Blog – Page 22

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.

Need Commercial Window Film? How to Choose the Best Company!

March 9, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Need Commercial Window Film? How to Choose the Best Company!

Drive around the Bay Area, especial in San Francisco, and you’ll see construction sites galore. With all the construction going on, we field a lot of calls about window film. How could you possibly choose the best company to help you install window film? Like that automobile insurance company that helps you choose the best insurance, we’re here to give you a hand!

Here are some things to consider if you are trying to choose an installer.

Go with Your Gut

All things being equal, and they’re usually not, go with your instincts. Do you get a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach when you think about the company you’re considering? Does your head start to throb at the prospect of doing business with them? Then they’re not a good choice! Now, we realize that “gut instinct” isn’t what most people believe they’re using, but most people do make their decisions based on emotion.

If you don’t believe us, read this article: The Myth of Rational Decision-Making, by Fast Company’s Vivian Giang. In it, Giang outlines how the stock market fluctuates based on weather. Yes, a sunny or cloudy day determines your portfolio.

Go with Experience

There are a lot of people who say they’re installers. Do they have experience, or did they start last week? Ask to see the installer’s portfolio, some examples of recent work, and ask how busy they are. Do you really want to leave the fate of your commercial building’s window film to someone who’s an amateur?

Check out Their Social Media

Does the installer you’re considering have any presence on social media? What are they posting or tweeting about? Not to brag, but we’ve been tweeting and posting since 2011! You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

See Whether They Have Multiple Locations

A sure sign of success is if a window film business has more than one location, or can service larger jobs. Sometimes a tiny shop isn’t the best, especially for a commercial application.

See Whether They're Affiliated with a Major Window Film Brand

See Whether They’re Affiliated with a Major Window Film Brand

Someone with a strong affiliation with a brand such as 3M signals that the business does high caliber work. We work with 3M window film, by the way. Trust in a brand that has been around for over 50 years!

Look at Their Website

Yes, take a look at other jobs they’ve done and what they’re saying on their blog as well! You may find case studies or examples of other jobs they’ve done to help you decide. Sometimes a picture is really worth a thousand words. Also, the articles on their website may give you ideas you hadn’t thought of, for instance. We have new-school technology, but old-world customer service!

Call Us!

If you want to know what kind of window film would be best for your windows, give us a call. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley (including Santa Clara and San Jose), and points beyond!

Window Film: Spotlight on the Invisible Hero of the Home Remodeling Business!

February 23, 2017 by Carol S 2 Comments

Heroic Proportions

Like Clark Kent, window film does a lot behind the scenes but is mild-mannered and dislikes bragging. Make no mistake, though, window film is a player of heroic proportions in the business! Here are just a few of the reasons that window film is a super hero!

Invisibility

People often forget that their window film is there. Because it’s invisible, it’s like a cloak that you put on once and forget. You don’t have to put on sunscreen to protect yourself from the harmful UV light coming through your windows. Nor do you need to carry a parasol around every time you pass by a big window!

Protects Your Belongings

Your belongings are safe with window film–no fading or bleaching from the sun. Your carpets keep their original colors. And your couch retains its original brightness. You won’t pull back your beautiful oriental rug to see a faded wood floor, either! Your belongings retain their bright colors.

Safeguards Your Health

We are firm believers that without your health, you have nothing. 3M window film is the only film recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Protect your skin and the health of your family and friends with window film. Can any super hero protect you with the same vigilance?

Keeps out the Heat and the Cold!

Do you want to be able to punch the polar vortex in the nose? Of course you do! Just as soon as you figure out if the polar vortex has a nose, that is! Not everyone realizes that window film can even out the temperature in your home, office, or commercial building.

The Coolness Factor

Everyone knows that invisibility is the best super power there is! Was there ever any doubt? Think about the Cheshire Cat and Bilbo Baggins. Then consider the Invisible Woman and the more modern Iron Man. All of these characters and superheroes have invisibility as their super power. For a complete list, see Invisibility – Superpowers.

Now, if you needed a superpower for inside your house, what would it be? Why, invisibility of course!

lake tahoe beautiful photo — Photo by MrMitch

Safety and Security

If you work in a restaurant, you might want window film to protect your windows against break-ins. Window film holds the glass together, making a break-in less likely. And if your area is prone to storms, window film gives you peace of mind, since even if a window breaks, the pieces are held together and won’t hurt your customers!

Cut Down on Glare

Glare can be annoying, and with just a thin layer of window film, that glare can be greatly reduced. Again, it’s invisible, so your guests or customers won’t know it’s there. And the glare simply goes away! In our area, the San Francisco Bay Area, we get glare from the sun and sometimes from light reflecting off the bay.

Are You One of the Cool Kids?

If you’d like to be one of the cool kids, give us a cool! We’ll let you into the Cool Kid Window Film Club!

Solar Heat Gain: Why Should it Matter to You?

February 9, 2017 by Carol S 2 Comments

living room photo

According to wikipedia, Solar gain (also known as solar heat gain or passive solar gain) refers to the increase in temperature in a space, object or structure that results from solar radiation. Designers, architects, and building managers need to know about solar heat gain during the hottest times of the year. But did you know that during the cold times of the year heat gain is an issue as well?

