Residential FAQ
What is window film?
Window Film is a low-cost, high-return energy conservation measure made of micro-thin layers of film combined with high performance coatings that bond to the glass surface.
Window film is rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and has the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.
What is my payback?
Though they provide similar energy savings, window films are much cheaper to install than replacement window – about 5-10% of the cost. Therefore, the capital investment is much lower for window film. They also help reduce cooling costs. Every house is different – see how much you could save on your home!
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Is window film disruptive to install?
Most windows can be filmed in 15 minutes with minimal or no disruption to building occupants.
Does the film go on the outside or the inside?
Inside, to protect it from the weather.
Will window film darken the interior of my home?
No. Vista Window Film will maintain the natural colors of your interior spaces. With less need for draperies, curtains, blinds, and shades, rooms may actually brighten significantly.
Does window film help reduce the heat in a room when the sun comes shining through?
Yes. Up to 75% of the heat is rejected by Vista Window Film. You need not be afraid of installing beautiful windows for fear of too much heat.
Can window film help reduce the glare on my television and computer screens?
Absolutely. Window film reduces glare and helps eliminate eye fatigue.
What’s the warranty?
We offer a one-time transferable limited lifetime warranty against bubbling, peeling, discoloring and delaminating for as long as you own and live in the home. The manufacturer offers a three-year seal failure warranty and a five-year glass breakage warranty depending on the original warranty left over from the manufacturer.
An optional Gold Warranty plan can also be purchased to match your window manufacturer’s warranty.
What are my film options?
You can see a chart of film specifications here, though you may prefer to speak with our installation experts on what film would be best for you.
How do you clean the windows?
You may clean them as usual, though we recommend against using any abrasive cleaners or sharp tools that might scratch the film. Due to the polyester coating, a soft, clean, damp cloth will often wipe off most things, but for anything else, adding a capful of vinegar and a few drops of dish soap to some water should take care of it.
Will the film scratch?
All of our films have the highest quality scratch-resistant coatings, but sharp metal objects could scratch the film.
What about my plants?
Film has been shown to actually improve conditions for some plants by removing ultraviolet light that can burn them. There are, however, some guidelines in determining what, if any, effects window film will have on a plant. A simple test you can perform is to merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs more maximal or minimal light.
Will the film change my view?
Yes, the film will actually enhance your view by reducing the glare.
What does the film do during the winter?
Window film doesn’t just keep the heat outside during the summer, but it can help keep the heat inside during the winter. Therefore, you benefit in heating bills as well as cooling bills. The film will also slightly increase your winter median u-value. The insulating power of our new Enerlogic® film makes your single pane window perform like a duel pane and duel pane window perform like a triple pane window.
Will the film bubble, peel, crack or discolor?
No, but should this ever happen, the film is warrantied against all these factors. The film has a CDF adhesive system (patented), so the film actually chemically bonds to the window.
Can the film be removed?
Yes, the film may be removed; however, due to the chemical bonding that takes place with the CDF adhesive system, the removal will take some effort.