FAQ - CARS/AUTOMOTIVE


WHY SHOULD I TINT MY CAR VEHICLE WINDOWS?

  • STOP 99.9% UVA & UVB Rays - Protection from Skin Cancers & Sun Exposure [drive.com.au article]
  • Reduce HEAT - Keeping Your Car Cool & Comfortable
  • Reduce GLARE – Reduce Glare Especially in Low-light Conditions
  • SAFETY & Security Feature - Shattered Glass can cause irreversible damage to your children, passengers, animals or valuable items and protects your car’s interior especially children keeping the glass intact in the event of breakage or on impact. A MUST for Children [Saferide4kids Blog Article].
  • Adds PRIVACY (if required) Avoid prying eyes great security for passengers/items/tools inside your car
  • Reduce FADING – Protects your interior & upholstery

AFTER MARKET DEALERSHIP PRODUCTS – window tint, paint & interior protection packages…
I HAVE BEEN QUOTED ALLOT MORE FROM THE DEALERSHIP … WHY??

When you buy a new vehicle, you will likely be approached by a (typically female) aftermarket salesperson, who is located in a different section of the dealership. Their job is to sell additional products, such as window tint, paint and fabric protection, car phone kits, mats, and other accessories, similar to how a fast food restaurant asks "Would you like fries with that?" It is recommended that you do your own research and consider having your aftermarket options installed after delivery, as you can save a lot of money and still receive a high-quality product, as evidenced by our many satisfied customers.

Please note that some dealerships say that they may not honour your new car warranty if you choose to have your windows tinted elsewhere, as the door trims may be removed for installation. At Top Tint Mornington, we use a computer-cut window tinting system that eliminates this problem. Our paint and fabric protection products are sourced from a leading, reputable, and globally recognized company, Ceramic Pro, which offers 100% backing for their products and has been certified through testing. In conclusion, Top Tint Window Films offers its customers the best products and services at the best possible prices, which is why we have been in business since 1995.

THE COMPUTERCUT WINDOW TINTING SYSTEM – WHAT IS THIS??

Computercut technology is a game changer in the world of vehicle window tinting. Top Tint has the only system of it’s type on the Mornington Peninsula.
This allows Top Tint to offer a level of safety, precision, and cleanliness that is unmatched. The cutting-edge, internet-based system enables us to quickly and accurately identify the correct window templates for your make, model, and year of vehicle. This eliminates the need for door trim removal or manual cutting, reducing the risk of damaging your vehicle's trims or paintwork. The Computercut system is constantly updated with the latest vehicle models from around the world, ensuring that our installations are always up-to-date. Our fully trained and accredited installers, combined with the modern and dust-free workshop, guarantee that you will receive the finest installation process possible.

With Computercut, you can rest assured that you will always receive a perfect installation, every time. [read more]

I DRIVE A COMPANY MOTOR VEHICLE - SHOULD I ASK MY EMPLOYER ABOUT TINTING THE WINDOWS FOR UV PROTECTION & SAFETY?

All motor vehicles have laminated windscreens which have an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating of 50+, this is sufficient protection for the front screen HOWEVER the plain window glass on the side and back windows DOES NOT. If you are an employee whom spends periods of time in a company motor vehicle as part of your employment you should consider asking your employer about tinting the vehicle so you are protected from the UV Rays.
Occupational Health and Safety is paramount to any workplace so it is a good idea to make your employer aware that driving a company owned vehicle and being exposed to the sun and UV radiation can cause skin cancers which is detrimental to your health and well-being.
Here is a link to an article from 'Drive'

I HAVE BEEN QUOTED A CHEAPER PRICE WITH A LIFETIME WARRANTY FROM A COMPETITOR. WHY?

There are numerous window tinting companies that will offer lower priced window tinting. Unless you have considerable experience and knowledge of window films, you would not know the difference by looking at them (until the low-quality film fails). Therefore it largely comes down to TRUST! Top Tint has been in business on the Mornington Peninsula since 1995. The reason we are still here, is because we have built a solid reputation. A reputation for using only the best quality products and standing by our warranties.
The operators offering much cheaper products may be dificult or impossible to find if you need to make a warrenty claim. Keep in mind, that using a cheaper, lower quality product means that you are far more likley to need that warranty!
Some companies can avoid warranty obligations by simply changing their trading name. So always ask “How long has the company been trading?" & "Has it ever changed names?"

The saying “you get what you pay for” is often quite true - particularly in this industry. A warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it. Having been offering glass tinting services on the Mornington Peninsula since 1995, you can be quite confident that in the unlikley event that you need anything from a small tint repair to a full warranty claim, Top Tint will be here to stand by both our products and our workmanship. We have great reviews and feedback from our customers, so you can trust us to give you what you are paying for.

DOES TOP TINTS WINDOW FILMS BLOCK UVA & UVB RAYS + INFRARED?

Yes, Top Tints window films effectively block both UVA and UVB rays, as well as infrared. With a UV protection equivalent of 285+ SPF, our films act like a sunscreen for both you and your vehicle, guarding against the damaging effects of sunlight. UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin aging, wrinkling, eye damage, and skin cancers, with UVB playing a greater role in causing skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. It is important to ensure that the window film you choose offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Our Ceramic range of window films provides high infrared rejection for thermal insulation, effectively blocking UV and infrared radiation. Standard windscreens, made of laminated glass, are also highly effective at blocking UV radiation, with the ability to block 100% of UVB and 98% of UVA rays. [read more]

"PRIVACY GLASS" OR "FACTORY TINTED GLASS" STANDARD FROM THE MANUFACTURER.
WHAT IS IT? WHAT DOES IT OFFER? WILL IT PROTECT MY CHILDREN/PASSENGERS?

