If You’re Sick and Tired of Frightful Weather, You Need Window Film!

November 15, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

If You’re Sick and Tired of Frightful Weather, You Need Window Film!

We usually think of frightful weather in the wintertime. In fact, what’s that line in the song, “when the weather outside is frightful…”? These days, even here in the San Francisco Bay Area, the weather has been too hot, too cold, and more extremes are on the way if you listen to the news at all. As I’m writing these words, we haven’t had rain for a while, but when it does come, it may be torrential!

Window Film and Cold Weather

You’ve heard all about how window film protects you from the heat, but certain window films can also protect you from the cold, keeping your temperature more stable year-round. Wouldn’t you like a little or a lot more stability? We would, too! Here’s an article about how 3M’s Thinsulate window film helps you during the cold weather: How Does Window Film Help You in the Winter?

Hurricanes and Window Film

Window film helps keep your glass together in case of breakage, and although we don’t advertise it for hurricane weather, many homeowners and businesses (such as restaurants) use 3M’s Scotchshield window film in case their windows might break. Usually on the west coast people are more concerned about earthquakes than hurricanes. But strong winds can also cause alarm to homeowners and business owners alike, and window film can help keep shards of glass from flying in case of breakage.

Storms and Window Film

Cyclones and tornadoes, while rare on the west coast, have become more commonplace. Nobody wants to be hit with flying debris, and especially not if that debris is glass! Window film holds glass together so there’s less chance of you or your family being harmed. We think the minimal investment is good insurance. You might like this article: Unlocking the Hidden Secrets of Window Film.

Window Film and Hot Weather

You’ve probably heard tons about how window film helps keep the temperature down in the hot weather. When people choose window film, they tend to be bothered by hot weather when in fact window film can keep temperatures even no matter what.

How Can Window Film Help You?

If you have questions, please give us a call!

It looks like a good day to try window film

July 31, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Of course, in our estimation, every day is a good day to try window film. Why right now, though? And why today? Here are a few reasons!

The Climate is Warming

No matter what you think the reason is for the climate warming up, there is no doubt that everything is getting warmer. For one thing, we’ve had the five hottest years on record since 2010, according to NASA scientists. A few people love the warmer weather, but in San Francisco, fewer do.

The Planet is More Crowded

With a growing population, privacy tends to disappear along with the wide open spaces we knew as kids. And wherever there’s less privacy, window film can help! See our article about privacy here: Ten Day Challenge: More Privacy in San Francisco. Maybe you’ve already tried using plants and folding screens for privacy and want to try the next step! Then window film can definitely help.

Skin Cancer Is a Real Concern

You may have read that avoiding the sun’s damaging UV rays can help you prevent skin cancer. If not, here’s a great article outlining what you can do to prevent skin cancer, from SkinCancer.org: Why Use Window Film? You do know that UV rays are sneaky, don’t you?

Why Window Works?

Window Works has a growing reputation among people in the San Francisco Bay Area. We’ve become much busier recently, especially after our move to San Francisco. We began working in the South Bay, helping people in the San Jose area, which we still do. But we’ve recently expanded our service area to not just San Francisco, but San Mateo County, Marin County, and Alameda County.

Our Clients

Many of our clients include big corporations and we do not share their names with you. Sometimes we’ll give you small clues, such as the time we shared pictures from “some fruit company.” But more often than not, we let our clients stay anonymous unless they specifically want publicity.

We’d Love to Help You!

The biggest reason to hire us for your residential or business window film needs is that we love what we do! So give us a call if you need window film! Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

3M Fasara Decorative Window Film: Dotty for Dots

December 6, 2017 by Carol S 1 Comment

You may already be a big fan of dots for adding energy to your designs, but did you know that you could use decorative window film and there are hundreds of patterns available?

Series on 3M™ Fasara™ Decorative Window Film

By now you’ve probably committed to memory our previous post, 3M Fasara Decorative Window Film: Stripes Forever. Just kidding. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a good one! This is Part Two of our series on 3M’s Fasara decorative window film. Keep your eyes on this space for the next in the series.

Why Dots?

Dots have the ability to create fun and to make us feel happy. They evoke images of poodle skirts, pop art, and large fanciful wall patterns. Using polka dots can make an interior peppy and smart. If you don’t believe us, take a look at this article, Decorating Your House Interiors with Polka Dots. And here is a fascinating look at the history of polka dots.

Dotty Window Film for Interiors

Dots can take an ordinary-looking interior from “meh” to marvelous, and boost the energy of your interior faster than you can say “Dot’s what I’m talking about!” You can change the colors and sizes of the dots, add throw pillows, or curtains with dots as well as adding window film with dots.

