Tag Archives: Comparing Advanced Film Solutions -3M Home Depot

Window Film USA Taking On 3M Window Film

Relentless competition defines our continued success at Advanced Film Solutions and Window Film USA.

We created a unique film portfolio composed of the industry’s leading window films to take on the “Big Name” 3M Challenge.

We Win On Glass!
 


Fortunately for us we are not battling performance or aesthetics. 

We aren’t arguing which film does a better job at reducing your electric bill or protecting your home from break-in.

This is a consumer education battle between the “perception” that 3M makes a better window film and the reality of the product their numerous agents, home depot, window genies, budget blind agents and others selling as 3M film.

This is the critical battle for the consumer’s trust based upon brand recognition or their halo of goodwill from unrelated products!


The real battle should be on the glass and that is where we win every day.

Consumers who appreciate that the reality is on their glass and that companies that incorporate DuPont polyesters, clear adhesives and patented thin film technologies certainly understand how to innovate incredibly effective solar and solar security window films.

Consumers trust the Department of Energy and their support of the NFRC.

Window Film USA represents a suite of films that have had their performance certified on specific glass configurations.

It’s on the glass where performance counts!

16779293482_c8f04b1f5a_o
NFRC rated window films like Huper Optik and VISTA demonstrated superiority in shading coefficient and total solar energy rejection.

 

Perception doesn’t mean beans unless it works. . .

ON THE GLASS!

Ceramic Films That Win ON THE GLASS!
 
 

Huper Optik Ceramic films are patented multi-layered dye free films that have lower interior and exterior reflection than glass. 

3M recently launched a re-boxed single ply ceramic film marketing it with the somewhat coy wording that this is the only ceramic film “worthy of the 3M name?”

It is evidently worthy of the Johnson, Madico, Geoshield and some private label names like that window film depot clear vue film!

 

ON THE GLASS – “their ceramic film” is reflective from the exterior view and only comes in a 60 inch width.



Perception won’t reduce your electric bill or qualify for window film rebates. 


Perception
doesn’t allow a ceramic film to meet your deed restriction where a reflective exterior view is against the HOA rules and

Perception won’t keep the thinner 3M ultra films with solar properties from failing independent impact and cycling tests.

2942595

Advanced Film Solutions and Window Film USA Win ON THE GLASS!

Call us toll free 877-575-3456
 
asf

ON YOUR GLASS

Fact Checking Compare 3M Window Tinting

We appreciate  the daily feedback we get from clients who are conducting their research  by comparing window film alternatives.

collage (3)

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion but not their own facts.
Daniel Moynihan US Senator

There are clear films (no tint at all) that can block 97% of the heat. Do we carry this type of film?

Facts: There is no clear, or rather 70% or 80% light transmission film that can block 97% of the heat.  PERIOD.

This disinformation stems from confusing heat lamp demo’s done by 3M dealers and their representatives during home estimates or at home depot kiosks.

The demo gives “the illusion” that their film dramatically lowers the heat.  The facts present an entirely different story. 

IR blocking window films do an excellent job of factoring out the invisible IR wavelengths. Nevertheless, even if there was a film that could block 100% of the IR (and no window film does that!) the film would have to deal with the entire visible light spectrum which makes up nearly 50% of the heat from the Sun.

Ergo a 70% light transmitting film allows nearly 30% of the visible light into your home.

Darker light transmissions like a 40% or a 50% block more visible light and therefore more heat.

Darker reflective films block more visible light and less IR wavelengths but combined they block more total solar energy rejected.

The heat lamp demo and BTU reading is simply a trick.

374715_280643228635822_1760476208_n

“OK Einstein; now that you’ve given me a headache; how do we know how much heat a window film can block?

Is their an objective resource?”

img_home_7

Facts: Indeed and glad you asked!

The NFRC has created a comparison resource of tested films measured with specific criteria for several window systems.

Huper Optik, LLumar, Bekaert, Madico, Hanita, SunTek, as well as 3M films are available for your review.

Check here!
 

14540661330_5fa9b617a0_m

3M dealers advised that their film works better when it counts; when the sun is at an angle to our windows (the real world).

When they measured the heat rejection of their prestige films (in a special test that they invented), they claim there is a unique and significant improvement over the numbers documented by the NFRC mentioned above.

Isn’t this noteworthy?

Fact: No it is not.

All window films perform in a similar fashion when tested at an angle.

This isn’t a feature of the film itself but rather the angle of incidence on the glass or the film.

Less direct heat due to the positioning of the heat source (Sun) creates this outcome.

Implying that their film has a unique advantage is inaccurate and misleading.

Beyond that it’s simply nonsense. 
 
 
Glass performs in the exact same manner at an angle to the Sun. Stating otherwise or claiming an advantage is just silly.
 

The 3M dealer advised that films like Huper Optik ceramic films corrode in humid environments like Florida

They showed us a video of an accelerated weathering test where several apparently competitive films tarnished.

The 3M sample was unaffected.

Facts: Yes; I recall that video. T

he films that were actually tested by 3M were spectrally selective silver based films (none were Huper Optik Ceramic Films because they do not corrode!)

