Blog – Page 21

What You Need to Know About 3M™’s Daylight Redirecting Film

October 24, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We’re very excited to show you some images of 3M Daylight Redirecting Film that we installed recently, and to explain how the redirecting film works. Here are the images of the installation first, with the explanation below of how the film works below the images.

San Francisco Redirecting Film Installation

In the image above, you can see our technician putting the finishing touches on an installation in San Francisco. Great job to our technicians Soe and Coco! We couldn’t do it without them!

Daylight Redirecting film After Installation

In the next image, above, you can see how the Daylight Redirecting film moves the light further into the office. Obviously, we’re very excited by this new material, and we’d love to come and install some for you!

Avoid Depression

Say you have a dark office, with only a small amount of light coming in through the window. Now that could lead to a lot of your coworkers being depressed during the darker months of the year (or even the lighter months if you’re in a foggy place like San Francisco). And you wouldn’t want that, would you? By the way, you might like this recent article: The Best Window Film Installations You Might Want to See ( a compilation of recent installs!).

Sunlight Increases Productivity

Sunlight increases productivity, enhances mood, and gives us a sense of well being. In fact, an article from Harvard Medical School outlines the ways that sunlight affects your mood: Let the sun shine: Mind your mental health this winter. Not only that, but more light has been shown to decrease absenteeism. Not to mention, with more light inside, you can avoid those fights for the window seats!

Be a Magician and Bend the Light!

So 3M™ Daylight Redirecting Film actually changes the way light enters a room and can let the light penetrate into the inside of a room. Daylight Redirecting Film uses many micro-prisms to redirect the light. We think that’s pretty cool!

Redistribute the Light

Instead of putting shades on the windows, thus blocking the light for everyone in an office, you can use Daylight Redirecting Film to redistribute the light. That’s right: light sharing has entered the sharing economy! And if you don’t think you need window film in San Francisco, you might want to read this: Window Film in San Francisco!

Other Reasons to Use 3M Daylight Redirecting Film

Here are a few reasons:

Requires no special hardware
Requires no special infrastructure
Does not need additional maintenance or cleaning
Works at all times of the day, even when the sun is low in the sky

We’d Love to Talk to You

No matter what kind of window film you’re curious about, we’d love to talk to you! So give us a call. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area (and even outside the area at times).

The Best Window Film Installations You Might Want to See

October 14, 2017 by Carol S 1 Comment

We see a lot of window film installations since we’re in the window film business. Some of those installations are inspiring. And others? Not so much. So for this post, here are some of our own installations that we hope you’ll like! Because everyone on the staff loves these!

Window Film Installation in Marin County

Above is an example of an artistic and unusual use of window film–on an outdoor divider in a residence in Marin County, California. You can see Mt. Tamalpais in the distance!

South Bay Area

The above installation is one we did for a large fruit company in the South Bay Area. We didn’t want the employees to need to wear sunglasses indoors, so we helped them cut the glare and lower their cooling costs. By the way, if you want to learn more about glare, you might like this article: How to Dramatically Cut Back Sun Glare: 10 Ways.

Santa Clara Installation

The above installation in Santa Clara is one we did for a gym’s waiting room. We really like the clean, uncluttered look of this installation.

San Francisco Highrise Installation

We do a lot of installations in San Francisco, so forgive us if we can’t choose just one. The above installation was done for a search engine, but we can’t name any names! And guess what?! Because of the window film, you won’t be able to see into their offices!

Downtown San Francisco ~ 3M™ Fasara™ Mat Glass Finish

Here’s a conference room that lets the light through without sacrificing privacy. It’s another installation in San Francisco.

Instagram

By the way, some of these images also appear on our Instagram account, and we’d love to connect with you there if you’d like to follow us as well.

Have a Request?

Please give us a call! We’d love to install some window film for you!

How to Dramatically Cut Back Sun Glare: 10 Ways

September 12, 2017 by Carol S 1 Comment

The weather has been frightful lately. With temperatures upwards of 100 degrees in San Francisco, the heat has been terrible. The glare for most people has been awful, too. And our eyes can be harmed by the UV rays and glare from the sun! So what can you do?

