Carol S

Window Film’s Superior Technology Boosts Bottom Line, Makes You More Secure

August 9, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

If you own a home or business in the San Francisco Bay Area, or any metropolitan area, chances are you worry about your home or business when you’re not there. Even when you’re in the building, you might worry about people breaking and entering. You could hire armed guards, but what’s a simple thing you can do to increase your security and make you worry less? And by the way, did you know that window film can make you happier?

silver office glass photo — Photo by mkosut

Security Window Film

Did you know that there’s a security window film that will help hold the glass together in case someone tries to break a window and enter your building? Yes, there is!

From Break-ins …

Some neighborhoods have lots of break ins, while some might have lots of accidents. If your commercial building is unattended on evenings and weekends, you might feel nervous about having a glass storefront. But with security window film, there’s an extra layer of security to help give you peace of mind. We’ve written about the theft deterrent properties of window film before (you might like to read about it).

… to Accidents

People who live near parks where kids play might get a lot of baseballs coming through their windows. The same holds true for those who live on the edges of golf courses. Of course, no one is trying to break your windows, but accidents happen sometimes. And 3M security window film can hold the glass together in case it does break, and prevent flying shards that can hurt your coworkers or family.

Kitchens

From restaurant kitchens to corporate kitchens, security window film can keep your clients and coworkers safe. Because security film holds glass together, if by chance the glass above your chefs or diners should break, it will hold together and prevent splinters or shards.

What Kind of Security Window Film is Best?

There are three types that we can recommend:

For more information, give us a call! We’re happy to answer any questions.

Is Privacy Actually a Big Concern for You?

July 22, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

No Privacy in the City

In big cities with crowded spaces, you might be sharing space with your neighbors without wanting to! And although you’d hate to move, you sometimes consider it since that next-door neighbor always seems to be looking into your kitchen. Here are a few tips to increase your privacy.

warmth station photo — Photo by Momentchensammler

Window Film

Of course we love window film because you can preserve your view and your skin, while also gaining privacy! In fact, there are so many reasons to love window film that we could write about it all day. For instance, here’s a post that you might have missed: Why the hell do I need window film in San Francisco. It addresses some of the issues of city dwellers.

Privacy Hedge

If you’re outside on your deck, a privacy hedge might be just the ticket to keeping those prying eyes away from your deck. Here’s How to Plant a Privacy Hedge. You could also use potted plants, positioned appropriately, as a green hedge. Evergreen plants would probably work the best.

Screens

Screens are wonderful because you can move them around. When you don’t want them, fold them up and slide them under the bed or put them in the closet. They’re simple and inexpensive, too. And, when you have guests over, you can create a room of sorts using folding screens.

Happiness

Do you believe that more privacy leads to greater happiness? If you’re an introvert, you probably do! By the way, here’s an article about how window film makes you happier!

Curtains

Curtains can help you avoid prying eyes, especially black-out curtains. And if you sleep during the day, or even nap during the day, curtains can help with privacy as well as noise reduction. Of course, you could use curtains as well as window film to double your privacy!

Fences

Outdoors, fences have a smaller footprint than other types of privacy screens. They can be built quickly and painted to match your decor. Here’s a great article from This Old House: 10 Ways to Add Privacy to Your Yard.

Dual Purpose: Privacy and Heat Reduction

These days, anything that goes into our homes needs to have at least one purpose, and hopefully two. So what about having something that will not only give you privacy, but also will help protect your skin as well as lower your power bill? To us, that’s a win-win-win! (If you guess that win-win-win is window film, then you’re right!)

Got Privacy?

If not, give us a call! We can help!

How to Help Fed Up Employees Stay Cool in the Summer

July 7, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We know what you’re thinking: what do you mean fed up employees? How are they so fed up? If you’ve ever seen people wearing sunglasses indoors, then you know how hot an office can get in the summer. And with many employees working longer hours, offices can get awfully hot and stuffy!

Recent Window Film Installation at Some South Bay Fruit Company

Here are some pictures from a recent job in the San Francisco South Bay. We can’t reveal the name of this fruit company, but we will say that their fruit is highly regarded.

South Bay Fruit Company Window Film Installation

With that said, here are some hints to keep employees (and you!) happy in the summer time heat.

