Why You Should NEVER Tint Your Dual Pane Windows

[@frankhricak2898]

It’s all about absorption rate of the window film. Windows have declined in quality over the last 10 years. The most common cause of seal failure, and or glass breakage is due to poor quality. Window films can be installed on Double Pane Windows. It all depends on what films are being installed. Darker, non reflective window film absorbs heat instead of reflecting it. This causes expansion. An absorption rate of 50% or under is usually the safest. A professional window film dealer also provides a warranty against glass breakage or seal failure when the proper film is installed. Knowledge is key. Less than 1% of windows that were filmed have issues. Considering that 5/10% of in tinted windows will fail by themselves. Like previously mentioned…. Low quality windows.

[@gregcorwin8316]

"Windows have declined in quality over the last 10 years. The most common cause of seal failure, and or glass breakage is due to poor quality." And you base your statement on??

[@THISIT-rd7jm]

@@gregcorwin8316 You get what you pay for fyi, there are many high quality windows and doors you just have to pay for the quality $$$$$

[@justabear8117]

Could you put the tint on the exterior of a dual pane window to avoid trapping heat?

[@patricknelson]

Yeah, but it'll just peel/bubble _far_ sooner (weather with rain, wind, ice, etc) and it may be very hard to get to to apply the film in the first place.

[@RemainingMonk27]

Most definitely. Get exterior window film, after cleaning the window, spray it with soapy water and squeegee the soapy water out. Apply exterior silicone to the edges to keep the film in place and your set. Most of the time bubbling and film failure comes from poor prep work and poor quality film.

[@sunstarsmoon]

@@RemainingMonk27 I am using decorative vinyl film on the inside glass, with dual pane. Now I'm freaking out because I need it for privacy and to let the light in. So you are saying I can apply a reflective film on the OUTside glass, to prevent a situation with the seals? Does the decorative vinyl film on the INside hurt anything anyway? It's not reflective, just like a sheer curtain.

[@dlloyd6300]

@@sunstarsmoon cant speak to the interior, butu you should have no problem with heat pockets if the film is exterior.

[@milkncookie]

Thanks for the heads up. Will remove tint before calling for the warranty.😂

[@THISIT-rd7jm]

Unfortunately, heat causes window tint to leave molecular biomarkers embedded in the glass. There is specialized testing equipment placed on the glass that can detect if the window had tint. Maybe if this was 1980 your plan would work, Lol

[@StaYUTI420]

@@THISIT-rd7jm I don't believe anything you said there but I have no evidence to contest it.

[@andyg1443]

⁠@@THISIT-rd7jmYeah like anyone is going to bring that equipment to warranty a window replacement claim lmao….you’re reaching bro.

[@MathB_Official]

this may be a stupid question but why not tint the outside only?

[@joes3534]

You can. But be ready to replace it every month due to direct heat and wind damage.

[@digdug8]

Films with a Total Solar Energy Absorbed (TSEa) of 54 or less (

[@gen-X-trader]

hey, thanks for this. i had been researching films for smaller low e windows in my home, 36x60 mostly shaded and took your recommendation after reading up on it. i found a 53% TSE film i like and almost bought a 76% before i read your comment. i also noticed the solar heat reflected on this 53% TSE film is only 13%. really glad i read what you said and looked into it before purchase

[@JacquelineStGermaine]

I got some tint for my windows and I read all the instructions. They stated not to use on dual pane windows. But It didn't say why. so I wanted to know . Your video is the only one that explains why. Thank you so much you saved me 425.00 times 4. Ill sell my roll of tint to someone else .

[@makers_lab]

In my tests, applying on the outside is the most effective so I opt for that where I can at home. Years ago I had a company fit decent film inside our office building, and while it worked for UV, I was shocked one day to find just how hot the DG window unit and film itself was in comparison to a window without film. The glass and film were heating up and the windows were becoming like panel radiators, which in hindsight made sense. On the outside, with IR rejected before it hits any glass, the result is substantially cooler windows as a whole.

[@beermilkshake]

Thanks for this. I have double-glass windows and I was thinking of using tinted film to keep out the summer heat. Are you saying that it will work so long as I put the film on the outside of the window?

