| Who is Glassmaster?
|
| Glassmaster is an exclusive Distributor of Global
Window Films. Global has been Manufacturing Window Film Products for
25 years and until a few years ago had limited its distribution to the
European and Asian markets. They continue to provide the base material
for many of the domestic converters and have entered the domestic U.S.
market in 1999 through a select number of Distributors. Glassmaster is
proud to handle "ONLY" the Global brand of film for Automotive, Residential
and Commercial applications. |
| How is
Window Film applied to glass?
|
| Window Film has an adhesive on one side which is covered
with a protective liner. A special soap solution is applied to the
glass surface, the liner is removed from the film and then the film is
positioned on the glass surface. The solution will react with the
adhesive and provide a bond to the glass surface. Excess solution is
removed by applying pressure, final trimming/positioning is done and the
film and adhesive is allowed to then dry/set for at least a 24 hour period.
Should there already be a film applied to the glass it will need to be
removed and the glass surface cleaned to remove all contaminates. |
| Can
Window Film be applied to any
surface? |
| Window Film is designed for application to glass
surfaces. Special Films exist for unique surfaces and even for
exterior applications. Check with your Professional Installer to
insure you get the correct film for your desired application. |
| To what extent can
Window Film reduce
heat? |
| The heat rejection property of Window Film
will vary depending on the amount of dye and type of metal manufactured into
the film. Some Automotive films will contain only a dye but most films
contain various amounts and types of metals which give films an extra heat
and light repellant property. The more metal in a film the greater the
amount of heat rejection but this can also create a mirror effect as seen on
many large commercial buildings. There are special "low reflective" films available that can eliminate this
mirror effect and allow you to maintain that special view. It's best
to seek the advice of your Professional Installer in determining what
application best suites your needs. |
| How long
will Window Film last once it is
applied on glass? |
| The life of a Film depends on a variety of
factors such as type of film, orientation of window, elevation, humidity
levels and the sun's intensity. Be sure to check on the Warranty of your
particular application with your Professional Installer. Most
automotive applications now offered are Limited Lifetime
while residential and commercial applications offer 10 Year Limited Warranties.
For residential and commercial applications you should also demand a Glass
Breakage and Seal Failure Warranty. This insurance protects you from
the possibilities of broken glass during and for a period of time after,
application of Window Films to dual pane windows. Most Window Film
Manufacturers will offer this insurance through your Professional Installer
at no extra cost. |
| Is there a
One-Way Film available (for any
time of day)? |
| Films can be layered to provide a "One-Way"
feature. Most Professional Installers can provide this layering but it
will usually void the warranties normally provided. |
| Are
there Films with zero visibility?
|
| There are zero visibility as well as low
visibility films from what the industry calls "Blackout or Whiteout" to
"Frosted or Matte" films. Blackout and Whiteout films cut 100% of the
light while Matte films come in a variety of colors and provide a "ghost
like image" through the films. |
|
Advantages of Window Film Over Tinted Glass? |
| Window Films all provide a greater amount of UV
protection built into the product. The sheet of Film also gives added
strength to the glass and helps hold the glass together when broken.
This "Security" feature of film can help prevent break-ins or in extreme
cases of explosions, will hold the glass together preventing shards of glass
becoming deadly missiles. For "Security" features you will need to ask
for Films in thicknesses greater than standard films of 2 Mil. These
come in standard thicknesses of 4 Mil all the way up to 12 Mil. |
| How is blocking of UV rays helpful? Does it
prevent fading? |
| Global Film is UV stabilized polyester, which can
cut up to 99% of the harmful UV rays that contribute to fading. But it
should be noted that UV rays is only one of the components in the solar
energy spectrum, and the other components such as heat, infrared radiation
and light are also responsible for fading due to sunlight. Your choice
of Film should depend on your location and how these factors impact your
application requirements. Consult with your Installation Professional
for the best product choice. |
| Why are
Films considered energy savers? |
| Whether a Film is applied to your Automobile,
Home or Office its heat reducing qualities reduce the energy required to
color your space. The extent of energy saved
will depend on the type of film used. Consult with your Installation
Professional for the best product choice. |
| Can I install the
Film myself? |
| While we're not talking about rocket science here
it's no different than doing a plumbing job at home i.e. if you don't have
the right tools and a certain amount of experience, you'll end up paying
someone to fix it after you've made an attempt and it'll just cost you that much
more to get it done right. We've all see those cars driving along the
road with huge eye shaped bubbles in the back window. Best to let someone
with experience do it for you. |
| What are the different types of
Film? |
|
Automotive - in Dyed, Hybrid and All Metal Films. All
with a No
Fade to purple Lifetime Warranty
Residential/Commercial - in
Dual Reflective, Neutral, Reflective, Low Reflective, Mattes, Blackout,
Whiteout and all in a
variety of Colors and VLT's
Security - in Clear and Colored from 4 Mil to 12
Mil |
| Does Glassmaster
provide a guarantee against Glass Breakage? |
| Through our manufacturer Glassmaster does provide
this type of insurance on Residential and Commercial applications when
installation is performed by a Professional Installer using a listed Global
Film. Not all films are covered on Dual Pane and Low E windows so be sure and
check with your Installer before making a selection. |
|
Does Film require any special care
after installation and how do I keep the Film clean?
|
| After a 24 hour curing process Global Films will
require no special care after installation. It is however not
recommended that you use any ammonia based products on the Film. If
the ammonia should come in contact with the adhesive, between the window and
the glass, it could neutralize the adhesive. A soft cloth and plain or
mild soapy water is best.
|
| Can I replace my existing
Window Film with
Global? |
| A major advantage of Window Film is that if you
get tired of the color you can have it removed and have a different color
or strength installed. |
| How do I find
a local Professional Installer? |
| You can e-mail us at
admin@glassmasterfilm.com or call
us
at 800-919-5044. As we are constantly adding new installers call
us for the latest listing of those approved installers in your area. |
