Glass regulations
On this page, you will find important regulations for the use of window film in combination with flat glass. Here, you can read what to consider before applying window film and which external factors can cause glass breakage. This ensures a safe and correct application of the film on your type of glass.
1. Checking the type of glass
Always check which type of glass is present in your frame (single glass, double glass, Low-E, triple glass, laminated glass, etc.). The type of glass determines whether a window film is suitable.- The product specifications of each window film clearly state for which types of glass the film is or is not suitable. Compare this carefully with the glass present in your frame.
- If you are unsure which type of glass you have, please contact your glass supplier or a certified glass company. They can accurately determine the type of glass.
- Extra caution is advised for sensitive types of glass such as Low-E glass, triple glass, laminated glass, or glass with special coatings. These types of glass are more sensitive to heat and therefore require the correct film and installation method.
- If you are unsure about the type of glass in your situation, please feel free to contact us. Our window film experts will gladly provide you with appropriate advice.
2. Choosing the window film
- Refer to the specifications of the window film to see which glass types it is suitable for.
- Check whether the film should be installed on the inside or outside. This is clearly stated in the product specifications.
- Be aware that special types of glass, such as Low-E glass, triple glass, or laminated glass, require extra attention when selecting window film.
- You should always apply window film over the entire surface of the pane. The only exception to this rule applies to frosted (PP20 & PP25) and milky (PP40 & PP45) window films.
- If you are unsure about which window film to choose, please contact us. Our window film experts are happy to assist you and advise you on making the right choice.
3. Risk of thermal or glass breakage
(Applies only to Low-E, triple or laminated glass)
Window film itself cannot cause thermal glass breakage. However, glass breakage can occur due to external factors, even without window film. It is important to emphasize that we cannot guarantee that thermal breakage will never occur. Thermal breakage can result from several causes, such as:
When glass is not evenly placed in the frame or is fitted too tightly, it cannot expand or contract freely during temperature changes. This increases stress in the glass, which can lead to cracks or spontaneous breakage.- In sliding doors, one glass pane slides in front of or behind another. This can create a temperature difference between the overlapping and exposed parts of the glass. Such uneven heating causes tension in the glass, which can lead to breakage. The same applies to French balconies (Juliet balconies).
- Dark materials absorb heat and transfer it to the glass surface. This creates localized heating of the glass, resulting in temperature differences within the pane. Such local stresses increase the risk of breakage.
- Window coverings that partially block sunlight can cause uneven heating of the glass. Some areas of the glass will heat up much more than others. This temperature difference can lead to thermal glass breakage.
- When part of the glass is exposed to direct sunlight while another part is shaded, a large temperature difference occurs across the pane. For example, a window partially shaded by an awning, roof overhang, or balcony above. The greater this difference, the higher the stress in the glass and thus the greater the risk of breakage.
- When cold air currents pass along the glass, for example through gaps or ventilation, the glass cools unevenly. This works the same way as uneven heating and causes stress differences in the pane.
- Radiators, stoves, or other heat sources placed directly in front of the window can cause localized overheating of the glass. This again creates an uneven temperature pattern in the glass, significantly increasing the risk of thermal breakage.
- Minor damage to the glass edges, for example caused during transport or installation, creates weak points. Under temperature stress, these micro-cracks can expand into full fractures.
- Glass rests on support blocks within the frame. If these are placed incorrectly or have uneven height, unilateral pressure occurs on the glass. Combined with temperature differences, this significantly increases the risk of breakage.
What we can guarantee is that the film itself does not cause thermal breakage, provided you use the correct window film for your type of glass, in accordance with the product specifications. The film is carefully developed for safe use on flat glass. However, as external factors beyond our control can play a role, we do not offer a formal guarantee against thermal breakage.
4. Responsibility
It is the customer's responsibility to check in advance:
- Which type of glass is present, by checking this yourself or consulting your glass supplier
- Whether the selected window film is suitable for this type of glass according to the specifications
- Whether the window film should be applied on the inside or outside
- Whether there are external factors that may cause thermal breakage, as mentioned above
- Whether the glass already has existing damage, such as cracks or fractures
By doing this carefully, you can prevent damage or incorrect application of the window film. We supply only professional-grade films that can be applied safely, provided they are correctly selected and installed. However, glass breakage may still occur due to the external factors mentioned above, even without window film. This falls outside our responsibility.
SCALASOL® cannot be held liable for (thermal) glass breakage or any resulting damage or costs, nor for damage caused by incorrect installation or use of window film by the customer or third parties, unless there are proven manufacturing defects in the supplied film.