The samples that seemed to corrode? Advanced Film Solutions does not install any of those films here in Florida.

Of course what they did not test was the dyed layer on their film that can degrade over time or the scratch resistant coating to protect the film. Our Huper Optik Film is 100% dye free!

The 3M Dealer indicated that thanks to 3M rip stop action their thinner films are much stronger than thicker 8 ML or greater security films.

I tried ripping their film and it was tougher than ripping a sample of 8 ML! Explain that!

Facts: Yes that’s another interesting demo but the real world is, once again, another matter!

There are objective tests that tell a different story.

For example LLumar, Vista, Madico, Armorcoat, SunTek  films (8 ML) have all passed ASTM 1886 4.5 Lb Missile and Cycling Tests.

The 3M 4 ML (oops they stopped making this!) and 5 ML Ultra Film do not!


I could go into detail concerning why they do not (after all I do have some 3M past experience) but suffice to say that if the thinner films could pass there would be no reason for 3M to test and pass with their thicker 6ML clear film or resell SunTek security films in 3M boxes.

I can assure you that the “3M” Affinity Films had no rip stop action.

Our local 3M dealer advised that their prestige films have a winter Low E value. Is that accurate?

Facts: No that is not accurate.

The Prestige film is a solar control film that is designed to lower the heat gain. This film does not insulate your windows during the winter.

Certainly a lighter version like Prestige 70 will let nearly 50% of the heat into your home in the winter thanks to that visible light again.

But that has nothing to do with the R value or keeping the heat inside

Here’s the deal.
 
3


We base our preferences on solid fact and documented durability and aesthetics of our proposed selections.

We know the differences in optical clarity or whether the film conforms to your HOA rules or potential deed restrictions.

We certainly know which films qualify for TECO rebates (by the way no prestige film qualifies!)

We are fully insured and BBB rated A Plus
 
bbb


We provide exact estimates and exact measurements. There are never any hidden costs or add on costs.

Before you make an uninformed choice in window film call
 
 

Toll Free : 877-575-3456

 

Comparison Huper Optik Ceramic Vs. 3M Home Depot Window Tinting

I happened by a local Home Depot store the other day since I needed to grab some safe release tape and paper towels for an installation.

uu
I forced myself to pass by the 3M Window Film display and a chatted with their representative.
 
 
Here’s what I heard:
 
  • 3M Prestige Film is a new product that blocks 97% of the heat.
  • It is clear and unlike any other film won’t corrode.
  • Unlike other films you can use Windex to clean the film. The other companies window film turns purple or eat through their film
  • They have a thicker version that works like invisible bars on a window. No other window film is as strong.
  • I was shown a Heat Lamp Demo and a BTU meter that demonstrated the enormous heat rejection of this incredible film.
  • 533225_378036512229826_526310225_nNo pricing was offered; I’d have to have an outside rep visit my home when both the husband and wife were available.

I smiled and walked away, which is exactly what every consumer would do if the actual facts were communicated.

Collage

I have no doubt that this in store rep believed what he was telling me.

 
Let’s focus on the points above:
 
 
5022_660064447360363_431581930_n
IWFA – IR Ratings of Window Film
 
 
  • The Prestige films were launched in 2005.
    I know because I was at 3M when they were launched.  Obviously “new” is a relative concept but this new baby is heading off into 6th grade and is well out of diapers by now.

The prestige 70 blocks slightly more than 50% of the total solar energy which is a far cry from 97% (to say the very least) In point of fact their darkest version the prestige 40 does not meet the TECO rebate requirement while we have two Huper Optik versions that do!

So much for the French fry lamp!

PicMonkey Collage

  • The Prestige 70 filters 30% of the visible light. A clear film would block 8%. If by clear they mean non reflective that would be correct.I will point out that Prestige has an adhesive system that is hazy and has a blue shift.

    These films present an iridescence under certain lighting conditions. 

    Concerning the corrosion issue the statement they offer is misleading.Huper cardThere are silver based films that can corrode under humid conditions. Huper Optik and Vista Films do not corrode. Further the Huper Optik and Vista Films have NO DYES .Dyes fade or migrate the color during its life cycle. No dyed films hold their color and maintain the same visible light transmission.

  • Interestingly 3M’s Prestige film has no advantage over the Huper Optik or Vista Films in regard to the use of Windex. Allow me to throw in LLumar, Solar Gard, Hanita and SunTek while I’m at it.
  • In fact the hard coat on the 3M prestige series is suspect. They have had issues with scratching and color coming off the film.
  • Concerning the strength of their ultra prestige series in independent testing (FM Global, DoD, GSA) there is no advantage over Vista, LLumar, Armorcoat, SunTek, Sun Gard or Madico.

collageG

  • That heat lamp demo and nonsense about their film working better at angles has been a sore spot for me since 2005. 

    Every window film , as does glass, works better when the Sun hits glass at an angle rather than the industry standard perpendicular. 
    Making their claim that their film is superior is similar to bragging that their bicycle is faster when rolling down a hill.
    The BTU meter is only reading a very narrow IR wavelength and coincidentally matches the narrow wavelength that the film works its best.
     In other words you are being tricked by an  illusion of performance rather than the actual real world reality.  

