Carol S

WindowWorksUSA Celebrates Women in Construction 2020

February 13, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You may be wondering about the Window Works luncheon. Like last year’s luncheon, this year’s luncheon will focus on networking, getting fresh ideas from the other women attendees, and most importantly–FRIENDSHIP!

The Particulars

Here’s what you need to know:

Who: For Women of all levels of experience in Construction, the Trades & related Industries.
What: Luncheon and speed networking
Where: WINDOW WORKS – 3M Commercial Solutions
850 South Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94110
When: Thursday, March 5th, 11:30 – 1:00
How: Tickets here ~ Women in Construction Speed Networking Luncheon.

For a look at last year’s luncheon, take a look at some of the fun here: Women in Construction Week 2019.

Why Join Us?

It’s difficult enough to be involved in construction without all the heavy lifting. Sometimes there is literally heavy lifting, and other times it’s a case of trying to stay afloat in an industry that doesn’t have that many women…yet. So having new friendships is so important. Getting out and networking is also just as important!

Gratitude and Sharing

We are so grateful to all the new friends we’ve met through construction. We appreciate all the participants as well as the donors who so graciously support our luncheon. And we’re planning even more events in the future, so stay tuned!!!

Spotlight on Women in Construction

One way we highlight Women in Construction Week is by putting a spotlight on the women. We share the stories of each of them throughout the week (and a bit before and after, too!). Some of you may work behind the scenes and you might not be used to having others hear your stories. In our opinion, that needs to change! Because each and every one of you is an important part of the future of construction. Whether you’re working as a home builder, an accountant in the field of construction, or as a window film installer, what you do helps build the entire industry (do you see what we did there?).

Join Us!

Heard enough? We’d love to have you at our luncheon! For more information and for tickets: Women in Construction Speed Networking Luncheon. And remember to put 11:30, March 5, 2020, on your calendar!

Why Is 3M’s Night Vision Window Film So Crazy Popular?

January 30, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

happy photo

We’ve talked about the different kinds of window film before, but 3M’s Night Vision is one we have not discussed much. 3M’s Night Vision Window Film is loved by everyone, hands down. And in case you missed it, here’s our last post about Prestige Window Film: Why 3M Prestige Window Film?

Overview of Night Vision Window Film

Night Vision:
- Is dual reflective (meaning reflective but less reflective from the interior at night or with darker lighted interior scenarios than all others)
- Offers enhanced views with low interior reflectivity
- Has very high heat rejection properties
- Does not reduce heat or infrared (IR) on contact like Prestige does
- Rejects up to 71% of the sun’s heat and helps reduce eye discomfort
- Has the most aggressive glare reduction in the Industry
- Blocks the amount of harmful UV rays that cause fading to your furniture and valuables
- Is scratch-resistant
- Has centric pricing, not a high-end material like others

Prestige Window Film and Night Vision Window Film are 3M’s marquis products. Prestige is best-in-class in our industry, yet Night Vision is America’s Number 1 selling window film (and 3M’s, too). For more details about Night Vision, see 3M’s Sun Control Window Film Night Vision Series.

Why Night Vision?

For many customers, pricing is an issue. For those budget-minded folks, we find that Night Vision window film is a very good option. Perhaps that’s one reason why this window film is so popular. After all, it still has the great 3M name backing it up. It still reduces glare and has heat rejection properties, too. But why take it from us? Why not let Wayne Newton explain how he uses 3M’s Night Vision to protect his estate and valuables?!

Choose Your Level of Protection

3M^TM Sun Control Window Night Vision Series is available in a variety of tint levels to meet your needs.

We’re Available to Talk

Want to know more? Give us a call and we can help guide you through the available options. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, including Marin County, the peninsula, and the East Bay.

Decorating with Window Film: What You Need to Know

January 9, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you ever considered window film as part of your interior design? If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, we can help you redirect sunlight, change privacy, as well as protect your skin from UV rays. There are so many design options with window film. You might be surprised when you see them all!

Fasara Window Film

One of our more popular window films, 3M Fasara, comes in a variety of designs. There are patterns, dots, and stripes. And if you’re indecisive about which type to choose, the good news is you don’t have to choose–you can have it all! For instance, you could have a combination of Fasara thin and thick stripes. Or choose a pattern along with a dotted Fasara window film. Here are some previous posts which might interest you:

Window Film Controls Light

Christopher Lowell, designer extraordinaire, talks about seven layers of design. One of the seven layers that you need to be concerned with in interior design is lighting. Lowell says: “Sculpting with light can make cheap things look like museum finds and turn not so great stuff into dynamic silhouettes and shapes that can be poetic.” And what better way to control lighting than with window film? Did you know that there’s a window film that can redirect light? If you’re in a dark home or office, you can take a little bit of light and redirect it into the interior of a building.

