3 indicators that you might soon need to replace your solar control window film
10 October 2025As one glance at the present Stockfilms range of solar control film options will confirm, our window films take a broad range of forms. These include reflective films, low-mirror films, polycarbonate films, tinted films, and many more.
Whether you are most driven to invest in window films like ours because of a wish to more effectively limit heat gain at a particular commercial property, or perhaps to combat glare or block ultraviolet (UV) rays, the products on our site have an excellent track record.
However, it is also true that even the most renowned and best-quality window film cannot be relied upon to last forever. Our Silver 20 internally applied reflective film, for instance, comes with a 10-year warranty, subject to certain conditions, such as the film being applied by an approved installer.
Whatever your own window film’s warranty states, though, you should also be alert to certain indicators that you may soon need to arrange for the film to be removed.
The common signs include:
Visible physical damage or degradation
These indicators of deterioration can take many different forms. For instance, the film may look faded, purple, or discoloured, which could signal UV degradation or material breakdown. This, in turn, may suggest the window film will no longer be as effective as it once was at alleviating glare or rejecting excessive heat gain.
You might see such other “symptoms” on your solar control film as bubbling, blisters, or wrinkles that won’t lay flat, or peeling or edge lifting across multiple panes.
Furthermore, ageing solar control window films can often suffer from delamination, where layers of the film separate or flake away.
Adhesive and seal problems
Unfortunately, the adhesive used in a solar control film won’t have an infinite lifespan. So, if you see the likes of air bubbles, lifting edges, or peeling corners on the film at your building, these could be indicators of the adhesive breaking down.
In some cases, window film may suffer from water or condensation trapped between the film and the glass that does not clear.
Black mould can be an issue with window films as well, perhaps spotted growing at the edges. Moreover, corrosion or staining may become apparent on metal window frames, with adhesive or trapped moisture being to blame.
Thermal, safety, and functional issues
Given that solar control film is – after all – meant to be about solar control, it is well worth being vigilant about any potential indicators of the film’s deteriorating performance in this regard.
The occupants of your premises may report worsened thermal comfort if they are working near the window film, in the form of hotspots or cold patches.
A visibly scratched or cracked surface is also likely to be a cause for concern, given that such damage could impair the film’s ability to reflect heat or UV rays. It could be a safety issue too, in addition to simply looking bad.
Whatever your requirements may be from solar control film, you don’t need to look anywhere else
Whether you’re looking to buy window films for your commercial property for the very first time, or you instead intend to replace an existing solar control film (or several), you can expect the complete service when you make Stockfilms your go-to source.
Simply browse our online range of window films today to learn more – or https://www.stockfilms.co.uk/contact-ushttps://www.stockfilms.co.uk/contact-us if you require any further help in the process of making your choice.

