Let the Light in: How Window Film Can Make You 10% Happier

July 28, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you heard of the book Ten Percent Happier? In it, Dan Harris talks about how he tamed the voices in his head that made him unhappy. Thinking about that made me realize that window film, too, could make you happier. We often underestimate how much the environment, our climate, and the people around us contribute to our happiness.

Natural light is a mood booster

Are you taking Vitamin D because you don’t get enough natural sunlight? Natural sunlight triggers the production of melatonin and boosts our mood. Try remembering how you feel in January versus how you feel in July if you need a reminder. If you’re covering up your windows with heavy curtains, you may be depriving yourself of an important source of natural light.

Comfort and energy efficiency

Does feeling comfortable contribute to your overall happiness? You bet it does! Try a long drive in an uncomfortable seat and you’ll get the idea. Add a screaming baby or two and you’ll want to stop driving forever. And energy efficiency? Think of how happy you feel when you get an energy bill that’s less than you expected! Yes, window film can help with that.

Privacy aka blocking out the nosy neighbors

Who knows why people have to poke their noses into other people’s business? Maybe they just don’t have enough hobbies! At any rate, window film can lower your anxiety because it can block those nosy neighbors from seeing all your stuff. By the way, you might like this article about how to fight clutter. Too much clutter can definitely harm your happiness.

Aesthetics

Back to the environment around you, window film can make your home look more beautiful. There are so many designs and colors now that you can use window film the way an interior designer does. Make your environment work for you by creating the Pinterest board of your dreams in your own home! You can do it! By the way, here’s our Pinterest account. We don’t spam you, by the way!

Less stress and better health

How much time do you spend working, and how much time do you spend working next to a window? That glare can cause eye strain and headaches! We’re always talking about wearing sunglasses indoors and how you shouldn’t have to. Window film can create a less stressful environment in either your home or business office. Why not have us install some window film instead?

Ready to be 10% happier?

Window film is a definite game changer when it comes to your happiness. Window film can reduce stress, help your aesthetic quotient, and increase your energy efficiency. And! It’s cost-effective–so why not give us a call? Our Happiness Manager is standing by to get your desperate phone calls. Just kidding! But we do take your happiness seriously, so call us. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Five Unusual Reasons Why You Should Use Window Film

May 30, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

What does this pooch have to do with window film?

What are some of the most unusual reasons for using window film? You may already know about window film for your vehicle. After all, your friends and neighbors probably already have it installed on their cars and trucks. But we’re willing to bet (at least a dollar!) that you don’t know about some of these other uses for window film.

Being in stealth mode

Stealth mode is super-useful in social media for spying on your competitors, but did you know that you can be in stealth mode with window film, too? It’s true! You can choose a reflective window film so that during the day those nosy neighbors can’t see into your place. Enjoy uninterrupted privacy during the day. And the stealthiest part about window film is when it’s working you can’t even see it!

Sneaky Energy Savings

By reducing the amount of heat entering your home during the day, you can enjoy savings during the summer months, in particular. And with global warming, our days are getting hotter all the time, it seems. You get a more comfortable home or office and also a lower energy bill. That’s a win-win-win in our Book of Wins! We’ve talked about lower energy bills before. Here’s an article you might like: Ways to make a home more energy-efficient.

A Prankster’s Secret Weapon?

There are various decorative window films that can show your friends and neighbors optical illusions. We’re particularly fond of 3M Dichroic window film. It actually can change colors when viewed from different angles. Your friends will be amazed! Or terrified, if they’ve had a drink or two. Not that we’d know anything about that. Either way equals fun for you.

Install an insta-art gallery

Your choices in window films don’t always need to be of the practical variety. In fact, you can use window films to make your home into an art gallery. Or, you can use window films to enhance the artwork you already have. For instance, you could use an Asian-inspired bamboo window film as a backdrop. Bob Vila has some fun picks in this article: Wow-worthy window films.

Doggie Barrier

If your pooch loses his mind every time another dog walks by, block that view! This is one of the most unusual uses for window film, but it beats putting a bunch of blankets over the windows, right? And it’s way better than one of those anti-bark devices, which seem cruel, to be honest. Here’s more on that subject: Ten best uses of window film for your home. And also, your dog can relax and stop barking. And you can stop buying those fancy-pants doggie throat lozenges.

Call us for more unusual reasons to use window film

Call us and let us help you choose the best window film for your clients’ homes or businesses, even if they just need some creative ideas. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Ten Best Uses of Window Film for Your Business

February 27, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Yes, we realize that many of the ideas here are very similar, if not identical, to the ten best uses of window film for your home. You might want to read that post, too. However, there are some different reasons to use window film for your business, which we’ve outlined here.

