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protective film on anderson windows removal

13 years ago

Anderson Window Protective Film thats been on over 3 years, the manufacturers recomendations is 9 months. Looking for an easy solution if anyone can help. The interior comes off normal but the exterior rips apart and stays on. Trying to avoid using razor blade. Thanks

Featured Answer

jocobe

13 years ago

Actually there is a film on the exterior of the glass that makes it a lot less likely for water droplets to form. Andersen does not recommend razor blades as it will remove the film. You won't visibly see any difference, however the 'self-cleaning' film will be removed.

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Comments (6)

jocobe
13 years ago
If your glass is the new LowE-4, then you do not want to use razor blades.

Call Andersen @ 1-888-888-7020 and ask them. Last time I talked to them about the issue, it involved using white scotch brite pads.
skydawggy
13 years ago
While I don't recommend the use of razors on glass, there isn't anything special about Andersen E-4 glass. It's just the Cardinal 366 glass Andersen rebranded to make it sound like it's better than their competitors. Andersen pushes it for every installation because of the tax credits and it's the only glass that cam be used in their windows to get them to qualify. It's really designed for a warm climate because of the low solar gain. It is not appropriate for Northern Climates and should be used sparingly elsewhere.
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As I type, the installers are finishing up tinting 4 windows. I love the look of them. It is a bit like looking through lightly tinted Polaroid sunglasses. I asked them about placing it on the inside, which they did, and he told me that it was only dark tints that stood a chance of harming seals in windows. He said that it isn't uncommon for seals to eventually go in windows, and if they do they will replace the film at no cost. The product is 3M and their card says www.coolsunlight.com....... I got estimates from 2 places and found out something interesting. The first company gave me the estimate and added some $240 in taxes. The second told me that there is no tax on window film since it is energy saving and non-taxable! I know there are two, or more, levels of protection and one of them is "low E". If you use that one, you might be eligible for up to $500 rebate through your electric company. Time will tell how these work out but I hope what little I've learned is helpful.
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oberon476
13 years ago
The protective film is called Preserve and the exterior easy-clean coating (I would not call it a film though) is called NEAT. Using razor blades to remove the Preserve film will damage the NEAT coating, even if you may not see the damage it is still there.

The Preserve will need to be warm in order to remove it. Do not try to remove it cold. Using a hair drier may help and then you will likely have to remove it strip by strip - it is still probably going to be a pain unfortunately.

You are also likely to leave some adhesive behind. You can use acetone to remove the excess adhesive, but be very careful because while the acetone won't harm the NEAT coating, it will damage both the paint and coating of the window sash and frame and there is no warranty for that damage.

If you can wait until spring it might be easier...but that is up to you now.

Good luck
ibwindows
13 years ago
"While I don't recommend the use of razors on glass, there isn't anything special about Andersen E-4 glass. It's just the Cardinal 366 glass Andersen rebranded to make it sound like it's better than their competitors. Andersen pushes it for every installation because of the tax credits and it's the only glass that cam be used in their windows to get them to qualify. It's really designed for a warm climate because of the low solar gain. It is not appropriate for Northern Climates and should be used sparingly elsewhere."

Skydog are you really in the window biz? You seem to be full of some really bad information. Bordering on you haven't a clue what you are talking about. What's up with that?
skydawggy
13 years ago
Please feel free to point out what I'm wrong about. I await your response.

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