Carol S

How to Use Window Film for Energy Efficiency

April 30, 2020 by Carol S 1 Comment

As we ease back into our new normal, many people have been asking about window film and energy efficiency. They want to know if having window film will help their building be more efficient, and how it will affect their energy bills. According to 3M “An estimated 33% of cooling expenses are due to solar heat gain from windows.” There’s also this: “The Department of Energy considers window film a top-tier technology for energy conservation with one of the fastest paybacks — approximately three years.” By the way, here’s our last article about the New Normal: How the New Normal Will Eventually Make Life Better.

The Planet Is Getting Warmer

Nearly everyone now agrees that the planet is warming. For sensitive individuals, even a degree or two can have an impact on their health. With window film, you can avoid much of the solar heat gain from your windows. And that means that your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool. You might like this article about global warming: Window Film and Global Warming: What You Need to Know.

Comfort is Key

If you’re comfortable in your home or office, it stands to reason that you’ll spend more time there. When a room is too warm, you’ll probably avoid that area, right? So one of the hidden savings is that you’ll get to use more of your home or office if you have window film, rather than always moving to another area of your building. And since we’re all spending more time indoors and at home, being comfortable is even more critical. Also, in places like San Francisco, there isn’t much space to begin with–many of us live in very small apartments or condos.

Utility Companies Offer Incentives

You may have to search a bit to find the rebate forms for your area. In the San Francisco Bay Area, PG&E offers rebates for certain energy efficient products. Some, such as solar, are more well known than others. Your CPA may be able to help you locate tax incentives.

Where to Start with Window Film?

You can start with a call to us–we can discuss your options and give you suggestions. We also have a lot of information on our website, including our blog. We also recommend the 3M window film site, which you can find here: 3M Commercial Window Film. Some other suggestions are:

Pinterest has many ideas — use it as a search engine.
Houzz–you may find windows and window film that you like here
Online interior design magazines, such as Design Milk
Architectural Digest

How the New Normal Will Eventually Make Life Better

April 16, 2020 by Carol S 1 Comment

We’ve been inside our Covid-19 bubble for awhile now, and it’s about all anyone wants to talk about. Nearly every news article mentions it. It brings up a lot of questions. Questions like how much of this can we take? And when will it be over? While we don’t have the answers to those questions, we can say that eventually things will get better. We will get through this.

Gratitude for Those Around Us

We so appreciate our clients, friends, and neighbors. And our coworkers really are our family! Maybe you feel the same way. And we miss the closeness we had with everyone. So much so that we know that once we get to see everyone, there will be lots of hugging and laughing. Being isolated is more than inconvenient. As humans, we need to see our friends and families. We appreciate them more than ever right now. In San Francisco, our mayor declared a state of emergency in early March. So we’ve been under quarantine for quite some time now. And it looks like the isolation is working to flatten the curve. By the way, you might like this article on creating a sanctuary.

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Of course, we don’t really have a choice right now. But still–waiting this out, being safe, maintaining social distance–all these things guarantee that most of us will have good things later when this is all over. Persistence and patience are both qualities that will help us get through this difficult time. All the things we took for granted before, such as being able to jump on a plane and fly some where else easily, have to be reexamined. And our supply chain will look different, too, probably. Even the food we put on our table may need to be reassessed–since we’re so dependent on other parts of the world.

Staying Positive

It’s easy enough to be positive for a few minutes at a time, but staying positive for days and weeks can wear on anyone. It requires some self-discipline to see the silver lining, but those that do will come out ahead in the end. And having good humor is a positive, too.

Being Empathetic

People are hurting right now. Sometimes that pain is physical if they’re sick. And a lot of the pain is psychological when they can’t see their friends or they feel lonely or isolated. So for us, having empathy for everyone is part of our business model.

New Processes and Ways to Do Business

Eventually, we’ll have changes in how we do business. One thing I’m hearing right now is that people are really listening at a very deep level to their customers. What is hurting them right now, other than not being able to go out and get to their clients? Being a helpful resource is something intrinsic in our nature that we might have forgotten.

This Is What Happens When You Make Your Home A Sanctuary

March 26, 2020 by Carol S 1 Comment

Remember a few weeks ago, when the world seemed normal? For us here in San Francisco, March came in like a lamb and like a lion. Usually, it’s the other way around. Suddenly, everyone was afraid. We’re keeping that six-foot distance, and following all the recommendations. And we’re staying at home. If you, like us, are keen on making your home a place you love instead of just tolerate, stick around. Here are some ideas.

Organize That Spot You’ve Never Organized

It doesn’t have to be your sock drawer, but surely there’s a place that you’ve always been meaning to organize and you haven’t. Be ruthless in getting rid of those things you no longer use or love. As Marie Kondo says, it should “spark joy.” After that first pass, you’ll just have the things left that you really enjoy.

