Window Works

What Happens When You Support Women in Construction?

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There are so many reasons to support Women in Construction

There are loads of reasons we choose to support women in construction, but let’s start with the top reasons. Underrepresentation, sexism, our own involvement as women in construction, and helping all women. Those are just for starters! And, as you know, the entire economy took a hit because of Covid-19, so it’s doubly critical that we help women in construction.

Women in Construction are underrepresented

With women in the construction field comprising only about 10% of the total population, it’s clear that more women need to be in this sector. The number of women on the front lines (that is, in the trenches) is even smaller, with only 1% of women. Whatever we can do, no matter how small the effort, can help boost the number of women in construction.

Diversity and Inclusion

As a minority-run business, we know what it’s like to feel excluded. Even in the San Francisco Bay Area, where there’s a lot of diversity, there are many pockets where minorities–including women–may feel like outsiders. So having friends in the business is critical.

Sexism is Rampant

Women can be treated like second-class citizens on and off construction sites, so it’s doubly important that we all support each other. The boardroom of construction companies are frequently male-centric, and we’d like to support women there, too.

We are Women in Construction ourselves

Window Works USA is comprised of many women, including our CEO and founder. So we know what we’re talking about when we talk about women in construction. We’ve seen the sexual harassment, the lack of bathrooms and safety gear, and the way women are treated in general. We love organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), and share their philosophy. We also share and follow their posts on our social media, whenever possible.

When we support other women, we help all women

You’ve probably heard that old saw A Rising Tide Floats All Boats. That’s how we feel about supporting other women. When we support other women, those same women support us, too. Not to get too cornball, but it takes a village. A village of women wielding power tools, that is! So to answer the question of what happens when you support Women in Construction–all kinds of magic happens!

Women in Construction Week

We’ve been celebrating Women in Construction Week since 2018 with our Women in Construction Week festivities. The above photo is from our 2019 networking event. The first celebrations were in real life, but because of Covid, 2021’s event was virtual. For next year, we really hope that we can once again meet up in person.

Job shadowing and mentoring

Window Works also supports job shadowing, where young women can see what other women in construction actually do at their actual jobs. We try to mentor young women whenever possible so they can learn the ropes from someone in the field and have a better chance at success.

Check out our social channels!

Check out our Twitter and Facebook pages. We retweet and reshare posts from all over the world. And we promise never to hit you with spam!

How to Use Security Window Film That Will Make You Feel Safer

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Feeling safe is one of the top reasons people choose window film

For each month of 2021, we’re offering special discounts on different window films. For September, our discount is on 3M security window film. Please mention that you saw this article so you can get the discount! Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

Onto 3M security window film

We receive a lot of calls from people about security window film. Often those calls start out something like this: “What will keep our glass together in case there’s a storm?” Or “Our neighbor’s tree fell through their glass window–can window film help protect us in case our tree falls over?” And to both questions, the answer is yes–security window film can help protect you and your family. We’ve written about security window film before: How to Choose the Best Security Window Film. You can see some examples of different types of security window film–for instance, 3M Ultra S800 Security Film with 3M IPA helps protect against flying glass shards when a window is broken.

Keep your windows safe with 3M security window film

Reasons to choose 3M security window film

Live near a golf course or driving range? Stray golf balls may threaten you. If you live next door to a school, baseballs could fly your way. Or you may be a small business with a window that is vulnerable to break-ins, such as in certain downtown areas. If you have a restaurant you may want to protect diners from the threat of broken glass. These are just a few of the reasons you might choose 3M security window film. There are a few other reasons right on 3M’s website.

Huge Storms, Fires, and Breakins

More of our friends have installed security systems in their homes and small businesses recently. If you’re being evacuated due to a storm, a security system is a good way to ensure your home is safe while you’re away. Same with fires–people want to know what’s happening with their home or business. But did you know that anything that slows down a burglar for even a few seconds can make that burglar try a different door or window? Best case scenario is if the burglar goes away altogether! Window film can give you those extra few seconds and make your home that much more secure.

Shhh! It’s our secret!

No one needs to know if you have installed security window film. Since it’s invisible, no one will know it’s there. And unless they have a trained eye, they won’t notice it at all. It’s our little secret. Like other window films, it’s invisible. But you’ll feel more secure knowing it’s there.

Can’t Decide? Give Us a Call!

We’d love to discuss any kind of window film with you, whether it’s 3M security window film or not. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay. Here’s our customer care number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.

