Bee Cool Glass Coatings, Frequently Asked Questions, Window Tints

1. How are Bee Cool Glass Coatings applied?

Bee Cool Glass Coatings are professionally installed by skilled, well-trained, authorized dealer/applicators. The majority of our films are designed to be applied to the inside surface of your window glass.

We clean your window at least three times. A mild soap and water solution is used to clean the glass. Glass-safe scrapers and blades are used to remove the dirt on each window. The glass is then sprayed with a water solution, which activates the glass coating adhesive. The material is applied to the glass and water is pressed out, bonding the window film / glass coating to the glass. The material is trimmed to fit your window, excess water is cleaned up and garbage is removed.

2. How do Bee Cool Sun Control coatings work?

Bee Cool Sun Control coatings are precision coated films that are designed to reduce the amount of solar heat transmission through window glass by increasing the solar reflection and solar absorbtion through the glass. Bee Cool Sun Control coatings are available in a wide range of densities and colours to satisfy all requirements for performance and appearance. All window films are transparent and optically clear. The ultra-violet protection will also help protect your property (home and office furnishings) by blocking up to 99% of UV rays, which is the main cause of fading. All films are protected with an abrasion resistant coating for long-term durability and maintained appearance. Click here for more information.

3. How can I clean Bee Cool Glass Coatings?

We will provide you with a professional glass cleaner and glass cleaning cloth. After approximately 30 days, you may clean your windows. We recommend using the professional glass cleaner and glass cleaning cloth we provide you with, but a water / vinegar solution or a mild soap such as baby shampoo and a 100% cotton cloth will also work. If you run out of glass cleaner you can also reorder it from us. DO NOT use amoonia-based products or abrasive products that may scratch or damage the film. You may also use a squeegee to clean the glass coating.

4. How long does it take for Bee Cool Glass Coatings to dry?

It takes approximately 30 - 60 days for the film to fully dry and cure. During the curing process, it is natural to have small water bubbles and/or a hazy milkiness appearance. These will disappear as the film dries. Once dried, the film will look fantastic.

5. Why do commercial customers have Bee Cool Sun Control coatings applied to their buildings?

Commercial customers apply Bee Cool Sun Control glass coatings in their buildings to improve tenant comfort, lower energy costs, improve aesthetics, reduce fading to furnishings, improve safety and security and extend the life of their property and equipment. Bee Cool Sun Control glass coatings can be a valued alternative to adding more air conditioning equipment and perhaps electrical upgrades. It will also improve HVAC efficiency by virtually eliminating hot/cold spots within a building.

6. How do Bee Cool Sun Control Coatings keep your business or home warmer in the winter?

Bee Cool Sun Control coatings offer increased performance against cold weather heat loss. The construction of these coatings enables the coatings to reflect more of the interior room heat back into the room where it is needed. This improves comfort by reducing potential drafts near the window, and may also save on fuel costs, especially in commercial buildings. All sun control coatings are also protected with our unique abrasion resistant coating to ensure long-term durability and maintained appearance.

7. How long do Bee Cool Glass Coatings last?

Bee Cool Glass Coatings are very durable and designed to last for many years, just how long will depend on the type of film applied, type of glass, climatic conditions and care. Sun control and security coatings are warrantied for 10 years. Based on our experience, these coatings will last 15 to 25 years. Once the life expectancy has been exceeded, our unique adhesive system allows removal and re-application without the risk of damaging your glass. All frosting, etched glass and graphic coatings have a warranty of 2 years.

8. Will Bee Cool Sun Control Window Film stop fading?

Nothing stops fading completely. Here are the causes of fading:
- Ultra-Violet Rays: Approx. 40%
- Visible Light: Approx. 25%
- Heat: Approx. 25%
- Misc (others): Approx. 10%
Misc (others) include humidity, pollutants, interior lights and dye anchorage.

All Bee Cool sun control window films block up to 99% of UV rays. Depending on the type of film, we can also reduce the harsh visible light and excessive heat. The bottom line is that Bee Cool Sun Control Window Films will prolong the life of your furnishings, as much as two to five times, depending on the coating installed.

9. Do Bee Cool Security Coatings meet National Standards?

Bee Cool Security Glass Coatings have passed many independent, national tests. The major standards are: Small Missile Impact Test - ANSI Z-97.1 and CPSC 16 CFR 1201, Large Missile Impact & Cyclic Wind Pressure Tests - ASTM E 1886-02 / ASTM E 1996-03, Level C, 4.5 lb 2" x 4", GSA Explosive Test - GSA-TS01-2003, Flame Spread and Smoke Developed Test - ASTM E-84.

10. Are Bee Cool Security Films burglar-proof or bullet-proof?

No security coating is burglar-proof or bullet-proof; they are a deterrent. Window Films are designed to make the glass more shatter resistant and may slow the projectile down but not to prevent penetration after several attempts. Various film/glass combinations may achieve a low level ballistic rating. Click here to watch a security film video and the product in action.

Bee Cool Security Glass Coatings are a low-profile, high performance measure of security in the battle against "smash-and-grab" crime. If a thief tries to break the glass with any tool or brock, the glass will break, but the film will hold it in place. The thief now must make a choice - continue to attack the window, try another window, or move on. Time is short and noise has to be avoided, and they will frequently select an easier target. However, a professional thief determined to gain entry, may eventually get in.