Organizing Your Space Makes You Feel Good

Create An Altar

For some people, an altar is a spiritual spot, filled with religious items. Your altar could be filled with photos, trip souveneirs, and all the things that lift your spirits. Maybe a candle and a beautiful piece of fabric could go there. You could add a letter or card from your friends or family.

Does Your Home Suit You?

Now that you have some extra time, look around at your home. Does it really fit your lifestyle? Do you have old gear that is broken or doesn’t suit your lifestyle any more? Why not give it away to someone who’ll enjoy it. Not the broken stuff, of course, but the things that don’t work for you any more. Someone else might really enjoy it!

What About the Colors and Textures?

If you don’t love the colors and textures you see around you every day, why not change them? Painting is an excellent and easy way to change the mood. You might also think about adding textures to walls, or moving furniture around. Although it’s a difficult time right now, we can always take advantage of the time we have at home to make it into our own private oasis. Feeling safe and cozy in our homes goes a long way toward creating a sanctuary.

Women in Construction Luncheon 2020 a Success!

March 12, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Women in Construction networking 2020 — Women in Construction Networking 2020

This year, Window Works once again hosted the Women in Construction Luncheon in partnership with the San Francisco Builders’ Exchange. It was our fourth annual luncheon for Women in Construction Week, and we hope to host many more in the future! This year’s luncheon was more popular than ever!

By the way, here are some posts from our previous luncheons:

Thank You to Our Women Friends and Sponsors!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who pitched in to help! Without you, the Women in Construction luncheon could never take place. Thank you to our dear friend and ally Deanna Johnson for all that she does to help Members and Tenants here at SFBS! We wouldn’t have had nearly as much fun without Irene Nunez, who knows the business backwards and forwards. We also want to thank Interwest Distribution, 3M window film, NY Engineering and the incomparable Nilgun Wolpe, and BBI Construction. We’d also like to thank Miles Alfonso at UPS for the copper bags and all the swag, too! Also: Lina Tan at Pilot Construction. You see–it really does take a village!

All for One, One for All!

As you might be able to tell, we’re always having fun. A few of us wore matching shoes and instead of doing a high five, touched toes (sort of like the knights of the round table, but sort of not!). Other people are doing “jazz hands,” but we’re doing jazz feet!

Lunch is Served!

This year’s sandwiches were scrumptious. We also had salsa, chips, and lots of cookies. Although the luncheon isn’t really all about the food, having a good meal is never a bad thing!

The Ladies of Window Works

In case you’re wondering, here are the ladies that keep Window Works afloat! From left to right, Carol Stephen our social media manager, Asia Bautista our fearless leader and CEO, the incomparable Em Estanislao in Customer Care, the always-wonderful Maicca Diche, Business Operations Manager, and the talented and hardworking Donna Dris in Customer Care.

We Look Forward to Next Year’s Luncheon

This isn’t the last you’ve heard from the Women in Construction! Stay tuned for next year’s Women in Construction Luncheon!

Window Works Accepted to Turner School of Construction Management

February 20, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Window Works just got accepted to the Turner School of Construction Management! We’re super excited about this and how it will help not just us but how we manage our San Francisco Bay Area jobs! That means our clients will benefit from our added knowledge, too.

What Are the Details?

Turner Construction and Union Bank are kicking off the 2020 San Francisco Turner School of Construction Management training program February through April at the San Francisco International Airport. Classes include Accounting Basics for Contractors, Estimating, Field Operations, Insurance & Bonding, Management, Business Development/Marketing, Project Delivery Systems & Contract Risk Management, Safety, and Scheduling. This is a thirteen-week course, so it is very thorough.

Turner Construction Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Construction Management Course

Last year, Turner Construction celebrated 50 years of the construction management course. Established in 1969 in an effort to improve the economic viability of under-represented business enterprises and increase the number and quality of opportunities available to growing businesses, it quickly became a successful path for Turner to develop strategic business relationships in the communities where they build. They have graduated more than 30,000 people from this valuable course.

How Will the Construction Management Course Help?

Each class provides networking opportunities between other business owners and Turner industry experts that lead the classes. The Estimating and Scheduling classes have an additional hands-on exercise that offer participants real-life work experiences. We are sure that the emphasis on estimating, safety, and risk management will intertwine to give us an even better edge. And, although we already have real-life work experiences, we may be able to mentor those who don’t. In any event, networking with those in the industry is always a positive experience.

Speaking of Networking

You might be thinking that we’re already doing a lot of networking. That’s true. In fact, in case you missed it, here’s a link to our Women in Construction Luncheon in San Francisco. We’d love to see you there! It’s Thursday, March 5th in San Francisco. You don’t have to be in the window film business in order to attend–nor do you have to be a construction worker. You can be involved in any area of construction–from accounting to risk management.

Onward!

We look forward to finishing the course work and adding even more value to our business.

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.