A Sun Screen Or Tinting Can Invalidate A Windows Warranty

Sun screens and tinting on windows can help reduce utility bills, as well as, glare from windows. It also reduces fading of carpet or other flooring materials and reduces damage to furniture and upholstering.

Rarely does tinting or sun screen films cause problems, however, in a few instances it may create cosmetic issues, such as:

• Bubbles in the tenting
• Deterioration of the tenting material
• Peeling of the tenting material

Glass that is tinted by the manufacture normally holds up well to the sun’s rays. Glass that has tenting applied after the window has been installed, usually does well, depending on if applied by a skilled window tinter or skilled homeowner. Once in a while, a less skilled person applies the tenting and problems develop. Older films often block more light than heat, but newer films do the reverse.

Dual Pane windows

Sun screens and tinting films generally perform well on dual or multi-pane windows. In rare instances, the sun screen may result in damaged seals on multi-pane windows. Under these circumstances the glazing may need to be replaced; the window frame remains, only the glass panel is replaced.

Window manufactures may void their warranty

If a film, sun screen, or tenting has been applied to a window by other than the manufacture, then the manufacturer may void their warranty. One of the reasons for this is that when the film is put on one pane of a window, then it may expand more than the other pane of glass. The differences in the expansion places stress on the window and in a few cases may cause the seal to break or the window to crack.

Tip

Remember that warranties may be voided on multi-pane glazing if the drapes, blinds, shades, or other window coverings are installed too close to the window. At times they create excessive heat, which causes excessive stress on the window, which causes the tenting or seals to fail. Reading the fine print in the warranty will provide additional information for a homeowner.

Home owners can do maintenance and re-install tenting on their own windows. Qualified handymen and window tenting companies likewise will usually do this type of work.

David Jones - General Contractor, Home Inspector, Consultant

David has over 45 years’ experience as a general contractor, inspector and professional instructor. He writes articles for homeowners, new home buyers and Real Estate Agents. Read more