Question: Why Window Film?
Answer: Whether it's your car, home or office, window film provides a variety of consumer benefits to make your life more pleasurable and secure.

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Question: What is window film and how does it work?
Answer: Window film is basically a self-adhesive polyester film that is applied to the interior surface of glass. It’s used as a “retrofit” for existing glass on automobiles, homes and commercial buildings in order to upgrade solar control and safety. Solar radiation from the sun is divided into 3 components; visible light we can see, and infrared and ultraviolet rays which we can only feel. As solar radiation strikes a piece of glass, window film acts as a “sunscreen” to block harmful UV rays as well as regulates the levels of heat and light passing through the glass. The amount of heat and light rejected is all dependant on the type of window film selected. There are basically two types of window film – non-reflective or dyed films that primarily absorb solar energy, and reflective or metallized films that absorb as well as reflect solar energy.

Question: How window film affects glass?
Answer: Glass is designed to be a barrier from exterior elements (i.e. wind, rain and snow) while providing a natural view of the outside world. When solar energy – comprised of heat, light and UV Rays – hits a glass window almost 90% of the energy is transmitted through.

When window film is applied to glass, its properties including special dyes and/or metals incorporated within the film act as a solar energy barrier either by absorbing part of the energy or reflecting a portion of the energy away from the glass.

The level of absorption and reflectance is dependant on how the film is constructed. Dyed films contain no metal and are considered non-reflective because they only absorb solar energy. They are not as effective in controlling solar heat and light because they do not provide any solar reflectance. On the other hand, metallized films provide both solar absorption and reflectance. They do a much better job of solar control since the metal properties within the film reflect both heat and light away from the glass surface.

Question: Am I getting the best – Sun-Gard?
Answer: Sun-Gard window films are produced by Solamatrix Inc, which specializes in the development and manufacturing of window films for commercial buildings, homes and motor vehicles. SUN-GARD® brand solar films and GLASS-GARD® safety and security films are used and respected around the world.

With their singular focus on window film, a new management team, and sound financial resources, we are confident that Solamatrix, Inc. will emerge as one of the top manufacturers in the window film industry. Be it for cars, homes, or commercials buildings, we do window film right.

Question: Does the film go on the inside or outside of the glass?
Answer: Film is applied to the interior surface of the existing glass. In some cases where the inside surface is textured, an exterior application is necessary.

Question: As a consumer, how can I check on Sun-Gard’s reputation?
Answer: We are members of the International Window Film Association. We will be happy to supply references from some of your neighbors, contacts for commercial accounts or contacts for Sun-Gard distributor.

Question: How do I know which type of film is right for my situation?
Answer: Sun-Gard has a large selection of specific and multi purpose films. For the best possible solution, contact us for support and detailed specification of each film's performance levels or you can download the specification at our website.

Question: What is Solar Window Film?
Answer: Window film is very durable polyester that is applied directly to the surface of the glass. It is constructed of several thin plastic layers laminated together into a 
sheet. The base material is a clear polyester with other layers consisting of dyed for color, coatings of metal alloys, or layered with UV absorbers. Most of our films
are metal alloy with UV filters, but dyed combinations can be used on single pane glass for cosmetic reasons. Depending on the film selected, we can reduce from
37% to 93% of the visible light, 34% to 81% of the solar energy, and over 99% of the UV rays. 

Once applied to the glass, solar control window film can help to: save money, decrease premature fading, and alleviate discomfort. Whichever film is selected,
you are assured that it will enhance the appearance of homes or aesthetically improve the exterior appearance of commercial buildings and storefronts.

Question: Will Film Cause Glass to Break?
Answer: Glass breaks when stressed. There are five types of stress which may cause glass breakage:

1. Thermal Stress- from absorption of solar radiation
2. Tensile Stress- from the weight of the glass itself
3. Mechanical Flexing Stress - from wind
4. Impact Stress - from flying objects, hail, baseballs
5. Twisting Stress - from buildings or window frame sagging or settling

The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may affect. The use of window film will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass, however, different types of glass have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress. This is why window film should only be installed by an accredited professional who has been factory certified. Most of our window film products have an inclusive thermal stress warranty on the glass when a Film South, Inc. technician films your windows. Our representatives are industry accredited for your protection.

