Blog – Page 11

How to Choose the Best Security Window Film For Commercial Property

July 1, 2020 by Carol S 1 Comment

Security window film has become quite popular in San Francisco lately. No one needs to know that you have security window film installed, since it’s invisible. Security window film can help to reduce breakins and burglaries. Today we’re focusing on a couple of commercial clients and the window film they’ve chosen for their properties. This is the first in a series on window film for commercial properties.

window-works-3m-ultras800 — Patagonia SF

3M Ultra S800 Security Film with 3M IPA

3M Ultra S800 Security Film with 3M IPA (Impact Protection Attachment) is a fantastic way to protect your commercial property. 3M security film helps protect against flying glass shards when a window is broken, while it also protects against smash and grab burglaries. It also significantly blocks the amount of harmful UV rays that cause fading, helping to extend the life of furnishings. Retail stores often opt for 3M Ultra since their merchandise is protected against damaging UV rays which would cause clothing, accessories, or furnishings to fade.

For more information, see our page on Safety and Security Film.

window-works-burberry-sf-ultras800 — Burberry

3M Ultra S800 Security Film with 3M IPA, 3M 6mil Anti-Graffiti Film

In addition to the 3M Ultra that we mentioned above, certain commercial clients often want to add anti-graffiti film. In some urban areas, graffiti is rampant. If you think that your windows are at risk of being defaced with scratches, acid etching gouges and tagging, 3M™ Anti-Graffiti Film is a good choice. The film can easily be removed and replaced, saving you the enormous cost, time, and hassle of replacing your glass. Not to mention how well you’ll sleep knowing that your glass is secure. You might also like this article: Unlocking the Hidden Secrets of Window Film.

Security is Peace of Mind

Don’t you feel better knowing that your property is protected and everyone is safe? There’s enough to worry about without being afraid that someone could break your windows or deface your property. With security window film, your worry can be greatly reduced. And for more information about security window film, see 3M’s site.

We’re Your Window Film Partner

Don’t know where to start? Contact us here and we’ll be glad to brainstorm some ideas! We travel all over the San Francisco Bay Area, including Marin, San Mateo county, the East Bay, and the South Bay.

Window Film Will Make You Worry Less About This

June 17, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Do you ever worry about the damage that UV rays can do to your skin…while you’re inside? Lots of people do! UV rays can travel right through glass, so it can damage your eyes, and age your skin. Bottom Line: if you have window film, you don’t have to worry about that anymore.

Why Not Wear Sunglasses?

You could wear sunglasses indoors, but wouldn’t that be a little bit…silly? We have seen people wearing sunglasses indoors, but it’s so much better if your building wears the sunglasses (also known as window film). And, while sunglasses can protect your eyes, they can’t protect the rest of your body. Besides, if you have visitors, they may not have sunglasses handy! And it’s more welcoming to have window film than to hand out sunglasses. Unless of course those you have a dachsund. In that case, all bets are off.

What about Curtains?

Sure, you could have curtains, but you might like having a view. And with window film, you can block the UV rays and have a view at the same time. And curtains don’t look as modern as window film does. Window film blocks the heat, too. Which leads to your next question, probably: Can you save energy using window film? Yes, you can! Take a look at one of our recent articles: How to Use Window Film for Energy Efficiency. You know that the planet is warming and window film is one of your best defenses against that warming.

Window Film is Less Cluttered

Have you ever had long curtains that got tangled or just added to the visual clutter of a home? If you have young cats, curtains might be one of their favorite places to climb. The curtains can end up shredded and ugly. That’s what we’re talking about. With window film, there’s nothing to get tangled, they don’t collect dust, and there’s less to clean, too. Window film can actually be a good decorative element–not all window film is invisible. See our article about decorating with window film. There are dots, stripes, and many different patterns available. You can also mix and match your favorites if you can’t decide!

Some Sunlight is Good

Of course, some sunlight is good because sunlight helps you produce Vitamin D, which has been shown to be protective against Covid-19. But isn’t it better to be able to control the amount of sunlight you receive? For most people, a few minutes in the sun is enough. And in some areas, even a few minutes of sunlight can cause severe burns (helloooo Phoenix!). For more information, see this article about Vitamin D and your health from Harvard Medical School.

