Living and working in Colorado has shown us that the weather is always unpredictable. In one day, we can experience freezing mornings, warm afternoons and leave work in the snow. With the weather constantly fluctuating, glass windows tend to fracture more so than windows that are in a stable climate. This phenomenon is known as thermal stress and is very common in our industry. Thermal stress is created when one area of a pane gets hotter than an adjacent area.
Should this stop you from getting your home or office windows tinted?
Our answer is, absolutely not! Thermal stress is dependent on the weather and the position of the sun, however there are other factors to take into account. Our installer obtained his Master Accreditation through the International Window Film Association (IWFA), in order to be more knowledgeable about such factors. Here, at All American Window Tinting, Inc., we offer free estimates for the purpose of offering our expertise on what film to use for your windows. The different variables that we take into account vary from; if there is an overhang from the building, structure of the building, outside foliage shading, interior shading from blinds, the details of the internal heating systems, the size of mullions, colors of sealant(resilient or hardened), low-e coatings(the surface of the coating), the way the windows face and the location of the building. It is also important to keep in mind that glass that has chipped edges or was damaged in fabrication are subjected to a greater risk of thermal stress.
What happens if my glass breaks?
Window film manufacturers and installers are aware of thermal shock fractures, and warranty the glass from thermal shock from their product. If a thermal shock fracture does occur, a claim is made through the installer, submitted the manufacturer, and if approved, replaced. This process can seem daunting and overwhelming, however the benefits of window film (such as reducing glare and heat, offering privacy and/or rejecting harmful UV rays) outweigh such concerns. Contact All American Window Tinting, Inc., to have a professional installer evaluate your window system.