In violent weather, these coatings may have significant safety and security value. They can reduce the risk of injury from flying shards of broken glass and possibly help prevent debris and water penetration through the window, depending on the severity of the storm, type of glass. framing system, size and velocity of objects.

In an earthquake, these films can reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of broken glass and possibly prevent glass from falling out of a home or building. Again, much may depend upon the severity of the quake, the type and size of glass and framing system.

Security laminates were first on the market in the 1970's; originally developed to address the international concerns and needs for improving safety and security against terrorist acts of bombings. Bee Cool Security Glass Coatings can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of glass due to blasts. See our blast page for more information.

11. How do Bee Cool Safety and Security laminates work?

Bee Cool safety and security coatings are designed to make glass shatter-resistant by holding the glass pieces together when broken, dramatically reducing the risk of glass shards falling or flying out. Click here to watch a security film video and the procuct in action.

Contact your local Bee Cool representative for more information on choosing the correct product.

12. Does the Ultra-violet protection lose its effectiveness over time?

No. The ultra-violet protection that we use is indefinite. It does not lose its effectiveness over time.

13. What is the typical payback period on energy savings for Bee Cool Sun Control Glass Coatings?

Payback periods will vary depending on the type of glass, type of film, cost of air-conditioning and heating demands, cost of installation and other variables. In the past, we have seen energy savings packback in less than 5 years with 5 - 7 years being the average for total savings payback.

14. Can I install Sun Control window films myself?

Yes, but to guarantee high quality work, only an authorized, trained dealer / applicator should install the glass coating. All warranties are void if not installed by a Bee Cool Dealer / Applicator.

15. What is the warranty for Bee Cool Sun Control Window Films?

Bee Cool and the authorized dealer/applicator warrant that Bee Cool Glass Coatings will maintain solar reflective properties without cracking, crazing or peeling, maintain adhesion properties without blistering, bubbling or de-lamination from the glass and maintain appearance without discolouration.

Duration of warranty for commercial installations & residential applications (original purchaser only) is 10 years. Outdoor film applications are two years. In addition, the warranty covers thermal glass breakage for 5 years and seal failure warranty on insulated units of 3 years, if the original seal failure warranty from the insulated unit manufacturer is still valid. (To a maximum of $500 - per window, including material and labour.

16. Do Bee Cool Sun Control Glass Coatings cause seal failure when applied to insulated glass units?

No. Bee Cool Glass Coatings will not cause seal failure. Over 90% of our installations in Canada are on IG (Insulated Glass) units. When films are applied to the inside of an insulated unit, there will be some absorption of solar energy, which will increase the temperature of glass. Some of this heat will transmit to the airspace, slightly raising the airspace temperature. However, even a 20 degree increase will result in a less than 3% change in air pressure, whereas properly made insulated units are designed and tested to withstand 22% changes in air pressure.

Risk of seal failure is greatly determined by the quality of workmanship and the quality of the materials used in manufacturing the insulated unit. Manufacturers of insulated units usually offer a warranty of 5 - 10 years against seal failure. (No insulated unit manufacturer offers warranty for glass breakage of any kind, only seal failure). Since some manufacturers may cancel the seal failure warranty if a glass coating is installed, Bee Cool is offering a seal failure warranty of 3 years, however the Bee Cool warranty cannot extend beyond the original window manufacturer's seal failure warranty period.

17. Are Bee Cool coatings safe to use on windows with Low E and/or argon gas?

Yes, our coatings are specifically designed to work with these materials.

18. Can Bee Cool glass coatings be removed?

Yes they can.

19. How long do sun control and security coatings last for?

They are warrantied for 10 years and on average last for 20 to 25 years.

20. How can I clean my windows after the coating is installed?

After the drying period, Bee Cool Glass Coatings may be washed with Bee Cool Glass Cleaner and a microfibre cloth, or with a water / vinegar mix. Use 2 tbsp of vinegar in 1 litre of water. Soft, 100% cotton cloths or microfibre cloths are to be used with this cleaning solution. Abrasive type cleaning agents and bristle brushes that may scratch the film should not be used. We do not recommend using paper products to clean windows, or applying tape or other adhesive products to the film. DO NOT use products containing ammonia.

21. Can I open my windows after installation?

Yes, but you must wait 10 days for the coating to dry after it has been installed.

22. Will the water bubbles go away?

Yes, it will take up to 45 days for the coating to completely dry. During this time, do not wash or touch the coating.

23. Can I pay out my loan/financing early without penalty?

Yes you can and at any time. This is in accordance with Canadian Law.

24. Can the coating scratch?

All Bee Cool sun control and security coatings have an anti-scratch coating. However, as with anything, they can be damaged by excessive force or sharp objects.

25. How much cooler will the sun control coating make my home or business?

This depends on many factors, (HVAC system, size and direction of windows, construction and size of building, coating installed), and it is impossible to give an exact answer. We have found that customers who have the sun control coating installed on all their windows find a difference of about 5 to 10 degrees Celsius.

26. Are there any harmful chemicals used to install the coating?

No, we use no chemicals to install the coating.

27. Can we be home when you install the coating?

Yes, we are an environmentally friendly company and use no harmful chemicals.

28. How long will the installation take?

Every project is different and has its own unique challenges. It is best to ask your technician.