[CraigAC]

When you decide you need to block the sun with window film it’s important you use a reputable company that knows what they’re doing and understands the science that goes along with this process.

When you put the film on your glass, the heat of the sun is absorbed by the film which also heats the surface of the glass. Too much heat on the surface of standard annealed window glass may create what is known as a thermal stress break.

A thermal stress break can also occur when the film is not installed correctly i.e. improper coverage along the edges. If part of the glass is left untreated it will create uneven heat absorption which may also create a thermal stress break.

In most cases the thermal break will start along the edge of the glass. Even if it’s only a small break in a double pane insulated unit, it breaks the seal and the unit will fog up.

You should also know that the darker the film, the more heat it will absorb, and the greater likelihood an improper installation will lead to breakage.

It should also be noted as this business segment matures, film manufactures are developing new products that will minimize heat absorption and increase heat reflection without making your window look like a mirror. This is why it’s best to use a reputable company – not just a guy with a cell phone working out of his pickup truck offering a low price.

In some cases it’s not the best decision to go with the lowest bidder. Pick a contractor that has been around awhile and will guarantee their work against thermal breakage because most window manufacturers will not guarantee their windows when an aftermarket tinting product has been installed.