Glass Amplifies Heat Gain

Some materials, such as glass, can amplify the effects of the sun, causing a space to heat up. We’ve all been in a too-warm space during the winter, feeling like hot house flowers well, in a hot house. With no water. The glass can cause the air inside your home to heat up, making you feel like you’re under a magnifying glass.

greenhouse photo — Photo by Drew’s Photo Shoots

Lack of Air Circulation

A fan can help to redistribute the hot air and replace some of it with cold air, but wouldn’t it be better to stop that air from heating up at the source? That is, by keeping the heat outside and a more moderate temperature inside your home.

Can Window Film Help?

Window film can block the UV radiation, and the heat, from entering your home or business. You might have seen our post about window film around the San Francisco Bay Area. Seeing a few real-world examples often helps people to decide that they, too, would like to be able to use all of their home, and not just the coolest parts!

Above is a snazzy video showing how window film works, in just a couple of minutes. The technology has been around for many years–in fact, 3M window film just celebrated their 50th anniversary!

mansion inside photo — Photo by PhotoAtelier

Enjoy Your Home

Don’t wait until you are about to sell your house to make it more comfortable for yourself. Life is short, and you never know whether window film would be the tipping point to make you want to stay! Having window film might make your home so comfortable that you might decide not to sell it. Many of our clients have told us as much. And if you’re thinking about installing window film yourself, read about why that might not be such a good idea.

Is Window Film Right for You?

We’d love to talk to you about window film! Give us a call to brainstorm, or just to have us answer a question. We’re friendly!

Why You Absolutely Positively Need Window Film

January 31, 2017 by Carol S 3 Comments

Why You Absolutely Positively Need Window Film

You probably already know that you need window film, but you need some justification for your decision. Am I right? After all, you’ve already heard about the awesome ways that window film blocks UV light, protects your furniture, and gives your family peace of mind.

In previous posts, we’ve discussed some of the following:

Window Works is All Over the Bay Area–and Beyond

If these carefully considered and–might I add–thoughtful posts aren’t enough to convince you, maybe some of our work will. After all, not to brag, but Window Works is all over the place. From Santa Clara to San Francisco to Tiburon and beyond!

Don’t Block That Gorgeous View

Above is a view of the most gorgeous San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Now you wouldn’t want to block a view like that, would you? Of course not! Rather than big thick curtains, use window film to reduce glare and keep your cool.

Shield Your Eyes from Too Much Sun

You can see how the sunlight hits the windows of this beautiful, modern home, above, in the San Francisco Bay Area hills. Without window film the light would hit the windows squarely and be overwhelming to the residents. Additionally, the window film is used as a barrier to add to and perhaps also to block part of the view.

SAN FRANCISCO photo — View of Alcatraz, San Francisco

Window Film as Design and Landscape Element

Your use of window film is only limited by your imagination! Whether the weather (see what I did there?) is foggy like it is in San Francisco, or bright 365 days of the year like it is in Santa Clara, window film can be used to protect your eyes and your beautiful views.

Insta-Privacy!

Above is an interior in process in downtown San Francisco. The window film gives the residents some much-needed privacy in a busy and crowded office. And it’s beautiful and modern-looking!

Separation Anxiety

In the image above, you can see one way to get a bit of separation between those in an interior of an office building and others in a conference room. You can get a fancy, expensive look without the cost of etched glass by using window film.

Need More Ideas?

We use only the best window film, such as 3M™ window films (see what solutions they have for you). We’d love to creatively apply our window film knowledge to your project, so give us a call!

Best of the Best: 3M™’s Fantastic New Website is a Great Resource

January 17, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Recently, 3M™ launched a new 3M™ Window Film website. Before you run off to call your local 3M™ window film dealer, check out the site, filled with fantastic resources.

Here is a brief synopsis of our favorite parts of the site.

Commercial Window Film

3M™ was issued the first sun control window film patent in 1966, and their innovative window film products have helped provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays for 50 years. Today, millions of square feet of 3M™ Window Film have been installed all over the world. Upgrade your building with 3M™ Window Film, and you’ll be reaping the rewards for years to come.

Six Top Reasons to Use Window Film for Your Commercial Space?

Here’s a synopsis of some of our favorite 3M™ window film links:

Save Energy Reduce the costs of keeping your building comfortable for yourself and your tenants.
Improve Comfort With more extreme heat in the summer, and cold in the winter, you’ll want to even out the comfort level year-round.
Increase Safety Flying glass is one of the risks you can control. 3M window film helps you reduce the risk during a natural disaster.
Strengthen Security Unfortunately, bomb blasts, break-ins, and vandalism are becoming more common. 3M window film can help.
Enhance Décor/Privacy Achieve privacy while beautifying your office space.
Redirect Light One of the most amazing ways that 3M window film can brighten your office is by redirecting light deeper into your building.