Create Privacy

Privacy is critical, especially since so many of us are living in smaller and smaller spaces. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, even a tiny apartment can cost a lot. People would rather maximize the space they do have than move into a larger space. But you don’t have to drive out to Death Valley to find privacy! With window film, you have the flexibility to add privacy without adding thick drapery or wooden slats, which are both heavy and bulky. And window film does not add bulky curtains to your windows, but allows subtlety. Every inch counts in a tiny space!

Change the Energy of a Space

Sometimes you walk into a space and immediately feel a sense of zen. Other times, a space can energize you. Window film can do both, which is important in interior design. For instance, adding polka dots in a space can energize it and give it a happy, upbeat feeling–so important if you’re trying to work. Adding a rice paper window film look creates a sense of calm, which is important if you’re trying to relax in a space. For a restaurant, you might want guests to linger and relax. A fast food restaurant might want diners to eat more quickly, so an energized space might be just the ticket.

Give Us a Call!

We’d love to hear what your window film decorating needs are. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay.

Why 3M Prestige Window Film?

December 27, 2019 by Carol S 2 Comments

3M’s Prestige window film is good for museums (we’ve done several including the Exploratorium), Corporate Art Collections (because they retard fading so well), high-end homes with views where they want optical clarity (versus reflective or mirrored film) and other exclusive scenarios.

Just the Facts about Prestige Window Film

Here are some other facts about Prestige window film that you may not know:

Optically Clear
Non-Reflective
229 layers and thinner than a Post-it note, another 3M adhesive product
SPF 1400 to 1900
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
The only window film in the entire industry that reduces Heat or Infrared (IR) by 97%
The above is also ‘on-angle’ a very important distinction as other film companies claim so, but they do NOT, have that metric ‘on-angle’ on direct. In other words, the sun’s rays can be coming at an angle.
Interior and Exterior versions, which is absolutely a huge claim; others do not have these options

For more details about 3M Prestige Window film, see: 3M Sun Control Window Film Prestige Series.

The popularity of Interior window film grows every year

Prestige for Interiors

Sunlight can damage your furniture, your skin, and your eyes faster than the wind on the Golden Gate Bridge. So while you might enjoy having the light — especially in the wintertime — you don’t really want or need damage to your health or belongings. Interior window film is the type most people are familiar with, and its popularity grows every year. You might like this previous post: The Revolutionary Benefits of Window Film You Never Knew.

Prestige for Exteriors

Did you know that Prestige is also available for exteriors? Window film used on the exterior of your windows helps your windows withstand wind, rain, and all kinds of stormy weather. It gives you an extra layer of protection. And its scratch resistance is higher than interior window film, too. For more information, you might want to read about it on 3M’s site: 3M Sun Control Window Film Prestige Exterior Series.

Prestige for Residential and Commercial

While window film is becoming more and more popular for residential use, we spend a lot of time at work, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. So it only makes sense to have window film where you work as well as at your home. That’s why so many San Francisco Bay Area clients choose Prestige window film for their offices.

A Gift for Your Employees?

While you may give your employees great benefits, such as a 401K and profit sharing options, window film offers your friends, family, and employees the gift of health. How else can you protect so many all at once? Window film prevents a lot of problems, and we’ve all heard the old saw “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Have Questions?

We can talk your ear off about window film, so if you have questions, let us know! We work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. And we’d also like to wish all of our friends a Happy New Year!

Why Window Film Makes A Great Gift

November 28, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Every year about this time, millions of people all over the world think about what to get their family and friends for the holidays. It’s not just Christmas, it’s year-end gifts, appreciation for doing business, etc. There are lots of reasons to buy gifts. You might have considered getting people fruit baskets, but why not get them something different this year?

Window Film Lasts Longer Than Fruit Baskets

That’s right. By the time the last pear in that fruit basket has gone soft, window film will still be up and working on your windows. It’ll be blocking those UV rays, giving your friend more privacy, and being, well, awesome at its job. Your friend or co-worker probably won’t even remember who gave them the fruit basket! But the window film? They’ll remember that. If you really, really need a fruit basket, Harry and David has some good ones.

Window Film is Unexpected

Who gives anyone window film as a gift? It’s usually something you give yourself, right? Won’t your loved one be surprised, and maybe a little shocked, to get window film instead? Why, yes! Yes, they will be. And if you want to be remembered, this is a very good way. If you don’t know where to start with window film, you might like: How to Enter the Wild and Unusual World of Window Film.

Skin is Important

You only have one body, and that body is covered by skin. Did you know that skin damage is cumulative? So all those days that you sat on the beach as a kid, covered in baby oil and holding up aluminum foil to magnify the sun’s rays? That all adds up. Whoops–you millennials probably don’t know about the baby oil-aluminum foil connection, but you do know about tanning salons. Please don’t use those. If you still think tanning is a great idea, please read: 5 Myths of Indoor Tanning, Busted! from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

When is the Last Time You Got an Unexpected Gift?

