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FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

The team at Southeast Solar Defense is happy to answer any questions you may have.

  • Is the film difficult to maintain after installation?

    High quality Maxpro window film and scratch-resistant coatings make cleaning as easy as before.

    Can you apply window film to tinted / Low-E glass?

    Absolutely! You will notice enhanced energy performance from your tinted / Low-E glass windows after installation.

    Can you apply window film to Plexiglas®?

    Yes! Window film can be installed to Plexiglas. However, we do not offer a warranty if the film is installed to plexiglass...

    Do you install window film on the inside or outside of a building?

    Window film is typically installed on the interior side of a window. As it is a finished product, it is best installed after all other nearby construction is complete. If access to the interior side of the window is difficult to obtain, an exterior application can be performed.

    What is window film made of?

    Different polyesters are transformed during the manufacturing process to produce a thin, transparent film that adheres to glass when a pressure sensitive adhesive is activated by a mild solution of detergent free soap and water.

    Will my furniture fade be reduced?

    Absolutely! Furniture / fabric fade is caused by multiple factors. 10% of fading is caused by miscellaneous factors (fabric color, material, etc). 25% is caused by heat. 25% is caused by visible light. And the remaining 40% is caused by UV rays. Maxpro window films can mitigate 90% of the factors that cause furniture / fabric fade.

    Does window film provide privacy at night?

    We carry a variety of Maxpro window films that allow for different levels of privacy, including some that provide privacy at night. However, the privacy that window film provides is highly dependent on the lighting inside and outside of the space. The window film you ultimately select will depend on the amount of privacy and natural light you want in your home or commercial space.

    What is window film made of?

    Different polyesters are transformed during the manufacturing process to produce a thin, transparent film that adheres to glass when a pressure sensitive adhesive is activated by a mild solution of detergent free soap and water.

    For instance, if complete privacy day or night is your primary concern, a decorative film with a frosted finish is a great choice. Decorative Window Films offer a variety of opacity levels, including frosted films that are completely opaque. This would allow for privacy no matter the time of day or level of light. On the other hand, if natural light during the day is important for your space, you may opt for a tinted or reflective film. Tinted window films allow for privacy or reflectivity during the day and allow more natural light into the space than an opaque frosted film. However, tinted films won’t offer any privacy at night if the lights are on inside. Privacy during the day is based on light manipulation, since the greatest light source is inside rather than outside, those outside will be able to see directly inside if the lights are on. Putting spotlights outside directed at the windows could help offer some privacy at night with tinted/reflective films but it will not be absolute as it is during the day.

    Decorative and Privacy Window Films come in a variety of colors, patterns, and opacity levels. Create minimal privacy with a striped pattern that still permits natural light to enter your space. On the other hand, if you’re looking for complete privacy, you might select a frosted film. The opacity of the frosted film will provide privacy to your space no matter the time of day.

    Where can I buy window film?

    There are many window film suppliers and many different product options to choose from when it comes time for you to invest in window film. Due to the wide variety of options available, we recommend first talking to a window film professional that can help you identify exactly what you’re hoping to achieve so that you can select the best window film for your needs.

    Since 2010, Southeast Solar Defense has been serving central Alabama and west Georgia with Maxpro window film products.

    When it comes to window film, we are equipped with the knowledge and expertise necessary to assist customers in finding the perfect film for their space.

  • What is security window film?

    Security window film is a clear film 8-mm or thicker that is applied directly to windows and attaches with a strong adhesive. Because windows are the most vulnerable point of residential or commercial spaces, they can pose many threats to people and property inside. Security window film is used to fortify windows, acting as an extra layer of protection.

    It helps hold glass fragments together and maintain a stronger barrier if a window is broken. This buys extra time to react in the event of an emergency and reduces harm and damage from flying shards of glass.

    How Security Window Film Works:

    A window without security window film applied is easily breakable. For instance, in the event of a break-in, the burglar can easily gain access to your space in seconds by simply smashing the window. With Safety and Security Window Film applied, breaking the glass of windows and doors is a lot more difficult. Due to its anti-fragmentation properties. When glass is struck, instead of shattering and falling to the ground, window film can hold the glass fragments in place.