Residential Window Film

If you aren’t convinced yet to use 3M window film for your commerical property or business, there are even more reasons to use window film for your residential needs:

Excessive Heat See some excellent case studies.
Excessive Cold Protect your windows — it’s like going from single-pane to double-pane or from double-pane to triple-pane windows.
Fading Do you know someone whose furniture or flooring is faded from the sun? Avoid that issue with window film.
High Energy Costs We all want the benefit of sun, but without all the side effects. Let in the light, and stabilize your energy costs with window film.
Glare You don’t need to wear sunglasses indoors! Avoid that glare.
Safety and Security When someone’s trying to break into your home, every second counts. Get added security with window film!
Privacy and Decorative Do you like the look of textured glass for privacy?

Still Confused About Which Window Film to Choose?

We’d be happy to walk you through it!

How to Punch the Polar Vortex in the Nose with Window Film

December 27, 2016 by Carol S 1 Comment

As I write these words in December, shivering, because polar vortex–everybody else is also wondering what gives with the extreme weather lately. The citrus trees are frozen in California, and people are buying up heated seat kits for their cars. What is happening, and when do we get to the part about punching the polar vortex in the nose? To distract you farther, here’s our previous article about why not to do your own window film installation.

Polar Vortex: What the Heck is it?

According to NASA’s website, “A polar vortex is an area of low pressure—a wide expanse of swirling cold air—that is parked in polar regions.” Contrary to popular belief, it is not a violent washing machine cycle–although you migt wish it was! If it was, we could just turn it off with a giant button. The weak polar vortex is causing extreme cold weather all over the place, which again is confusing, because you’d think a strong polar vortex would cause cold weather. Like the unstable drunken holiday party guest, the unstable polar vortex causes all kinds of trouble–which is why we’d like to punch it in the nose!

tahoe snowstorm photo — Photo by hillary h

Extreme Weather

You’ve already heard about how window film can keep you cool in the summer, but what about during cold snaps? Most people don’t realize that window film can keep your home’s temperature more stable. So that means warm in the winter as well as cool in the summer. And most people believe that weather is becoming more unstable–that is, colder in the winter, and hotter in the summer. So what’s a good home owner to do?

Does the Polar Vortex Even Have a Nose?

That is an excellent question! According to many sources, including NASA, polar vortexes have eyes. So–stick with us here–we’re going to make the leap in logic to assume that there is a face, of sorts. And most faces have noses. Probably in the 99% range. So there you have it.

Maybe Not So Literal

The point is, we’d like to not feel so afraid when people mention the phrase polar vortex. We’d like to be inside our snug homes and office buildings and feel that the weather, while frightful, would not bother us quite so much.

One Window Film to Rule Them All

There are many types of window films–decorative, security, etc. But in terms of protecting you against the weather, the one we like is 3M™ Thinsulate™. It adds an invisible layer of insulation between you and the outside world. And we think that’s a lot like punching the Polar Vortex in the nose.

Questions About Window Film?

Call our office in Santa Clara, California! We work all over the Bay Area, including the peninsula, San Francisco, and Marin (as well as other parts of the state and country!) We can help.

marin snow photo — Photo by Eric Fischer

Window Film or Window Treatments: Which is Actually Better/More Attractive?

December 15, 2016 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Reducing Energy Bills

Both window treatments and window film can help to reduce energy bills. Here’s a fine article from Houzz about window treatments and how they can reduce your energy bills which includes highly-reflective film. Of course, there are other types of window films, too, such as the 3M’s new Thinsulate window film,

Keep Yourself and Your Tenants Happy

Nobody likes an unhappy tenant, and nobody likes uneven heat inside a building. Window film helps keep the heat at a constant temperature, as this article by 3M explains: Keep your tenants comfortable and you’ll keep them long-term. Window coverings do help somewhat to help moderate heat loss, but not as dramatically as window film.

christmas fireplace photo — Photo by regan76

Reduce Heat Loss

People think of window film in the summer, but window film can also help you stay warm in the winter. 3M’s Thinsulate film helps reduce heat loss, which might be what you’re considering in the middle of winter.

office window photo — Photo by tashmahal

Window Film is More Modern

If your building is constructed with modern material, including lots of steel and glass, then window film is probably the better option for you. Window coverings don’t have to be old-fashioned, but a lot of window coverings have a more vintage look. The words our customers use to describe it are clean, sleek, and stylish.

Window Film Is Less Maintenance

Usually a quick swipe with a cloth is all you need to keep your window film clean. Whereas window coverings may need to be removed and laundered in the case of draperies, or dusted. In the case of an industrial or commercial building, multiply the cost of that cleaning by however many windows you have.

Thank you!

Once again we’re indebted to the fine folks over at JorgMaterialHandling for the blog post idea. Thank you so much!

A1. Infographics with main benefits, cost comparison/longevity versus blinds, curtains or other window treatments. #constchat

— JorgMaterialHandling (@MaterialHndling) October 13, 2016

We’re Expanding!

In case you didn’t know, business is exploding! Our latest big job is in Baltimore at the Hyatt there, and we’re working all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay up to Marin County, and beyond! So give us a call! We’d love to talk to you about window film. Window coverings? Not so much.