The short answer
Hire a commercial window film contractor who is licensed and insured, runs its own trained crews, surveys the building before quoting, matches film to a stated goal (heat, glare, security, privacy or appearance), can work around occupied spaces and after hours, and puts warranty terms in writing for your specific glass.
Start with the goal
| Goal | Film type to ask about | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Hot or glary offices | Solar control film | Heat and glare reduction, look from outside, glass compatibility |
| Break-ins, storms, accidental breakage | Safety and security film, optionally with attachment | Thickness, attachment method, what it does and does not stop |
| Higher-risk entries | Retrofit security glazing | Protection level, install method, keeping the existing opening |
| Conference rooms and offices | Frosted or decorative film | Privacy height, branding, day and night privacy |
| Bird strikes on glass | Bird-safe film | Visibility to birds, look from inside |
| Storefront branding | Graphics and decorative film | Design, durability, removal later |
Your contractor checklist
- Licensed, insured, certificate on request. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming your company. Sun Control’s MN license is IR702639.
- Own employees on site. Ask whether crews are employees or subcontractors, and who supervises.
- A building survey before the quote. Glass type, frame, orientation and existing film all affect the right choice.
- Samples on your glass. Ask for a mock-up on a real window so stakeholders can see it.
- Scheduling that fits the building. Can they phase floors, work nights or weekends, and protect occupied spaces?
- Old film removal. If film is already on the glass, the quote should cover removal and disposal.
- Written warranty for your glass. Coverage depends on film and glass. Get the written terms, not a blanket promise.
- Commercial references. Ask for similar projects: offices, schools, healthcare, retail or multi-tenant buildings.
Insurance, certificates and commercial warranty
- Certificate of insurance on request. Sun Control is fully insured. We will issue a certificate of insurance naming your company, property manager or general contractor as the certificate holder before work starts.
- Licensed, with our own crews. Minnesota State License #IR702639. Every installer on your site is a Sun Control employee, not a subcontractor.
- Commercial warranty terms in writing. Coverage depends on the film, the glass and whether the film goes on the inside or outside of the glass. We put the terms for your specific film and glass in writing with the proposal: what is covered, for how long, and who handles a claim.
- Authorized dealer. Sun Control is an authorized 3M and XPEL window film dealer, and has twice been named XPEL National Architectural Dealer of the Year.
Commercial buildings we work on in Minnesota
We survey and install film in offices, multi-tenant buildings, schools, healthcare and retail spaces across the Twin Cities, Rochester, Duluth and western Wisconsin. Ask us for references from buildings like yours.
See our commercial window film and safety and security window film services.
Why facilities teams choose Sun Control
Since 1978, Sun Control has handled commercial window film across Minnesota and western Wisconsin from St. Paul, Plymouth, Rochester, Duluth and Hudson. We use our own employed installers, survey every building, and estimates are free.
Frequently asked questions
Will installing window film disrupt our tenants or staff?
Usually very little. Work is typically done room by room, and after-hours or weekend scheduling is available for sensitive areas.
Does security film make glass unbreakable?
No. Security film holds broken glass together and slows forced entry. For higher-risk openings, retrofit security glazing gives more protection.
Can window film reduce cooling costs?
Solar control film reduces heat coming through glass, which can lower cooling load. Results depend on the building, so ask for an estimate based on your glass and exposure.
How long does commercial window film last?
Interior commercial films commonly last many years. Expected life and warranty depend on the film, the glass and whether it is installed inside or outside.
Can you remove old, failing window film?
Yes. Removal of bubbling or peeling film is part of many projects and should be listed in the quote.
Can Sun Control provide a certificate of insurance?
Yes. Sun Control is fully insured and will issue a certificate of insurance naming your company, property manager or general contractor before work starts.
What warranty comes with commercial window film?
It depends on the film, the glass and whether the film is installed inside or outside. Sun Control puts the warranty terms for your specific project in writing with the proposal.