  • Does factory PRIVACY GLASS / FACTORY TINTED GLASS offer UV Protection ? UVA & UVB Protection? NO
  • Does factory PRIVACY GLASS / FACTORY TINTED GLASS reduce Glare? YES
  • Does factory PRIVACY GLASS / FACTORY TINTED GLASS offer Heat Rejection / Reduction? Approx. 16% - 20%
  • Does factory PRIVACY GLASS / FACTORY TINTED GLASS have any safety benefits? NO

Privacy glass is darkened at the factory during the manufacturing process using a technique called "deep dipping." While this process results in a dark shade, it does not provide protection against the sun's heat or harmful UV rays.

Privacy glass does not provide UV protection and has the potential to shatter into dangerous pieces in the event of breakage, potentualy causing serious injury to passengers and animals. This has been confirmed by many ambulance officers who have attended vehicle accidents. By choosing Ceramic UV Clear window film, you can enjoy both privacy and protection for yourself and your loved ones.

DO TOP TINT’S FILMS OFFER A LIFETIME WARRANTY? HOW LONG WILL MY WINDOW FILM LAST?

All of the street-legal automotive window films that we offer come with a lifetime warranty.
We use only the latest and most advanced window films on the market and all of these are backed by our manufacturers Australia wide lifetime warranty. Our reputation, dating back to 1995, is very important to us. Using only the highest quality materials, and best practise installation methods allows us to uphold this unsurpassed warranty.

When you pick up your vehicle, we will provide a warranty card. We advise you to keep the warranty card in a safe place and to make a second copy or take a picture on your mobile phone for safekeeping. Due to privacy laws, we do not keep records of customer vehicles, such as registration details, make, and model. If you need to make a warranty claim at any time across Australia, you will need to provide your warranty card as proof of ownership. The warranty is for the original purchaser only and is not transferable. Proof of ID will be required, and the warranty must be in the original owner's name.

HOW DARK CAN I TINT MY CAR LEGALLY IN VICTORIA?

In most states in Australia, automotive window films must have a visible light transmittance (VLT) of 35% on the front driver and passenger windows and 20% on all rear windows, although there are some exceptions. These regulations dictate that 35% and 20% of the sun's natural light must be able to pass through the newly tinted glass. Some newer vehicles come equipped with privacy glass installed on the rear windows, which is a tint in the glass and not a window tint film. F or more information about privacy glass, see our other FAQ on the subject. [More Info]

WHICH SIDE OF THE GLASS IS WINDOW FILM APPLIED TO ON MY VEHICLE?

All motor vehicle window film installations are completed by installing the window film on the inside (interior) of your vehicle. At this present time there is NO external automotive window tint in any manufactures range.
On some occasions where there can is access to windows internally (mostly motorhome etc) we are able to offer a product that is used for sign writing for those particular windows, however, these products only offer a 2 year warranty. The film can be removed and replaced quite easily when needed. We can happily provide you with a sample prior to installation, so you can make a decision if you would like to proceed with this product.

WILL TINTED WINDOWS INHIBIT VISIBILITY AT NIGHT?

This will all depend on the shade you select, Dark or Black Jack (Ambulance/Limousine) tint will definitely decrease your visibility at night. If this is a concern a lighter-medium shade would be advisable. Please call or call in to our showroom to discuss your individual requirements. We definitely have films for everyone.
Ceramic EXTREME UV Clear is exactly as you would expect ... perfectly clear, while still offering great benefits (like UV protection and dramatically increased safety).

HOW DURABLE IS TINTING? IS IT SCRATCH PROOF?

Our range of window tints offer a variety of scratch-resistant coatings that can withstand everyday use, wear and tear and “yes” even kids.
Ceramic EXTREME is our most scratch resistant window film in our automotive range, and one of the best on the market. Our Ceramic ARMANI is the best in our residential & commercial range.

Pets and children are often a concern, and you many be wondering "will the window film scratch or tear?". Rest assured, children and pets are not normally a problem - but do keep in mind "scratch resistant" does not mean "scratch-proof" - even glass will scratch.
You need to be careful with sharp objects, loading and unloading items from your vehicle and especially any items like boxes, golf clubs, wheel chairs, sporting equipment etc. We also recommend being extra caution when releasing seat belts as they can swing at speed and hit your window tint which can result in a chip/s in the window film which unfortunately are not covered under your manufacturer’s warranty. The cost of retinting an accidentally damaged window, is typically not expensive.

WILL THE WINDOW TINT DAMAGE MY REAR DEMISTER/DEFROSTER?

No it will not. We use only top quality films, and apply these right over the rear dimisters/defroster. The dimister can used right away without affecting the window film in any way.

DO / WILL YOU REMOVE MY CHILD SEAT/S FOR WINDOW TINTING INSTALLATION?

On most occasions yes, it is likley that we will need to remove your child car seat/s prior to installation of your window tint. This is to allow access to the internal glass panels.

If your vehicle is fitted with child seat/s please let us know at booking time. We will assess your vehicle when you drop it off, and let you know if the seat will need to be removed. For safety reasons we DO NOT reinstall child seats, they will be laid on the side or put into the boot of your vehicle. We understand that some customers have their child seats professionally installed. Unfortunately, if we have to to remove your child seat/s for access, you will need to refit them yourself or, if you prefer. have them refitted professionally (at your cost). This is beyond our control, our installers are not trained or certified re-install child car seats and, legally, we are unable to do so.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO TINT THE WINDOW ON MY CAR?

On average, installation of a full tint on a previously untinted sedan, takes between three and four hours. However if there is old or existing window film or glue on the glass, it can take significantly longer than this to remove film/glue, clean and then tint your glass.
If you are on a tight schedule or have appointments that you need the vehicle for, please let us know at booking time, and we will do everything possible to accommodate your requirements.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN THE AREA WHILE MY CAR/MOTOR VEHICLE IS BEING TINTED?

If you would like to stay close-by, and wait for your vehicle, we have some great Café’s within walking distance of Top Tint Mornington.
Both Café Thirteen 83 & Commonfolk are just a short walk and offer great coffee, food and atmosphere - plus FREE WIFI.

Main St Mornington markets are extremely popular with locals and visitors. These are open every Wednesday. Main street Mornington is about a 15 min walk from Top Tint.
TAR BARREL Brewery & Distillery is just a short walk and a great place to visit. Please check their website for opening days and hours.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR MY WINDOW FILM TO ‘DRY’ ONCE APPLIED TO MY VEHICLE?

