Questions You need to consider before choosing a window tinting company...
  • Ask if they are current members of the International Window Film Association of Australasia (IWFAA). This is a member organisation of the international body (IWFAA) governing the quality of manufacture and application of solar, safety, security and decorative window films. The IWFAA has issued a code of ethics that members are encouraged to follow and has set minimum standards for quality of installation.
     
  • Ask to see their Work Cover insurance certificate of currency. Responsible and honest businesses will carry proper workers' insurance... and without it, you the property owner could be liable for any employee accident claim while they are working on your property, a hassle you don't deserve.
     
  • Ask to see their Public Risk Insurance certificate of currency. Should someone be severely injured, or your property be damaged while your windows are being tinted, your household insurance policy may not cover these incidents, and even if they do, you don't need the bother of a claim, or the loss of your no claim bonus.
     
  • Do they employ qualified trades people? While there is no specific trade certificate for window tinting, Cool-Tint technicians undergo a full 12 months training to ensure they are properly qualified to carry out quality work for you. Beware of companies that offer their employees only a couple of week's training and then let them go on your windows. Ask how much training they offer their employees, who trains them and is that person a qualified trainer.
     
  • Ensure that they will not subcontract your work out. Very risky. Once the job is passed to a subcontractor, the business also passes on the responsibility of quality. If there is a problem in the future, you could face problems establishing responsibility, who warrants the workmanship and who should fix the problem... another hassle you don't need.
     
  • Do they use quality products? There are a number of window film manufactures who produce quality films, and there are a number that produce less than good quality. The first step in determining quality is to ensure that the manufacturing organisation is a member of the International Window Film Association (IWF A), who set down the guidelines for the testing (for performance and quality) of window films.
     
  • Secondly:- Ask if the film has a dry adhesive system (eg CDF). This is an adhesive that has been specifically developed for flat (structural) glass in buildings. Dry adhesive systems are water activated, heat cured and chemically bonded to the glass, thus giving the film a much longer life when exposed to constant high temperatures. Being a thinner adhesive it gives you more stability and a crystal clear appearance, that is not prone to distorting and bubbling over time. They differ from films using cheaper pressure sensitive type adhesives that have a sticky type of adhesive (similar to sticky tape and are specifically used in automotive films). These films will eventually become very distorted and develop a blistered or fuzzy appearance. (Just like some of the cars on our roads).
     
  • Thirdly:- Ask if the film is prone to colour variance (called banding). This problem is evident in some of the poorer quality films, and is usually not evident until the film is installed on your windows. It's very confusing for you as a consumer, as some of these lesser; quality films carry up to lifetime warranties. If you're ever given a price that is much lower than others, this is your key to be wary . You need to ensure that colour change or breakdown is covered in the manufacturers warranty. (Ask to see a copy of the warranty card to be sure).
     
  • Do the performance figures given on the film samples actually match those specified by the film manufacturer. It is a good idea to cross check these details. If the consultant does not offer you a manufacturers brochure with performance figures on it, ask for one; (Beware not all manufacturers use the same testing procedures).
     
  • Always ask if the warranty is an Original Manufacturers Warranty, or if it is offered by the individual, this company or the importer -this type of warranty is only of value if the company still exists should you have a problem some time in the future.
     
  • Ask for some addresses where the company has tinted some windows, and go and have a close look at how clean the work looks. Look at it from the inside and outside if possible. You don't want to see silvery spots or streaks under the film. This is the result of poor cleaning and indicates poor quality installation techniques. Also check how well the edges of the film have been cut. You want to see nice straight edges, and a very fine gap between the edge of the film and the edge of the window.
     
  • If it's possible, ask the people if they were happy with the service they received, and if there was a problem, how willing was the company to come back and solve that problem.