Do you remember the last really thoughtful gift you received? One where the giver gave you something that would last for years, protect your skin and eyes, and guard against cancer? Probably never! If you haven’t read this article about how window film protects you, please do: How to Use Window Film That Will Help You Prevent Cancer.

Need a Gift? Give Us a Call!

We’re happy to talk to you about any options in window film. We’re based in San Francisco, with clients all over the great San Francisco Bay Area.

How to Enter the Wild and Unusual World of Window Film

November 15, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Are you interested in using window film but don’t know where to start? There are lots of wild and unusual window films these days. Window films can redirect sunlight, block UV, help prevent glass from shattering, and so much more. Sometimes getting started is the toughest part of any project. And are you located in the San Francisco Bay Area? Then read on! We have plenty of ideas for you.

Start with a Window

You may have that one annoying window where there’s always glare. You can’t sit next to it so the space is essentially wasted. Yet the view would be wonderful if only there was no glare. We all have a window like that! Here’s How to Dramatically Cut Back Sun Glare: 10 Ways. Not all of them use window film, but of course that’s our favorite solution.

Choose a Window Film

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Sometimes simple is the most elegant. We love 3M window film. Here are three ideas we particularly love. Patterns, dots, and stripes can all be elegant and simple. If you want a bold solution, that’s available, too.

If none of those work, there are many other options.

Call Us

Lots of people don’t know where to start. We can get you going! We have loads of experience with residential and commercial window film jobs, all over the bay area. And if you want your window film to look good, you’ll want to hire a professional!

Focus on Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2020

October 30, 2019 by Carol S 1 Comment

Pantone’s color of the year for 2020 has not been released yet, but we’re excited to see the trends from everyone. And paint companies have been quick to jump on the Color of the Year bandwagon. You may remember the article we wrote about 2019’s Pantone Color of the Year. This year’s color for Benjamin Moore is a soft, warm pink called “First Light.”

Behind Benjamin Moore’s 2020 Choice

We absolutely love the warmth and coziness of this year’s Color of the Year. Check out this post from Benjamin Moore to see more: Color Trends and Color of the Year 2020, and scroll down for the color trends and palette for the next decade. Can’t you imagine that warm pink as an accent wall for a bedroom or even for a doctor’s office?

What It’s Not

First Light is not a bubble gum pink, or a strong pink that screams at you. It’s more a whisper of a pink. Uplifting and warm, it’s a pink that speaks of possibilities and positivity. How can a color do all that, you may ask? Think about a time when you were surrounded by the perfect color. That might have been a combination of wall color, natural light streaming in through a window, and artwork. How did you feel? Pretty great, right?

good mood photo — Photo by ᗩnneღJ.~ Poetic photography

Colors Affect Your Mood

When you have the right colors around you, your mood shifts. You wake up on the right side of bed and everything feels right. You might not even realize how much color affects your mood until you’re somewhere with the wrong colors. Take a look at this Smithsonian article: How Do Colors Affect Our Moods? Turns out, liking different colors is highly individualistic. Some people will love First Light, and some won’t.

Window Film Can Enhance Colors

Did you know that you can use subtle gradations of window film to enhance the colors in your home or office? There are many neutral shades of window film, designed to let in a little or a lot of light. Window film can fade into the background so you don’t know it’s there, or it can be its own design element. Just look at some of the Fasara window films, for instance.

Would You Use Pink in Your Decor?

Tell us how! Or how not. And we hope you’re feeling “in the pink.”

Window Works at the Northern California Facilities Expo 2019

October 16, 2019 by Carol S 2 Comments

On October 9 and 10, 2019, several of us from Window Works worked a booth at the Northern California Facilities Expo at the Santa Clara Convention Center. You might enjoy reading our last blogpost, about the Expo here. Here are a few photos!

Our Booth at the Northern California Facilities Expo 2019

We really enjoyed the set up of the booth. We had lots of people coming and going during the entire show. The only time our booth was empty was before the show opened!

Window Security System

Our window security systems display drew a lot of attention at the Expo. People wondered at the protection that window film gives them. Time is of the essence when someone is trying to break and enter your home, and security window film protects your property and family from intruders as well as broken glass! Read about how 3M Safety and Security Window Film is being used in schools.

An Overview of the Expo

This video shows you the other businesses involved in the Expo. We were lucky enough to get a ride in one of Snorkel’s awesome lifts, the S3219:

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Expo Friends

Here are some Expo friends: (left to right) Lisa Nagle – NCFE Show Director, Kashmir Uppal Atlas Copco – Managing Director & Exhibitor Happy Hour Sponsor, and Asia Bautista of Window Works.