    These films are available in mirror-like reflective, tinted or, most popularly, optically clear finishes. With security window film, your space is prepared and protected for unexpected events like natural disasters, break-ins, and other dangerous scenarios.

    What is solar window film?

    Solar window film, or sun control window film, is a 2-mm film applied to glass to help combat the negative side effects of the sun, whether that’s glare, solar heat, or fading caused by UV rays. It provides these benefits while still allowing natural light to enter your space. With many different shades of tint to choose from, from nearly transparent and natural-looking to a darker film, you can achieve sun control with solar window film.

    The Benefits of Solar Window Film
    • Rejects up to 97% of Infrared Heat
    • Rejects up to 99.9% of UV Rays
    • Glare Reduction
    • Lower Energy Bills
    • Improved Comfort
    • Decrease Fading, Protect Furnishings

    With solar window film, you don’t have to sacrifice a naturally lit space and outdoor views like you might have to with blinds or curtains. Allow natural sunlight to flood your space, knowing that it’s backed by the power of solar window film. The ability to reject glare and up to 97% of infrared heat leads to both increased occupant comfort and lower energy bills.

    Solar window film rejects up to 99.9% of UV rays. UV rays are responsible for 40% of fading, sunlight contributes 25%, solar heat causes 25%, and about 10% of fading is caused by miscellaneous factors. Maxpro Sun Control Window Films help eliminate UV rays and cut down solar heat and sunlight. This helps to reduce fading of furnishings and even protects occupants from the damage that UV rays can cause to the skin.

    Can window film be removed?

    Window film can be easily removed by professionals. While it might seem like a task you are able to take on yourself, Maxpro window films have strong adhesive properties that attach the film to your glass. This strong adhesive ensures that your window film will perform for years to come, but it also makes it rather difficult to remove the film if you aren’t familiar with the process.

    When your Maxpro Window Film is installed by professionals, you can expect both a high-quality product and a smooth installation process that will leave your windows beautiful for years to come. With a professional installer removing your window film, the process is seamless and simple, and your glass will appear as it was before the installation. In addition to a smooth application and removal process, Maxpro window films are backed by Maxpro’s warranty. This warranty covers the material and labor (removal and application), and protects against the following:

    • Blistering
    • Bubbling
    • Cracking
    • Delamination
    • Discoloration/Purpling
    • Peeling
    • Glass Breakage
    • Seal Failure

    Depending on the type of window film you select, there are different warranties for residential and commercial applications. Maxpro window films are backed by a limited lifetime warranty for residential applications and up to a 10-year warranty for commercial applications.

    How do you clean Window Film?

    Once window film has been installed on your home or office windows, the process to clean window film is simple to maintain clear, beautiful views. Avoid any harsh chemicals including ammonia to clean window film with.

    Keep in mind, it’s important to use soft items like paper towels or microfiber cloths when it comes time to clean window film, as abrasive cleaning agents like bristle brushes could scratch the surface of the film.


    Making Your Own Cleaning Solution:

    While you can certainly use store-bought cleaners such as Windex or Stoner Invisible Glass Premium Glass Spray, you can also make your own window film cleaning solution at home. To create your own window film cleaning solution, you will need the following items:

    • A soft sponge
    • A large bowl or small bucket filled with warm water
    • A squeegee
    • Mild, liquid dish soap
    • A lint-free towel

    Cleaning Process:

    Once you’ve gathered your supplies, to clean the window film, follow these simple steps:

    • 1. Squirt a small amount of dish soap into your bowl or bucket. Then, mix the soap and water until bubbles form.
    • 2. Next, make small, circular motions using the soft sponge. Be careful to avoid too much liquid around the edges of the frame, as this is where the film ends on the glass.
    • 3. Once you’ve applied the solution to the glass, use the squeegee to wipe away excess solution in a straight line, overlapping each stroke as you make your way across the window. This is to avoid streaking once the solution dries.
    • 4. Once you’ve cleaned your windows and wiped off the excess solution with the squeegee, use your lint-free towel to wipe the solution from the bottom of the window frames. If streaking should occur, follow up with a gentle glass cleaner such as Windex.

