the window film business. Make sure the dealer is authorized, has insurance and is certified with the county to do business in Florida.
Yes, we all know that Home Depot and 3M are well known. Get a comparison quotation from Advanced Film Solution s (of course)

Don't fall for nonsense about their film working better at angles or 97% heat rejection. These folks are misinformed about their own film's actual performance. All films work better at an angle and the 97% IR rejection is only for a very narrow bandwidth of the solar spectrum. Don't fall for that Heat Lamp BTU test either. That gives the illusion of heat rejection but the reality on your home's windows is entirely different! Again- -Check the NFRC Website!
Let's imagine that after getting an Advanced Film Solutions comparison quote you still want prestige film. I'll refer you to the local 3M dealer who would do that same film for far less than the multiple mark-ups you'd be forced to pay using that program!
If you hear that there is a dark, non reflective film that blocks 85% of the visible light and the price is dirt cheap it's very likely a car tint film.

BE CAREFUL!

Car glass is tempered and can withstand that type of solar absorption. Your home's windows are an entirely different story!! This cheap car tint can cause thermal stress and crack your glass.
Don't get hood-winked by a fast talking sales guy or woman that claims they are doing home energy audits for our local power companies. This is a charade!
The same applies to some of these folks pretending they work with the local law enforcement people and then they try selling you security films!
Make sure that you check your deed restrictions if you live in a gated community . Reflective and dual reflective films are terrific but you don't want to be placed in a position where the HOA rules against you.
If you have Insulated Glass Units you should make certain that the film being proposed is safe for that type of glass!

Check the warranty as most reputable manufacturers have a film to glass chart that specifically alerts the installer of those films that will not create thermal stress on your glass.
Thicker security films do hold the glass in place during high winds. They are not as strong as a shutter system that stands up to a 9 Lb 2 X 4. Our films pass the medium, missile test (4.5 lbs) ASTM 1886 B . No window film can meet that 9 LB level .