Ice, Ice, Ice

Keep plenty of cold beverages on hand, and an ice machine or three around so everyone can have a cold beverage.

Go Old School

If you don’t have an air conditioner–and we hope that you do–you can use strategically placed fans. This surprisingly simple solution can really help to keep you cool. For more tips, here’s a good Wiki: 3 Ways to Cool Yourself Without Air Conditioning.

Microclimates in the Bay Area

If you’ve lived here in the San Francisco Bay Area for awhile, you know how much temperatures can vary from one neighborhood to the next. Downtown and South of Market could be 15 degrees hotter than out by the beach.

The East Bay, Marin, and Peninsula

If you go the East Bay or to Marin County, the temperatures can be much hotter than downtown. San Francisco is generally cooler in the summer.

San Francisco MicroClimates

While tooling around the interwebs, we found this neat app for discovering microclimate temperatures within San Francisco: Mr. Chilly.

Back to Keeping Employees Cool

In buildings, there are also microclimates. One side of the building can be quite cool, while the people on the other side of the building can be complaining about the heat. And in case you think you don’t need window film in San Francisco, you might want to read our recent post: Why the Hell Do I Need Window Film in San Francisco?

Fans, Hydration, and Window Film

Our last suggestion to you is window film. Window film helps even out the temperatures and keep everyone happy. Window film also protects your employees’ health. In fact, window film is one of the ten best ways to protect against skin cancer.

Got Microclimates?

We’d love to talk to you about your building’s microclimates! Give us a call!

Why the Hell do I Need Window Film in San Francisco?

June 22, 2017 by Carol S 2 Comments

You’re probably asking yourself all the reasons you need window film in San Francisco. In fact, you’ve probably been kept awake wondering if you need it at all! Short answer: Yes, you do! And here’s why. By the way, the photo above is from a recent high-tech client who wanted to protect their employees from sun glare, as well as reduce air conditioning costs.

Protect Your Eyes from Glare

You and the people you work or live with need to protect their eyes. Glare coming through windows can be even worse than in direct light. Do you know anyone who wears sunglasses indoors? We do! Why not put the equivalent of sun glasses on your windows?

Protect Your Carpets and Furniture

Have you ever peeled back a rug and seen a the darker floor underneath where the sun has bleached the wood? It’s not a pretty sight! Your rugs and expensive furniture will look much better and last longer if you have window film on your windows. Here’s a recent article you might like: Sun Damage: What Things Can Be Harmed in Your Home and How to Stop it.

Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Yes, window film keeps your costs down and doesn’t require long days of planning to install. You don’t have to remodel to get window film. And it begins to work for you immediately.

Window Film for home in San Francisco Bay Area

Reduce Excess Heat

In the warmer months, you feel more comfortable. We just recently had a heat wave here in San Francisco, so you know what we mean! And the hotter temperatures have become more and more common, unfortunately. Especially in the outlying areas, on the peninsula, in Marin, and past the Caldecott Tunnel (in the East Bay).

Keeps Your Family Safe

Did you know that children are the most prone to skin damage? What’s more important than keeping your kids safe? For more information about keeping kids safe from the sun, check the CDC’s article: How Can I Protect My Children from the Sun?

Stay Cool

If you don’t want to live and work in a furnace-like environment, we heartily recommend window film. As well as for all the reasons above.

It Looks Like a #1 Winner: the 3M Window Films Marketing Leadership Award!

June 7, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We’re very proud to announce that we recently received 3M’s Window Films Marketing Leadership award!

Regional Award

The Marketing Leadership award is a Regional Award given to the Dealer with the most exemplary Marketing, Communications, Branding, etc.

One Award in the Four Regions

There is only one award in the four regions — West, East, South & Southwest.

3M gave us this award at the most recent regional Prestige Dealer Conference in Los Angeles this Spring.

It’s An Honor And Privilege

The conference is full of many top window film companies from across the United States. And since 3M window film dominates the window film industry, it is a huge honor and privilege for us to receive this award.