    Whether you use a store-bought cleaning solution or make your own, it’s important to use a non-abrasive cleaning tool to ensure your film isn’t scratched or damaged. Maintaining beautiful, crystal-clear window film is simple with the proper cleaning process and tools!

    What is the process to install window film?

    Window film is installed to your existing windows, leading to minimal disruption and a seamless application process when done by a professional installer. Once you’ve chosen the right window film for your space, a certified installer from Southeast Solar Defense will apply the film to your existing windows. The steps are as follows:

    Once you’ve gathered your supplies, to clean the window film, follow these simple steps:

    • 1. We prepare the window area by placing drop cloths on the floor and moving surrounding furniture.
    • 2. Next, we clean the window with a water-based solution, scrape off any extra residue with razor blades to ensure that there is no dirt, debris, or dust remaining.
    • 3. Then, we spray down the window once more to ensure the glass is saturated with water.
    • 4. We remove the window film from its backing and spray down the film itself.
    • 5. Next, we apply the film to the glass. A water- based solution is used to apply the film to the glass. We use squeegees and other tools to ensure that the film adheres smoothly to the glass.
    • 6. Window film can be cut directly on the glass or by using a film cutter. This ensures that each piece of film can be customized to your windows.
    • 7. Lastly, we clean the window once more for a finished product.

    While many are tempted to install window film themselves, we recommend that people utilize professional installers like our staff at Southeast Solar Defense. This ensures that the film is installed properly, minimizing bubbles and streaks and allowing for a long-lasting application. Customers also receive a warranty through Maxpro to protect their investment. When installing window film yourself, you will have no warranty for the product. If you should ever want the film removed, we recommend a professional removal as well. To ensure that glass looks good as new once the film is removed, it’s important to let a professional installer do the job. As a Maxpro Authorized Window Film Dealer with 10 years of experience, our team at Southeast Solar Defense is equipped with the knowledge and experience to provide customers with an exceptional application.

    Is window film energy efficient?

    One of the most notable benefits of window film is its ability to improve the energy efficiency of your space. While windows offer natural light, they are also one of the least energy-efficient parts of a space. Window film improves the energy efficiency of your existing glass by blocking the sun’s heat-causing infrared light and UV rays while allowing visible light to brighten your space.

    Many don’t realize that the sun can bring numerous problems such as glare and higher indoor temperatures. An estimated 28% of cooling expenses are due to solar heat gain through windows. In turn, HVAC systems must work hard to maintain a comfortable interior temperature, raising energy bills and shortening the life of your HVAC system. Window film can reject up to 97% of the sun’s infrared heat, up to 99.9% of ultraviolet rays, and reduce glare. In turn, energy bills are reduced, occupant comfort is improved, and years can be added to the life of HVAC systems since they don’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. Best of all, you can expect to see a return on investment from installing window film in as little as 3 years.

    Why Use Window Film?

    Window film is a thin, transparent film that adheres to glass and can be installed on windows in both commercial and residential spaces. There are many reasons why homeowners and business owners choose to use window film to improve the performance of windows, including:

    • Temperature control
    • Improved safety and security
    • UV protection
    • Increased privacy
    • Enhanced aesthetics

    While windows allow for natural lighting and outdoor views, the sun coming through windows can cause hot spots and glare; not to mention, damage from UV rays and solar heat. Window film offers solutions to problems like glare reduction and UV protection, without blocking views of the outside as curtains or blinds would. There are a variety of window film options, each addressing different challenges that windows can pose to a building and its occupants.

    Because of its easy application process, affordability, and the effective solutions it provides, window film is a popular option for both homes and offices where there is a desire to improve safety, minimize glare and solar heat gain, or increase the level of privacy. Also, window film addresses problems that the traditional solution of blinds and curtains may not be able to, such as glare and heat reduction and UV protection. If you’re looking for a way to minimize glare and reduce the fading of furnishings from harmful UV rays, without blocking your view from the window, window film is an ideal solution. By helping to control interior temperatures, window film leads to energy savings. From improved safety and security and sun control to decorative and privacy purposes, window film addresses many problems in a way that blinds and curtains cannot, making it a cost-effective and beneficial solution for residential and commercial spaces.





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