Energy efficiency

Window film can help reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, resulting in lower energy bills for your business. When the weather turns hot in the summer, window film can block as much as 66% of the sun’s heat. And sometimes heat can make you feel very, very tired. In fact, some people might need a nap–not always a good idea when you’re at work unless you have a nap room!

UV protection

Window film can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your business’s interior from fading and damage. If you have a retail business, your inventory could be harmed by fading. For instance, clothing can be harmed by the sun’s damaging rays. How can you sell clothing that’s damaged or faded?

Branding and advertising

Window film can be used to display your business’s logo or other branding elements, increasing visibility and promoting your brand. Logos can be reproduced in different sizes and on different surfaces as well. If you want your business to be remembered, why not have your logo displayed?

Privacy

Window film can be used to create a frosted or opaque effect on windows, increasing privacy in conference rooms and other areas. If you have a dentist’s office, for example, you don’t really want to see other patients getting their teeth cleaned. Do you?

Safety and security

Some window films can help hold broken glass together in the event of an accident, providing an added layer of security for your business. This is especially useful in restaurants where broken shards could be a huge liability. Actually, with climate change, the risk of broken glass has become greater. Read our article about the polar vortex here: How to punch the polar vortex in the nose with window film.

Decorative

Window film can be used to create a decorative effect on windows, such as a frosted or etched glass look, which can enhance the aesthetic of your business. Some of our local restaurants have used window film with bamboo or other beautiful decorative elements. We like this article: 12 Surprising Design Uses for Window Film and Appliques from This Old House. Take a look!

Glare reduction

Window film can reduce glare on computer and other screens, making them easier to see, which can increase productivity. Have you ever seen employees trying to work inside, and wearing sunglasses? We have!

Heat rejection

Window film can reject heat, keeping the temperature inside the room comfortable, which can improve the comfort of employees and customers. If you have a brick-and-mortar store, you want those customers to be comfortable!

Reducing fading

Window film can help protect carpets, furniture, and artworks from fading by blocking UV rays, which can save on replacement costs.

Cost-effective

Window film is a cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency and appearance of your business’s windows without the need for costly window replacements.

Got Questions?

We have answers! Give us a call and let us help you choose the best window film for your business. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Prepare for Your Window Film Installation

February 23, 2022 by Carol S 1 Comment

Preparation for window film installation is a multi-step process

You might want to read the steps first, then call us. We can do most of these steps for you. And, of these steps, the first one (removing the blinds, drapes and window treatments), is probably the one easiest for you to do yourself.

Remove all blinds, drapes, and window treatments

Please remove all blinds, drapes, and window treatments prior to install. All furniture, fixtures and items must be moved four feet away from windows to give our workers space to move around. Window Works technicians do NOT move items without a fee–which is $150.00 per hour base minimum.

Window Works is not responsible for glass breakage due to improper glass installation, scoring from previous film install, existing damage, seal failure or other. When you sign our proposal, this indicates your acceptance/approval of all Terms & Conditions.

We use a water-based micro spray solution in your installation, so any water-sensitive items must be covered or removed before install. Window Works assumes no liability for items left which might be damaged. We want your installation to be as beautiful and perfect as possible, so please give us your cooperation!

Window film removal

If you have old window film covering your windows, unless you can do a superb job (as in you used to be a window film installer and had that job for ten years and won some prizes and stuff), the best thing is to let us do it. Usually what happens is people remove some of the film, but not all of it. They do some of the work, then get tired and bored. Then there are margaritas, and in some cases, whiskey. The removal gets mangled in some way, or the glue is still there. It turns into a big sticky mess and costs you more than if you just let us do it in the first place. So please don’t help with the window film removal because it will probably cost you more if you do! Plus you’ll have a hangover and who knows what else will happen?!

When measuring your windows measure twice, cut once!

Measure your windows

Measuring your windows is a lot like baking: you need to be exact and not stray from the recipe. If you took up baking during the pandemic, you know what we mean here. When you measure, take the width first. And remember the old adage: measure twice, cut once. Accuracy counts. Don’t round up or down–tell us the measurements accurately. If you need help measuring, we can do that. In fact, that might be a better idea for those of you who aren’t too accurate. Like if you substitute baking soda for baking powder in your cake recipe because they’re both white we’re talking to you!

Again, if you help but goof it up, it’ll cost more.

Need a quick window film estimate for your home?

Sure you do! We already have the form online for you to fill out. Here’s the Quick Residential Estimate. Simply fill it out and send it. Easy peasy. Really! But if you have questions,call Window Works customer care at 415.650.5200. We really are very friendly.

We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin!

Decorating with Window Film: What You Need to Know

January 9, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you ever considered window film as part of your interior design? If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, we can help you redirect sunlight, change privacy, as well as protect your skin from UV rays. There are so many design options with window film. You might be surprised when you see them all!

