Window Works

The Window Works Crew at the Fabulous Northern California Facilities Expo 2021 in Santa Clara

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Donna, Irene, and Asia in front of the Window Works booth!

On October 27th and 28th, 2021 the Window Works Crew traveled to the Facilities Expo Conference in Santa Clara. Here are some highlights! We had an amazing time at this live event and thought we’d share a few photos.

By the way, we’ve been to the Facilities Expo before, but that was in the Before Times! Anyway, if you want to travel in the Wayback Machine, here’s the article: Window Works at the Northern California Facilities Expo 2019. We also did the virtual event in 2020, and you can read about it here: Visit the Virtual California Facilities Expo 2020 November 18-19.

Ta-da!!! Booth setup is done and what a great job!

Setting up the Booth

The set up took a few minutes (and a few hours of planning), but we were up to the challenge, since everyone pitched in to help! You wouldn’t even believe how much of this booth would fit into one cart! And that’s lucky because the Santa Clara Conference Center is huge and there’s a lot of walking to do.

Luckily, not everyone is scared of public speaking! Go, Asia!!!

Behind the Scenes

There was a lot of joking around, talking and exchanging information behind the scenes. Also, lots of taking pictures and interviews. Since there haven’t been a lot of in-person conferences, this one was a welcome relief to meet and talk face-to-face.

Irene showing some booth visitors their choices in window film

During the Show

Yes, we got a lot of questions about window film (particularly 3M window film!) during the show. Luckily, we are all well-versed in 3M window film. And we often said “did you know that window film could do this?” Or “this isn’t your grandma’s window film!” A lot of people have outdated ideas about window film based on seeing someone’s DIY job on their car (purple, fading, peeling and just plain ugh!).

When does Happy Hour start again?

Happy Hour Hosting

After extensive research, we discovered that many people love beer! So guess what?! We sponsored the Happy Hour beer and snack cart and that made a lot of people verrrrrrrry happy! And that made us happy, too! We hope that next time, you’ll be able to join us.

Why You Need Colored Window Film

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Let your imagination run wild with colored window film

You may have been seeing all the new colors that have been out lately. Moody blues and grays have been all over the place, setting the mood for Christmas. And Better Homes and Gardens have set out all the newest colors of the year, from Sherwin Williams’ Aleutian to Breezeway by Behr. They’re dusty and we love them! You might love them, too. That’s why we want to tell you about colored window film.

Our monthly discount applies to colored window film

For each month of 2021, we’re offering special discounts on different window films. We are extending discounts to small businesses and homeowners each month of this year. For November, give us a call and ask for our discount on colored window film. Please mention that you saw this article so you can get the discount! Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

What colors give you joy?

Colors go in and out of style

Do you remember what colors were fashionable when you were a kid? Maybe Forest Green, Burgundy, or even neon colors? Chances are, they’re much different than the colors that are around right now. For your home or business, having outdated colors can make your place look outdated, too. Why not freshen up your place? We’ve written about color before. You might like Focus on Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year.

It’s easy to change your style with window film

There are some easy ways to change up your colors and hence your style. You don’t have to remodel your entire house or business to make a change. Swap out the old cushions for blue ones, paint your cabinets a dusty blue, and of course there’s always window film to modernize your look! You’d be surprised at how much color can affect your mood. A change of palette will give you a lift! You could also change the hardware in a room (we love gold a lot!) for an affordable makeover.

Why not feel at ease in your place? Colors definitely affect your mood!

Light also affects your mood

If you’ve ever spent time in any place dark during the winter, you might know how your mood can change without enough light. So installing light fixtures and increasing the light inside your home or business can give your mood a boost. Of course, we’re firm believers in changing your mood using window film, too. If you want to see the world through rose-colored glass (do you see what we did there?), we can help with that! You might want to use a very light colored film to start with if you don’t have experience with making a big change.

Not sure where to start? Give us a call!

Changing your environment can be a tricky business! So call us for some ideas. We work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin! Call Window Works customer care at 415.650.5200 for pricing and more information. We’re very friendly!

Ten Uses of Window Film that Will Definitely Spark Joy

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Yes, window film can definitely spark joy!

You’ve heard of Mari Kondo and her book about decluttering, and you’ve heard of window film (haven’t you?), but have you ever thought that window film could spark joy? Stick around for a few minutes and you’ll see that it can!

Helps give you a clutter-free life

Since we’re mentioning Mari Kondo, have you considered that having a more streamlined interior will help reduce clutter? No more curtains gathering dust, and no kittens climbing up your drapes! Just a sleek look to your business or home.

