By Paul Bianchina
Q: My wife and I want to put a film on the windows of our house, but what we've seen look like the ones that go on your car, with all the little bubbles in it. Can you suggest something better? --John W.A: There are literally dozens of different types of tinting films available, depending on what you want to accomplish. Some films are used to block heat from coming through the window in warmer climates, while others are used to keep heat in the house in colder climates. Films can be used to lessen UV rays to protect furniture from fading, or they can be used to provide privacy by keeping those on the outside from looking in while those on the inside can still look out.
Your best bet would be to contact a local glass company and discuss the various options with them. They'll be able to either do the work for you or recommend someone who can, and most will sell you the materials if you want to undertake the project yourself. As to the bubbles you saw, that is typically the result of either poor preparation or poor installation - or both. Window films are not particularly difficult to apply, but you need to make sure the glass is clean and not too hot, and you need to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Incidentally, some types of film can trap so much heat in the glass that it can damage the insulated glass seal, and thereby void the warranty on the window. Be sure to discuss this with the glass company when selecting film for your particular installation.
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