Will applying window film affect my warranty

Window film offers plenty of advantages. From UV blocking to security, window film adds both function and style in residential and commercial spaces. It's easy to apply to existing windows, but it does raise the question of window film and warranty concerns. Will applying window film affect my warranty? The short answer is 'it depends'. Some warranties are void if the seal is lifted to hide the film edge, and this is the number one reason warranties are void. But with the right manufacturer and certified window film installers, window manufacturer warranty worries are not that much of a concern.

Window Film And Warranty Concerns: Why Some Window Warranties Are at Risk

Window manufacturer warranty conditions can be quite strict. And with good reason. It is all too common for an eager DIY enthusiast to think they can do something and then mess up the entire thing. Manufacturers do not want to sit with warranty claims against user error. Modifications to the glass or the frame can be quite limiting.

Common among window tinting is that some installers lift window seals to tuck in film edges for a clean and polished look. This may look great, but there is no longer a guarantee that the seal is still weatherproof. Net result: guarantee void.

Some warranties also exclude coverage if heat-absorbing films are applied to glazing not rated for that level of thermal stress. In these cases, the added heat retention from the film can cause cracks, seal failure, or even glass breakage, leaving the customer liable.

The problem isn't the film itself; it's poor compatibility with the window or improper installation. If the wrong film is used, or if it's applied in a way that alters the window's structure, the window manufacturer's warranty flies, well, out the window. This is why it's essential to understand both your window's warranty terms and the technical requirements of your chosen film and to use only certified window film installers.

How Certified Films and Installers Make a Difference

When it comes to window film and warranty concerns, the installer matters just as much as the product. Certified window film installers are trained to follow manufacturer-approved methods, ensuring the window structure isn't altered in a way that could void your warranty. They know the obvious things, such as not to lift seals, apply incompatible films, or leave gaps that compromise insulation or weatherproofing. But they also know some of the not-so-obvious things the DIYer will not know, which may end up destroying solar film warranty coverage.

Equally important is using a film that's compatible with your specific window type. Reputable manufacturers, like Solar Screen, provide detailed specifications on which glazing types are safe for each film in their range. When the correct film and certified installer come together, window film and warranty concerns drop dramatically.

Some film brands even offer their own warranty coverage to supplement or replace lost manufacturer warranties, provided the installation was done correctly and logged. In short, certification is not just a nice-to-have; it's your best insurance against voided guarantees, making sure solar film warranty coverage is as solid as the day the glazing was installed.

What Solar Screen Guarantees (and What It Doesn't)

Solar Screen offers product-specific warranties across all their products, ranging from 2 years on products like Alu 50 Static, to 12 years on Silver 99 C, and a wide range in between. These warranties cover common issues like bubbling, delamination, discolouration, or adhesive failure. But, as long as compatible window tint and glazing were installed correctly, none of these play a role.

To be eligible, installation must be done by an approved installer, using compatible window tint and glazing, and following all manufacturer guidelines. Maintenance instructions can be seen as either pedantic or obvious, yet, these are vital to ensure the guarantee remains where it should: Secured! Also, a certificate of guarantee must be submitted within 30 days of installation for solar film warranty coverage to be valid. This one can't be skipped.

What's not covered? Pretty much anything outside those parameters. If an uncertified installer fits the wrong film or if the glazing isn't suitable for the product, the window manufacturer's warranty may be void. Likewise, damage from poor cleaning, neglected maintenance, or tampering doesn't qualify. The guarantee protects your investment, but only when the process is followed by the book.

While choosing solar film and window tinting is always a great choice, don't fall into the trap of thinking you can do it cheaper by avoiding certified window film installers. It's never sensible to be penny-wise but pound-foolish. You can protect your investment, and your wallet, by using the right installers who can advise you on compatible window tint and glazing. Over and above doing a great job, they will also do all the necessary paperwork to ensure that the window manufacturer's warranty is not in danger of defenestration.

While Solar Screen's own product guarantee can cover film defects, it does not override or replace the manufacturer's original glass warranty. This is why installer certification is so critical—it connects the dots between product, process, and paperwork.

What About Aftercare?

And after installation? The easy answer: Don't mess with it. The window and the film should be good for years! Clean your windows as per normal, don't use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals. Good ol' soap and water will do just fine.

If you are unsure and have window film and warranty concerns, then ask! Reputable installers will have experts on hand to tell you what you should, and shouldn't, do to maintain tinted and solar film warranty coverage. A little bit of homework now can save a lot of headaches later.

Conclusion: Does Tinting Void Glass Warranty?

The short answer is "it shouldn't". However, it can. Incorrect application of the wrong product can really mess with the window manufacturer's warranty. But using certified window film installers and using compatible window tint and glazing should ensure that the solar film warranty coverage remains uninterrupted.

For more advice on choosing the right film, explore our guide to professional window film installation services, or browse our warranty-compliant window films to find the perfect match for your glazing.