Drying time of your window film will depend on both the weather and the time of year.
During the summer months, when temperatures are over 15 degrees, it will typically take 10-12 days to totally cure and dry. However, in the winter months it can take up to 4-6 weeks. Drying time can also be influenced by where you park your vehicle during daylight hours. Natural sunlight is needed for the drying process.
It's not a problem to leave your vehicle garaged, just be mindful that it can take even longer than the 4-6 weeks for the tint to fully cure.
Water is used during the installation process to activate the adhesive. When your newly tinted windows are exposed to significant sunlight, the evaporation and drying process will happen quite quickly. If after the correct curing/drying time, you have any queries or questions, please call or drop in, and one of the team will be happy to look at your window tint and address any concerns.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW AFTER MY CAR HAS BEEN TINTED?

After tinting is complete,

  • DO NOT Wind your windows down for a MINIMUM of 48 hours, windows must remain in the closed position.
  • DO NOT Clean your window film for 30 days after installation, the film is installed on the interior of your glass.
  • DO NOT Clean your windows with ANY ammonia-based or strong cleaning products.
  • DO NOT Stick heavy or gummed signs, tape, L or P plates to the window tint until fully dry.
  • DO NOT Use abrasive cloths, bristle brushes, coarse paper towel or any form of steel wool on your window tint, as this will scratch the hard coat.

DOT MATRIX: The black dots, or matrix patters, as well as the lines at the top of some windows, are made of a teflon type, our window tint is designed to adhere directly to the glass not the matrix. When tint is applied the window it sticks to the slightly raised dot. This can give, depending on the thickness of the material, a lighter or different look in this area. This poses no risk of peeling and is perfectly normal.

NOTE: All Top Tint window films are installed in a dust free environment, however due to the nature of any window film installation, on rare occasions, small airbourne fibres or particles can get trapped under the film, such inclusions are consistant with WFAA industry best practises and standards, if unobtrusive. These will not affect the benefits of your window film in any way.

WHY DO I SEE LITTLE BUBBLES OR PATCHINESS SOON AFTER INSTALLATION?

This is very normal, we use water to activate the adhesive and allow us to move the film around and position it for a perfect installation. Although we squeegee out as much of the water as possible, sometimes small amounts of water remain between the glass and the film, as this water evaporates through the film you may see some little water pockets or foggy patches. Don't worry, these will disappear during the drying process. Never poke, prod, or pop these bubbles, they will always go away on their own. If you are not totally sure please call or drop in to discuss.

I HAVE SEEN SOME CARS WITH BUBBLY CAR WINDOW TINT. WHY? WHAT CAUSES THIS?

Cars fitted with dyed window films can bubble and blister over time, this is not the quality of the installation it is simply the inferiority of the product used. Prior to today’s technology of ceramic and metallised car window tints, all films were dyed. Over time the dye starts to fade from exposure to UV rays, the glue then starts to break down resulting in the unsightly bubbling effect. The dyed film will continue to deteriorate and can cause visibility issues that can make your vehicle unroadworthy. This CAN be rectified by removing the old film and glue (which is done with great care to minimise potential damage to your demister bars if present). We take the greatest possible care, using the correct tools and techniques, but cannot accept any responsibility for any damage resulting from this process.

REMOVAL OF WINDOW FILM/TINT - CAN IT BE REMOVED EASILY? CAN I REMOVE IT MYSELF?

Yes, window film can be removed and yes you can attempt to remove it yourself. However we do recommend removal by a professional using the correct tools, techniques (and sometimes solvents) to leave your glass in its original condition.
Removing old or damaged window tint from any glass is never as simple as it sounds; we recommend avoiding the use of solvents, as they can damage the interior of your vehicle or the paintwork on the frames of your residential windows. Here at Top Tint Mornington we use a high quality commercial steaming process making the procedure a lot safer and easier.
Window tint is made up of layers of film and glue. On some occasions, when customers attempt a DIY removal process, they will call us saying ” I have removed the tint it’s just the glue left” … unfortunately this hasn’t made our job any easier! Its actually made it a lot harder as we require the actual layers of tint for the steaming process to work successfully. When removing tint from the rear screen of a vehicle, occasionally the demister bars/lines are removed from the glass either partially or fully. This is unfortnatuly outside of our control We take the greatest possible care, using the correct tools and techniques, but cannot accept any responsibility for any damage resulting from the removal of old tint films or glue.

WILL TOP TINT MATCH OTHER COMPETITOR’S QUOTES ON CAR OR HOUSE WINDOW TINTING?

Top Tint Window Films does have the ability to match competitors quotes - HOWEVER this only "apples for apples". We will always ask what brand of window film our competitor/s have quoted and its specifications, we have a range of films that are EXCLUSIVE to Top Tint Mornington, so it would not be possible for competitors to match these. However, we are more than happy to look at pricing of the other films in our range. Price matching is based on written quotes only. Unfortunately, there are many cheap, low quality window films out there that have been imported from overseas. All Top Tint films are sourced from the USA, the world leaders in window film technology. We never use low quality materials, so would not try to match quotes that do.

DO YOU OFFER MOBILE CAR WINDOW TINTING SERVICES?

In a nutshell NO. Many years of experience has shown that produce a perfect result, worthy of the Top Tint name, a totally clean, dust and particle free environment, without any air movement is required. Specialist lighting is also a MUST. It should therefore be obvious that a great result simply cannot be achieved with a mobile tinting service.
We do however OFFER ONSITE tinting for TRACTORS, GRADERS, BUSES, CARAVANS etc as we understand it is often not possible for some owners to bring these types of vehicles to our workshop. If you have multiple vehicles and a dust free workshop/garage we are happy to offer a quotation to come onsite to install window film.

ACID RAIN OR HARD WATER SPOTS ON MY GLASS – WHAT IS IT & HOW CAN I REMOVE IT FROM MY GLASS?

