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| Q:
Who
makes Vista and Formula One Window Films? |
| A:
CPFilms Inc.
is the manufacturer. They are the largest
manufacturer of window film in the world and
process their film completely in-house. They
are 9002 certified. They also manufacture
Llumar Window Film. While Llumar Window Film
is the most recognized brand name for both
automotive and flat-glass films, Vista (commercial
and residential) and Formula One (automotive)
are the premium products
in their respective field. There are very
unique products in both lines of film that
deserve a second look. |
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|
| Q:
Can
I tint the windshield of my car? I need maximum
UV protection. |
| A:
You can tint the top portion
of the windshield (approximately 5”).
The lower portion must remain clear and unobstructed.
Keep in mind that the windshield is laminated
glass. Laminated glass has built-in UV protection
with a UV absorbing interlayer sandwiched
between two layers of glass. |
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|
| Q:
Can
I install window film on Plexiglas ™
or Lexan™ windows? |
| A:
This depends on which type
of film you want to install. To install an
automotive or solar control film, the answer
is ‘No”. Installing the polyester
based film onto the acrylic sheeting results
in chemical out-gassing, which may cause premature
failure. But you can install the vinyl-based
films such as the Frosted Glass, Frosted Sparkle
etc. This would also include the complete
translucent vinyl series. |
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|
| Q:
Do
you have a film that will reduce the incoming
heat in the summer but let the heat in during
the cold winter months? |
| A:
A solar control window film
will continue to reflect heat in both summer
and winter. The Low “E” films
are designed to reflect the interior radiant
heat back into the building instead of letting
it transfer to the outside thru the glass.
These films can be used on dual and single-pane
windows. Keep in mind that the film is only
reducing a percentage of the heat from the
sun. The remaining percentage is still coming
in. |
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|
| Q:
If
I want to have the film removed do I have
to replace my windows? |
| A:
No, while the film is designed
to stay on the glass, it can be carefully
removed. While the process is simple, many
would still prefer to have a professional
do it. On vehicles with rear window defrost
lines, extra care needs to be taken. |
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|
| Q:
If
I want my windows tinted darker than the law
allows, can I sign a waiver and have it tinted
as dark as I want? |
| A:
I liken this to making a
contract to break the law, so the answer is
‘No’. Over the years we have developed
a good relationship with the law enforcement
community. The law is there as a matter of
safety for both the officers and the general
public. See the Legal Requirements on the
Automotive page for more details. |
|
|
| Q:
Does
the film go on the inside or outside of the
glass? |
| A:
All Vista Films are installed
on the interior surface of the existing glass.
In the Llumar line of products, there are
two types of Exterior applied films. As the
interior applied films will last substantially
longer than the exterior films, we would try
to use the interior film whenever possible.
See the Llumar page for more information on
exterior applied films. An interior film cannot
be installed on the exterior side. |
|
|
| Q:
Can
I put film on dual and triple paned windows? |
| A:
Yes. In most cases there
is a film solution for your dual or triple
paned windows. Each installation situation
is put to a ‘Film-To-Glass’ test
to determine which films can be used safely
with your glass type. Glass failure due to
the installation of window film is covered
on the warranty form. Please request a copy
as there is some restrictions that apply.
|
|
|
| Q:
Will
the film affect my houseplants? |
| A:
In most cases the answer
is ‘No’. Typically in a home installation,
a light to medium (70-29% VLT) density film
would be used. This should not have any negative
affects on household plants. There are some
plants however that requires a lot of UV light
to survive such as the African Violet. These
could be moved to an unprotected window for
a couple of days per week. Plants may go into
a state of shock for a brief period of time
after the film is applied as they become accustomed
to the reduced light. In most cases plants
thrive on the new conditions of reduced heat.
Laminated glass is commonly used in greenhouses
to reduce the incoming UV rays. This helps
to protect the flower color and reproductive
development from the damaging effects of UV
radiation. |
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