[@makers_lab]

​@@beermilkshake It will definitely help. I put some on a UPVC sash window a few days ago, fully covering the upper unit, and covering most of the bottom unit but leaving a section at the bottom still to do for now. I'm getting nearly a 10 degree C difference at the bottom of the sash window that isn't fully covered vs the one that's fully covered when they're in afternoon sun, and the glass behind the film barely feels warm compared to the glass at the bottom of the partially covered unit. If you're within a few feet of a window you'll also get a fair amount of UVA, so adding film is good for the UV cutting ability too, which I verified as working with my glasses that react to UV. I've no idea how long the film will last, but I'm sure long enough for the UK summer :) I spent maybe 15 to 20 minutes smoothing each sheet of film to really get the water out well, plus checking after just in case more bubbles showed that I hadn't caught. Very pleased with how it came out.

[@sunstarsmoon]

For dual pane, can you put a decorative vinyl film on the inside glass? I use it for privacy and to let the light in.

[@maryfa4254]

Thank you, no one else's video gives us this information

[@Boomkelly]

I enjoy your videos. Any chance you can do one about the different options as far as glass coatings or gases.

[@americanwindowconcepts5510]

I have one based on that exact topic. I’ll make another one soon though.

[@stefaniestrickler3538]

Does this concept apply to "non-tint" heat-reduction films as well? For example, frosted films placed on the interior of dual-paned windows? (Thank you for your videos, I've learned a ton!)

[@lblumhagen6659]

I have the same question as @stefaniestrickler3538. I live in Spain where the sun is relentless in the summer. The kitchen windows in my apartment (rental) are dual-paned with frosted glass on the interior, which is a great look most of the year as it allows in plenty of aesthetically-pleasing light, yet offers privacy from my next door neighbor. However, it does not offer any heat protection during the middle of the day when outdoor summer temps are extreme! It gets SO HOT!! I certainly do not want to cause harm to my landlord's property by installing heat-reduction film! I've been trying to find a temporary way to mitigate this problem without resorting to curtains or blinds, which are also problematic since I cannot drill into the surrounding floor to ceiling tiles which are installed throughout the kitchen.

[@sunstarsmoon]

I really need this answered! Just left a comment asking too.

[@susanehrlich9292]

@@lblumhagen6659I gavdd ed the same issue. I am in a rental in Paris and the heat from the sun through my double pants kitchen window is horrible. Trying to find some way to mitigate this.

[@artolivas8548]

What are your thoughts on security film?

[@invantix]

My sliding door is reflecting in a streak onto my deck that moves with the sun. It actually melted part of a chair. Is there something safe to put on there that will not cause issues?

[@omarv5160]

Is there such a thing as windows with built-in tint? IE if you have double pane glass windows, do they make windows that have the tint installed on the inside of the outermost pane?

[@KGjames]

Not really, there is dyed glass but it’s not as effective as window tint nor is solar ban. If you’re very concerned have it installed on the exterior. But any company installing tint should know what is safe and what isn’t for your glass. This video is false in that applying tint causes no more seal failure than you’re already at “risk” for.

[@gregcorwin8316]

To clarify, even though some LowE coatings can be tinted (usually for extreme solar heat gain and glare environments) tinted glass and LowE coated glass are not the same thing. However to make it more confusing, there are also tinted LowE coatings but these are generally less commonly used except in more extreme conditions. In the case of a tinted LowE a specific metal oxide would be added to the "coating stack" during coating application to achieve the desired tint. The vast majority of windows produced today have a LowE coating (tinted or not) applied to glass surface 2 (inside the outermost pane). That coating might have a green or purple or even blue hue in the right lighting conditions, but that doesn't mean that the glass is tinted. The hue is related to the "coating stack" and it's based on solar blocking properties of the coating. If you see windows that have a green hue for example, that generally means that there are three layers of silver in the coating. Glass is tinted by adding metals to the liquid glass during manufacture - cobalt for blue glass, chrome for green glass, gold for bright red glass, so on. These colors are part of the glass structure and are permanent. The most common tints used for windows are gray and bronze, but other colors are used as well. Tinted glass is not great for blocking solar heat gain, but can be used to block solar glare. It's not uncommon to find dual pane windows with one lite being clear glass with LowE coating applied and the other lite being bronze or gray tinted. In most respects using the clear coated lite exterior and tinted interior makes the most sense, but architects and designers often switch that for aesthetic considerations. In many cases the glass is tempered because tempered glass is much more resistant to heat stress than ordinary annealed glass, and when using tinted glass and coated glass the window is going to be HOT, and breakage is a real possibility. Solarban is one example of a LowE coating. Solarban has about a half dozen different variations such as SB70 (triple silver coating, or SB60 (dual silver coating). Apples to apples LowE coatings are more effective for energy performance than aftermarket films, but films are a good choice for improving the performance of any uncoated windows, single or dual pane. Also adding a film to a window that has a LowE coating can help boost the performance of that window simply because sometimes more is better. As mentioned previously, many film manufacturers do include a warranty against breakage when film is added to a LowE coated window.

