Read below on the factors to consider regarding installing commercial or home window tinting yourself.
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Like with many aspects of home improvements, there isn't a straight answer to this question. Some homeowners swear by do-it-yourself improvements across all aspects and will install their window films. Additionally, there are numerous online tutorials for people DIY installing window films in their homes.
On the other hand, 3M still holds its long-standing position that most of its products should be installed by certified dealers only. So, what gives? Can you install 3M window films yourself?
From our professional point of view, you should leave the work of installing 3M window films to certified dealers.
However, you should consider the various issues surrounding tint window film installations to answer this question. Understanding these issues will help you decide whether you can install the window films yourself.
The issue of complexity of the installation process varies depending on the film you want to install. Obviously, some films are much more DIY-friendly than others. For instance, back in 2015, 3M launched their Ultra-Clear Energy Saving Kit (https://news.3m.com/2015-05-28-New-DIY-3M-Window-Film-Kits-Provide-Cost-and-Energy-Savings) that was optimized for self-installations.
These kits are available in three different shades – Dark, Medium, and Light. Additionally, the kits come with all the tools and installation instructions you need to apply the films effectively. The kits are inherently easy to apply, and when you follow the application instruction correctly and precisely, you'll do a good job.
However, the kit, to be specific, the window film itself, might not meet your particular needs. Because the films and the installation kit are designed and optimized for DIY installation, they're inherently easy to install and equally simple. As such, the self-installation kit might only bear minimal performance relative to what other films designed for professional installations can offer.
In a nutshell, the self-installation kit might not offer energy savings, UV and infrared protection, shutter proofing, security enhancement, or any other enhancement you intend to derive from the window film.
With this in mind, if the DIY kit offers the results you are looking for, by all means, give the self-installation kit a try.
However, if other 3M window films best meet your needs, it's best to leave the film application to professionals. You'll need to pick the right type of window film, taking into consideration:
- Your needs
- Window type, size, shape and orientation, the outdoor/indoor temperature
- The outdoor and indoor shading
You cannot discern these considerations if you don't have the extensive training and experience of 3M distributors. Additionally, 3M dealers have access to all of the proprietary tools 3M uses to ensure every window film installer performs to the highest standards possible.
As you can appreciate, unless you use a self-installation kit, you'll be best served by letting your local dealer install the window film.
Many homeowners may be interested in making some savings on the labor cost associated with installing the window films. At first, it might seem like you're indeed saving money. However, you'll realize that you're hardly making any savings by installing the window film as a DIY project on closer inspection.
For starters, you'll likely waste a lot of valuable material. With little to no experience installing window films, you'll not have the knack to determine the perfect size for every window.
There is also the risk of choosing an incompatible window film that will not meet your needs. Incompatible films are susceptible to installation defects such as bubbling and peeling. Finally, an incompatible window film is likely to strain the window, causing cracking and other forms of damage that will only cost a lot to replace the windows.
You're thinking of installing window films to achieve a specific goal – energy efficiency, UV and IR shading, or improved security and safety. However, you cannot negate the fact that the primary function of windows is to provide an unobstructed view of the outside.
The quality of artistry is essential to ensure you don't spoil your view. This is where the comparable quality of workmanship between a DIY installation and a professional installation comes to play. Naturally, an experienced window film installer who has accrued valuable experience installing 3M window films will do an excellent job.
For instance, our installation personnel are well trained to determine the perfect size for the window film. We consider the type of film applied, the type of glass the film is applied to, the window orientation, and even the particular climate in your area.
Ultimately, when you DIY install 3M window films, you're taking a chance that you might do a good job. On the other hand, a professional installation job is most likely to yield the best results possible regarding performance and appearance. The quality workmanship that characterizes professional installation will ensure your films last longer and without experiencing performance degradation prematurely.
When 3M designs and manufactures products, they're designed to operate within specified limits, including installation specifications. The installation process must meet the manufacturer's stipulated standards for the product to perform as intended.
With the above in mind, many 3M products require a professional to install the films to retain the warranty. One must be trained and certified in installing the films to meet stringent installation requirements, thereby ensuring the products function as intended. Many 3M window films are backed by a 15-year warranty when installed by certified personnel.
On the other hand, DIY installations are typically backed by an extensive warranty. In some cases, a DIY installation may void the warranty completely. With this in mind, while you can install your 3M window films, it is probably not a good idea if you want the films backed by an extensive warranty.
When Different Types Of Solar Window Film And Security Window Film are Installed Properly
The following positives can occur:
In general, it is better to leave the work of installing 3M windows to professionals. While a DIY installation is possible, it will not yield the desired or expected results. Suppose you want the highest return on your investment and durability of your window films while protecting your windows and view. In that case, you should contract a professional window film installer to do the job.
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