Lisa Nagle - NCFE Show Director, Kashmir Uppal Atlas Copco - Managing Director & Exhibitor Happy Hour Sponsor — Lisa Nagle – NCFE Show Director, Kashmir Uppal Atlas Copco – Managing Director & Exhibitor Happy Hour Sponsor, and Asia Bautistia

The Gang’s (Mostly) All Here

After the Expo, a few of us went to Benihana in Cupertino. The chef showcased a flaming onion, and we had a delicious meal!

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And…It’s a Wrap!

Visit the Northern California Facilities Expo 2019 October 9-10

September 25, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We’d love our local friends to come and see us at the Northern California Facilities Expo. The Expo will take place Wednesday and Thursday, October 9th and 10th, 2019, at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. It’s very close to Levi’s Stadium.

The DeFacto Facilities Show for Facilities Engineers in the Bay!

Attendees come with around 100 keys jingling from saving their buildings from floods, to black-outs, to roof cave ins… it’s THE solutions market place for Back Room heroes who run our buildings across Silicon Valley. So if you have a solution, or if you’re looking for one, you need to be here!

Window Works’ Focus This Year

This is our fifth year at the Expo, and we’re the only-ish Window Film Vendor at the Expo. We’ll have a double booth, so be sure to stop by!

We’ll be focused on fast but durable solutions for buildings such as
- Anti-Graffiti Film to mitigate Glass Damage around door push bars (keys are often the culprit)
- AG Film to mitigate etching
- Metal Shield Films that look like Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Gold Stainless
- Mirror Shield for Etched Windows, too
- Samples of new Prestige20 that just launched!
- Don’t forget to stop by to see our 3M Territory Manager to ask questions

The DeFacto Facilities Show for Facilities Engineers in the Bay

Energy Modeling Expert at Interwest Distribution

Don’t leave out a visit to our Energy Modeling expert from Interwest Distribution both Wednesday and Thursday if anyone is interested in dramatic Energy Savings from Window Films or Rebates from PGE.

But Wait–There’s More!

The Expo is absolutely free of charge! If you know anyone in Facilities Management, be sure to let them know.
We’re excited at the list of scheduled talks. You can get a list of the talks here.
Hope to see you there!

Have a Friend in Facilities Management?

Please let them know about this free expo!

This Is What Happens During a Visit to NeoCon 2019

September 19, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Recently our fearless leader attended NeoCon 2019. Neocon is a leading gathering place for innovations among the commercial design world’s manufacturers dealers, architects, and designers. Located at The Mart in Chicago, NeoCon has been making news in the design world since 1969. Here are a few images from that recent trip.

Designtex Bauhaus Women Weavers

Designtex, a distributor of Interior Design Materials, themed their entire exhibit honoring Women Weavers in time with the celebration of Women in Construction everywhere! As you might know, Window Works is super-excited about Women in Construction, as evidenced by our Women in Construction event earlier this year.

Floors like Water

Floors, Wall, Ceilings, Windows; there are no surfaces that aren’t being beautified! Now we can have carpet that appears ethereal in design! 20 years ago, this was simply impossible! We suspect that the man with the cast on his leg, above, may have slipped on that seemingly wet surface!

Pantone Color of the Year Homage to Coral

Pantone Color of the Year 2019

Tribute to Living Coral, the Main Foyer of NeoCon where the Design cues to the following season are gleaned. We wrote about the Pantone Color of the Year in a previous post: Fun with Living Coral, Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019.

Skyline Custom Glass

Skyline, well known for their high design laminated glass, pointing to the new direction for glass aesthetics; clean, simple, light geometry.

Textured Walls Fur and Hide

At NeoCon, anything can be a design surface–including fur and hide walls from Green Hides! Imagine the green cowhide on a foyer focus wall!

Walls Like Floors

Now the Walls look the Floors or are we askew?! Take the wood floor appeal up the wall!

Window Film Jewel Tones

Jewel tones used on curtain wall (or banks of glass) in either rich, saturated imperial colors or energetic acid tones, giving energy to glass!

Window Film Transparent Neon Tones

Window Film Transparent Neon Tones – Minimal but highly energized, go Neon or go Home – Monotone to the Max.

Window Film Okamura

Japanese aesthetic is in the DNA: simple, clean, focused, calming–and all from window film!

Window Film Less is More Asymmetrical

The look of less, using asymmetrical designs to impart minimalist tones to the display and making vision lites work in Retail.

Window Film Lines of Subtlety

Subtle is the new black; window film is still hot, but now we are hanging a wider breadth of design such as these barely there thin lines imparting a sense of organic motion to the display.

Like What You See?

Have a favorite? Let us know!