[Laker14]

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?

[retiredguy123]

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.

[CarlR33]

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).

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by CarlR33

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.

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

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.

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.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by Laker14

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.

Originally Posted by CarlR33

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).

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

[retiredguy123]

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.

[villagetinker]

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.

[JoMar]

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.

[Carla B]

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.

[Michael G.]

Originally Posted by Carla B

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.

[blueash]

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.

[Debfrommaine]

Originally Posted by JoMar

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.

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.

[badkarma318]

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.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Debfrommaine

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.

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.