How to Stay Cool in the Heat? You’ll Love 3M™ Thinsulate™ Window Film

May 25, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Are you looking for a way to stay cool? We’re excited about 3M™’s Thinsulate™ Window Film! Thinsulate™ helps you preserve the look and feel of your building. It reduces heat loss and keeps the temperature comfortable.

Save up to 10% of Your Energy Costs

If you have single-pane windows, Thinsulate™ can help you save up to 10% of your energy costs. And here’s the official 3M™ video, if you’d like to hear about it straight from the camel’s mouth:

There are so many benefits to 3M™ Thinsulate™ window film:

Preserves the look and feel of your building
Reduces heat loss
Keeps the temperature comfortable
Rejects the heat in the summertime
Maintains cool in the wintertime

sunlight photo — Photo by Brian Tomlinson

And if you’re trying to stay cool in the summertime,you could use Thinsulate™. And if you’re all bundled up inside your home during the winter, Thinsulate™ is still the answer.

Nearly Invisible

You can see Thinsulate™ window film, but only if you really try! It’s so thin, that you might not even realize it’s there! That’s the beauty of it. It protects you so well, that you forget it’s there.

digital scale photo — Photo by vuvanhahung

Gives You Control

Don’t you like to control the temperature within your own home or office? If you’re not running over to the temperature gauge every other minute, you could be using that time for something else. And with the recent extreme temperature fluctuations, wouldn’t that be a relief?

thermostat photo — Photo by CORGI HomePlan | http://corgi-homeplan-how-safe-is-your-home.org

Photo by CORGI HomePlan | http://corgi-homeplan-how-safe-is-your-home.org

Stabilizes Temperatures

Now the rooms within your home or building can have similar temperatures, instead of one room being so extremely hot or cold.

Less Expensive

Installing double-pane windows can be a pain in the neck, as well as extremely expensive. There is a less expensive alternative: Thinsulate™! And Thinsulate™ is almost as effective as that extra pane of glass.

Thinsulate Window Film Keeps You Comfortable

Comfort

When you’re comfortable, you can work better, sleep better, and feel more at ease. Your employees and family will feel the same way.

Reduce Heat Loss

Thinsulate™ reduces heat loss by up to 38%.

Window Film Protects You

To see more about how 3M window film protects you, your family, and your furnishings, check out these articles:

Give Us a Call!

We’re in San Francisco, and service the entire San Francisco Bay Area! We’d love to talk to you!

Sun Damage: What Things Can Be Harmed in Your Home and How to Stop it

May 15, 2017 by Carol S 1 Comment

You’ve probably heard before that the sun can harm your skin, especially since skin cancer rates have been going through the roof over the past few years. In case you haven’t heard, a Shrewd, Invisible Enemy is Stealing Your Greatest Asset! And did you know that the sun’s rays can also damage your belongings? Well, it’s true!

Rugs

Of course, you can use drapes or awnings to cover the windows, but if you want a view plus the beauty of your rugs, that might not be the best way to go. You could move the rug into a room with less sun, but then your lovely wood floors would be at risk.

Wood Floors

Speaking of wood floors, they are very much in vogue at the moment. But the sun can cause discoloration and make the wood brittle. You could move your furniture around occasionally, as this article about Sunlight and Fading Hardwood Floors mentions, but do you want to go to the trouble of adding another item to your already-busy calendar?

Furniture

Your gorgeous leather couch, Swedish recliner, and Japanese tansu would look a lot better if they weren’t faded by the sun. But the sun’s rays can fade all your furniture! And the parts closer to the windows will have more sun damage than the parts away from the sun.

Paintings

Many museums have windowless rooms so that the colors of their paintings and other artwork don’t fade. But surely you don’t want to live in a place without windows! Yet sculptures and all other art can suffer under the sun’s damaging rays. One way to preserve your artwork if it’s in direct sun is to cover paintings with preservation glass, as this article: Protecting your Artwork from Sunlight outlines.

Window Coverings

Ironically, your window coverings can be harmed by the sun’s rays, too. Discoloration can affect draperies as well as wooden shutters.

Plastic and Raw Wood

Plastic and raw wood can also be impacted by the sun’s rays (outside the home as well as inside), as detailed in this post by Houzz: What You Must Know About the Sun and Your Home. The comments are also interesting.

