Window Film Deteriorating
 

I have several windows in my home that at first glance appear to have large cracks in them, but upon further inspection, it seems that the glass is intact, but the tinting film is deteriorating.

I assume the windows are original with the house that was built in 2006.

I have YouTubed the process of removing the film, and it doesn't look like anything I would want to attempt.

Are there companies that do this? Or do I have to replace the windows?

I have never heard of new house windows that have original tinting film on them. Are sure the tinting was not installed after the house was constructed? If so, you should be able to hire a tinting company to remove the film. The main issue is to not scratch the glass when removing the film.

If the windows were aftermarket tinted they may have had a “lifetime warranty” if the previous owners left any paperwork and it would have transferred (long shot).

previous owner seemed very organized about maintaining paperwork and warrantee information and transferred a lot of stuff to us in that regard.
We haven't found any information on windows though.

I have no idea if it was original or aftermarket. One reason I'm reaching out to TOTV is to get an idea in that regard, and if this is a common problem or not.

Yep, if it's a 3M product, it's warranty is a lifetime.
Maybe some installer will remove the old and install new film with a discount.
Worth a try

It shouldn't be very expensive to have the tint film removed. Personally, I would not want tinted windows in my house. Also, it takes a very experienced installer to do it correctly.

OP, if this was a DIY, peel and stick type film I am guessing you will be in for a lot of quality time with a shaving blade-based tool to carefully remove the film, and then the glue residue. Most of the films I have seen use soapy water to attach the film to the glass and should come of and clean up easily. If you have an inconspicuous window, you might try removing a small area to see how difficult this job will be.
Your other option will be to start calling the various window tint companies and ask them if they remove old films, but I am guessing this will not be cheap.

we had our west facing windows tinted in 2015 by the Solar Guys and have had no issues but you might want to give them a call. We just had the windows in the house replaced due to condensation between the panes and have not retinted.....yet.

We had Underglass install window film on our SW-facing window in 2008 shortly after the house was built. We've had no problems with it so far. I don't know if Solar Guys installed film back then.

Underglass was (is?) a 3M installer. However, looking at the invoice, there is no mention of 3M or any warranty. It might be worth a call to see if they kept records that far back. 352-753-5267.

Or it could have a lifetime warranty through the installer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBjlhu7dz5c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYYr6xBq6SY

there are many youtube videos on removal of tint and glue.

Might be worth checking the warranty on your windows. We had windows installed and I called the installer regarding if I had the windows tinted would it void the warranty? The company said tinting the windows will void the window warranty.

If 3M products were used, they should have been installed only by authorized 3M personnel.

I would think that any reputable local tinting company should be able to do the removal for you (and install new film, if desired), just know that it could go quickly, or it could take a long time (depending on numerous variables), which will affect the cost.

If you decide to attempt the removal yourself, let me know and I can guide you through it.

Why ask the installer? The warranty is a written document. Read it. If it doesn't say that in the warranty document, then it doesn't void the warranty, regardless of what anyone says.

Deb is correct some windows should not be tinted as it can overly heat the seal and cause it to fail over time. Having said that most windows have a 10-20 year warranty and you may be able to simply call and give them the information but I would not say they were tinted. Warranty may just cover the window and not the replacement install, etc. This was my experience with Simonton for windows for my home in the Midwest.

IMO somebody probably stuck regular old car window tinting on them. I would just use heat gun pull it off and clean residue off.

Isn’t that one reasons you tint windows to stop heat and glare from sun?

We like our tinted windows and have had tinting on our home windows since we lived in south Florida. Our home here in The Villages had the windows tinted and I didn't even realize they were tinted until we had window washers for the first time.

We have never had a problem with the tinting as far as any deterioration. I like the windows tinted because the tinting blocks out the UV rays and keeps our furniture and all the fabrics in the house protected from fading and damage. Another big benefit of the tinted windows is the glare in our home is cut down a great deal. I don't really know how energy efficient the tinting but I do believe that is another benefit.

Good luck to the OP with the removal of the tinting. Sorry to hear it has degraded.

Wouldn’t it be easier to just buy some blackout blinds and curtains than tinting windows?

Or buy those suction cup window tint that rolls down and up?

Just asking as I have this windows facing west issue.

In our case, it was easier calling a professional to apply the film to allow the natural light through and not impact the view.

The windows were replaced under warranty.

Do I understand you had them tinted and the windows failed for a separate reason but they did get replaced under the window warranty? That's really good. Custom Windows, who installed our glass picture windows, said so not tint or the window warranty is voided. We installed shades. Too expensive to take a chance with tinting tho I love that look.

Black out blinds prevent you from seeing outside the windows. Window tinting allows the view to be seen and also allows light into the home. Just the damaging UV rays are blocked from entering the house.

Bob Vila article see #2, 3 and 4.
Tinted Home Windows: All You Need to Know Before Installation - Bob Vila

And I prefer tinted windows - here in Florida. They provide privacy during the day and prevent furniture, etc. from UV damage and fading.

We enjoy looking out the windows so blackout blinds and curtains would diminish that. We have slotted blinds which we can close or narrow the opening or roll up but never so. The room is the third bedroom (actually used as an office).

Suction cup window tint is little unattractive to us.

The windows were tinted in 2015 and had no issues. The windows that did have an issue were replaced under warranty (except for labor). None of the other windows in the house were tinted but still failed so no correlation

I use shades and curtains, I don’t want no peeing toms.

They could kill your plants, and discolor your walls.

Funny how the absence of one letter gives a whole different meaning to the sentence. LOL.

Update on the window film:

I scraped it off. It wasn't too awful bad. I bought a really good two-handed scraper with a 4 inch blade, and 10 extra blades.

The film had 3 layers, 2 of which were fairly easy to get off in large pieces. The 3rd layer was a PITA, and broke up into lots of small pieces.

Fortunately I only had 3 window panes, maybe 2 1/2 feet by 2 1/2 feet to do. Spread lots of newspaper down, and key is to replace the blades frequently.

I don't think I'll replace the film.