    Now this isn’t just me making noise about this misrepresentation, it’s the entire industry.

  • The reaction to these IR statements has been swift and direct but you wouldn’t know that after discussing this demo at that Home Depot store would you?12442770973_e269b5ef01_z
  • I couldn’t care less about their pricing.What gets my goat is that caveat that both husband and wife have to be home for their estimate. It made me think I was watching a 1960″s sitcom.

     

    REALLY?? I have to be home so my wife can get my approval??

SERIOUSLY?

Here’s my suggestion:
 

Call Advanced Film Solutions for a comparison quotation with NFRC rated films from Vista and Huper Optik.


Toll Free 877-575-3456

compare

 

Tampa Home Show Advanced Film Solutions Window Film Vs. 3M Home Depot Florida

The Tampa Home Show at the Tampa Convention Center begins today through Sunday.

bills

This is a terrific opportunity to meet with our window film experts and compare our Eastman Window Film selections compared to the competitive Home Depot 3M window tint.


I’ll also assume you are not heading off to your local Home Depot store to buy do it yourself window tinting or worse yet; have that 3M Home Depot film (priced nearly double the going rate) installed on your home.

Check out the 3M Home Depot Film.

Collage

Have them do an estimate.

Then call the experts at Advanced Film Solutions for a competitive quotation.

We’ll demonstrate that our ceramic coatings meet TECO rebate requirements while their prestige films do not. Why? Because their film isn’t blocking enough heat.

1176263_629616530405155_1617029416_n

Our incomparable transferable lifetime warranty.

The depth of choices that we offer in non reflective, Low E and security solar films.

The innovation of Eastman Chemical the world leading window film manufacturer.

16779293482_c8f04b1f5a_o

Our world class installations that have earned Advanced Film Solutions the Super Service Award from Angie’s List for four straight years!

NFRC rated coatings.

No guess-work about performance. No phony heat lamp gimmicks pretending to block 97% of the heat. No nonsense about working better at angles.

Facts over nonsense with Advanced Film Solutions.

1044035_604322442934564_422138274_n

We march to a different drum at Advanced Film Solutions.

Advanced Film Solutions
877-575-3456

TECO-window-film-energy-savings-rebates

 

Huper Optik Ceramic Film Wins Comparison Vs. 3M Prestige Florida

Advanced Film Solutions is Florida’s leading window film installation company.

Our team of technicians has earned Angie’s List Super Service Award for the last 8 consecutive years.

We have earned an A Plus rating with the Better Business Bureau and the Best Of Home Advisor Award for 2015.

Our experience is unmatched and no other company has completed more residential and commercial projects since 2007 as has Advanced Film Solutions.

Our team has completed the City of Altamonte Springs City Hall, NC State University Hill Library, The City of Oveido, The City Of largo, The VA Hospital and hundreds of commercial buildings and retail stores throughout the state.

The question we are addressing is a film to film comparison between the Eastman Chemical Huper Optik Films versus the 3M Prestige series sold by 3M dealers and home depot agents.

Why Huper Optik is the superior choice?

16779293482_c8f04b1f5a_o

  • We stipulate that both Huper Optik and 3M Prestige filter 99.9% of the UV
  • We stipulate that both Huper Optik and Prestige are available in 3, 4, 5 and 6 ft. widths.
  • Huper Optik has a lifetime warranty as does 3M
  • Huper Optik offers a glass breakage protection and seal failure coverage up to $2500 per window.

Where Huper out distances 3M:

compare

  • Huper Optik has a clear adhesive that presents superior clarity particularly at an angle.

19191721680_f788f92016_z

  • Huper Optik is available in darker light transmissions than 3M prestige which max’s out at a 40% VLTHO
  • 3M has reflective films that meet TECO rebates like Night Vision. Unfortunately the NV films will not meet many HOA rules or deed restrictions that prohibit reflective exterior appearance. Fundamentally the major consideration for this comparison is predicated on a non reflective non metallic appearance.hu
  • Both 3M and Huper Optik block IR wavelengths. 3M dealers and home depot agents may tend to confuse potential clients by stating that prestige blocks 97% of the IR or worse 97% of the heat. This is entirely untrue. Both 3M and Huper block nearly 90% of the entire IR wavelengths but the fact that Huper is available in darker VLT’s is the reason Huper can obtain the TECO rebate where 3M does not.
  • Price: The cost estimate is typically based on the scope of work involved. In our experience the 3M dealers tend to charge a higher rate for installation based on the perception that 3M blocks more heat (it does not of course!) They may also have a higher consumer awareness compared to the Eastman name (Once Eastman Kodak) Whatever their rationale they typically charge more than 2-30% higher for a solution that delivers less heat rejection!

Advanced Film Solutions is based on Tampa Bay and has offices in Orlando and Sarasota.

HO

We were founded by the former National Sales Manager of 3M Window Film.  He is a columnist for Window Film Magazine, Dr. Of Tintology.

Call for a free estimate toll free at 877-575-3456

ADVANCED FILM SOLUTIONS