3m window film (how much, house, contractors)

[bvin2k]

I am looking for a contractor to install 3M window film on the patio door. Any recommendations ?

Home Window Solutions | 3M United States

Had contacted Carolina Solar.. but they are way expensive.

[Tabster]

We purchased some from Home Depot and applied it ourselves to our sliding deck door. We've had it for years and it's held up well except where our dog scratched it when she got excited over a squirrel!

[hertfordshire]

Originally Posted by Tabster

We purchased some from Home Depot and applied it ourselves to our sliding deck door. We've had it for years and it's held up well except where our dog scratched it when she got excited over a squirrel!

Yep. I did the same (but from Lowes). I think it was Gila brand, or something like that. Easy to install, and made a huge difference in the temperature. Not sure I would go to the expense of hiring someone to do it unless it was in windows that were difficult to reach.

[bvin2k]

Originally Posted by hertfordshire

Yep. I did the same (but from Lowes). I think it was Gila brand, or something like that. Easy to install, and made a huge difference in the temperature. Not sure I would go to the expense of hiring someone to do it unless it was in windows that were difficult to reach.

The 3M film is more of a security film then a UV rays protector. The 3M film is not sold in homedepot or lowes. It is only available through authorized contractors

[C_Lan]

The difference between professional film and the Gila brand is worth the extra money if you can fit it into your budget.
Film is expensive but the good stuff has better overall specs for heat rejection, visible light coming through, etc. Spend the money if you have it. I have ceramic tint on all my windows in the house and it was well worth the money for heat rejection as well as looks.

[JustMeEC]

I did some research on this earlier this year. I was initially pretty skeptical, but read many good things, including input from other CD users, so we pulled the trigger in May. I am amazed at how well it actually works. The back of our house has a southern exposure, with no shade from any trees. It is covered with windows and in the summer, the house would cook all day from the sun. We had a few people come out to give us estimates and we ended up going with Window Genie - Window Genie. They sent a crew of 3 guys out and they were there 6-7 hours, washing the windows first, then applying the 3M film. I was surprised at how long it actually took, but the crew was working hard the entire time. I was very happy I didn't attempt it myself.

I don't have any figures on how much we saved, but the difference is night and day. We used to have to keep our wooden blinds closed all summer during the day to block the sun. This past summer, we were able to keep them wide open and enjoy the view that we love from our sunny windows. If you put your hand near the window, you could feel the difference in radiant heat. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend window genie.