3M window film

How to Choose a Window Film Installer: 5 Best Ways

July 14, 2016 by Carol S 1 Comment

You’ve begun experiencing global warming and much hotter summers, and you’re thinking “now is the time!” What time is that? Why, time to get some window film, of course! How do you cut through all the baloney out there, and find someone trustworthy? Here are some ideas.

Check Them out on Social Media

Are they posting anywhere, and if they are, are they staying on message? Do you like what you’re seeing? Do they seem reliable? Are their posts filled with spelling errors, or do they seem to know how to write and share good content? Also, do they seem honest and reliable? By the way, here are some brands doing an amazing job on social media.

Stalk Their Blog

You’re doing that right now, aren’t you? See what the company you’re considering is writing about on their blog Do you agree with the posts you’re reading? Skim through a few to get a sense of what the company does. For window film companies, they may be discussing their own jobs, what you can do with window film in commercial situations, or the benefits of window film.

ferrari dealer photo — Photo by Michel Curi

Ask Whether They Service Your Area

Some installers are willing to travel a bit outside their regular area. If you like someone, give them a call and ask. They might even know someone in your area, since the window film arena is a fairly small world. We work in the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose and Santa Clara, up to San Francisco. We’ve done both small and large jobs all up and down the peninsula.

talk shop photo — Photo by humanstatuebodyart

Check the Numbers

You can do your own research into the type of window film you might like. We highly recommend 3M window films, and you can get numbers on automotive, residential, or commercial window films on the site. Our blog has lots of ideas for new films you might not have considered. For instance, we have stripes, dots, and patterns.

Ask for References

There may be references on the company website already. For instance, we installed window film for the Exploratorium in San Francisco. If you’re familiar with the Exploratorium, they’re a fantastic place on San Francisco’s Embarcadero. When they moved, they needed window film in their new location.

professional conference photo — Photo by tec_estromberg

Make Sure They Carry Reputable Brands

In window film, 3M is one of the top brands, if not THE top brand. Does the company you’re looking at carry a reliable brand? Not all window film is created equally–some will turn purple and bubble very quickly. Ask what brand or brands your prospective window film installer uses.

patagonia store photo — Photo by Andrew-Hyde

Got Questions?

We’d be happy to talk to you! If you’re considering window film, give us a call!

How to Make an Invisible Theft Deterrent: New Window Film

April 14, 2016 by Window Works Leave a Comment

For commercial or residential property, there are a variety of ways to deter thieves. You can install alarms, lighting systems, monitors to record activity nearby, or have a trained guard dog. Here are some ways we have found that work wonders.

Window Film

Window film helps keep you, your family, and your business safe because it holds glass together. Every second counts when a thief is trying to get into your home. Don’t let the “crime of convenience” term be associated with your home–take aggressive steps to make it difficult for thieves to break in! And if you want to know how to keep your family’s skin safe, see our Dangers of Indoor UV Radiation: How to Protect Yourself. More about safety film below.

Own a Dog

Some dogs are better than others at protecting your property. You probably wouldn’t choose a tiny dog, unless it had a huge bark and a huger bite. But a Doberman or a German Shepherd with adequate training would do a great job. Both are on the Top Ten List of Dog Breeds for Protection. And if you own a dog, you might also want to post a Beware of Dog sign. By the way, here’s how Big Foot Beats the Heat. Big Foot is definitely big enough to help deter thieves.

Install Lighting

Motion detector lighting is one simple way to deter thieves. You can adjust the lights for different times of year, how long the lights stay on, and the distance-range setting. You may want to improve your security by pointing lights at all points of entry to your home. Here’s an excellent article on How to Choose and Install Motion Detector Lighting. You want to avoid having places for thieves to hide, such as behind bushes or doorways.

Have a Home Security System

There are a number of smart home security systems now available without the costly monthly fees. Be careful when choosing your home security system. Consumer Reports recently reviewed three of these home security systems, and found that they mostly deliver what they promised. Another deterrent is to post signs letting potential thieves know that you have a security system. If you decide that you do want to buy one of the big-name security systems, Huffington Post has a good article about how to choose one, and emphasizes ways to get discounts!

keynote photo — Photo by Ignite New Zealand

Get a Home Security Check

Many police departments offer security checks. Ask your local officers in blue to come by and walk around. They’ll give you suggestions to help beef up your security. Some tips are quite simple, such as locking doors, installing peepholes, and keeping exterior areas lit up. The San Jose Police Department has a good, five-minute video on preventing burglary. They emphasize that burglars are looking for easy entry into homes.

open fence photo — Photo by AJU_photography

Be a Good Neighbor

Being a good neighbor sounds like a cliche, but we’ve all known people who don’t even know their neighbors! If you don’t know yours, today is the day to change that! A batch of cookies and a walk through the neighborhood will quickly end the problem of living next to strangers. Or, if you’re too shy to walk around with cookies, you could take a digital approach and join a Facebook group, or a local NextDoor.com group.

Avoid Mentioning Travel Plans on Social Media

Of course you want to keep your friends updated, but why not share after you’ve returned? Those wonderful photos of you on the beach can surely keep for another day or two. Here is a list of things not to post on Facebook before or while you’re on vacation. For instance, don’t say you’re going to buy some diamonds and will be out of town for a few days.

window lock photo — Photo by Alain LE GUEN

Window Locks

Since windows are one of the least secure spots in a home, spending a little of your security budget can have a big impact on your home or business’ security. Window locks are an inexpensive option that does not detract from the style of your home. One of the best deterrents is a hefty window lock that is visible from the outside, as outlined in this excellent article, How to Burglar-Proof Windows.