[@jonathanpineda7980]

The lack of knowledge on window films in this video is mind boggling.

[@Castigar48]

how so

[@jonathanpineda7980]

@@Castigar48 I have a window tinting company. There are several films made and approved for dual pane glass. This video is 🧢

[@Castigar48]

@@jonathanpineda7980 im looking for blackout film. What reccomend

[@kayashimz]

Exactly what I thought if solar film is being used. Solar film is applied on the exterior side of the window reducing the amount of heat transferred inside of the building. Hence why no heat is trapped between the exterior glass and the space in between. Sure, it has some downsides, but that's why consultations are important.

[@brad2548]

Can you please explain what you mean ? Is there some kind of plastic film that can be rolled on with water that wont cause seal damage between the two panes ? Doesn't necessarily have to be reflective, nor full size of window but something that blocks viewing in but resident can see out up to 18 inches or 2 ft. Not the whole window.🤔😖

[@AmericanNuke54]

So what your saying is, if you have dual pane glass, and your room gets too hot in the summer, tough luck?

[@americanwindowconcepts5510]

No, not tough luck, get dual pane glass units with high performance LowE.

[@KGjames]

@@americanwindowconcepts5510low-e keep heat from escaping your home. The actual term is low-emissivity. This is just bad advice. Call your local SelectPro Dealer and ask about tints. Most of them are more than safe for dual pane units and cause no more seal failure than the untreated unit.

[@KGjames]

It’s not tough luck. I replied down below. But call a local SelectPro dealer. I’m in Canada but I would be happy to help from afar. (We deal with dual pane and triple pane far more than you, our friends south of the border)

[@youngwolfaxl]

@@KGjames where in Canada? I am looking to install film on triple pane windows.

[@yourspeedyretirement]

what if you put the tint on the outside facing of the glass? Same problem?

[@seanyahn7158]

Good question, the answer is no, but if you put it on the outside, the sun and heat will take its toll quicker that normal. I’d ask a tint person what their thoughts are on that.

[@frankhricak2898]

They have exterior films. Made to withstand the elements. Of course longevity is less but it does work.

[@KGjames]

“Tint guy” here lol the exterior products are durable and I’ve seen ours last 20+ years. But interior films are safe on dual pane units. I usually avoid high absorbing films and stay with the reflective or dual-reflective line ups. Sometimes homeowners still choose the high absorbers but even with those the risk is low. Just slightly higher than the reflective and dual reflective films.

[@yourspeedyretirement]

Thank you!@@KGjames

[@malwads1836]

​@@KGjamesThank you for clarifying about interior films on dual pane windows...I recently bought several big rolls of green chrome 1 way mirror film & was worried about if it'll be safe on my dual pane windows after reading online some films can break windows😅.Also I imagine here in Ohio the risk of too much heat stress on windows is likely actually lower than places with hotter summer weather such as California or Arizona for example🤔.

[@carlosbriceno6687]

I got the concept of the problem inside the window dual panel. So, We can Install "Exterior" Window Tint to solve this issue?

[@JoshuaDHarvey]

That's what I was wondering... why install inside if you can put outside? Is it because of weather exposure?

[@officesupport473]

Use a window with argon gas instead of air. And to make it better, windows with 3 layer of glass and two pockes of argon. We use it in the cold north to isolate from the cold, and heat.

[@annabanan5518]

What about clear, reflective film? It seems tint is the issue - whereas reflective film is usually a characteristic among the tinted film products but also comes in clear.

[@Hoody1147]

So what do you do instead? I need to help my windows, but replacing the windows is too much.

[@mariebee3146]

What if I have double paned glass that isn't energy efficient? I have a French door that has the blinds between the two panes, but it is not energy efficient. It's the opposite of energy efficient. It's allowing a ton of heat to get in from the afternoon sun. I would like to apply a uv film over the glass. What do you think?