Window Film Can Help

Window film can prevent much of the sun damage from the sun’s powerful UV rays. As Dressing the Home, an interior decorator from Louisville, Kentucky comments on the above Houzz article:

“3M Prestige Series window film is an excellent solution for limiting the damaging effects of sunlight in your home. It is available in clear optical film that uses nanotechnology to reduce U.V. by 99.9%, heat by 60% and infrared light by 97%. This will save your furnishings and finishes from fading and other damage, as well as save on energy costs.”

And of course we were thrilled to read the above comment from an interior decorator, since we recommend window film to our clients!

We’d Love to Talk to You!

Have questions about window film? We’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, and would love to help with your project.

A Shrewd, Invisible Enemy Is Stealing Your Greatest Asset

April 27, 2017 by Carol S 1 Comment

What if someone told you that something you’d thought was purely positive wasn’t? Well, it’s true! The sun’s rays can hurt you. The sun is the enemy that is stealing your greatest asset–your health! And it’s happening little by little every day.

Sun Damage is Cumulative

There’s no backing up the tape or do-overs in the world of sun damage. Every time you go outside unprotected, or are exposed to the sun’s rays (even in the comfort of your own home), your health is jeopardized. The damage that UV rays can do to children’s skin is worst of all! Unlike compounding interest in your bank account, cumulative sun damage is not a positive thing!

For a fun article on staying cool, you might like Bigfoot’s Guide to Beating the Heat.

humboldt beach photo — Photo by The Moonstone Archive

Is There Anything You Can Do?

Why, yes, there is something you can do. Thanks for asking. Here’s a list of quick and easy things you can do protect yourself and your family from sun damage:

Avoid the sun from 10:00 – 4:00 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest
Wear sunscreen when you’re in the sun (you can get sun damage indoors, too!)
Use enough sunscreen (other tips from Consumer Reports on sunscreen)
Sport a big hat, with 3″ or larger rims
Use sunglasses to protect your sensitive eyes

Here are some other things you can do, from a previous article: Afraid of the Sun? You Should Be!

At Home and at Work

Window Works offers window film to protect you and your family from the harmful rays that can travel through glass. Did you ever realize that the sun was so sneaky? Over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined.³

Glass Does Not Protect You from UV Rays

You might think you’re safer if you’re inside your own home, but did you realize that some UV rays can travel through glass? For instance, Window glass blocks most UVB radiation, but only 30 percent of UVA radiation, according to the Melanoma Education Foundation An umbrella won’t always protect you from UV radiation, either, as sand (for instance, at the beach) may amplify those sneaky UV rays.

Window Film is Sunscreen for Your House

What if you never had to worry about damaging UV rays inside your home or office ever again? Well, you can stop worrying if you get window film. It keeps the harmful UV rays out.

We’d Love to Work with You!

We’d love to kick some ideas around with you if you’re thinking of window film.

Ten Quick and Easy Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

April 6, 2017 by Carol S 1 Comment

Spring has sprung and with it, thoughts of being outdoors. But before you head to the beach, won’t you protect yourself against skin cancer? What if we promise that there are some easy ways to give your skin a break? After all, about 20% of Americans will develop some form of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology says skin cancer is the most common type of cancer.

Clothing Is Your First Line of Defense

Big hats and long sleeves can be chic! Don’t roast in the sun like a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. The Skin Cancer Foundation has some detailed tips on sun-safe clothing that you might want to try. They recommend long sleeved shirts 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.”

Protect Your Eyes

You might want your eyes to be fashionable, but your eyes also need protection. Big glasses, like the ones Jackie O used to wear, will give you lots of protection. Make sure your shades block both UVA and UVB light. The Skin Cancer Foundation has a nifty article on how to select the perfect sunglasses, by the way.

Hint: Your sunglasses should block 99-100 percent of the sun’s UV rays. Check the tag on the packaging to ensure this, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Giant Hat

Think Beach Blanket Babylon. Not really, but a big hat that covers your face, with at least a 3″ brim, will help a lot to prevent cancer. And also, big hats are cool! Baseball caps aren’t the best choice, since they leave your ears and neck exposed. You want a real hat, not something that’s necessarily the most chic.

tanning photo — Photo by earthlydelights

Sunscreen

You already knew this one, right? And the SPF should be at least 30, which filters out about 97% of the harmful rays, if used correctly. The American Cancer Society has a terrific article on how to choose the right sunscreen. In it, they suggest a broad spectrum sunshade. That is, a sunshade that protects against both UVA and UVB.

