Last Updated on October 2, 2023
Did you know that your new windows may actually have an invisible film on them? Yup, it’s true!
Chances are, those panes come equipped with an invisible protective film. That’s right – manufacturers apply a thin film during production to preserve the window’s integrity during transport and installation.
The film, known as “preserve film,” is a thin plastic layer applied to the exterior and interior of glass surfaces. Its main function is to provide added strength and shatter resistance, reducing the risk of injury from broken glass.
It also helps to reflect heat and UV rays, potentially lowering energy costs and preserving furniture from sun damage. While it may go unnoticed, the preserve film provides important benefits for homeowners.
Not only does this film prevent scratches and scuffs, but it also makes cleaning easier and keeps your windows looking pristine for longer. While the film is clear, if there’s any hazing or cloudiness, it’s likely just residue leftover from the application process.
Don’t worry – a little bit of cleaner and elbow grease will take care of it in no time. But first, let’s look at the objectives of this window film and how it works.
What is the Film’s Objective in New Windows?
You may have noticed that when you buy new windows, they often have a thin film on them. Most people don’t notice it, but if you look closely, you can see it.
The film used on new windows is clear plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is applied during manufacturing and is usually only a few thousandths of an inch thick.
So, how is this amazing material made? The manufacturing process of window film is pretty fascinating.
It starts with a big roll of clear polyester or other synthetic material. This roll is fed through a machine that coats it with a very thin layer of adhesive.
The next step is to coat the adhesive-coated side of the material with a clear, protective coating. A thin layer of metal oxides and other exotic materials is applied on one side.
This provides ultraviolet (UV) protection and helps the film resist abrasion. Once the protective coating is applied, the roll of material is fed through a series of rollers that cool and dry it.
After coating the film, it is cut to size and then applied to the surface of the window. The final step is to cure the film, which helps to bond it to the window and create a protective barrier.
The whole process takes less than an hour, and the result is a brand new window with film. The film prevents scratches, scuffs, and other damage to the window during transport and installation.
Window film is usually clear, so it’s not noticeable once your windows are in place. But if you’re still seeing some haze or cloudiness on your new windows, it’s likely just residual film that can be easily removed.
How Does the Preserve Film Protect New Windows?
The thin film on your new windows may seem like an added touch, but it serves very important functions. The film protects new windows in a few different ways.
Protective Layer
The first objective of the film is to act as a sacrificial layer. In other words, if the window is scratched or hit with something, the film will take the brunt of the damage instead of the glass.
This helps to keep your windows looking new for longer. This is to protect the glass during shipping and installation.
Once the window is installed, the film should be removed. If you don’t remove it, the film will eventually start to peel and look bad.
Reducing Solar Heat Gain
Solar window film rejects up to 80% of the sun’s infrared rays, the main cause of heat build-up in a home or office. This can help keep your space cooler in the summer, reducing the need for air conditioning and resulting in lower energy bills.
Reducing Glare
Glare from the sun can be a major problem, especially when trying to work or watch television. Window film can reduce glare by up to 90%, making your space more comfortable and reducing eye strain.
Blocks UV Rays
The window film blocks UV rays from the sun, preventing your belongings from fading. This is important because UV rays can cause the glass to break down over time and can also fade the materials inside your home, such as curtains, carpets, drapes, and furniture.
Improves Privacy
Tinted window film can make it difficult for people to see into your home or office, providing extra privacy.
Shatter Proofs Glass
If your window does break, window film helps to hold the pieces of glass together. This reduces the risk of injury from flying glass and makes cleaning up easier.
Security
In the event of a break-in, window film can help hold glass shards in place, making it more difficult for intruders to enter your home or office.
Decorative
There are also decorative window films that can add a touch of style to your windows. Not only does it serve a practical purpose, but it can also make the window more attractive.
Mirror One-way Privacy Window Film
This innovative film is reflective on one side, preventing onlookers from peeking while maintaining a clear view from the inside. Not only does it provide an extra level of privacy, but it also adds a modern and sleek touch to any space.
It can even help reduce glare on electronic screens. Plus, its installation is quick and easy.
Prevent Wind Leaks
If your window is broken, the film will help to hold the glass in place and prevent wind and water from entering your home or office. If you live in an area with a lot of wind or rain, window film can also help to keep your windows from leaking.
Soundproofing
Window film can also help to reduce noise levels. This is especially beneficial if you live in a busy area or your home or office is near a loud noise source.
Easy to Clean
The film also makes cleaning the window easier. When dirt and grime build up on the glass, they can be more easily removed from the film than from the glass itself.
Efficient Use of Energy
The film will also make the window more energy efficient by reflecting heat in the summer and trapping heat in the winter. Window film can help keep your home cooler in the summer by blocking UV rays.
So, while the film may be invisible, it’s doing a lot to protect your windows and keep them looking new.
What Films are Used on New Windows, and What Do They Do?
The type of film used on new windows can significantly affect how your home looks and feels. There are two main types of film used on new windows:
- Clear Film
- Tinted Film
Clear film is designed to protect the glass from scratches and other damage.
On the other hand, the tinted film is designed to reduce glare and heat transfer. Also, the tinted film can provide some level of privacy.
New windows are typically coated with a layer of clear film before installation. This helps to keep the glass clean and free of scratches during transportation and installation.