Acid Rain is not actually acid falling from the sky, it is clean rain water mixing with dust, metal oxides, and/or chemical dust deposits on the surface of your car. The most common cause of the spots (commonly blamed on acid rain) is hard water. This type of water is full of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and compounds such as sulfates and bicarbonates. When “hard water” comes in contact with glass and is left to dry by evaporation, it can form water spots that are unsightly and very hard to get rid of.
The professional method of removing water spots, mineral deposits and calcium staining from glass, is using Cerum Oxide (also known as Jewellers Rouge) or a similar glass polishing compound. Alternative methods that may work at home are:

  • White Vinegar: (acid) Wearing gloves, use straight, on a soft cloth.
  • Fine Grade Steel Wool: (abrasive) Use a superfine grade, OOO or OOOO grade only.
  • Lemon Juice: (acid) Extract as much as possible and mix with a little water.
  • Baking Soda: (alkaline) Mix with water and apply. Let soak then remove.
  • Coca-Cola: (acid) Although not the strongest form of acid, if it will clean an old coin, it will clean your glass too.

DOES TOP TINT OFFER INSURANCE?

YES most definitely, Top Tint Window Films is fully insured. All of our films are backed by manufacturer’s warranties and we back our workmanship 100%.

WINDOW FILM REMOVAL DISCLAIMER

All possible care is taken in the remove any old window film and/or glue from your glass. 99% of all window tint removals will not cause any damage during the process. If the removal is from the rear screen of your motor vehicle, Top Tint Window Films Pty Ltd cannot guarantee that your demisters lines/bars will function at 100% after film removal.
We use a commercial quality steamer to remove film gently. However there is always a small risk that removal of any window film can result in damage. Although every reasonable measure is taken by our installers to avoid this Top Tint Window Films Pty Ltd takes no responsibility or liability for any damage relating to the removal of old window film.




FAQ - HOMES


WHY USE WINDOW FILM/TINT OR INSTALL WINDOW FILM ON MY HOME/RESIDENTIAL GLASS?

The many benefits of window film installation on glass are as follows:

  • DECREASE HEAT: Drastically reduce unwanted summer heat gain in your home generated by the sun with our wide range of window films. This can also be achieved without losing optical clarity or your view.
  • REDUCE FADING & UV DAMAGE: Block 99.9% of harmful UV Rays; the major causes of fading are UV rays visible light & heat. Our range of films will substantially reduce UV damage to your floorings, curtains, furniture or art ALSO reducing the risk of skin cancers. We offer a TOTALLY CLEAR film that stops 99.9% UV; you would know it’s on your glass but you are protected!
  • REDUCE GLARE: Dramatically reduce annoying glare which will create a more comfortable environment for televisions, computer screens, reading or working. It’s like sunglasses for your windows!
  • PRIVACY: Excellent daytime privacy can be attained with a majority of our films, we have a variety of colours & shades to achieve the results you are looking for, we also have DECORATIVE / FROSTED FILMS  which will offer you day & night time privacy letting natural light filter in however you will lose your view in & out.
  • ENHANCE APPEARANCE: Our range of window films offer a fashionable result for any home being that modern or older style. Window film is a great alternative to blinds, curtains or sheers & gives your windows a distinctive, clean uniform look from the exterior.
  • INCREASE SECURITY: Window film strengthens your glass making it far more shatter resistant, reduces hazards, injuries normally associated with glass breakage. We have a range of actual security films that are used in schools, day care centres alike, these can be tinted or totally clear.
  • INFRARED: With (IR) properties you are able to insulate UV and help with infrared radiation more effectively than regular films on the market.
  • ENERGY EFFICIENT: Insulating your glass reduces cooling & heating costs saving you money right from the start, it won’t take long to pay you back
  • DOUBLE GLAZING / THERMAL Insulation Properties: Our window film ECODUAL (link) is the film you will never see however offering unsurpassed technology. Ecodual is as good OR better than double glazed glass/windows as its cool in summer & warm in winter - you have the best of both worlds.

Click here to see the range of residentual tint options.

WHICH FILM IS BEST TO USE ON MY HOME / RESIDENTIAL WINDOWS?

One of the advantages of our FREE MEASURE & QUOTE service is exactly that…we can come to your home or office to discuss your individual requirements and offer you the best options for what you are looking to achieve, we also leave you real samples of our products so you can discuss further at a later date and make the right decision.
We offer a wide variety of films with varying degrees of performance, shades and benefits. Some films in our range are highly reflective, whilst others are similar to motor vehicle tints, ranging from very DARK right through to CLEAR (whilst still offering 99.9% UV Protection). Remember you DO NOT have to have dark tinted windows to get all the great benefits of 99.9% UV protection to protect your floors, furniture or valuables.

Click here to see the range of residentual tint options.

DO TOP TINTS WINDOW FILMS BLOCK UVA & UVB RAYS + INFRARED?

The answer is YES and most of our films also offer the equivalent of 285+ SPF.
Window film acts like a sunscreen for glass. Damaging UVA and UVB rays are present in sunlight all year round and reaches us, even when it is cloudy and the sun is low in the sky. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to, and cause damage to your skin. This can lead to the development of skin cancers.

UVA vs UVB?

  • UVA penetrates the skin on a deep level and causes your skin to tan. UVA rays are associated with premature skin aging, wrinkling and eye damage which are all linked to the formation of skin cancers.
  • UVB rays play the greatest role in causing skin cancers, including the deadly black mole form of skin cancer (malignant melanoma). They are the primary sunburn ray and enter the upper layer of your skin to cause damage. UVB rays can increase your risk of basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma cancers.

NOTE: VITAL that the window film you choose, offers BOTH UVA & UVB PROTECTION, as both types of UV radiation are damaging to your skin.

WHAT ABOUT INFRARED HEAT? Yes our Ceramic range of window films offer High infrared (IR) rejection for thermal insulation as it is able to insulate UV and infrared radiation more effectively than regular films.

CAN WINDOW FILM SAVE / IMPROVE YOUR ENERGY COSTS & BILLS??

