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Installing Window Film on Insulated Glass
By: Danny Lipford 
I’m considering putting a heat resistant film over my double pane windows but was told not to since it could blow the seals. Is this true? -Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
Some window manufacturers do not recommend installing heat blocking window film on their insulated glass windows due to concerns that it could cause the inner pane of glass with the film to heat up more than the outer pane. This may result in the two panes of glass expanding at different rates, which could lead to a break in the seal between them or even crack the glass.
The larger the window, the greater the chance a problem could occur. Some types of window film cause less heat to build up than others, so check with the manufacturer to see which ones they recommend for insulated glass.
Also, be aware that applying heat blocking window film to insulated glass may void the warranty on your window, so be sure to check with the window manufacturer first. The warranty provided with some window films is meant to act as a replacement for the coverage that came with the window.
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2 Comments on “Installing Window Film on Insulated Glass”
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May 31st, 2011 at 9:48 pm
Your correct, I’ve been in the Window Business for 25 yrs and can’t begin to tell how many service issues I looked at for seal failures with film over glass. The heat builds up and breaks the seals around the metal spacer bar. Bottom-line it voids the warranty. Ok on single pane only.
October 15th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
There are a vast number of film varieties that are perfectly safe for application to dual-pane sealed window units that not only block a large amount of heat and 99% UV, but many are even barely noticeable and that DON’T VOID a window warranty. The issue of window failure and warranty issues occurs when an inexperienced or untrained window film installer applies an improper film (usually one that is too dark and retains too much heat). It is perfectly SAFE and NOT against warranty to install the CORRECT window film on an IG window unit.