Can You Install Solar Control Film on Triple Units?

February 2025 -

At MPD Glass & Vinyl Graphics, we get this question a lot—and we totally get why! In our climate, triple-sealed (or triple-pane) windows are often the norm for energy efficiency and insulation. But when it comes to applying solar control film, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
Simply put, most SOLAR FILMS are NOT recommended for triple-sealed units specifically. Alternatively, dual panes are a totally different story & usually much easier to select a perfect film for. ....Why?

with triples:

✅ Heat Absorption Risks – Adding film can cause excess heat to get trapped inside the sealed unit, potentially leading to thermal stress and even seal failure.

✅ Manufacturer Restrictions – Many window manufacturers void warranties if aftermarket film is applied to triple-sealed glass.

✅ Glass Breakage Risks – The wrong film can create uneven heat distribution, increasing the risk of cracks at weak points.

So what are the alternatives? As a company that strictly follows International Window Film Association (IWFA) guidelines, we always recommend:

✔️ Exterior films – Designed to reject heat before it even reaches the glass, reducing risks while keeping interiors cooler. The downside being the products life expectancy being that it has to be installed on the outside of the glass in our Manitoba Climate.

✔️ Specialized films – A select few films are designed for triple-pane applications, but they must be chosen carefully. Like Diffusing & frosted films. There are a few we can use

✔️ Consultation with experts (like us!) – We’ll assess your specific windows and recommend the safest, most effective solution.
If you’ve been considering solar control film for your triple-sealed windows, let’s chat! We’re always happy to help find the best safe and effective solution for your space.