Once the window is in place, a layer of tinted film is often applied. This helps to reduce heat transfer and glare, making the room more comfortable. In some cases, privacy films may also provide additional privacy.
During construction, workers will often apply a layer of clear film to the outside of windows to protect them from damage. This film is typically removed once the job is complete. But, in some cases, the film may be left in place and become a permanent part of the window.
Tinted window film is usually applied after the window is installed. This helps to reduce heat transfer and glare, making the room more comfortable.
Privacy film may also be used to provide an additional level of privacy. Privacy film is usually applied to the inside of the glass and can be clear or tinted.
There is a green version of window film that helps with heat and glare reduction as well.
When shopping for new windows, ask about the type of film used. This can make a big difference in how your windows look and perform.
How to Tell if Windows Have a Film on Them?
The easiest way to tell if your windows have a film on them is to hold a piece of white paper up to the glass. If you can see any image distortion or color change, there is likely a film on your windows.
This film may be clear or tinted. If the film is clear, you may not even notice it’s there.
To remove the film, start by gently peeling it away from the corner of the window. If the film is tinted, you can scrap it off with a razor blade.
Another way to tell is to look for any bubbles or ripples in the glass. These are usually caused by the film shrinking or delaminating.
If you see any of these, the best way to remove the film is to take it to a professional who can safely remove it without damaging the glass.
How to Remove Film from New Windows?
Window film is designed to be durable and long-lasting. But, this film is not permanent and should be removed before it becomes difficult to see through the window.
If the film is not removed, it can cause the window to appear cloudy and make it difficult to see. Besides, the film can cause the window to heat up more than usual, making it uncomfortable to sit near.
Luckily, removing the film is usually a simple process. Most manufacturers include instructions on how to remove the film safely. Once the film is gone, you can enjoy your new windows without worry!
What You Need
- A utility knife or razor blade
- Soap and water
- A squeegee
Instructions
Step 1: Start by using a utility knife or razor blade to score the edges of the film. At a 45-degree angle, cut along all four sides of the window. This will help to prevent the film from tearing when you remove it. The edges should not be cut too deep, and the film’s inside should not be damaged, as it can cause the film to shatter and scratch the glass surface.
Step 2: Next, wet the film with soap and water. This will help to loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove. When removing window film, it’s important to take your time and be careful. Start at one corner and work your way around, so you don’t accidentally tear the film.
Step 3: Use a squeegee to slowly and carefully peel the film away from the window. Start at one corner and work your way around until the entire film is removed.
Step 4: If any adhesive residue is left behind, use soapy water to remove it.
Step 5: Finally, clean the window with glass cleaner to remove any streaks or smudges.
Step 6: Several commercially available window cleaners can help dissolve the adhesive. Just be sure to follow the directions carefully to avoid damaging your windows.
With these simple steps, you can easily remove old window film and keep your windows looking new.
Why Should You Never Use Ammonia to Clean Your Windows?
If you have a film on your windows, it’s important to avoid using ammonia-based cleaners. Ammonia can damage the film and make it harder to remove.
Instead, use soapy water or a glass cleaner to remove window film. These days it is easy to find alternative window film removers that don’t contain ammonia.
They are more efficient and less aggressive. You can find them in any hardware store.
Is It Safe to Install New Windows Without First Having the Film Removed?
It is a little-known fact that many windows come with a thin film. This film is typically clear and almost invisible, but it serves an important purpose: protecting the glass from scratches during shipping and installation.
For this reason, many window manufacturers recommend that the film be left in place until the window is ready to be installed. However, some homeowners choose to remove the film before installation.
While this may save a few minutes of work, it can also increase the risk of breakage. The film helps to hold the glass in place if it is bumped or jostled, so removing it may make the window more vulnerable to damage.
Besides that, the film also helps prevent dust and dirt from entering the window frame, making it more difficult to get a tight seal during installation. For these reasons, it is generally best to leave the film intact until the window is ready to be installed.
The Best Way to Clean Your New Windows and Keep Them Looking Like New
The best way to clean your new windows and keep them looking new is to use a squeegee.
- Wet the blade of the squeegee with warm water.
- Then, run the blade across the surface of the window in a single, smooth motion.
- Start at the top of the window and work your way down. Be sure to wipe the blade of the squeegee clean after each stroke.
- You may need a Window Cleaner with vinegar for stubborn dirt or grime.
- Simply mix one part vinegar with four parts water and spray it onto the surface of the window. Then, use the squeegee to clean as directed above.
- If you have any adhesive residue left behind after removing the film, you can use a Window Cleaner with vinegar to remove it. Simply mix one part vinegar with four parts water and spray it onto the surface of the window.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then use a razor blade or putty knife to scrape away the residue.
- Finally, clean the window with glass cleaner to remove any streaks or smudges.
Enjoy Your Brand-New View!
So next time you notice that strange film on your windows, remember that it’s not just for show – it serves a valuable purpose in keeping your windows looking great and functioning effectively for years to come. This film is not permanent and will eventually wear away over time.
In the meantime, it’s doing a great job protecting your new investment. Let’s just take those films off once the windows are installed so you can enjoy your beautiful view.
Enjoy your new windows, and rest assured that they are well-protected. Thanks for reading!