Here are some of our most Frequently
Asked Questions that home owners ask about our products. if you
have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact
us.
What brand of film do you sell?
Carolina Solar Control/Carolina Solar Security is proud to be a 3M™
Authorized Dealer and a member of the 3M Prestige™ Dealer Network.
3M™ is the inventor of window film and is the most respected
name in the industry. 3M™ is a world leader in film and adhesive
technologies and offers some of the newest and most high performance
solar control solutions in the marketplace. We have been Authorized
Dealer/Applicators since 1985.
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the film go on the inside or the outside of the glass?
Most window films are applied to the interior surface of the glass.
3M’s ScotchTint™, ScotchShield™
and Prestige™ Series films include
a UV inhibitor in the adhesive to give both the film and your home’s
interior protection for the sun.
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Can
film be installed on double paned (insulated) windows?
Yes. Independent tests confirm that the use of film does not damage
double paned windows and does not contribute to seal failure. For
added peace of mind, the standard 3M™
warranty offers seal failure coverage for 40 months if the windows
are still under manufacturer warranty. Additional warranty coverage
that matches the term of the original manufacturer’s warranty
may also be available for a small charge.
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What
if I decide to remove the film later?
The film is designed to be permanent, but is strippable. Engineers
at 3M™ designed a special adhesive
system that offers long life but that can be removed at any time
without damage to the glass. We can show you how to remove it yourself
or we can provide this service to you for a nominal charge.
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Is
the application a messy process or are there chemicals used?
The installation process is very neat and odor free. There is no
off gassing involved and no VOC’s. Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) are available upon request for each film in the product line.
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So,
how is the film applied?
Step one is to thoroughly clean the glass. The liner protecting
the film adhesive is then removed and a slip solution of mild soap
and water is applied to the glass and to the adhesive. The film
is then squeeged to the glass, trimmed on the window and the edges
and window frames are then dried. The film will have a very thin
margin of 1-2 mm around the edge, required by 3M™,
for proper adhesion and drying. Towels and sheets protect the floor
from the water used during installation. In special circumstances,
such as the presence of silk drapes, we used plastic sheeting and
tape for additional protection.
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Do
I have to take my curtains down?
No. In most cases the curtains and drapes can remain in place. If
there is a special concern for delicate drapes, you may want to
have your drapery installer remove and re hang the drapes. In most
instances we are able to protect the drapes and work around them.
If this is a concern, please ask your sales consultant.
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Do
I have to have film installed on the entire home?
We do recommend that if you are installing the film for hurricane
protection, that you have the film installed on all windows. Because
all windows can transmit ultraviolet light, regardless of whether
they face direct sun, if protection from fading is a primary concern,
then the use of film would be recommended. For solar heat gain reduction,
it may not be necessary to do the entire home. Your sales consultant
can help you determine which windows would be most appropriate for
treatment.
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Can
you see the film?
3M designed the ScotchTint™,
ScotchShield™ and Prestige™
Series films to be optically clear. Many are hard to distinguish
on the glass once installed. If glare reduction is desired, a darker
film will need to be used, but most of our clients report that there
is very little noticeable visual difference – only an increase
in personal comfort.
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How
long will the film last?
3M™ backs residential film applications
with a lifetime warranty against bubbling, blistering, cracking,
peeling, crazing, delaminating from the glass or discoloring.
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Is
the warranty transferrable?
No. The warranty is issued to the original purchaser and is not
transferrable to the next homeowner.
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How
long does the installation take?
Most residential applications are completed in one day or less.
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How
do I clean the windows once the film is installed?
Once the film has cured (approximately 30 days) the windows can
be cleaned with any commonly available window cleaning solution
such as Windex. We recommend a mild solution of baby shampoo and
water, a good squeegee and a soft cloth or white Bounty paper towels.
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What
happens if I scratch the film?
The interior surface of the film is specially treated with an acrylic
hard coat that protects the film from scratching. Small or light
scratches generally do not require replacement, but a deep or particularly
visible scratch may require replacement of the film. Had the film
not been in place, it is likely that the glass itself would have
been scratched, requiring replacement of the window. The film can
be replaced easily and less expensively than glass replacement.
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Can
I buy the film and install it myself?
3M does not offer the film for sale “over the counter”.
The warranty stipulates that he film must be installed by a 3M™
certified installer to receive coverage. The film is very difficult
for someone without a great deal of experience to install and get
high quality results.
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