Beautiful 3M Fasara Glass Finishes for Your Windows Will Make Your Heart Sing

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We’re all spending more time in our home offices than ever before. Or, if you’re one of those who can go into the office, you’re probably staying there longer before you have to brave the traffic and go home. Either way, you may be thinking about what you can do about your plain windows. “Ugh,” you think, “what if there was some way to cover these windows and make them look gorgeous?” Or words to that effect. Well, guess what?! 3M Fasara glass finishes do just that! By the way, we’ve written about Fasara before: What Makes Fasara Window Film so Crazy Popular?

Not black or white but gray

You don’t have to have a solid dark window with 3M Fasara glass finishes. Nor do you have to settle for plain ol’ glass. You can have shades of gray. That is, you can have a beautiful and subtle window which blocks some light and still gives you a little privacy. For instance, look at the beautiful example above. Here, the window film becomes a design element, giving you an elegant finish and adding to your Happiness Quotient–a term I just made up. But you get it because you’re smart that way! You can see even more of 3M Fasara glass finishes on the 3M website. Yes, they’re luscious!

A little privacy, please!

Sure, we all want a little privacy, but we don’t want to completely block the view. In the example above, you can see who’s in the room, but there’s still some privacy. Also, you can through the exterior windows out to the yard. This is a popular option for conference rooms, but could be used for a kitchen or even installed on an exterior-facing window. And although we love love love 3M Fasara window film, there are other window films, too: What Are the Best Window Films for Privacy?

Block neighbors or kids or the neighbors’ kids with a partially covered window

If you have an unwanted view and want to block it, you could cover part of a window or door, as in the example above. Maybe there’s a dumpster or a pile of rubbish which makes your view less than beautiful. Or you may be someone who gets sensory overload. Just like window film on a car, having window film installed in your home or business gives you a more zen experience. The introverts in the family might enjoy 3M Fasara glass finishes most of all! Also, here’s a little-known, completely obscure fact about window film: You can use it to block the view of the neighbor’s dog if your own dog sees other dogs and goes nuts! Yes–that is truly a thing!

Can’t Decide? Give Us a Call!

We’d love to discuss any kind of window film with you, whether it’s 3M Fasara glass finish or not. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay. Here’s our customer care number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.

This is What Happens When Property Managers Use Window Film

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For each month of 2021, we’re offering special discounts on different window films. For August, our discount is for property managers. Please mention that you saw this article so you can get the discount! Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

Benefits for property managers

There are so many benefits from using window film that we’d be hard pressed to list them all. Heat reduction, less glare, and a big reduction in UV rays are at the top of the list. Then there’s privacy–a big deal in a city like San Francisco where buildings are often so close together. But the bottom line? When your tenants are happy, they’ll stay longer, and you’ll be happier, too. Also, your phone will stop ringing for all the wrong reasons!

Window Works 3M Fasara Mat Crystal
Window Works 3M Fasara Mat Crystal with Upper Reveal

Avoid theft

In a crowded urban environment like San Francisco there are many crimes of opportunity. But! You can remove the opportunity if potential thieves don’t know there’s something to steal. For instance, use window film to cover foyer windows in your buildings. It’s an easy way to deter theft! And by the way, you can leave a gap so light can enter at the tops of your windows…because fog.

Do away with graffiti

Graffiti on mailboxes, in foyers, and on elevators can ruin your day. Not only is it physically ugly, but it’s jarring to look at. If you cover your elevator banks or mailboxes with window film, you can easy avoid graffiti. We can come in, create a template, and cover things with film. If something regularly gets covered with graffiti, we can replace those objects for you. By the way, you might like this article about graffiti: Anti-Graffiti Film Protects Your Investments.

Lower energy costs

Not only will your tenants be happier, but your energy bills will be lower, too. Since window film reduces heat, your A/C costs will be less. That means a lower PG&E bill. Studies have shown that window film can lower energy costs by as much as 30%. And you know that energy costs are not going down any time soon! Also if you were thinking of adding double- or triple-pane windows, adding window film can lower that cost as well. By the way, you might like Ways to Make a Home More Energy Efficient. The same ideas apply to commercial as well as residential buildings.

More comfortable, happier tenants

Nobody can reliably measure happiness, but you just know that people are happier when they’re not dealing with glare, UV rays, and unbearable heat. And with tenants, if you don’t hear your phone ringing, that means they’re happy, right?. It’s like window film–when it’s working, you don’t even know it’s there.

Better security

Although we hate seeing news stories about break-ins, they do happen. When glass breaks, it shatters. But when there’s window film on those windows, the glass stays together and keeps everyone safer. This makes not only tenants, but property managers feel more safe and secure.

Got Questions?

We have answers! If you don’t know where to start with window film, please give us a call. We’d love to discuss all the ways we can protect your business, your tenants, and your peace of mind. Here’s our number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.

