Post-installation security window film maintenance and care is a keen consideration for many people. It’s important to ensure your security window film is well taken care of, following installation to keep it looking good and in excellent condition for many years to come.
This is how you can look after your security window film and what to expect during the curing process post-installation.
1)Drying Times
Immediately after installation, it’s possible to see haziness or fogginess as a result of moisture underneath the film. The trapped moisture may resemble small pockets of water, but this is expected and present in many window film installations.
Fortunately, this isn’t a cause for concern, for it will disappear after a few days, depending on the weather conditions. Drying time can vary depending on the application and can run from several days to up to 6 months.
Cold weather and the type of window film you choose will affect the length of drying time, however, any moisture eventually dissipates without compromising its effectiveness in protection. Due to levels of humidity and air circulation, expect interior windows to take significantly longer to cure than a window that receives natural sunlight.
Depending on whether one or more of these factors are present, the required amount of drying time may be extended. Eventually however, window films will always certainly dry out.
2)Cleaning
It’s important to remember to wait at least 30 days before cleaning your windows, following security window film installation. This provides enough time for the security window film to bond and ensures you do not damage or lift the edge of the film while cleaning.
It’s vital that care should be taken not to use any abrasive cleaning materials or sharp objects to clean the window, as window film is less porous than glass. Soft cloths or chamois should be used to wipe off cleaning solution rather than paper towels, to avoid scratches in the film.
A simple and suitable cleaning solution of dishwashing detergent and water will suffice for most pollutants, while ammonia based or other strong cleaning products should be avoided. It’s also wise to make sure to use separate cleaning materials, when washing exterior and interior windows at the same time, as water used for exterior washing could contain particles that will scratch the window film.
3)Maintenance
Window film maintenance is barely required but there are a few ways that you can keep your film looking new for many years to come. Applying a silicone polish on interior films can help provide a radiant surface to the film, while providing protection against unexpected scratching or burnishing.
Before your window film installation begins, it’s also a good idea to make note of any cracked panes or broken window seals. Be sure to make note and discuss any imperfections in the glass such as scratches with your consultant.
It’s important to note that any stickers or alarm tape must be removed from the window during installation to ensure a proper bond.
4)Small Particles
Window film installations can often be carried out in uncontrolled environments, where dust particles can become trapped between the window film and glass.
It’s important to remember that this is impossible to avoid and small particles of dust will inevitably be trapped underneath your new film. You can be rest assured that your newly installed security window film has already been thoroughly cleaned and that any dust particles trapped was unavoidable by your installer. These small dust particles, however, will not be noticeable under normal viewing conditions and will not affect the performance of your new security window film.
To reduce the likelihood of dust being trapped behind the laminate during the installation process, be sure to close off any air vents such as fans and air conditioners near windows that are being laminated.
It’s also recommended that you avoid dusting, cleaning or vacuuming on the day prior to installation.
If you’re looking to install security film in Melbourne, Cleargard Melbourne is proud to be the leading source for high-quality glass security window film across Australia. For affordable home security, get in touch to find out more about how our simple 3-step security film installation will ensure your property’s glass is protected and secured.