Exterior Window Film

But dotted window film is not just for interiors–window film can also modernize an exterior window, too. For ideas about glass designs, you might want to check out 3M Building Window Solutions.

window film photo — Photo by Sigma.DP2.Kiss.X3

Commercial and Residential

If you want a modern-looking office or commercial building, dots have a timeless feel. If you want more energy in your home, dots work there, too. Add dots to a rug, paint them on a wall, and then finish the look with dots on your windows.

Where to Use 3M Fasara Decorative Glass Finishes

You can use the film anywhere you’d like to add some playful energy, such as:

Conference Rooms
Bathrooms
Living Rooms
Elevators
Retail environments
For more ideas, see 3M Fasara Decorative Glass Finishes

Where Do You Use Dots?

Do you want to use dots in your designs? Let us know how we can help you!

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!

DIY Window Film? 10 Reasons to Absolutely Make You Stop

November 29, 2016 by Carol S 1 Comment

You’ve had the idea of doing your own window film for some time. After all, people on YouTube make it look easy! But what could happen if you do? What could possibly go wrong? Here are just a few things that could end up ruining your day!

You’ll Have to Pay Someone to Fix it

We often visit clients who have tried to do their own window film, and we spend hours undoing what they’ve done because they watched a YouTube video and thought they could do it themselves. Don’t be that guy! Or that gal, either.

It Won’t Look as Good

Unless you have years in the field, working as an installer, there’s going to be a crimp in there somewhere. Or bubbles. The best you can hope for is “just ok.” We’ve been installing window film for quite some time, so we’ve made all the mistakes for you. Plus, you or your friend may not be using 3M Window film–so it won’t last as long.

Your Second Cousin is Very Talented

Yes, he’s a great plumber, but he’s not such a great window film installer. But you didn’t want to hurt his feelings when he volunteered to do it in exchange for a steak dinner. You figured that you love steak! So you thought it would be a win-win. What if it’s a lose-lose, though? What if you have to hide every time he’s in the neighborhood and pretend not to be home?

bubble tintp photo — Photo by Luke Hayfield Photography

There Will Be Bubbles

Bubbles are great in your champagne. But not so great in your window film. Every time you look through that window, you’ll see the bubbles and not the beautiful view. Although there are ways to remove bubbles, do you really want to explain to your neighbors what you’re doing with safety pins, credit cards, and hair dryers? Those are some of the tools that people have used to get the bubbles out!

There Will be Debris, Pet Hair, or Fingerprints

Do you know how to remove these, or what to look for if you see them? What if you have all three: debris, pet hair, and fingerprints? Any one of these can distract you from your beautiful view, and remind you of a job that’s not all the way finished.

You’ll Have to Buy Tools

Yes, you love having so many tools, but what if you’re only going to use them once? Where will you store them? How will you keep them clean in case you ever use them again? 3M has tools as well as window film, but a dealer will already have both.

You Don’t Enjoy Doing Windows

And by “doing windows,” we mean getting those windows squeaky clean! If that’s something you don’t enjoy, you could easily outsource to someone who does love doing windows. Doing windows is one DIY project that you can do yourself, however! We like this article from This Old House: How to Cean Windows Like a Pro.

Using the Wrong Chemicals

Maybe some rubbing alcohol and an old sock works well to clean other things in your home or office, but not if you’re going to install window film. And by all means, never use a live sheep! The sheep will get very angry and you’ll have little bits of sheep fur on your window. It’s not a good look.

Your Squeegee Isn’t Pro

Squeegees are one of those tools of the trade that needs to be perfect, without nicks and just the right length. If you got yours at Speedy Mart, it probably won’t be the best. By the way, if you want to know some reasons to get window film, here are a few. Some people even customize their squeegees to their windows. Are you willing to do that?

Who Can You Call if Your Install Goes South?

There is no Ghostbusters for window film installers! But if you hire a pro, you can call them and have them fix any mistakes they may have made. So give us a call. Please. We work all over the San Francisco Bay Area, including Santa Clara, San Jose, and the peninsula. We’d love to talk to you about some window film that’s perfect for your home or business!

3M’s Sun Control Window Film: Spotlight on Protection You Need to See

September 13, 2016 by Carol S 1 Comment

3M Sun Control Window Film: Spotlight on Protection You Need to See

Did you fall in love with some big, beautiful windows when you moved into your new home or office? Then you probably know what it’s like to see the damage that sun can do to your flooring and furnishings! If you’ve ever peeled back a rug and seen a discolored floor underneath, you know what I mean!

