A lot of people are very excited about the prospect of saving money on their utility bills every month and getting more energy efficiency out of their professionally installed window film.
Understandably, you might want to know more about window film's durability, its expected life and the inclusiveness of the manufacturer's warranty.
How Long Does Window Film Last?
That's a great question - yet the answer depends on a number of factors. In essence, window film has been known to last for 20 years or more under the right conditions.
The types of materials used, the window that the film is placed on, the orientation of the window (e.g., facing east), and even local climate can all affect the long-term resiliency of window film.
The good news is that commercial window film usually has a very generous warranty period - typically ten years or more - and many residential window films come with a lifetime warranty. This means that if you, as a homeowner, experience any difficulties, then you can call on a factory-trained technician to make it right.
So, taking into account the durability of window film itself and generous lifetime warranties for residential window film, most families are able to lock in the energy efficiency and cost savings of window film for a very, very long time.
Durability Factors to Consider
In technical terms, window film works to combat heat gain and glare in your home by lowering the amount of solar heat transmission.
This is done in two ways in the case of window film - enhancing the amount of solar absorption that gets trapped in the window film (and protects your family) and, secondly, by upping the amount of solar reflection.
More solar reflection means less glare, less heat gain in those sweltering summer months, and lower utility bills to contend with.
The UV protection that you expect from window film is built directly into the film itself and heavy-duty coating means that your window film will stay in place for years. Below are some other factors for you to consider when it comes to long-term durability:
Climate and Compass Orientation
Hotter climates oriented either east or west - and therefore catching more of the rising or setting sun - are more punishing over time on residential window film than more temperate climates.
That said, it can make even more sense to purchase window film and have it professionally installed if you live in a hotter climate and have many windows that face west. Why? Because you're getting far more ROI (return on investment) this way.
Film and Glass Type
Polyester-based window film can adhere more easily to certain types of glass than others. Getting your window film professionally installed ensures the best possible adhesion and the most warranty protection.
Window Films ROI
The economic concept return on investment relates as much to homeowners as it does to local businesses. ROI is basically a metric for determining how well an investment - in this case, the purchase of window film - pays off over the short and long term.
If you have a window that faces west and you live in a climate with punishing heat from June to August, then your ROI could be quite high since you're getting an almost immediate reduction in your utility bills by combating heat gain at its source.
In fact, window film have been known to pay for themselves within 6-12 months in the case of some businesses. When a business, or you as a homeowner, can turn off a few air conditioners, the savings really start to add up.