Window Film

Our go-to for glare reduction is window film. Your eyes will thank you by not squinting all day. Not only that, but you won’t have to wear sun glasses indoors any more! If you don’t believe us, you might want to read this terrific article on Houzz: A Surefire Way to Prevent Sun Damage Indoors.

Thick Curtains

Curtains are a good choice, but they can be a little unwieldy. Still, they do work to cut back on the glare. If you have a smaller house, or want a clean, uncluttered look, thick curtains might not be your best bet.

Awnings

Awnings can be a good option, depending upon the angle of the sun. Awnings probably are not going to block all the glare for you, though. We do really like the idea of an awning that could also generate electricity, as you can see in this article from the Department of Energy: Energy Efficient Window Treatments.

Plantation Shutters

These are popular in certain types of homes. If your home is more rustic, like a cabin, then you might enjoy plantation shutters. They also remind us of some homes in the tropics or Hawaii.

Drapes

Drapes can be beautiful and dramatic, although cleaning them is never fun. They seem to attract dust! And also, the slatted types often let in a piercing line of bright sunshine. Not exactly the way to prevent glare.

Trees and Shrubs

Shrubs can help cool the house as well as prevent glare and clean the air. We’re big fans of trees and shrubs. This low-tech way of preventing glare can also dramatically lower your energy bills. A little study of where the light hits your house and when can really help!

Blackout Shades

You could use blackout shades, but then why have windows? But if glare is giving you a big headache, this option will certainly work.

Aluminum Foil

You probably have some foil left over from that hat you made, right? Just kidding! There are some other nifty ideas on this Wiki How to Make Your Room Pitch Black During the Day.

Insulated Panels

Panels can be made of foam core or styrofoam and inserted into the interior of a window. And, like blackout shades, you might have to ask yourself why even have windows if you’re going to such desperate measures to block them.

Storm Panels

While not popular around the San Francisco Bay Area, storm panels can indeed help with glare. Many people simply use plywood as protection against storms. But there are also lightweight panels available.

How Do You Protect Yourself Against Glare?

Have you thought of a solution that we haven’t thought of? We’d love to hear from you!

How to Protect Your Family’s Health with this Quick and Easy Solution

August 23, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Life can be so complex sometimes. Just ordering a coffee requires that you make 33 different decisions from the kind of creamer to whether you want toppings. So when you come across one decision that helps everyone in your family to be healthier, why not jump on it?

Healthy Choice

When you look at a possible purchase as a healthy choice, rather than a luxury item, doesn’t it make sense that it comes out of a different financial bucket? That is, choosing window film is an investment that will protect your family’s health for years to come. And we can install it easily once you make the decision. It’s like flipping a switch!

Insurance for All

Health insurance has become such a political minefield. Yet one thing we all have in common is the desire to be healthy. And sometimes knowing what to do isn’t that easy. But, like insurance, once you have window film, you’ll feel that you made the right choice. You’ll feel protected, and that in turn will make you sleep better at night. By the way, here’s an article you might like: Why the Hell Do I Need Window Film in San Francisco?

Skin Cancer and You

Some types of cancer can be prevented to a large extent. Skin cancer is one of those that you can prevent. And skin cancer rates are rising. Take a look at these numbers from the Skin Cancer Foundation! So what can you do, aside from slathering yourself with SPF 50 and wearing a big hat? Plenty, that’s what! Well, in addition to wearing big hats and using sunscreen, that is. There are after all, at least 10 Quick and Easy Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer.

Once You’ve Decided You Want Window Film

What now? You’d probably like someone with experience who’s worked with people just like you. We’ve worked with homeowners as well as large corporations in the San Francisco Bay Area. And here’s why you should choose to work with us: Need Commercial Window Film? How to Choose the Best Company! We also install residential window film, by the way!

We’re a Phone Call Away

Give us a call! We’d love to help you decide what kind of window film is right for you!

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