YES MOST DEFIINTELY. Energy companies are increasing their prices regularly and will continue to do so. Installing window tint to your glass is an inexpensive way to make signifigant savings on your monthly energy costs. Top Tints range of window tints can insulate your glass so you won’t have to turn up your air conditioners and use extra energy. Our range of window films can act as an invisible shield with some of our range rejecting up to 82% of the sun’s heat! Our ECODUAL works both winter & summer, giving you the best of both worlds.

Click here to see the range of residentual tint options.

ECODUAL WINDOW FILM – AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN DOUBLE GLAZING! - HOW DOES IT WORK? WILL IT SAVE ENERGY AND REDUCE MY ELECTRICITY BILL?

YES!! ECODUAL is the film that does it all!! This environmentally friendly window film provides year-round innovative window-insulating properties as well as adding comfort and protection to your home, by keeping the sun out in the summer and keeping heat inside in the winter.
The low emissivity prevents heat from escaping through your windows in the winter while keeping out up to 52% of the sun’s heat in the summer - all without loss of optical clarity, or your view. Being a spectrally selective film, it lets in an abundance of natural light. With all of these benefits, it starts saving you money instantly on your cooling and heating bills, and offers 99% protection from UV radiation to protect you and the interior of your home or office.
[More info on double glazing at eewindows.com.au]

I HAVE DOUBLE GLAZING SO DO I NEED WINDOW FILM ALSO?

Double glazing is an amazing product for retaining the winter heat in any home or office building. However if it is just clear untreated glass, the sun's heat will still belt in at around 90%. On hot days your room can retain that ambient heat, with the double glazing preventing the heat from escaping back through the glass. This can causing your air conditioner to work overtime to keep up with this added heat.

Here is a link to the Energy Efficient Windows Australia website on the subject of double glazed glass.

WHAT IS DOUBLE GLAZING OR DOUBLE GLAZED GLASS??

Traditional window glazing consists of a single sheet of glass within your window sash. Double glazing refers to a sealed glass unit comprising two sheets of glass separated by a spacer bar around the outside of the glass. The spacer bar creates an air gap between the glass panes. It is this gap that creates the insulation break between the inside and outside of the window. Double glazing allows the low winter sun to stream through and warm your home and once the sun’s radiant heat has passed through the double glazed window, the room retains the heat, with the double glazing preventing heat loss back through the glass. Top Tint Mornington offers ECODUAL window film that offers the best of both worlds.

Here is a link to the Energy Efficient Windows Australia website on the subject of double glazed glass.

IS IT A GOOD IDEA or SHOULD I ASK MY EMPLOYER TO TINT MY OFFICE WINDOWS FOR UV PROTECTION?

Long-term exposure to UV can lead to serious skin cancers and other adverse health issues, so if your office desk or workplace is located where you are in exposed to sunlight, and the glass installed offers no UV protection then answer is definitely - YES.

Employees who sit in sunlit areas where the sunlight hits their computers screens, are far more prone to experiencing eye strain which can cause eye diseases like cataracts and damage to retinal tissue. It can also, in some cases make workers less productive due to the uncomfortable working conditions. Ask your employer or HR department the question, as this could be a Occupational Health and Safety Hazard that can be rectified quite easily.

Top Tints Ceramic ARMANI range is available in 4 shades/colours, from extremely light to dark. Once applied to your glass it offers a 285+ SPF to protect you from Skin Cancers & Sun Exposure plus glare reduction if required.

DOES WINDOW FILM OFFER DAY AND NIGHT TIME PRIVACY?

We often get asked this question and in one word the answer is NO.
Solar window films are designed to see through, while Frost, Blackout, Whiteout and other decorative films are designed for privacy or cosmetic reasons.

Tinted windows will only give you one way day-time privacy. Unfortunately there is no window film that offers the feature to swap between day and night time privacy, without losing your actual optical view. Our range of 100% daytime privacy window films are either a medium to dark tinted look (similar to motor vehicle shades) or our reflective or mirror look range which essentially turns your glass into a mirror when viewed externally, you can however see out quite very clearly. These films will reverse at night when your lights are on, so the easiest method for achieving night-time privacy is to simply closing your blinds or drapes at night. Blinds and drapes work very well in partnership with window film.

In situations like bathrooms, front entry windows, offices etc, a frosted or decorative film works well to create privacy day and night, while still allowing ambient light to filter into the room during the day. With decorative or frosted films you cannot see in or out (so in a nutshell you lose your view internally & externally whilst still allowing 100% light to filter in).
We also offer total whiteout or blackout films. These block out 100% of the light, allowing absolutely no light or view in or out of the room.

With that said, this rule isn’t without exceptions ... in some situations privacy can be created with the use of a highly reflective film, combined with strong external lighting and slightly dimmer internal illumination. To achieve this privacy, the light on the outside needs to be brighter than the light on the inside.

WILL WINDOW FILM MAKE MY HOME LOOK LIKE A MIRROR FROM THE OUTSIDE?

No - not unless you specifically choose a reflective window film option. Our sales team are all trained to ask the right questions so that you can achieve exactly what you are looking for and accomplish the right result. We ask what you are seeking to acomplish and by a process of elimination, we can recommend the right product specifically for your requirements.

HOW DOES USING WINDOW FILM IMPROVE GLASS SAFETY?

Window glass comes in varying thickness and is either annealed glass, toughened glass or laminated glass. Applying Safety window film to any thin annealed glass will upgrade the glass to meet the Australian safety standard #2208. This will protect and reduce the risk of personal injury should glass breakage occur.

WILL WINDOW FILM HELP WITH SAFETY / SECURITY OF MY GLASS AT HOME?

YES most definitely! Security advisors often say is "GLASS IS YOUR WEAKEST LINK"!

Window film can definitely strengthen the glass as well as prevent serious injury from broken glass. Window film will add a great deal of shatter resistance to any glass. Our safety range of window films are used in day care and child care centres Australia wide.

WILL SECURITY or SAFETY FILM STOP MY GLASS BREAKING?