[@gmangman]

What if you tint the outside?

[@dingus6520]

did this guy really put a bunch of stuff about AI in the description for no reason

[@ryanm513]

What if your windows use the foam spacer?

[@gwong999]

I have Viridian Low e Smart Glass, which I believe is single pane? In this case, any harm if I put window film on top of it pls? I want to reduce the amount of UV light because the Smart Glass does not appear to be doing a good job and colour of my timber floor fades

[@gregcorwin8316]

There are two types of LowE coatings, hard coat and soft coat. Hard coats are primarily tin-oxide that is applied while the glass is still hot in the furnace. Hard coats are lower tech, but the plus is that they can be exposed to the elements without damage so are often used in single pane applications. The minus is that hard coats are often hazy, especially in direct sunlight. Also hard coats don't do a very good job of blocking solar heat gain, being used primarily for their insulation value. Viridian uses this type of coating. Soft coats consist of multiple layers of metals, primarily silver, and metallic oxides that are applied to finished glass in plasma-filled vacuum chambers. Soft coats are fragile and must be protected from the environment so they are only used when sealed between the lites in a dual or triple pane insulating glass unit. In order to stop fading you need to block both UV and shorter wavelength visible light. Hard coats don't do a great job blocking either UV or visible light, so they are often paired with tinted (not to be confused with coated) glass for better solar control. I would have no problem at all with adding a tinted film to the glass using a hard coat whether single or dual pane.

[@abraxas511]

I have single pane, but two windows. The film on inner window or the outer window?

[@danielfigueroa6074]

Car film CAN NOT be used on dual pane windows because that film absorbs heat if you use architectural film that reflects the heat preventing any damage to your window

[@DCUPtoejuice]

so you could put the film on the outside

[@zzomero]

*Sad in triple-pane windows*

[@dlloyd6300]

yeah but that shouldn't be a problem if you install the tint on the exterior instead of the interior on a double pane window.

[@johnphillip1711]

"we'll show you the dangers of DIY window tinting and how artificial intelligence (AI) can help protect your windows from damage. Discover why AI is the key to avoiding costly repairs and why it's so important when it comes to window tinting" buzzword bingo I see, trying to manipulate search algorithms without AI having any relevance, surprised "blockchain", "machine learning", "crypto" etc weren't included....

[@MadCowRacing13]

This is such inaccurate information! All reputable window film manufacturers have a Film to Glass chart SPECIFICALLY for dual pane glass, with or without a LowE coating. After 38 years in business, I have seen more seal failure on dual pane windows without film than I have with film. EVERY glass manufacturer wants a way out of their warranty, because they all have somewhere between a 2-5% failure rate. We tint 20,000+ panes per year in my business, 99.5% of which are dual pane with a LowE coating, and on average, we have 2 or 3 panes annually that experience seal failure. In addition, the window film manufacturer gives a direct replacement seal failure warranty to the glass manufacturer’s warranty.

[@alf72632]

so, the solution is????

[@ming41160]

You just lied about films, it have nothing to do with double layers windows.

[@AlanTrades]

Lol so all those mercedes with tints are doomed? Not too mention teslas

[@cmiller8006]

Argon doesn't expand

[@americanwindowconcepts5510]

Exactly.

[@americanwindowconcepts5510]

But the heat between the panes creates pressure on the spacer. Colder air pulls on the spacer. This happens every time hot or cold days occur.

[@KGjames]

@@americanwindowconcepts5510I’m sorry mate you clearly don’t understand the concept of argon. The gas that’s in between the panes. It doesn’t expand. The glass is the only thing that’ll expand and contract and that occurs already. Also low-e is not just on side 2… the “outside pane” as you call it. Sometimes it’s on side 3. Stupid yes but sometimes. Either way it’s “safer” to tint your glass with the low-e on side 2.

[@noxious89123]

Argon does undergo thermal expansion, just like everything else.

[@gregcorwin8316]

@@KGjames nothing stupid about which surface the coating is on, coating goes on surface 2 when using a low or moderate solar heat gain coating and on surface 3 when using a high solar heat gain coating. Coating on surface 2 is when you want to block solar heat gain and surface 3 when you want to allow solar heat gain through the glass. Coating applied to surface 2 is probably better than 95% versus surface 3. Unlike SHGC, window U factor is unaffected by the choice of coating on surface 2 or surface 3.