Vista 70

I recently had Vista 70 installed on my South windows because I was told it would be "clear." I had been very concerned that any tint might look blue (or any other color except taupe/cream) from the exterior and was told this would solve my problem.

To my horror, the windows now look green-yellow from the exterior. Is this a common problem and what do you suggest I do?

you gotta ask yourself, is it really that bad?

Worse than terrible. Cannot live with it.

Well if it is something that you cannot live with then you need to talk to the dealer that installed the film. Call him and tell him that you have some concerns about the color of the film.

Did you ever see a sample of the film before it was installed?

If so it is hard to say what the next step would be in getting it fixed. However most dealers will work with you to a degree.

If you never saw a sample of the film and the dealer just installed the film well then you might have a little more ground to walk on, for the dealer sold you the film with you having a different understanding about the color. And there is a difference, something can be clear and have some color to it aswell.

Just call the dealer and talk to him about it, no need to fly off the handle and get irate about anything, not saying that you are going to do that but you will get alot farther handling it in a civilized manner.

Vista VS 70 is a 70% VLT film which is technically NOT clear. 84-85% VLT is where the eyes discerns things as clear. If the VS 70 is installed on windows with blinds or shutters that are white then your are really going to notice the yellowish green more so than on a window without blinds. It is always a good idea to pay to get a sample window done kind of like buying a quart of paint before commiting to the color...

You should have been given a sample of the film when the estimate was given. I have not seen a sample of that film for some time, bit if I remember correctly it has a greenish color.

When I talk to my potential clients and they say "clear", I picture something not opaque. But, they are thinking of something once installed, you cannot see any of it.

What type of glass was this film installed? I assume IG units, but are they clear, low-e, etc?

If they are low-e pretty much any film will create that greenish color especially from the outside.

What problem were you trying to solve?

The term "clear" you are using, were you expecting no change at all? For solar control that is impossible. Solar control films have to block some light in order to reduce heat.


Like the above post said, can youlive with it?

Unfortunately, I cannot live with the green. I have talked to the installer and he was disinclined to do anything, saying "You chose the color." However, I agreed to Vista 70 because, after much back and forth because I did not want a blue color and he could not suggest an earth tone, he said that although it was pretty much twice the price, Vista 70 would be clear and therefore solve my problem. If I saw a sample, I only glanced at it and certainly he did not give me one. I relied on his statement totally. If a color had been involved I would have certainly tested it on a window. I will continue to work with him, but need to decide where to go for a new product.

The film is on the inside of single pane, very old windows (the storm windows for these mount inside the house.)

My goal was to cut heat and protect fabric. Glare is not an issue. The exterior of my house is very important to me. The windows could have a slight taupe/cream/earth tone tint, but no other color. I do not like the mirror effect. I have off white drapes and do not want them to look bad.

Is there a Vista product that would meet my needs, or do I need to go to another company?

There are three main contributors to sun damage:

UV
Heat
Visible Light

All Vista films will reject the UV by 99.9%, if you want to reduce more sun damage than just what is caused by the UV then you have to use a product that will reject heat which will inevitably be 70% VLT or darker in oder to do so. This means that there will be some color. Here's my take on the lightest heat rejectors:

Vista VS 70 - Greenish Yellow

V-Kool 70 - Greenish

Vista VS 60 - More grey with a hint of blue

Huper SECH - About the same as VS 60 maybe a little more neutral grey though

Hilite 70 - Greenish but I haven't seen a piece since it was re-released so it could've changed.

Prestige 70 - Blue

Thanks.

I saw something about V40e that came out April 1, 2006, that "has a more earthtone appearance". Do you know anything about it?

That is a 40% Ceramic which is much darker than a 70% VLT film. Nice looking film that will reject around 55% of the Total Solar Energy and 99.9% UV but it does have a brownish earthtone look.

You have been so helpful. Thanks. Could I ask for a little more help?

The installer just now said he will replace the tinting, but only with a Vista product. He was unwilling to put a sample or two on the window for me to live with for a while. And I must sign that I will accept the final product after I choose. Consequently what I choose is crucial.

You said V70 was green - yes, that's what I have now.

You said V60 was blue - so that doesn't work.

I need the lightest color of taupe/cream/earthtone possible with no mirror effect. (I realize I am going to have to trade off heat rejection to assure the house looks nice from the front - not too dark, reflective or blue.)

The installer says anything below 48 is mirrored. He says V48 and V58 are possibilities, but are grey to some people.

I talked to the Vista regional rep and she advised putting up two samples, but said I need to work with the installer on color.

Questions:

Isn't the V48 fairly mirrored - it's listed as a Dual Reflective?

Do you know anything about the V58? or V45?

Do you know of other Vista products I could use?

V 48 Is listed as a "neutral" film on Vista's Data Sheet but compared to the Ceramic films, it will look reflective. Bad choice -imo. V-58 is light grey.

Vista Window Film Page

The lightest Vista earthtone is the Harmony 40 Terre. It is neutral in appearance but it is substantially darker than a 70% film like the VS 70.

If I were you, I would ask for sample cards of the VS 60 and the Harmony 40 Terre. Compare the two in your window and then choose.

Thanks. I try that.

The V40E from what I hear is a really good looking film that has the earthtone color to it. It is a ceramic film which will have less reflection then the Dual Reflectives and still have a good amount of heat rejection. I can see you are looking for a very light film being that you keep mentioning clear but if you are wanting to block heat then it is going to have to have some tint to it. V40 is a 40% (within 3 percent of this number) film, which is not a very dark film, you will still be able to see your window treatments and maybe about 6 to 9 feet into the house from the window (aslong as there are not windows directly on the other side of the room). I know astetics are important to you and that is why the ceramic films have come out and have been so popular. I would consider the V40E if I were you.

Try a different drape color. if they are off white, it is gonna effect the apperance drastically.the film you have now is one of the best, and worthy of bragging rights.

have you tried a bronze type film?

many companies make a bronze film with low reflectivity..

for example..global makes a 40% bronze with a int.reflection of 9 and exterior of 10 with a TSER of 43.. as compared to what you have now of 8 int and 8 ext reflectivness..is one or two percentages going to make that big of diffence to you..you will lose a little heat rejection...but i think a nice light bronze color is what you might be looking for

just something to throw out there and let you think about

depending on the asthetics of the house..... bronze would be a good choice.... very professional looking