No, it will not stop your glass breaking; however it will make breaking or penetration the window or glass door much more difficult and time consuming. The film will hold the broken glass together reducing potentual for personal injury from sharding glass. Take a look at our safery range of window films.

CAN WINDOW FILM BE REMOVED EASILY FROM THE GLASS ON MY HOUSE IF I CHOOSE TO DO SO?

Yes, most definitely window film can be removed. However, removing old or damaged window tint from any glass is never as simple as it sounds. If choosing to DIY remove window film, We recommend avoiding the use of glue remover or solvents, these can damage your paintwork and frames of your windows.

All Top Tint staff are trained and accredited professionals. We use the correct tools and techniques to leave your glass in its original condition.
Window tint is made up of layers of film and glue and on some occasions when customers have attempted a DIY removal process, they will call Top Tint saying "I have removed the tint it’s just the glue left" … unfortunately this hasn’t made our job any easier, its actually made it a lot harder, as we require the layers of tint to remove the film and glue effectively.

CAN I REDUCE GLARE ON TELEVISION SCREENS or COMPUTER MONITOR BY USING WINDOW FILM?

Absolutely! Window film substantially reduces glare caused by sunlight on television and computer screens, we have a good variety of films that can achieve this for you.

Click here to see the range of residentual tint options.

WHICH SIDE OF THE WINDOW / GLASS IS WINDOW FILM APPLIED TO?

The vast majority of our window film applications are applied on the inside of the glass pane, however on rear occasions it may be necessary to install the film on the outside of the glass. We have access to special films if this is the case.

CAN I HAVE MY SKYLIGHT TINTED?

Most definitely, Top Tint has a wide variety of films for this purpose, our skylight range of window films can help with heat reduction, glare and UV protection.

HOW LONG DOES WINDOW FILM TAKE TO ‘DRY’ ONCE APPLIED?

It can take anywhere between a week and 3-4 months to fully cure. The actual time depends on the time of the year, position of the windows and the actual film installed. For example, Ecodual takes longer to dry than all our other films. Water is used to activate the glue for installation, so sunlight and heat are required to complete the drying process and completely evaporate all the water. Depending on the daytime sunlight hours of each window some may take longer than others to dry.

If you would like to accelerate the drying process you can do so by:

  • HEAT: Direct a fan heater at the film a few meters away and let hot air blow over the window/room.
  • WIND: A normal fan will encourage air movement (wind) across the film, this is called convective drying.
  • HUMIDITY: A dehumidifier will make the air significantly dryer, increasing the airs ability to accept moisture from the film.

HOW CAN THE RAINBOW EFFECT/LOOK OF INSTALLED WINDOW FILM BE AVOIDED OR REDUCED WHEN VIEWED INTERNALLY AT NIGHT?

Otherwise known as iridescence, the rainbow effect is the diffraction of visible light as it passes through, reflects off and reflects within a film laminate. Like a rainbow in the sky, the diffraction splits up the light wavelengths into the colours of the rainbow. Full metal films are the biggest offenders, but it is usually only visible in strong fluorescent lighting or looking on a sharp angle in sunlight. This is not a film fault but an unfortunate effect that can only be reduced by changing the lighting source to another type such as incandescent, high quality LED or halogen.

MY GLASS HAS WINDOW FILM INSTALLED ON IT HOWEVER WHEN I TOUCH THE WINDOW IT SEEMS EXTREMELY HOT ON THE INSIDE. ISN’T TINTING SUPPOSED TO MAKE THE WINDOWS COOLER?

It is not unusual for the window/s to get hotter after window film has been applied, if this did not happen the heat would continue into the room and make the room hotter. The film is designed to stop unwanted heat at the window and not let it continue into the room. When the heat is stopped at the glass or window the glass gets hotter not allowing the heat to transfer into the room itself. It is very much like putting your hand over a flame and feeling the heat then putting something between you hand and the heat such as a piece of metal and you no longer feel the heat but the metal will still get hot since it is intercepting the heat and it is not getting to your hand.

Some of the heat you feel when you touch the window will radiate into the room but this will be negligible and have virtually no impact on the temperature of the room.
Once you get your hand 100mm - 150mm from the glass you will notice there is very little feeling of heat since the heat is concentrated in the glass.

WILL YOUR INSTALLERS WEAR SHOES/BOOTS IN MY HOME WHILE TINTING MY WINDOWS AS I’M CONCERNED ABOUT DIRT AND MARKS ON MY FLOOR COVERING – CAN THEY PLEASE TAKE THEIR SHOES OFF?

Unfortunately NO, all window film installers are required to wear safety boots at all times when completing window tinting works. This is for Occupational Safety and Health purposes. We are able to use boot covers over our safety boots if required. We can use these, along with the drop sheets that are standard with all installations. If you would like to request our Top Tint staff wear boot covers for your window film installation please let the office know when booking your tinting job.

I AM IN A UNIT BLOCK AND WOULD LIKE PRIVACY… CAN I ACHIEVE THIS WITH WINDOW TINT?

Most definitely YES however most units or complexes have body corporates so along with this comes many rules & regulations dictating what can and can not be done. We always recommend you check with your body corporate and receive the green light prior to installing any window film as it could be an expensive experiment if there are issues with neighbours or the body corporate after installation. If you do not seek permission from your body corporate and you are asked to remove the window film after installation we take no responsibility for this and no refund or credit will be issued from Top Tint.

The Ceramic ARMANI or Infinity Range are our most popular for units and complex’s.

WILL TOP TINT MATCH OTHER COMPETITOR’S QUOTES ON HOUSE WINDOW TINTING?

Top Tint Window Films does have the ability to match competitors quotes - HOWEVER this only "apples for apples". We will always ask what brand of window film our competitor/s have quoted and its specifications, we have a range of films that are EXCLUSIVE to Top Tint Mornington, so it would not be possible for competitors to match these. However, we are more than happy to look at pricing of the other films in our range. Price matching is based on written quotes only. Unfortunately, there are many cheap, low quality window films out there that have been imported from overseas. All Top Tint films are sourced from the USA, the world leaders in window film technology. We never use low quality materials, so would not try to match quotes that do.