Reduces UV light

What’s the big deal about UV light? It can ruin your furniture, clothing, floors, and hurt your eyes, for one thing. And if you’re inside you probably don’t think about putting on sun screen, but you can get lots of UV light right inside your home where you feel safe! Want to learn more about UV light? Check out this post: Dangers of indoor UV radiation.

Equals less Glare

Nobody likes glare, whether you’re trying to do your job or relax at home. Do you know anyone who has to wear sunglasses indoors? You shouldn’t have to with window film.

Nosy neighbors bothering you?

Gives you more Privacy

Whether you need some privacy because your kids love to come into the bathroom or you have nosy neighbors looking into your place, alone time is #1. With window film, your kids and your neighbors will have to find some other way of entertaining themselves!

Elevates your interior design inspiration

Not all types of window film are plain–some can add to the design of your home or business. We’ve talked about the beauty of Fasara window film before. There are now many different kinds of gorgeous window film to add drama and elegance to your place!

Makes you feel safe

Some films hold your glass together if it’s broken. This is especially important in places with extreme weather. Schools also tend to benefit from safety film.

Saves you money

Window film costs less than replacing your windows, and while the results won’t be quite as dramatic, you’ll still see your heating and cooling bills go down. Single-pane windows act more like double-pane ones, and double-pane windows act like triple-pane windows. And if you have triple-pane windows already? Our hats are off to you!

Reduces heat

Certain rooms in your home or business can become much too hot in the summer (or even the winter around San Francisco!). Window film moderates the temperatures so you can use all your floor space!

Defends your family’s health

Less glare and UV rays mean that your skin doesn’t suffer! Not only your skin, but your eyes can be harmed by UV rays. For a modest price, you can protect your family’s health.

Increases energy efficiency

With global warming, we have to be careful about what energy we use. With window film, you’ll not only save money, but your home or business will be more energy efficient.

Still Aren’t Sure?

Give us a call! We’re happy to work with you and give you reason #11 to work with us! We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to Marin to the East Bay. Here’s our customer care number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.

Why Not Spruce up for a Holly Jolly Christmas with Anti-Graffiti Film?

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Now that small businesses and homeowners are starting to reopen and have guests over, isn’t it time to consider anti-graffiti film? Shoppers will be window shopping and the last thing they want to see is a bunch of graffiti on your windows or storefront. Your home needs may need a little more curb appeal, and anti-graffiti film can help there, too. Anti-graffiti window film can help prevent damage to your windows, save you a bunch of time, and keep your aggravation levels low. You don’t need any more stress during the holidays, do you? And even though it’s only October, Christmas will be here soon enough! By the way, we don’t mean to exclude anyone by mentioning Christmas, as there are plenty of other holidays during December!

Monthly discounts for home owners and small businesses

For every month of 2021, we’re offering discounts to home owners and small businesses. For October, this month’s discount is on anti-graffiti film. Please mention that you saw our post on anti-graffiti film to receive your discount. Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

What does anti-graffiti film do exactly?

We’re so glad you asked! Well, you didn’t ask, but we know you would if you could! The cost of anti-graffiti film is minuscule compared to the cost of window glass replacement. The anti-graffiti film protects your glass from etching, gouges, and scratches, as we’ve described before. If someone tags your windows, the anti-graffiti film can be easily removed and you can go on with your day. You’ve probably seen people without anti-graffiti film because those windows are often boarded up for weeks or months as they try to find a repair person during the holidays! We’ve written about anti-graffiti film before in the following blog posts. Additionally, you can cover other things with anti-graffiti film, such as banks of elevator buttons. We can create a template for you which you can remove if something gets tagged over and over.

Anti-graffiti film prevents fading

Your merchandise and belongings mean a lot to you. They probably also cost you a bundle! So you don’t want your floors, beautiful clothes, or furniture to fade. You’d like to extend their lives, if possible. Anti-graffiti film can prevent fading, and you might not know that UV rays can penetrate clouds. (We know what you’re thinking, San Franciscans!) There’s fog, but those UV rays are tricky! They come right through the fog and clouds!

Still need to know more? Give Us a Call!

We work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin! Call Window Works customer care at 415.650.5200 for pricing and more information. We’re very friendly–we promise!

What Happens When You Support Women in Construction?

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There are so many reasons to support Women in Construction

There are loads of reasons we choose to support women in construction, but let’s start with the top reasons. Underrepresentation, sexism, our own involvement as women in construction, and helping all women. Those are just for starters! And, as you know, the entire economy took a hit because of Covid-19, so it’s doubly critical that we help women in construction.