And Less Worry is a Good Thing

Don’t we all have enough to worry about right now? If you could take one thing off your worry plate, why not? Give us a call if you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and need window film. We’re here to help protect you from UV rays!

3M’s Response to Covid19 Delights Us: You Need to Know Why

May 29, 2020 by Carol S 1 Comment

People all over the world are coming together to battle Covid-19. From making homemade masks to engineering protective gear, there’s a lot of creativity out there right now. Since we’re already big fans of 3M, we’ve been seeing a big response in their production. Here are some of the changes we’ve seen. By the way, 3M still makes excellent window film as you’ve probably seen in our other blog posts!

Masks and Respirators

Yes, 3M makes both masks and respirators. They are the largest manufacturer of N95 masks in the world. And recently 3M has ramped up production of its masks. 3M said in a statement that “3M and its employees have gone above and beyond to manufacture as many N95 respirators as possible for the US market.” You can see a wide array of masks, shields, and respirators on 3Ms website.

Testing Respirators

Did you know that “fit testing is accomplished by spraying a test agent into the hood environment with the respirator in place”? If the wearer does not detect the taste of the test agent, an acceptable fit has been demonstrated. There are bitter and sweet tests. More about testing respirators.

Putting Health Care Workers and First Responders First

Not only has 3M doubled its production (to 1.1 billion respirators) since January 2020, its focus has changed. 3M is working with both governments and companies to ensure that the need for Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) is met. For now, the demand will outstrip the supply, but they’re working diligently to change that. Their factories are working 24/7 to meet the incredible demand.

Behind the Scenes…

Unfortunately, in many emergencies, there are frauds, counterfeits, and price gouging. Luckily, 3M’s legal department is battling price gouging of 3M products so the public doesn’t have to. You can report your concerns on 3Ms website. If you think you’re paying too much for 3M products, double check on their website.

3M Working with Ford

3M and Ford are designing and developing powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), which are on the way to health care workers fighting COVID-19. Take a look at what they’ve developed here. The coolest part of the PAPRs? 3M and Ford will donate any profits they earn from the sale of the PAPR to COVID-19 related nonprofit organizations! We are delighted to be working with such an outstanding organization.

3M Protects Its Own

If you ever wonder whether to do business with a company, take a look at how they treat their own employees. From Shanghai to Singapore to Grassobio, Italy, 3M has instituted more stringent safety measures, even shutting down plants in some instances to keep employees safe. Take a look at more of the new global safety measures.

Simple Decorating Changes That Will Make You Feel Better

May 18, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Everyone is looking for a little relief right now. The stress of changing routines, working from home, and sheltering in place are difficult to manage. You don’t have control over much of what’s happening right now. But one thing that you do have control over is your own environment. So why not take this time to make a few simple changes?

Painting is Easy to Do

Many people make painting into something much, much bigger than it is. Painting can be quick and easy. And the thing about paint? If you don’t like it, you can change it again! Make it lighter, brighter, or more colorful with a few strokes of a paint brush or roller. You can choose to paint a door, some cabinetry, or a wall.

Install New Artwork

You can either put up new artwork or move the artwork that you have. Either way, your place will look different. Have you ever noticed that you don’t see your artwork after awhile? When you change it, it’s suddenly visible again! You might even want to add a calendar event to remind yourself when to change the art.

Sculptures and 3-D Art

If you’ve been looking at the same artwork since forever, why not move it around? Just like pictures on a wall, sculptures and other three-dimenional pieces need to be moved around so they don’t become “invisible.” A pedestal can be moved as easily as any piece of furniture.

Purge What You Don’t Want

Although a lot of the places that collect gently used items are closed, you can still give away what you don’t want. If you haven’t used something for a year, why not give it a new home? Try Facebook marketplace–people are happy to do porch pickups right now, and people may not want to do traditional shopping.

Dream of the Future

One of our friends, who designs palettes, suggested a good idea–get your palette now and when you’re ready to paint, you’ll be halfway there. The hardest part is always choosing paint colors, after all. It’s a great way to support another business, while keeping your dreams alive.

Decorative Window Film

We’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest window film–there are many decorative varieties that you’ll love. Take a look at our post on decorative Fasara film! Then give us a call and we can help you install when the time is right.

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!