Fasara Window Film

One of our more popular window films, 3M Fasara, comes in a variety of designs. There are patterns, dots, and stripes. And if you’re indecisive about which type to choose, the good news is you don’t have to choose–you can have it all! For instance, you could have a combination of Fasara thin and thick stripes. Or choose a pattern along with a dotted Fasara window film. Here are some previous posts which might interest you:

Window Film Controls Light

Christopher Lowell, designer extraordinaire, talks about seven layers of design. One of the seven layers that you need to be concerned with in interior design is lighting. Lowell says: “Sculpting with light can make cheap things look like museum finds and turn not so great stuff into dynamic silhouettes and shapes that can be poetic.” And what better way to control lighting than with window film? Did you know that there’s a window film that can redirect light? If you’re in a dark home or office, you can take a little bit of light and redirect it into the interior of a building.

Create Privacy

Privacy is critical, especially since so many of us are living in smaller and smaller spaces. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, even a tiny apartment can cost a lot. People would rather maximize the space they do have than move into a larger space. But you don’t have to drive out to Death Valley to find privacy! With window film, you have the flexibility to add privacy without adding thick drapery or wooden slats, which are both heavy and bulky. And window film does not add bulky curtains to your windows, but allows subtlety. Every inch counts in a tiny space!

Change the Energy of a Space

Sometimes you walk into a space and immediately feel a sense of zen. Other times, a space can energize you. Window film can do both, which is important in interior design. For instance, adding polka dots in a space can energize it and give it a happy, upbeat feeling–so important if you’re trying to work. Adding a rice paper window film look creates a sense of calm, which is important if you’re trying to relax in a space. For a restaurant, you might want guests to linger and relax. A fast food restaurant might want diners to eat more quickly, so an energized space might be just the ticket.

Give Us a Call!

We’d love to hear what your window film decorating needs are. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay.

Why 3M Prestige Window Film?

December 27, 2019 by Carol S 2 Comments

3M’s Prestige window film is good for museums (we’ve done several including the Exploratorium), Corporate Art Collections (because they retard fading so well), high-end homes with views where they want optical clarity (versus reflective or mirrored film) and other exclusive scenarios.

Just the Facts about Prestige Window Film

Here are some other facts about Prestige window film that you may not know:

Optically Clear
Non-Reflective
229 layers and thinner than a Post-it note, another 3M adhesive product
SPF 1400 to 1900
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
The only window film in the entire industry that reduces Heat or Infrared (IR) by 97%
The above is also ‘on-angle’ a very important distinction as other film companies claim so, but they do NOT, have that metric ‘on-angle’ on direct. In other words, the sun’s rays can be coming at an angle.
Interior and Exterior versions, which is absolutely a huge claim; others do not have these options

For more details about 3M Prestige Window film, see: 3M Sun Control Window Film Prestige Series.

The popularity of Interior window film grows every year

Prestige for Interiors

Sunlight can damage your furniture, your skin, and your eyes faster than the wind on the Golden Gate Bridge. So while you might enjoy having the light — especially in the wintertime — you don’t really want or need damage to your health or belongings. Interior window film is the type most people are familiar with, and its popularity grows every year. You might like this previous post: The Revolutionary Benefits of Window Film You Never Knew.

Prestige for Exteriors

Did you know that Prestige is also available for exteriors? Window film used on the exterior of your windows helps your windows withstand wind, rain, and all kinds of stormy weather. It gives you an extra layer of protection. And its scratch resistance is higher than interior window film, too. For more information, you might want to read about it on 3M’s site: 3M Sun Control Window Film Prestige Exterior Series.

Prestige for Residential and Commercial

While window film is becoming more and more popular for residential use, we spend a lot of time at work, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. So it only makes sense to have window film where you work as well as at your home. That’s why so many San Francisco Bay Area clients choose Prestige window film for their offices.

A Gift for Your Employees?

While you may give your employees great benefits, such as a 401K and profit sharing options, window film offers your friends, family, and employees the gift of health. How else can you protect so many all at once? Window film prevents a lot of problems, and we’ve all heard the old saw “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Have Questions?

We can talk your ear off about window film, so if you have questions, let us know! We work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. And we’d also like to wish all of our friends a Happy New Year!

Window Film: You Need to Know What It’s Used for

May 29, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You’ve probably heard something about window film, or had someone install window film on your car windows. You may already have window film, but not even realize it’s there. The best window film is quiet, and by that I mean you won’t see or hear it. It’ll be there, in the background, doing its job.

Window Film is Decorative

Window film is quite beautiful when properly installed. There are many varieties of window film, such as dots, stripes, or other patterns. You can use it inside or outside in a garden. You can use it on a doctor’s office or at a gym. There are so many uses for window film that we can’t even list them all.