I HAVE BEEN QUOTED A CHEAPER PRICE FOR MY HOME TINTING FROM A COMPETITOR. WHY?

There are numerous window tinting companies that will offer lower priced window tinting. Unless you have considerable experience and knowledge of window films, you would not know the difference by looking at them (until the low-quality film fails). Therefore it largely comes down to TRUST! Top Tint has been in business on the Mornington Peninsula since 1995. The reason we are still here, is because we have built a solid reputation. A reputation for using only the best quality products and standing by our warranties.
The operators offering much cheaper products may be dificult or impossible to find if you need to make a warrenty claim. Keep in mind, that using a cheaper, lower quality product means that you are far more likley to need that warranty!
Some companies can avoid warranty obligations by simply changing their trading name. So always ask “How long has the company been trading?" & "Has it ever changed names?"

The saying “you get what you pay for” is often quite true - particularly in this industry. A warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it. Having been offering glass tinting services on the Mornington Peninsula since 1995, you can be quite confident that in the unlikley event that you need anything from a small tint repair to a full warranty claim, Top Tint will be here to stand by both our products and our workmanship. We have great reviews and feedback from our customers, so you can trust us to give you what you are paying for.

WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS DO YOU OFFER?

We offer EFTPOS, Bank transfer, Credit Card (Master card/Visa only & fees apply) and of course Cash.
Please note all works are payment on completion unless otherwise arranged. All goods/property remain the ownership of Top Tint Window Films Pty Ltd until paid for in full.

DOES TOP TINT OFFER INSURANCE?

YES most definitely, Top Tint Window Films is fully insured. All of our films are backed by manufacturer’s warranties and we back our workmanship 100%.




FAQ - SAFETY FILMS


WHAT IS A & B GRADE SAFETY GLASS?

Grade A & B certified safety glass is either toughened or laminated glass, if your glass is either of these it will have a label or stamp to identify the grade of safety glass (e.g. A or B), the type of glass (laminated or toughened) and that is conforms to the appropriate building Standards (AS2008/AS1288).

  • Grade A – Toughened & Laminated Safety Glass
  • Grade B – Wired Safety Glass

WHAT IS SAFETY GLASS or HUMAN IMPACT SAFETY GLASS?

Safety glass is required in areas of human impact which are prone to accidents; these areas are required to be fitted with what’s known as Grade A safety glass. The use of safety glass reduces the risk of injury as it is tougher to break and won’t fracture into dangerous shards if broken.

In recent years, the areas of your home where safety glass is required has increased, while the allowances for ordinary glass areas has decreased. The term ‘Safety Glass' or 'Grade A Safety Glass' is applied to glazing which must be used to reduce the risk of injury from accidental impact and glass breakage. Glass isn't automatically safety glass when it comes off the float manufacturing line, it needs to have other processes applied to it which makes it a safety glass and able to be be stamped accordingly.

WHAT ARE THE AREAS / GLASS PANES / PANELS REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE SAFETY GLASS?

NOTE : This is a general guide ONLY where safety glass is required please check Glass In Buildings AS1288:2021 rules & regulations for confirmation.

  • All glass doors
  • Bathrooms (for all areas up to 2 metres high)
  • Door side panels (if less than 300mm away from the door and positioned 1200mm or less above the floor)
  • Around stairs (for a distance of 1000mm from either side of the stairs and 2000mm from the bottom of the stairs)
  • Areas that can be mistaken for openings (e.g. full height glass)
  • Low level glass (if larger than 1.2 metres - areas under 1.2 metres require a minimum of 5mm thick glass)
  • Throughout your home if you are running a childcare, day care or aged care business.

While these are the minimum areas that require safety glass you may want to consider using it in additional spaces, especially where children are active.

CAN I INSTALL SAFETY / SECURITY FILM TO MY STANDARD ANNEALED GLASS SO IT COMPLIES WITH AS1288 or DO I NEED TO ACTUALLY CHANGE THE GLASS?

YES most definitely…..our safety / security films can be applied to standard existing or annealed glass windows/panes so it will comply with Australian building regulations AS2208, it will be labelled during installation to verify this and you will also be supplied with a compliance certificate.

CAN I INSTALL SAFETY / SECURITY FILM MYSELF (DIY) SO IT COMPLIES WITH AS1288?

You can install safety / security film yourself, however being a thicker window film, can be difficult to install correctly. However, in order to meet Australian building regulations (where a certificate of compliance is required) it must be installed by an accredited company and each panel labelled to verify this. Top Tint Mornington will provide you with a certificate of compliance proving that your glass now meets code.

HOW TO IDENTIFY OR KNOW IF MY WINDOWS ARE SAFETY GLASS?

All safety glass from the manufacturer must be labelled as compliant. The label will identify the grade of safety glass (e.g. A or B) and the type of glass (laminated or toughened) it will also state the appropriate building Standards (AS2008/AS1288). If your glass does not have this, it is not compliant. When Top Tint Mornington installs safety/security film on your glass we will adhere to each individual pane a compliance sticker prior to adhesion of the film onto the glass, so the label is permanently on the glass and cannot be removed.

WHAT ARE THE RULES & REGULATION OF GLASS SAFETY STRIPS ETC TO MAKE GLASS VISIBLE (MANIFESTATION)?

Large areas of glass have been known to cause injury when mistaken for a doorway or opening. Under certain lighting conditions glass panes can appear ‘invisible’ and if children or adults collide with the pane this can cause serious injuries.

If you have large glass areas such as doors and side panes within your home that are not easily visible as glass, they must be marked to reduce the risk of accidental injury. Glass areas are considered not easily visible if they do not have:

  • Decorative treatments (such as opaque or patterned glass)
  • Transoms
  • Colonial bars
  • Other components making the glass pane noticeable

When none of the elements above are present, glass doors and side panes must be marked with an opaque band spanning the width of the pane. The band itself needs to be a minimum of 20mm wide. The height of the band must also be located between 700mm and 1200mm from floor level

WHAT IS LAMINATED GLASS?