Women in Construction are underrepresented

With women in the construction field comprising only about 10% of the total population, it’s clear that more women need to be in this sector. The number of women on the front lines (that is, in the trenches) is even smaller, with only 1% of women. Whatever we can do, no matter how small the effort, can help boost the number of women in construction.

Diversity and Inclusion

As a minority-run business, we know what it’s like to feel excluded. Even in the San Francisco Bay Area, where there’s a lot of diversity, there are many pockets where minorities–including women–may feel like outsiders. So having friends in the business is critical.

Sexism is Rampant

Women can be treated like second-class citizens on and off construction sites, so it’s doubly important that we all support each other. The boardroom of construction companies are frequently male-centric, and we’d like to support women there, too.

We are Women in Construction ourselves

Window Works USA is comprised of many women, including our CEO and founder. So we know what we’re talking about when we talk about women in construction. We’ve seen the sexual harassment, the lack of bathrooms and safety gear, and the way women are treated in general. We love organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), and share their philosophy. We also share and follow their posts on our social media, whenever possible.

When we support other women, we help all women

You’ve probably heard that old saw A Rising Tide Floats All Boats. That’s how we feel about supporting other women. When we support other women, those same women support us, too. Not to get too cornball, but it takes a village. A village of women wielding power tools, that is! So to answer the question of what happens when you support Women in Construction–all kinds of magic happens!

Women in Construction Week

We’ve been celebrating Women in Construction Week since 2018 with our Women in Construction Week festivities. The above photo is from our 2019 networking event. The first celebrations were in real life, but because of Covid, 2021’s event was virtual. For next year, we really hope that we can once again meet up in person.

Job shadowing and mentoring

Window Works also supports job shadowing, where young women can see what other women in construction actually do at their actual jobs. We try to mentor young women whenever possible so they can learn the ropes from someone in the field and have a better chance at success.

Check out our social channels!

Check out our Twitter and Facebook pages. We retweet and reshare posts from all over the world. And we promise never to hit you with spam!

How to Use Security Window Film That Will Make You Feel Safer

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Feeling safe is one of the top reasons people choose window film

For each month of 2021, we’re offering special discounts on different window films. For September, our discount is on 3M security window film. Please mention that you saw this article so you can get the discount! Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

Onto 3M security window film

We receive a lot of calls from people about security window film. Often those calls start out something like this: “What will keep our glass together in case there’s a storm?” Or “Our neighbor’s tree fell through their glass window–can window film help protect us in case our tree falls over?” And to both questions, the answer is yes–security window film can help protect you and your family. We’ve written about security window film before: How to Choose the Best Security Window Film. You can see some examples of different types of security window film–for instance, 3M Ultra S800 Security Film with 3M IPA helps protect against flying glass shards when a window is broken.

Keep your windows safe with 3M security window film

Reasons to choose 3M security window film

Live near a golf course or driving range? Stray golf balls may threaten you. If you live next door to a school, baseballs could fly your way. Or you may be a small business with a window that is vulnerable to break-ins, such as in certain downtown areas. If you have a restaurant you may want to protect diners from the threat of broken glass. These are just a few of the reasons you might choose 3M security window film. There are a few other reasons right on 3M’s website.

Huge Storms, Fires, and Breakins

More of our friends have installed security systems in their homes and small businesses recently. If you’re being evacuated due to a storm, a security system is a good way to ensure your home is safe while you’re away. Same with fires–people want to know what’s happening with their home or business. But did you know that anything that slows down a burglar for even a few seconds can make that burglar try a different door or window? Best case scenario is if the burglar goes away altogether! Window film can give you those extra few seconds and make your home that much more secure.

Shhh! It’s our secret!

No one needs to know if you have installed security window film. Since it’s invisible, no one will know it’s there. And unless they have a trained eye, they won’t notice it at all. It’s our little secret. Like other window films, it’s invisible. But you’ll feel more secure knowing it’s there.

Can’t Decide? Give Us a Call!

We’d love to discuss any kind of window film with you, whether it’s 3M security window film or not. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay. Here’s our customer care number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.

Beautiful 3M Fasara Glass Finishes for Your Windows Will Make Your Heart Sing

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We’re all spending more time in our home offices than ever before. Or, if you’re one of those who can go into the office, you’re probably staying there longer before you have to brave the traffic and go home. Either way, you may be thinking about what you can do about your plain windows. “Ugh,” you think, “what if there was some way to cover these windows and make them look gorgeous?” Or words to that effect. Well, guess what?! 3M Fasara glass finishes do just that! By the way, we’ve written about Fasara before: What Makes Fasara Window Film so Crazy Popular?

