Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I be concerned about fade damage when my windows never get direct sun?

A: Yes. Although direct sun causes accelerated fade damage, a considerable amount of window related fading occurs in the absence of direct sun. The illumination through glass from UV Rays & Daylight are the culprit. This illumination is present everyday from dawn to dusk, even if it’s cloudy & rainy outside. The fact is, fade damage can and will occur through every window in the house every day of the year.

EXAMPLE: One of our clients learned this the hard way. She bought an original watercolor painting to match the blue tones in her bathroom wallpaper. Just one year later, the blues had faded to green because of the UV Rays & Daylight coming in through her NORTH exposed windows. Of course, north exposed windows never get direct sun.

Q: Will closing my window shades or curtains protect our interiors from fade damage?

A: Maybe. Doing so can help, however, UV Rays & Daylight will go through or seep around many window treatments. Also, conventional coverings would have to remain closed all day, everyday to provide protection. Most of our customers want the light and airy openness of their windows. So keeping the drapes pulled or blinds closed all the time just doesn’t happen. It’s best not to count on protection from your existing window treatments. The wise rule is: Use 3M Sun Control Film first, all other window treatments follow.

EXAMPLE: A client of ours bought a new bedroom suite. When she removed her old one, she was shocked to find her ivory carpet and silk wall coverings were faded in areas not covered by the furniture and artwork. She also found the edges of her draperies faded and deterioration starting in the folds. Her bedroom windows faced east & she thought her interior was safe from fading because she kept the drapes closed in the morning for privacy. Her simple project, (buying new furniture), turned into a costly remodeling job, (new furniture, carpeting, wall coverings & drapes).

Q: Should I wait till Spring or Summer to have 3M Sun Control Film installed on my windows?

A: No. Since fade damage occurs everyday despite the season, there is no good reason to wait. In fact, waiting can be the most expensive thing you can do!

EXAMPLE: One customer said she had noticed her Oriental rug was fading years ago. We gave her an estimate, but she decided to wait and use our 3M Sun Control Film when she got around to buying a new rug. Her reasoning was, "after all, the old rug is already faded". She called us a couple of years later saying she had finally ordered a new rug & wanted to install the window film prior to rolling it out. After the windows were treated, she asked if we could roll up the old rug for her. Upon doing so, we found the hardwood floor underneath the old rug was many shades darker than the surrounding floor. Her hardwood floors had faded! Her decision to wait turned into a complete floor re-finishing project! 3M Sun Control Film will protect your fine interiors from the incessant daily onslaught of window related fade damage. They carry a Lifetime Warranty & are available exclusively from Glare Control, Inc.; your trusted sun control experts since 1982. Call today for a free consultation & estimate.