Residential
FilmFX offers a wide variety of window films for your home to reduce heat, UV and glare. Window film provides comfort and protect furniture, hardwood floors and artwork from fading. Our films have a lifetime warranty and are installed by expert factory trained installers.
Commercial
At Film FX we understand that the requirements and details of a commercial installation are different from that of residential applications. From time constraints to controlled access, we will work in the timeline needed without sacrificing quality or service.
Printable Film
Let your imagination lead you into a world of illusion and effect as we bridge the gap between graphics and window film with printable products in the Ottawa Carleton region.
Graphics
We provide the expertise. From a simple image to a complex concept, transform and enhance any residential or commercial setting. Our graphic design team can help you take advantage of your glass canvas.
Our product line, service and installations are superior
and our eye for detail unsurpassed.
Something About Us
FilmFX was created by Dan McMahon in 2006. FilmFX is an Authorized Dealer of Madico and Huper Optik Window Films. We carry a complete product line of decorative / privacy window films. We also have Security Window Films to protect your home or business. Our Sun Control Films reduce heat, glare and UV while maintaining aesthetics.
Mission Statement
Provide Professionally installed, quality window film products at competitive pricing to the commercial and residential markets. Our product lines, service and installations are superior and our eye for detail unsurpassed. Our clients are number one. We promise total customer satisfaction with our services. Check out our Testimonials page for more information.
WINDOW FILM FAQs
What is window film?
Window film provides specific personal and property protection from the effects of the sun as well as added safety and security in the events that result in broken glass.
There are many types and constructions of solar control and safety window films. In their simplest forms, window films are composed of a polyester substrate to which a scratch resistant coating is applied on one side; a mounting adhesive layer and a protective release liner is applied to the other side. When the release liner is removed, the side of the film with the adhesive is applied to the interior surface of the glass.
Is window film applied to the interior or the exterior of my windows?
Typically window films are applied to the interior surface of your windows. There are window films designed to be applied to the exterior of your windows for special circumstances such as limited access to the interior surface and triple pane windows.
How long will film last?
The effective life of window film will vary by the type of film, type of glass, window construction, compass orientation of glass, and in which part of the world the building is located. There are documented cases of film lasting 12 to 22 years or more in some instances. This should not, however, be assumed to be the normal expected life.
All quality window films for residential and commercial use are warranted by the film manufacturers for a minimum of seven years and up to the life of the home.
How should I clean my windows after film is applied?
Windows with film applied are easily cleaned without damage to their appearance as long as a few common-sense guidelines are followed:
1. use a soft clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge.
2. use a soft cloth for drying the window.
3. use any normal glass cleaning solution which contains no abrasive materials.
The availability of scratch resistant coatings as a standard feature of quality films has virtually eliminated the need for extra special precautions in cleaning.
Will window film kill my house plants?
In most cases if a house plant is already receiving adequate light the use of window film will not harm it. New growth or flowering may be retarded, and, for a few days, a plant may go into a state of shock while it adjusts to the light change. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with film installed. Although there are some obvious guidelines in determining what, if any, effect window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter coloured ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation: merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs closer to maximal or minimal light.
Can window film be used on low e windows?
The location of the low E surface in your window system is also very important in deciding whether film should be used. If the low E coating is on the room-side surface of the innermost pane of glass, the use of window film may reduce or eliminate the heat loss reduction of the glass itself. This may be more than offset by the heat gain reduction/heat loss reduction properties of the films to be used. Most low E window systems, however, consist of double pane windows where the low E surface faces the air space between the panes. In this case, film can be installed without eliminating the heat loss reduction benefit of the low E glass. The type of window film you choose for low E glass depends entirely on your desired benefit – whether you want to reduce heat gain, control glare, prevent heat loss, reduce fading or enhance the safety of your windows and glass doors. Carefully consider all these benefits before making a final decision.
Will window films cause glass to break?
Glass breaks when stressed. There are five types of stress which may cause glass breakage:
1. thermal stress – from absorption of solar radiation.
2. tensile stress – from the weight of the glass itself.
3. mechanical flexing stress – from wind.
4. impact stress – from flying objects, hail, baseballs.
5. twisting stress – from building or window frame sagging or settling.
The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may affect. The use of window films will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass. However, there are also other factors which will increase thermal stress such as: partial shading of windows from overhangs, tightly fitting drapes or blinds, signs or decals on windows, heating and cooling vents directed at glass. In addition, different types of glass (annealed versus tempered, clear versus tinted) have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress.
The window film manufacturers have recommended film-to-glass tables for use by factory-trained dealer installers. If a consumer is ever in doubt, he/she should request a copy of such guidelines. Listed below are some glass types or conditions where the use of a solar control (not clear safety) type of window film is not recommended without extreme caution.
single pane glass larger than 100 square feet.
double pane glass larger than 40 square feet.
clear glass thicker than 3/8 inch.
tinted glass thicker than 1/4 inch.
window framing systems of concrete, solid aluminum, or solid steel .
glass where sealant or glazing compound has hardened.
visibly chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged glass.
reflective, wired, textured, or patterned glass.
triple pane glass.
laminated glass windows.