Laminated glass is manufactured high strength glass which prevents it from shattering into large shards when broken, the main benefits of laminated glass are:

IMAGE MISSING - laminated_glass.jpg

  • BONDING PROCESS: Due to the bonding process the glass will not shatter and fall apart, it is made from two or more sheets of glass bonded together with a flexible interlayer. In the event of breaking, the glass is held in place by the vinyl interlayer and forms a web-like pattern.
  • PVB VINYL INTERLAYER: This does not provide any visual difference to a normal piece of annealed glass and the interlayer does not impact the transparency of the glass however it will reduce damaging UV rays fading interior furnishings etc.
  • STRONG: Due to the special bonding process at manufacturing laminated glass it is not easy to break through and will take the force of several impacts. It generally takes two blows to break laminated glass with several further blows to create a hole. In contrast, toughened glass can be accessed with a single blow of a hammer.
  • SAFE: In the image of a broken panel of laminate glass on a balustrading, you can see that the glass in still intact.

WHAT IS TOUGHENED GLASS?

Toughened glass is a single panel of glass that has been heated or furnaced to change the molecular structure of the glass giving it extra strength. The main benefits of toughened glass are:

IMAGE MISSING - toughened_glass.jpg

  • FRACTURES: If broken toughened glass will fracture in to tiny cubes of glass.
  • STRONG: As the glass has been heated or furnace at manufacturing to change the molecular structure of the glass it makes it super strong.
  • SAFE: In the image of a broken panel of toughened glass from a hammer you can see that, when broken, the break leaves a large hole.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLASS?

  • Annealed Glass: Annealed Glass also known as standard glass is less rigorous and can lack strength, if broken it will break into large glass shards and splinter into jagged pieces which can cause serious injury.
  • Grade A: Toughened & Laminated Safety Glass - Toughened glass offers 4 to 5 times the strength of ordinary glass of the same thickness. It is impact resistant and allows large clear spans with minimum fixing. In the unlikely event that the glass does break, it forms small particles, reducing the risk of injury.
  • Grade B: Wired Safety Glass When wired glass is broken; fragments of glass remain attached to the wire or will offer protection from injury by resisting penetration.

The simplest way to prevent an accident is to be certain that one of two types of safety glass is used in any area where there are risks: Since 1989 windows and other glazing installed in all new buildings have been required to meet mandatory specifications under Australian Standards which are covered by Australian Standard AS/NZS 1288 for installation and safety and AS/NZS2208.

WHAT ARE THE RULES & REGULATIONS OF SAFETY GLASS IN BATHROOMS?

All glass in bathrooms should use Grade A or B safety glass for fully framed glazing. The only exception being a mirror, which is either fully adhered to the wall or fully protected by a vanity or bench with a minimum height of 760mm and a minimum depth of 300mm.

  • Partly framed glazing shall be glazed with Grade A Safety Glass with a minimum thickness of 5mm to an area not exceeding 2.2 cubic meters.
  • Frameless glazing in shower screen doors and returns shall be Grade A toughened or toughened laminate with a minimum thickness of 6mm.
  • Louvre blades subject to risk of human impact louvers shall be Grade A toughened safety glass.

WHAT ARE THE RULES & REGULATIONS OF SAFETY GLASS IN STAIRWAYS?

Glazing including mirrors in stairways, shall be Grade A safety glass in the following situations:

  • Within 2000mm horizontally and at right angles to the bottom riser of each stair flight.
  • Within 1000mmm and parallel to any part of the stair flight or landing.
  • Safety glass is not required where the glazing is protected by a solid barrier not less than 1000mm in height.

IF GLASS IS NOT VISIBLE SHOULD I INSTALL SAFETY FILM OR A SAFETY BAND?

If glass is not clearly visible in a door, side panel or a panel capable of being mistaken for a doorway or opening and is not made apparent by other means, however making the glass visible is not a substitute for safety glazing we would definitely recommend to install safety/security film and a safety band to these panes to prevent accidents and or injury.

The rules & regulations for safety bands are as follows:
Marking shall be in the form of an opaque band not less than 20mm in height and located so that the vertical height from the floor level is:

  • Not less than 700mm from the upper edges of the band and
  • Not more than 1200mm to the lower edge of the band.

WHAT DOES THE CODES & WRITING ON THE STAMP/LABEL ON MY GLASS RELATE TO?

All safety glass used in Australia must be compliant to AS/NZS 2208 Safety Glazing Materials in Buildings which sets out the test requirements and procedures for testing glazing material safety after breakage. There are two categories of safety glass specified in AS/NZS 2208, Grade A and Grade B, with Grade A having the higher performance level. The test requirements for the different glazing materials are designed to promote safety and to reduce or minimise the likelihood of cutting and piercing injuries from human impact.

Compliant glazing materials must be legibly and permanently marked with a stamp or sticker with the following information:

  1. The name or registered trademark of the manufacturer or supplier.
  2. The number of the Australian/New Zealand Standard, i.e. AS/NZS 2208.
  3. A letter or other code to indicate the plant of manufacture or supply.
  4. Grade A or Grade B to indicate the grade of the material.
  5. A number indicating the nominal thickness for standard glazing material in millimetre or a number indicating the minimum thickness for non-standard glazing material to the nearest tenth of a millimetre.
  6. A letter or word or combinations thereof to indicate the type of glazing material used in the product, for example:
    1. The letter ‘T’ or word ‘toughened’, indicating a toughened safety glass.
    2. The letter ‘L’ or the word ‘laminated’ indicating a laminated safety glass.
    3. The letters ‘TL’ indicating that the material is toughened laminated safety glass.




Disclaimer:
These FAQ questions & information have been developed to provide a general guide, awareness and education; they should not be regarded as definitive law. While every effort has been made to ensure all information is accurate and correct Top Tint Window Films Pty Ltd takes no responsibility for any mistakes, errors or omissions in this publication. Please check Glass In Buildings AS 1288:2021 for the latest rules & regulations.





Australian Glass Building Codes


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