Why discuss Top 5 Home and Business Window Tinting Mistakes? ClimatePro has been applying window tint and film to San Francisco Bay Area home and business windows for more than 40 years now, so we don’t hesitate a nanosecond in laying claim to being experts in the craft. But don’t just take our word for it—know that our window film partner, world-renowned manufacturing company 3M™, has tapped us as one of their “Platinum” window film dealers in the Bay Area. This elite designation recognizes us for delivering the highest quality window film, superior window film application, and exceptional customer service.
We relish this recognition and are proud of our expertise, but we are also human, which means that we haven’t always delivered perfection and have sometimes made a couple of mistakes during this long venture. While such errors in delivering perfection are rare, learning from mistakes is a key element of developing experience and honing expertise in any field. Just consider these adages:
“The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.”
“Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.”
“Making mistakes simply means you are learning faster.”
The bottom line is “to err is human”, and making mistakes represents an integral part of the learning process. Of course, one can learn from other people’s mistakes too.
And with that in mind, we’re glad to share our 40-plus years of knowledge-building to help you avoid some of the more common pitfalls in window film application, or otherwise give you tips for ensuring a mistake-free job. These five tips for avoiding window tinting mistakes are applicable for both residential or commercial window tinting jobs.
Herein, the top 5 home and business window tinting mistakes:
Neglecting to Vet the Window Film Product or Service Provider
“Buyer beware” is a warning applicable to any product or service you seek, so failing to carefully appraise window films and/or window tinting companies represents a case of consumer negligence. While there are reputable, big-name manufacturers of window film, such as 3M™, literally hundreds of other companies manufacture, or otherwise offer, window film—some of which might be of dubious quality. Likewise, there are many reputable residential and commercial window tinting companies like ClimatePro, with a stellar reputation backed by years of experience. But there are far more fly-by-night outfits, or small renovation companies and contractors, who offer the service as an add-on despite the lack of any real experience.
We repeat, “buyer beware,” and strongly encourage you to conduct a thorough review of window film products and/or window tinting companies. Word of mouth is a good place to start, and if you have friends, family, and/or co-workers who can vouch for a particular window tinting company, or can wax poetic about the benefits of the window film used on their home or business, that is a great start. Check out reviews on Yelp, Google, and Angie’s List, and don’t hesitate to ask window tinting companies for personal references. If a salesman encourages you to purchase a specific window film, ask where you can learn more information about the product. And, if such information is not easily forthcoming, don’t ignore any emerging sense of skepticism about the product.
Failing to Examine Warranty Terms
When hiring a professional window film company such as ClimatePro, make sure your window film comes with warranty protection. If your chosen window film, or professional window tinting company, does not offer warranty protection, then they are not standing behind their product, and/or, with regard to professional window tinting companies, the quality of their work.
We stand by our work and our window film products and thus offer the most comprehensive warranty protection in the business. But this should be a given no matter what window film product you choose or which window film service provider you might hire. Window film warranties aren’t like describing rocket science, but make sure you read all the print, both big and small, make sure it makes sense, and try to determine whether the company has a solid history in honoring their warranties. To learn more about window film warranties, refer to our warranties blog post—“Everything You Need to Know About Window Tinting Warranties in the SF Bay Area.”
Choosing the Wrong Window Film Type and Tint
There are literally hundreds of different window film types and tints to choose from, and, given its longevity, you want to make sure that you choose the perfect window film for your needs and tastes. First off, carefully consider exactly what you want your window film to provide for your living or workspace. Are you looking for:
- UV protection?
- Fade reduction?
- Heat reduction?
- Privacy?
- Security?
- Decoration?
- All of the above?
Once you’ve narrowed down your window film objectives and found the product that meets your specific needs, consider how you want it to look, from both the inside and out. Figure out the extent to which the window film might affect the brightness or darkness of the space, and how those factors might change based on time of day and/or weather conditions (cloud cover, etc.). Also, determine how the film might change the contrast of your view outside. Depending upon the film, it might be like putting sunglasses on your windows, or, inversely, might make outside spaces appear brighter.
Once you’re happy with your inside-looking-out option, consider how the film might change the look of your windows on the outside. That silver-tinted reflective film might look pretty cool in the showroom, but carefully consider how it might it affect the overall look of your home or business.
Cleanliness Is Akin to Godliness in Relation to Successful Adhesion
When hiring a professional company such as ClimatePro for your residential or commercial window tinting job, know that a crucial component in a successful window film application is clean windows. We’re talking “pristine”—as in smudge-free, dust-free, streak-free, fingerprint clear, no spots, and so clear that you might not realize that you’re looking through a window. If the company you are hiring isn’t committed to making those windows look like new, your window film application might not perfectly adhere to the window(s) and might lead to a subpar job or to any number of problems in the years to come. At the very least, you might notice that errant streak or junior’s fingerprints for years to come, given that such mars on the glass cannot be washed once covered by window film.
Oh, and don’t use harsh chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners to make those windows pristine, as many such products can leave a chemical residue on the glass surface that may inhibit proper adhesion. Instead use hot water and mild liquid soap, followed by thorough rinsing to ensure a residue-free surface.
Failing to Be Precise in the Application
Carpenters live by the adage of “measure twice and cut once,” and anyone applying window film needs to abide by that adage, too. Taking precise measurements before application is a key component of successful home and business window tinting installation. While a 16th-of-an-inch gap by the sill may seem unnoticeable while applying window film, trust us, it will be noticeable . . . for years to come.
Your window film installer should also precise in squeegeeing out the bubbles and excess water from just-applied film—pressure should be applied against every square inch of the film. Note that freshly applied window film often displays bubbles and blistering, but this is a natural part of the curing process. As long as the installer precisely squeegeed the film upon application, the bubbles and blistering will disappear within a week or so.
Learn More About Window Film Application from the SF Bay Area Experts
To learn more tricks and tips about successful window film applications for homes and businesses, contact the San Francisco Bay Area’s window tinting experts—ClimatePro. With 40 years in the business, we know everything about window films and proper application of home and business window tinting. With offices in North Bay, San Francisco, and San Jose, you can contact us today at (707) 569-9098 to help deliver your window film solutions.