How Do You Protect Your Floor?

Of course, you could always add curtains to your windows. There are some excellent ones that block out all the light, and also make a quieter space for you. But you might not be such a big fan of the dark, man-cave look.

Louvered shades or blinds are another option.

3M™ Sun Control Window Film

We love window film. We cannot lie. Not only will 3M™ Sun Control Window Film block out harmful UV radiation that damages your furnishings, and your skin, you’ll be lowering your heating bill at the same time! That’s a no-brainer in our opinion!

Carpet Stays Bright and Cheery

Your carpet will thank you for using window film. And not just your carpet, but your couch, and that beautiful table that you shipped from that one Hawaiian vacation. Now you won’t have to twirl it around every other week to keep the fading even on both sides.

hardwood floor photo — Photo by Rubber Dragon

Hardwood Floors Stay the Same Color

If you’ve ever seen the damage UV light can do to flooring, it can be quite dramatic. As Tadas Sadunas explains in this wonderful hardwood floor blog, some types of wood darken, some get bleached, just like the different types of skin. Yes, there are finishes that give your floor some UV protection, but window film is much easier.

Wearing Sunglasses Indoors?

Do you know someone like this? The sun is so bright that everyone has to wear sunglasses indoors! And that’s not right! You should feel comfortable indoors–as well as safe. Wearing sunglasses indoors is just so…silly! Not that we’re anti-silly, but you should be able to control the silly. And with window film you can!

UV Damage is Cumulative

We don’t want to harp on it, but ultraviolet light damages your skin and causes photoaging. So to keep your furnishings and your skin safe, you need to protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which by the way can travel through windows and damage everything in sight.

Let Us Explain Your Options!

We’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, and service homes and businesses up and down the peninsula, in the South Bay, as well as San Francisco. So if you’re considering window film, give us a call so we can explain your options!

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 – Now You See it, Now You Don’t

March 4, 2016 by Window Works 2 Comments

You might not know that window film not only protects you and your family from UV light, even when you’re indoors, but that most of the time it works so well that you don’t even know it’s there! And that using 3M window film is the way to go. 3M window film has been around for 50 years, and 3M is a company that you already know, like, and trust.

You might have read our previous post about 3M Window Film’s 50th Anniversary – Luxury and Trust in a Remarkable Combo.

Window Film is Thin

Can you say Post-It Note thin? That’s how thin window film is. Once it’s applied to your glass, you can barely tell that it’s there, even though it’s filtering out dangerous UV radiation for you. As you sit there, eating your breakfast, watching t.v., or playing with your kids, window film protects you.

Sunscreen Without the Grease

We do love sunscreen, and recommend it anytime you’re outdoors, especially at the beach. But when you’re inside relaxing, who wants all the trouble? There’s already a solution to this problem, and it’s window film!

Fade Reduction

Not only does 3M’s window film protect you, it can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays to reduce fading of furnishings and carpet. You’ve seen those homes where the beautiful wood floor is faded near the windows? Don’t let that happen to you!

piggy bank photo — Photo by kenteegardin

Saves You Money

Window film helps you with the bottom line by reducing cooling costs. This is true for both residential and commercial buildings, where the sun’s glare can cause overheating inside the house. This seemingly insurmountable problem can be solved with window film.

Know, Love, and Trust

It’s often said that people do business with people they know, like, and trust. What about companies that you know, like, and trust? The same statement holds true. And 3M’s 50 years of history producing window film means that they’re a solid company.

happy photo — Photo by Alex88 (All Images Taken By Me)

Photo by Alex88 (All Images Taken By Me)

Give Us a Call!

We’re in Santa Clara, and provide service all over the San Francisco Bay Area.

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.

Window Works Has Moved!

April 29, 2015 by Window Works 3 Comments

3M Prestige Window Film Dealer Window Works has moved to Santa Clara!

We had three great years at the amazing Car Condo community Club Auto Sport but we have grown out of our quarters!

We found a great place to call HQ right on the other side of the San Jose Airport in Santa Clara.

Our New Address:

Window Works
400 Reed Street
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408-644-5200
877-677-0067

We will still have Automotive Installs at Club Auto Sport for 3M Crystalline, so don’t worry–we’ve got your cars covered!

Window Works is your Authorized 3M Prestige Window Film Dealer for 3M Residential, Commercial and Decorative Window Film. We service and install in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and all of the San Francisco & South Bay Areas.

Have a Question?

Give us a call! We’re friendly!