Not black or white but gray

You don’t have to have a solid dark window with 3M Fasara glass finishes. Nor do you have to settle for plain ol’ glass. You can have shades of gray. That is, you can have a beautiful and subtle window which blocks some light and still gives you a little privacy. For instance, look at the beautiful example above. Here, the window film becomes a design element, giving you an elegant finish and adding to your Happiness Quotient–a term I just made up. But you get it because you’re smart that way! You can see even more of 3M Fasara glass finishes on the 3M website. Yes, they’re luscious!

A little privacy, please!

Sure, we all want a little privacy, but we don’t want to completely block the view. In the example above, you can see who’s in the room, but there’s still some privacy. Also, you can through the exterior windows out to the yard. This is a popular option for conference rooms, but could be used for a kitchen or even installed on an exterior-facing window. And although we love love love 3M Fasara window film, there are other window films, too: What Are the Best Window Films for Privacy?

Block neighbors or kids or the neighbors’ kids with a partially covered window

If you have an unwanted view and want to block it, you could cover part of a window or door, as in the example above. Maybe there’s a dumpster or a pile of rubbish which makes your view less than beautiful. Or you may be someone who gets sensory overload. Just like window film on a car, having window film installed in your home or business gives you a more zen experience. The introverts in the family might enjoy 3M Fasara glass finishes most of all! Also, here’s a little-known, completely obscure fact about window film: You can use it to block the view of the neighbor’s dog if your own dog sees other dogs and goes nuts! Yes–that is truly a thing!

Can’t Decide? Give Us a Call!

We’d love to discuss any kind of window film with you, whether it’s 3M Fasara glass finish or not. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay. Here’s our customer care number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.

This is What Happens When Property Managers Use Window Film

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For each month of 2021, we’re offering special discounts on different window films. For August, our discount is for property managers. Please mention that you saw this article so you can get the discount! Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

Benefits for property managers

There are so many benefits from using window film that we’d be hard pressed to list them all. Heat reduction, less glare, and a big reduction in UV rays are at the top of the list. Then there’s privacy–a big deal in a city like San Francisco where buildings are often so close together. But the bottom line? When your tenants are happy, they’ll stay longer, and you’ll be happier, too. Also, your phone will stop ringing for all the wrong reasons!

Window Works 3M Fasara Mat Crystal
Window Works 3M Fasara Mat Crystal with Upper Reveal

Avoid theft

In a crowded urban environment like San Francisco there are many crimes of opportunity. But! You can remove the opportunity if potential thieves don’t know there’s something to steal. For instance, use window film to cover foyer windows in your buildings. It’s an easy way to deter theft! And by the way, you can leave a gap so light can enter at the tops of your windows…because fog.

Do away with graffiti

Graffiti on mailboxes, in foyers, and on elevators can ruin your day. Not only is it physically ugly, but it’s jarring to look at. If you cover your elevator banks or mailboxes with window film, you can easy avoid graffiti. We can come in, create a template, and cover things with film. If something regularly gets covered with graffiti, we can replace those objects for you. By the way, you might like this article about graffiti: Anti-Graffiti Film Protects Your Investments.

Lower energy costs

Not only will your tenants be happier, but your energy bills will be lower, too. Since window film reduces heat, your A/C costs will be less. That means a lower PG&E bill. Studies have shown that window film can lower energy costs by as much as 30%. And you know that energy costs are not going down any time soon! Also if you were thinking of adding double- or triple-pane windows, adding window film can lower that cost as well. By the way, you might like Ways to Make a Home More Energy Efficient. The same ideas apply to commercial as well as residential buildings.

More comfortable, happier tenants

Nobody can reliably measure happiness, but you just know that people are happier when they’re not dealing with glare, UV rays, and unbearable heat. And with tenants, if you don’t hear your phone ringing, that means they’re happy, right?. It’s like window film–when it’s working, you don’t even know it’s there.

Better security

Although we hate seeing news stories about break-ins, they do happen. When glass breaks, it shatters. But when there’s window film on those windows, the glass stays together and keeps everyone safer. This makes not only tenants, but property managers feel more safe and secure.

Got Questions?

We have answers! If you don’t know where to start with window film, please give us a call. We’d love to discuss all the ways we can protect your business, your tenants, and your peace of mind. Here’s our number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.

How to Use Window Film That Will Help You Reduce Remodeling Costs

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We’re getting out of the pandemic, or at least we’re getting pretty close to the end of it (fingers crossed). So what’s everyone doing? Remodeling, of course! After all, we’ve been staring at the same walls, doors, and windows for the past year and a half! And it’s time to change something. The problem is, everyone is low on materials.