Question: Why would someone need to tint the window glass instead of conventional glass tinting?
Answer: Many individuals do not like 'tinting'. They want a clear appearance on their vehicle. Sun-Gard at 50 - 70% visible light transmission on glass provides a virtually clear appearance. Also, most of Sun-Gard films are compliant with JPJ rules & regulation.

Question: Will the Film Look Dark or Shiny?
Answer: Yes and No. Yes, there are films that are dark and there are films that have a reflective finish. And no, not all films are designed to look that way. With the advances in manufacturing techniques in recent years, the option of having an energy efficient film with little or no color that is virtually invisible and neutral in appearance is now available.
Email us your requirements; our tint consultant will help you pick the right product for your specific needs.

Question: How long will the film last?
Answer: Sun-Gard has a 5 year limited warranty to the original purchaser against cracking, peeling and bubbling. The ultraviolet absorbing properties of the film may change very slightly over the lifetime of the film depending on atmospheric conditions. Individuals with medical conditions and UV sensitivity should have their film checked after 3 years to ascertain any change, which they feel may be detrimental. The warranty does not cover replacement for UV absorbency changes.
Realistically, window in high traffic areas, such as sliding doors, or kitchen windows may be replaced sooner. It is not unusual, however, that even these filmed windows will not be replaced for at least ten years.
Question: Why does Sun-Gard cost more than some of the traditional films?
Answer: Because it is difficult to make a high light transmission product with such a high level of UV absorbers and still maintain good optical clarity.

Question: How are solar window films installed?
Answer: Most solar window films have a permanent acrylic adhesive system protected by a removable release liner which must be removed prior to installation. Films are installed using water and soap based solution. See Installation Instructions.

Question: Can solar window films be removed?
Answer: Yes. All Sun-Gard Films can be removed if desired. This of course is a huge advantage and most landlords do not object to their tenants' installation of film when they find out the product can be removed.

To remove the films simply peel away the film from one corner and pull the film from the glass. Should any adhesive remain on the glass it can easily be removed with a spray of soapy water and a single edge razor blade. In addition, the cost of installing specialty films on existing glass is low in comparison to other processes.

Question: Will window film stop all interior fading?
Answer: No. Window film will not completely eliminate fading from occurring. Depending on the type of window film that is applied, window film can reduce fading by up to 70%. It’s important to note there are multiple causes for fading – UV rays, solar heat and visible light and window film can combat all of these threats.

Q: How does Film Reduce Fading?
Answer: To understand the causes of fading, one must know a little about the makeup of sunlight.
Sunlight is basically made of three elements:
Visible light - the part that we 'see'
Infra Red - the part which we 'feel' as heat
Ultraviolet light - which we neither see nor feel but is the main factor in causing fabrics and furnishings to fade. Ultraviolet absorbers are used to stop UV at the film. The type, amount, and location of the absorbers in the product determine the film's ability to reduce fading. Absorbers that are located in the adhesive only (blocking 95%-98%) instead of the film itself (blocking over 99%) are far less stable and enduring. All of our solar control products absorb more than 99% of the UV rays.
                    Facts about Fading 
                 "As a Rule of Thumb"

miscellaneous = interior artificial lighting, dye anchorage, and humidity
Laboratory studies of a large variety of fabrics and woods show significant differences in the color stability of these products. Fabric fading results differ depending upon fiber type, dye, color, stability, and/or pattern printing techniques. Expensive fabrics are not necessarily a guarantee of fade protection. Natural wood finishes are much more stable than stains or finishes that alter the natural color of the wood. Wood may actually darken with prolong exposure to UV rather than fade to a lighter color. The nature of certain delicate fabrics and dyes will lead to premature fading regardless of the application of any window film or protective treatment.

Question: How do I clean the windows after the film is installed?
Answer: Sun-Gard films can be cleaned with any common window cleaning solution. Use of a soft cloth or squeegee is recommended. The film surface is treated with an acrylic "hard coat" to protect the film and allows easy cleaning, without fear of scratching.