How to Use Window Film That Will Help You Reduce Remodeling Costs

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We’re getting out of the pandemic, or at least we’re getting pretty close to the end of it (fingers crossed). So what’s everyone doing? Remodeling, of course! After all, we’ve been staring at the same walls, doors, and windows for the past year and a half! And it’s time to change something. The problem is, everyone is low on materials.

Want new replacement windows?

There’s a long wait for nearly every type of material you may need. The International Window Film Association has an excellent article about the costs of remodeling. With building materials up 300% this year, many are opting for window film rather than replacement windows. The cost of window film is about 1/10th the cost of replacement windows. Not only that, but window film is usually installed in a day or less and doesn’t require ripping into your walls. You won’t need couples counseling, nor will you need to sell your Maserati to afford window film.

Lumber costs are driving up remodeling costs

A local paper, the North Bay Business Journal, has an article about how lumber costs are affecting the entire construction market. Because of the pandemic, costs may never get to the same lows that we saw before 2020. Sandy Bird, with Sandra Bird Designs Inc. in Kentfield notes that windows and doors are taking longer to arrive. Building permits are slower, and the storage of supplies is an issue, too. “We are doing kitchen remodels for $300,000. The days of a $75,000 kitchen remodel is now $150,000; the days of a $20,000 bathroom are now $50,000,” said Mark Labourdette, owner of Design/Build Specialists Inc. in Novato.

All the cool kids are getting window film

What we love, and what you might also love about window film, is that if it’s working you won’t even know it’s there. We wrote about the stealthy qualities of window film before, and you might like to read about Heat Reduction and Privacy Window Film. Window film just quietly does its job so you can do yours. It’s like having sunglasses on your home! The cool kind, of course, not the supermarket brand X kind.

What does the future look like?

By looking into our overpriced crystal ball (from Etsy), we can see that things are not going to get less expensive any time soon. Although lumber prices may fall, home sales are still up in the San Francisco Bay Area. People are moving as well as remodeling, and this trend won’t end any time soon. So you could wait for prices to level out and for all the stars to align, or you could have window film installed. The choice is yours.

What will do with all the money you save?

Might we suggest having a house warming party? You could probably buy a new barbeque, plus steaks for all your friends and then you could even have s’mores! Or how about a trip to Hawaii? Maui is a very nice place, with surfing, long walks on the beach, and the ever-present mai tais!

Heat Reduction and Privacy Window Film

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For each month of 2021, we’re offering special discounts on different window films. For July, our discount for small businesses and home owners applies to heat reduction and privacy window film. Please mention that you saw the discount here so you get the discount! Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

Is heat reduction part of the new normal?

While we hope that the recent extreme high temperatures we’ve been experiencing aren’t part of the new normal, there has been a definite increase in high temperatures. While San Franciscans have been spared in many cases, outlying areas of the Bay have seen extreme high temperatures. As I write this article, Seattle and most of Oregon are experiencing unprecedented high temps. While we all love Karla the Fog, we can’t all depend on her being around. This is one reason we love Heat Reduction window film!

How do you reduce heat with window film?

As described on 3M’s website, 3M window films can help even out temperatures in your home all year long. Also, “While curtains and blinds are great for privacy and help to block some heat, they do so at the cost of natural light. 3M™ Window Films can reduce up to 78% of the sun’s heat coming through your windows, to help make your home bright and comfortable, all day long.”

With window film, you don’t have to block the light (unless you really want to).

Reduce heat, and save money, too!

The U.S. Department of Energy and a recent study published by CONSOL Energy show 3M Window Films can reduce energy usage up to 19 kwh per sq ft of windows. If you’re trying to reduce your energy consumption, this is exciting news! The bottom line is that the Department of Energy says that window films typically pay back in as little as 3 years. Of course, saving money is only one benefit of window film. There’s also the added benefit of reducing UV rays, a common cause of skin cancer—the most common type of cancer.

Design your interior with light

You don’t want to live in darkness, and you can transform your space while protecting your privacy with window film.  If you have a small space, that space will seem larger with the elegance of window film. Window films maintain a sleek space without bulky curtains or window treatments. Another added benefit? If you have cats, they won’t destroy the window film! Yes, you heard it here first.

So many choices in privacy film

Your privacy film can be used in foyers, bathrooms, doors, windows, cabinet doors, on partitions, and outdoors on balconies. There are textured films with dusted or frosted designs. There are also dots and stripes as well as patterns inspired by nature.

We’re here to help

Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Give us a call and we’ll walk you through some ideas. We work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin! Call Window Works’ customer care at 415.650.5200 for pricing and more information.

