Window film provides specific personal and property protection from the effects of the sun, as well as added safety and security in the events that result in broken glass. It can also be used as a decorative glass addition, adding character and style to any given space. There are many types and constructions of solar control, safety and decorative window films. In their simplest forms, window films are composed of a polyester substrate to which a scratch resistant coating is applied on one side; a mounting adhesive layer and a protective release liner is applied to the other side. When the release liner is removed, the side of the film with the adhesive is applied to the interior surface of the glass.

Typically window films are applied to the interior surface of your windows.There are window films designed to be applied to the exterior of your windows for special circumstances, such as limited access to the interior surface or triple-pane windows.

The effective life of window film will vary by the type of film, type of glass, window construction, compass orientation of glass, and in which part of the world the building is located. All quality window films for residential and commercial use are warranted by the film manufacturer. There are documented cases of film lasting 12 to 22 years, or more in some instances.

Windows with film applied are easily cleaned without damage to their appearance as long as a few common-sense guidelines are followed:

1. Use a soft clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge.
2. Use a soft cloth for drying the window.
3. Use any ammonia free glass cleaning solution that contains no abrasive materials.

The availability of scratch-resistant coatings as a standard feature of quality films has virtually eliminated the need for extra special precautions in cleaning.

In most cases, if a house plant is already receiving adequate light the use of window film will not harm it. New growth or flowering may be delayed and, for a few days, a plant may go into a state of shock while it adjusts to the light change. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with film installed. Although there are some obvious guidelines in determining what effect, if any, window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter coloured ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation: Move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you as to whether a particular plant needs maximal or minimal light.