3M Safety Film

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is this video about 3M safety film worth? Above, two industrious burglars try to break into a clothing store in Dallas, Texas, and eventually give up and drive off. They try hitting it and even throw a garbage can at it.

Safety Film is Invisible But Results Aren’t!

You’ll probably forget that you have safety film once it’s installed. But rest assured that it’s protecting you! It requires no feeding, no additional monthly fees, and very little maintenance other than occasional cleaning!

Give Us a Call!

Ready to install safety film, or have questions about whether it’s right for you? We’re in Santa Clara, near the San Jose Airport. But we travel all over the San Francisco Bay Area!

3M Window Film: 50th Anniversary – Luxury and Trust in a Remarkable Combo

February 11, 2016 by Window Works 2 Comments

3M Window Film: 50th Anniversary – Luxury and Trust in a Remarkable Combo

Luxury and Trust

When you think of window film, does your mind automatically go to 3M? For us, it certainly does! During this 50th anniversary year of 3M window film, you’ll be seeing more posts about 3M’s five decades of production. And as with other luxury products, there is a simplicity and elegance to 3M window film. After the film is installed, you can stop thinking about it.

3M Passes the Test of Time

Your window film works for you every day in the background. You might feel so comfortable that you didn’t notice that your living room, office, or car is cooler than outside, with less glare. You will notice the softer light in your building or automobile, without the harsh, piercing light. And you’ll enjoy a “zen” feeling of quiet.

UV Protection

One of the best features of window film is that it protects you against cancer-causing ultraviolet light. Take it from the Skin Cancer Foundation: Window film protects your health and home: few people realize that they can protect their skin while they’re indoors. And many don’t realize that they need protection indoors. Since a large percentage of UV can pass through glass (about 50%), why not stop it before it gets into your home and ruins your health or your furnishings?

Invest In Your Future

One of the best investments for your health is 3M window film. Even on a cloudy day, as this article from American Scientist explains, you are not safe from exposure to Ultraviolet radiation. There is also the confounding cloud enhancement of UV, which means that at times clouds make UV worse. Ozone depletion has also removed some of the protective layer from our atmosphere, so window film can protect you from damaging rays that enter through your windows.

Get Covered!

Whether it’s residential, commercial, or automotive, we’ve got you and your windows covered! Don’t forget: we’ve recently moved to Santa Clara, so we’re even more accessible to the San Francisco Peninsula. And we do travel to your location for residential or commercial film installations.

Automotive Window Film: 5 Frequently Asked Questions

July 8, 2015 by Window Works 1 Comment

Our clients ask us a lot of questions about window film. You might have heard that there are no stupid questions. And to that we’d add that there are some questions that almost everyone has! Here are a few of the ones we hear all the time!

Does the Film Go on the Outside or the Inside?

The film goes on the inside, although we use the outside of the glass to measure the film. If you look very carefully at already-applied film, you’ll be able to see the edge right up at the tippy-top of the glass.

Window Film Goes on the Inside of the Glass

Will My Window Film Turn Purple?

The short answer is that all window film fades eventually. The slightly longer answer is that the better the quality of window film, the less fading you will have. All window films have red, blue and yellow colors in them. but the yellow fades the fastest, leaving blue and red. Blue and red mixed together make purple, so you end up with purple. For a longer answer, take a look at this article from City Scoop: Why Do Window Films Turn Purple?

Is There Any Interference with my Cell Phone Signal?

We use 3M’s window film. To quote from the 3M website, “Because these films are non-metallized, you can be assured of zero interference with GPS or cell phone signals.” So talk away! Your cell phone signal is safe with our window film.

How Long Does Window Film Take to Apply?

Unless your vehicle is very large with many windows, the job will usually be done within a few hours. We usually recommend that you leave your car with us. By the way, we are now conveniently located in Santa Clara, very close to the San Jose Airport.

3M Window Film Doesn't Interfere with Your Cell Signal — 3M Window Film Doesn’t Interfere with Your Cell Signal

How Do I Care for My Windows?

Use a soft, clean cloth to clean the windows and a squeegee to help dry the windows, along with any normal glass cleaner. The scratch-resistant coating helps protect your windows and ensures that you don’t need to take extra care to protect them.

Have More Questions?

Give us a call, or contact us through our social media channels. We are @WindowWorksCa or @MotorWorksCA on Twitter, on Facebook: WindowWorksCA or MotorWorksCA.

Surprising Facts About Safety Film

May 27, 2015 by Window Works Leave a Comment

You probably already knew that safety film could hold your windows together. Here are some other facts about safety film that you might not know! By the way, if you missed our post on how window film can improve your life, you might want to check it out.

Safety film enhances the strength of your windows by keeping the glass from shattering. Before a storm, the last thing you need is to be searching for plywood to nail over your windows!

Safety film prevents water from entering your home or business because the film acts as a barrier.

3M Safety Film for Commercial and Residential Use

Safety film is often used in historic landmarks to preserve furnishings from heat and UV damage, as well as to prevent crime.

Restaurants and other businesses use safety film to prevent glass from shattering and falling into food (or harming diners).

Where there is a danger from earthquakes, safety film can prevent windows from breaking and causing injuries.

Like other window films, safety film has the added benefit of reducing the heat coming through your windows.

Some 3M safety films are strong enough to handle bomb blasts. Some films can adhere to window frames, retaining the glass within the window frame itself.

We recommend 3M™ Ultra 600 safety film. It blocks 99% of the UV rays coming through your windows and offers the most tear and penetration resistance.

Window Works recently moved to Santa Clara. If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and need safety film, give us a call! We’re conveniently located near the San Jose Airport.