Why Is Now A Good Time for Window Film?

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There are lots of reasons to get window film, even in foggy San Francisco. Here are ten of our favorites. 

Your furniture needs protection

Let’s face it, you’ve spent hundreds of hours on Pinterest and Etsy searching for the perfect chairs. We know because we do the same thing! Now you’re going to leave those gorgeous handmade Italian leather chairs in your bright living room where the sun is going to scorch and bleach it? Noooo!

Because it’s summer… and there’s more heat and light

During the hot summer months, we feel more heat. And sometimes that heat gets uncomfortable. So you may want to block not only the heat with window film, but some of that extra light. Recently, we wrote about light-blocking window film. You might want to read about light-blocking window film. 

You love the light, but want to protect your skin

Yes, UV rays can travel right through windows, but window film protects your skin. While UV rays can damage your skin, window film is one way to prevent skin cancer. You can see some of the other recommendations of the Skin Cancer Foundation to prevent cancer. Using sunscreen, wearing wide-brimmed hats, and and donning sunglasses are three ways to prevent skin cancer—the world’s most common cancer.

Climate change

Every year, temperatures get a little warmer, and sometimes a lot more uneven. Window film can help even out those fluctuations. Why not take the plunge and invest in window film now? Along with donating some of your time and money to help curb climate change, of course.

Monthly discounts

Since we’ve now been in business ten years, we’re giving you the savings! For each month, we have a special. Check on our Twitter or Facebook pages to see what those new specials are.

Holds glass together

If you’re in a restaurant or school, you might be concerned about being hurt by flying glass during a storm. Window film can protect you and your littles by holding that glass together.

Energy savings 

According to the International Window Film Association“While the energy savings of window films are comparable to replacement windows, they may cost about one-tenth the cost of replacement windows and their installation.” Your energy bill is already too high, but with window films like 3M Thinsulate you can reduce the need for cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. We’ve talked about Thinsulate before: 

Even out heat imbalances

Do you have a part of your home that’s always too hot? Window film can help correct that. With window film, you won’t have severe hot spots where the sun pours into your home and heats up that part of your home.

Creates privacy

If space is tight for you and your neighbors can peer into your home or office, window film is the perfect way to go. Yes, we’ve written about privacy before. You might like What are the Best Window Films for Privacy?

It’s beautiful and decorative

There are many beautiful, decorate choices in window film. So if you’re concerned that window film will be too plain, not to worry. We’ve got you and your windows covered!

Still need some guidance?

Give us a call! We’re super-friendly and always here to brainstorm.

What You Need to Know about Light-Blocking Window Film

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As part of our ten-year anniversary this year, we have discounts for each month of 2021. For June, our special for small businesses and home owners is on light-blocking window films. So that means any darker window films, such as 3M Prestige 20, which can be used on skylights and exteriors. And also windows where you really want less light to penetrate.

How will light-blocking window films look on my windows?

Actually, the best way for us to describe the different ways window film might look is to show you. 3M has a fabulous window film simulator so you can see the difference. Now if you can imagine, 3M Prestige 20 window film is even darker than the darkest film in the simulator.

What are some examples of light-blocking window film? 

Here are just some examples of light-blocking window film:

3M’s Prestige 20, Prestige 40, 3M Night Vision 15, and Crystalline CM 20.

The above are the darker window films. There is also Ceramic 20 which is a good film for lower-budget projects. 

Night Vision 15 is the most reflective but it’s sleek and looks luxurious, and so is very popular. 

Is light-blocking window film similar to other types of window film?

Yes, it’s very similar. It protects your home or business from heat gain through windows, the same as other types of window film. It rejects most of the infrared, saves on your energy bills, and gives you and your family protection from the sun and its harmful UV rays. It also protects your furniture and flooring from fading.

Will it help us stay cool in the summer?

Yes, Prestige 20 protects you from high heat, and will reduce your air conditioning costs. Your windows will look the same, but the film is a little bit darker.

What else do I need to know?

Prestige 20 (or any window film) will not interfere with your Wifi signal. It’s completely metal-free! Like other window film, light-blocking window film reduces glare. And like other window films, light-blocking film helps prevent skin damage, which in turn prevents skin cancer! 

Can’t decide which light-blocking window film to get?

Whether you want to reduce heat gain, disperse natural light, or block harmful UV rays, light-blocking window film is a great solution. Call us and we’d love to chat with you about your window film needs!

Seven Ways You Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer

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This month, May, is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. We’ve all heard the old saw that an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, but how many of us actually do something even when we know it’s true? With skin cancer, your prevention efforts pay massive dividends. Here are just a few things that you can do to prevent skin cancer!