Window Film Gives You Privacy

If you’re living in a tiny home, or just too close to a neighbor, you can use window film to give yourself privacy. Window film will still let the light through, but you can control the amount of light.

Window Film Helps with Heat and Cold

We’ve written about Thinsulate before, but we’ll mention it again because it insulates your windows. Lately, our temperatures have been all over the map. Whether that’s because of global warming or some other reason, you can only guess at what the weather will be like from one day to the next. Using window film can help to even out the temperatures and keep you comfortable.

Window Film Curbs Glare

Are you someone who enjoys working from home, but gets terrible glare on your screen? Or maybe you’re the headquarters for all the guys in the neighborhood who like to watch all the games. If glare coming through the windows is disturbing you, window film can help with that.

Window Film Prevents Cancer

You might think this isn’t true, but it’s been scientifically proven that certain types of UV light can cause skin cancer. You can protect your family’s skin and eyes with window film. For more information about window film and cancer prevention, see The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website.

San Francisco Bay Area Window Film

We install window film commercially and residentially all over the San Francisco Bay area, from Santa Clara to Alameda County to Marin County to San Francisco. Give us a call if you’re in need, or if you have questions!

Window Film and Global Warming: What You Need to Know

April 29, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Global Warming Isn’t Just about Warming

The planet is getting warmer, yes, but sometimes we get cold spells as a result of global warming. Window film is one way to alleviate the effects of global warming. This article has some ideas for using window film to help with global warming. And of course, we should all work to reverse global warming in any way we can. You might be surprised at some of the ways you can help reverse global warming, such as high-tech refrigeration. Check out Project Drawdown: 100 solutions to reverse global warming.

Window Film Helps Even out Temperatures

Hot one day, cold the next day? We don’t see quite so many ups and downs in temperatures in the San Francisco Bay Area, but we’re still seeing more variation than usual. You might not see the connection between window film and global warming, but in terms of comfort, installing window film is a way for you to feel more comfortable in your own home or office. If you’d rather skip to the chase about window film, you might like The Valuable Ways Window Film Can Change Your Life.

Window Film Protects Your Eyes and Skin

What does your skin have to do with window film and global warming, you may ask. The ozone layer, which protects us from some of the sun’s bad UV rays, is thinning. Window film helps to protect your skin, and your family’s skin, too. In fact, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends window film to protect against UV rays that damage your skin. And in case you missed it, here’s our article on Five Quick and Easy Ways to Protect Your Eyes from Skin Damage.

Save Money on Heating and Cooling Bills

Using window film for global warming can save you money, but what else? When you use less energy to heat and cool your home or office, not only do you save money, but you’re using less fossil fuel. That is if you’re using fossil fuel to heat and cool your home. In any case, most people love saving money. And to us, that’s a win-win on your window film!

The Valuable Ways Window Film Can Change Your Life

December 27, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

The Valuable Ways Window Film Can Change Your Life

The best thing about window film is that when it’s really working you’ll forget it’s there. That is to say, it’s invisible. And yet it can change your life. Let me explain. If you’re interested in your own wellbeing or your long-term health, then having window film is a no-brainer.

Window Film Protects Your Eyes

As you get older, the light becomes more important. Glare can become a problem, and sometimes our vision can become cloudy. Window film reduces glare, which is so important to protect your eyesight. Cataracts can develop from too much UV. Again, window film comes to the rescue by blocking UV light. We’ve discussed window film and your vision before in the article Window Film: Seven Ways it Can Improve Your Life.

Window Film Protects Your Skin

UV light affects your skin and can lead to skin cancer without some form of protection. Using sunscreen, large hats, and staying out of the strongest sun are all important. But what about the UV rays coming in through your windows? Window film is like sunscreen for your home or office. In their excellent article, Window Film: Sun Protection for Your Health and Home, the Skin Cancer Foundation explains that window film can block up to 99.9% of UVA rays from entering your home. If that light entering your home can damage your belongings, think about what it can do to your skin!

Less Sensory Overload

Have you ever been around too many people and just want some peace and quiet? Window film makes your home feel quieter. We’re all visual creatures, primarily, so all the visual stimulation coming in through our computers, phones, and TVs can leave us feeling exhausted. With window film, some of that sensory overload is reduced.

Save Money on Heating and Cooling Bills

In addition to protecting your health, window film saves you money on your heating bill in the winter, and your cooling bill in the summer. With our increasingly wilder weather due to global warming, having some stability is a very good thing. Read more about how you can reduce your bills with window film.

We’d Love to Talk to You!

Have questions about window film? We’re here for you! Call us at 415.623.8700 to discuss window film!

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!