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Buying on price alone is not good practice!

21/7/2014

We get the odd call, enquiring about the cost of tinting, based on a square meter price. No other questions asked.

This is ok, if you want something that last a little while and you don't care about performance or endurance.

However, if you are after a product that offers good performance and will last the distance, you should ask a few questions. The surprise could be that you get a vastly superior window film for the same cost as a cheap dyed tint from somewhere else.

Buyer beware!

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You can't win them all!

2/4/2014

2 Comments

Window film can do many things, but like anything, has its limitations.

With advances in glass manufacturing, new challenges emerge and unless we keep up with these developments, we risk to break your glass! With this in mind, you have to ensure the people you call and give you advise with window tinting are up to date with their knowledge.
As customer, you may have to get more than one opinion and respect the outcome, as long as the "expert" knows what he or she is talking about.
The most common issue we come across is the use of laminated glass. Unlike tempered or toughened glass, laminated glass does not always have a stamp to identify it. Unfortunately, it comes down to the consultant to establish the glass type and sometimes people forget to look at this crucial aspect.
In order to avoid conflict down the track, the client needs to be told of the risk of glass breaking, due to thermal stress at the time, not later. This risk depends on the film type used and can vary from low to very high. The lowest risk is with film with a low heat absorption, placed on glass with clean edges. As the glass is in the frame, the edge condition is impossible to assess and therefore, the risk increases. At Hamilton Window Tinting, you will be informed about the likelihood of anything that may be risky.
The other week, we installed a film to a commercial building with laminated glass. The owners were informed of the risk the film would pose (low) and had the installation done. Within a couple of weeks, we got a call from the project manager, saying that one pane cracked. The glaziers blamed the film straight away, of course! Prior to changing the glass, I asked the project manager to be present when the glass was removed and examine the edges, where the crack started. I told him, that with 99% certainty, there would be an edge flaw. And was there? You bet!
The glaziers apparently were quiet after that.....
Here is my point: Care needs to be taken at every stage of the window tinting process. If we did not identify the glass and pointed out the risk, the client would have been very upset and trying to get us to pay for the glass and the replacement film. As it was, the glass company installing the original glass was held liable.
So, deal with people specialising in flat glass, not automotive, because the skill set is completely different. (Unless you want a car tinted of course)

2 Comments

Frosted film, the smart way to get complete privacy

31/10/2013

2 Comments

Frosted film is the ideal way to create both day and night time privacy, without losing the light. We often leave a small clear border to make it look smarter.
The film blocks most of the UV, diffuses glare and holds the glass in place, should it break.
We use Avery Etch to ensure the film will not shrink back over time, a common problem with many other brands.
You will find using this method is much cheaper than replacing the glass.

2 Comments

Buying on price alone is not good practice!

You can't win them all!

Frosted film, the smart way to get complete privacy

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