Timing

Staying out of the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when sun is the strongest, is one of the simplest way to avoid overexposure. Here are some more ways to avoid exposure, according to the American Skin Organization. One simple way to know when sun is the strongest, they say, is the saying Short Shadow, Seek Shade.

Avoid Indoor Tanning

Despite what we know about the dangers of tanning, many people still use tanning beds. They also use tanning lamps to get what they consider a “healthy glow.” But that healthy glow is anything but. Indoor tanning is especially popular among teens and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “A tan is the body’s response to injury from UV rays, showing that damage has been done. It does little to protect you from future UV exposure.”

Be a Shade-Seeking Beast

If you must be in the sun between 10 and 4, then be under a big umbrella, wearing a big hat, with giant sunglasses and sunscreen. If you must be out with your friends who love the sun, practice shaking your head at them when they suggest you wear skimpy clothes and frolic in the noonday sun. “Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen Go Out in the Noon Day Sun” you can say to them. They’ll wonder what you’re talking about, but they’ll sneak off to look it up on Google.

Shade Cloth and Awnings

Shade sail canopies and awnings are wonderful ways to prevent sunburns and overexposure. If you do a search on Google or Pinterest, you’ll find some very pretty options to prevent overexposure for you and your bbq guests if you live in a sunny area, such as California. Even in the San Francisco Bay Area, where we’re famous for foggy days, UV rays are a problem–UV rays penetrate clouds and fog. Look for shade cloth that protects from harmful UV rays.

Use Extra Caution Near Water, Sand, or Snow

Water, sand, and snow can intensify the negative effects of the sun, and result in sunburn. We all know someone who’s come back from skiing with the raccoon eyes they got because they skipped the sunscreen. Don’t be that raccoon!

Our Favorite – Window Film

In case you didn’t know, window film is like putting sunscreen on your windows! Your furnishings will absolutely thank you for the assistance. Without window film, your couch, your rug, and your skin can be damaged by the sun coming through your windows. Here are some articles for more information:

Have An Unusual Way to Avoid Skin Cancer?

We’d really like to know! So leave a comment, please.

Want to Be Happier? Window Film Boosts Your Well Being!

March 25, 2017 by Carol S 1 Comment

Recently, I bought the book Dan Harris’s book 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story. What a clever title, I thought. Who wouldn’t want to be 10% happier? But then I got to thinking about window film, and how it could also make someone happy, too. We have yet to do the scientific analysis on how much happier window film can make you feel, but make no mistake! Window film will make you happier. Probably around 7.5% happier, but who’s quibbling?

How Does Window Film Make You Happier?

For one thing, when your windows have film on them, you feel safer. You’re not squinting all the time, and you know that the evil UV rays are not going to damage your skin inside the house. By the way, here’s our article about why you absolutely positively need window film.

You Feel Safer

Safety is definitely first in the area of UV light. The wrong kind of UV light can cause skin cancer, you know! Read about it on the Skin Cancer dot org’s website! Avoiding skin cancer? Pretty high up on our list.

Privacy

Even if you have curtains, you can enjoy the view with the curtains open when your windows are covered with window film. Seeing a beautiful view can make you happy, and so indirectly window film contributes to your being able to see the view. According to Jill Suttie’s article, nature can make you kinder, happier, and more creative. Think about seeing the sun set or rise and how happy that made you. Maybe it’s just a little thing, but it does contribute to a sense of well being.

Maintaining Your Home Makes You Happy

If you like to keep up your home’s value, then installing window film can also make you happy. We like knowing that window film can add to our home’s value–not just in the future (if we ever sell it), but more importantly in the here and now. And if you don’t believe us, you might want to ask that expert of experts, Bigfoot! Take a gander at our article: Bigfoot’s Guide to Beating the Heat.

How much happier will window film make you?

How Much Happier Will Window Film Make You?

The only way to figure out how much happier you’ll be is to give us a call and install window film.