Wear Sun Screen

Yes, we all need some vitamin D. You can still get a little sun, just not when the sun is likely to burn you. And you can get vitamin D from your diet as well as in pill form. Even if it’s cloudy, ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin. Here’s a comprehensive list of types of sunscreen, strength, and other things to do to protect your skin. But how, you might ask? Keep sunscreen in your car, in your purse or man bag, at home, etc. The hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. are especially dangerous.

Use Protective Clothing

Did you know there is a lot of clothing that can protect you? Yes, you can even find clothing to protect you against UV at Costco! You never need to reapply it, unlike sunscreen, and it comes in many styles and colors. The Skin Cancer Foundation has details on sun-safe clothing that you might want to try. They recommend long sleeves with a tight weave, for instance. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation “Look for garments with a UPF of at least 30 so that you know you’re getting effective sun protection.”

Sun Glasses

Wear big sunglasses that’s rated so that it offers protection against UV. According to Mayo Clinic, sun glasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays are optimal. Also “opt for wraparound sunglasses or closefitting sunglasses with wide lenses that protect your eyes from every angle.” Think Jackie-O!  And also: read the label to ensure that your glasses really block both UVA and UVB.

Hats

Wear hats with a wide brim so you can keep the sun off your face. As a rule of thumb, a hat with a 3” brim is optimal. Although wider is even better! Although baseball caps are cool looking, they leave your ears and neck exposed.

Use Window Film

Of course, this is our favorite one! UV rays can come right through windows, but most people don’t wear sunglasses indoors! With window film, you don’t even have to think about dangerous UV light. Here are some recent articles about window film and how it protects you:

Expose Yourself Earlier and Later

And by that we mean if you must go in the sun head out before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. The hours between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. are when the sun is at its strongest and most dangerous.

Avoid Tanning Beds

Yes, people still use those awful tanning beds. There are still plenty of salons that offer tanning. And tanning doesn’t protect you from the sun—quite the opposite, as tanning is your body’s response to injury from the sun.

Want Window Film?

Call our office in San Francisco, California! We’d love to hear about your upcoming project: 415.650.5200. We work all over the Bay Area, including the peninsula, San Francisco, and Marin (as well as other parts of the state and country!) We can help.

All About Minimalism and Clear Window Film Technology

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A common misconception, even in a sophisticated city like San Francisco, is that window film must be darker to do its job. But lighter or paler window films still provide protection. Light window films do the same job as darker ones. For example, you don’t want dark or mirror film in a beach home or home with view of the mountains. If you want an obscure glass, and you don’t want to go dense, go with 3M Matte Crystal or Sabrina, a 3M Fasara glass finish. Bring in the light and have minimal appearance. You won’t even know that it’s there. Check out the gradations in the different 3M window films above (we’re particularly fond of Sabrina).

Discounts for Small Business and Homeowners for 2021

Since Window Works has now been in business for ten years, we’re offering discounts every month this year. For May, our discount to small businesses and homeowners is 10% off all clear window films. In case you missed it, read about our ten-year anniversary discounts. If you want more information about which window films qualify as light window films, give us a call! Here’s our number for your convenience: 415.650.5200. We especially welcome homeowners who may have felt too intimidated to call. We really are very friendly!

Indoor Sun Protection

Did you know that you need protection from the sun inside your home? If you didn’t know this, you’re not alone. Here’s a great video that you might enjoy, from the International Window Film Association:

As you can see, you do need protection from UVA/UVB inside your home. Also, did we mention that the darkness of the window film doesn’t really matter: light window film will protect you as much as the darker stuff does. People have the misconception that window film has to be dark, but don’t fall for this piece of fake news!

Prestige 60 and 70 Window Film

You can have a minimalist look with window film. What we’re saying is this is the opposite of blackout window film. And for the super nerds among you, here are some data sheets so you can see the numbers behind the technology. If you’d like to know more about Prestige window film, you might like this article: Get ready for summer with Prestige window film.

Lombard Street, one of our favorite views in San Francisco

You Moved to San Francisco for the Views!

Amiright? If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, one big reason you’re here is the views! Whether you see cable cars, the bay, or the Golden Gate Bridge, that’s a view you don’t want to block! So think about having a light window film, not only because it’s less cluttered, but also so you can have an unhampered view of our beautiful city. If you have an ugly view, window film can help with that, too, but that’s a topic for another day.

Locations
6991 E Camelback Rd Ste D300 Scottsdale, AZ 85251
850 South Van Ness San Francisco, CA 94110
400 Reed Street Santa Clara, CA 95050
3555 Harbor Gateway S. Costa Mesa, CA 92626
           

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