No. 3M window films 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 (except for clear safety and security films) 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° 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 window films are installed, 3M Canada is offering a seal failure warranty of 3 years, however the 3M warranty cannot extend beyond the original window manufacturer’s seal failure warranty period.
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