Want new replacement windows?

There’s a long wait for nearly every type of material you may need. The International Window Film Association has an excellent article about the costs of remodeling. With building materials up 300% this year, many are opting for window film rather than replacement windows. The cost of window film is about 1/10th the cost of replacement windows. Not only that, but window film is usually installed in a day or less and doesn’t require ripping into your walls. You won’t need couples counseling, nor will you need to sell your Maserati to afford window film.

Lumber costs are driving up remodeling costs

A local paper, the North Bay Business Journal, has an article about how lumber costs are affecting the entire construction market. Because of the pandemic, costs may never get to the same lows that we saw before 2020. Sandy Bird, with Sandra Bird Designs Inc. in Kentfield notes that windows and doors are taking longer to arrive. Building permits are slower, and the storage of supplies is an issue, too. “We are doing kitchen remodels for $300,000. The days of a $75,000 kitchen remodel is now $150,000; the days of a $20,000 bathroom are now $50,000,” said Mark Labourdette, owner of Design/Build Specialists Inc. in Novato.

All the cool kids are getting window film

What we love, and what you might also love about window film, is that if it’s working you won’t even know it’s there. We wrote about the stealthy qualities of window film before, and you might like to read about Heat Reduction and Privacy Window Film. Window film just quietly does its job so you can do yours. It’s like having sunglasses on your home! The cool kind, of course, not the supermarket brand X kind.

What does the future look like?

By looking into our overpriced crystal ball (from Etsy), we can see that things are not going to get less expensive any time soon. Although lumber prices may fall, home sales are still up in the San Francisco Bay Area. People are moving as well as remodeling, and this trend won’t end any time soon. So you could wait for prices to level out and for all the stars to align, or you could have window film installed. The choice is yours.

What will do with all the money you save?

Might we suggest having a house warming party? You could probably buy a new barbeque, plus steaks for all your friends and then you could even have s’mores! Or how about a trip to Hawaii? Maui is a very nice place, with surfing, long walks on the beach, and the ever-present mai tais!

Heat Reduction and Privacy Window Film

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For each month of 2021, we’re offering special discounts on different window films. For July, our discount for small businesses and home owners applies to heat reduction and privacy window film. Please mention that you saw the discount here so you get the discount! Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

Is heat reduction part of the new normal?

While we hope that the recent extreme high temperatures we’ve been experiencing aren’t part of the new normal, there has been a definite increase in high temperatures. While San Franciscans have been spared in many cases, outlying areas of the Bay have seen extreme high temperatures. As I write this article, Seattle and most of Oregon are experiencing unprecedented high temps. While we all love Karla the Fog, we can’t all depend on her being around. This is one reason we love Heat Reduction window film!

How do you reduce heat with window film?

As described on 3M’s website, 3M window films can help even out temperatures in your home all year long. Also, “While curtains and blinds are great for privacy and help to block some heat, they do so at the cost of natural light. 3M™ Window Films can reduce up to 78% of the sun’s heat coming through your windows, to help make your home bright and comfortable, all day long.”

With window film, you don’t have to block the light (unless you really want to).

Reduce heat, and save money, too!

The U.S. Department of Energy and a recent study published by CONSOL Energy show 3M Window Films can reduce energy usage up to 19 kwh per sq ft of windows. If you’re trying to reduce your energy consumption, this is exciting news! The bottom line is that the Department of Energy says that window films typically pay back in as little as 3 years. Of course, saving money is only one benefit of window film. There’s also the added benefit of reducing UV rays, a common cause of skin cancer—the most common type of cancer.

Design your interior with light

You don’t want to live in darkness, and you can transform your space while protecting your privacy with window film.  If you have a small space, that space will seem larger with the elegance of window film. Window films maintain a sleek space without bulky curtains or window treatments. Another added benefit? If you have cats, they won’t destroy the window film! Yes, you heard it here first.

So many choices in privacy film

Your privacy film can be used in foyers, bathrooms, doors, windows, cabinet doors, on partitions, and outdoors on balconies. There are textured films with dusted or frosted designs. There are also dots and stripes as well as patterns inspired by nature.

We’re here to help

Feeling overwhelmed by the choices? Give us a call and we’ll walk you through some ideas. We work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin! Call Window Works’ customer care at 415.650.5200 for pricing and more information.

Locations
850 South Van Ness San Francisco, CA 94110
400 Reed Street Santa Clara, CA 95050
4276 Katella Ave Los Alamitos, CA 90720
           
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