San Francisco Bay Area

How to Protect Your Furnishings from Sun Damage?

February 14, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

It’s nearly springtime and the sun is getting brighter, so how do you protect your furnishings from sun damage? Window film can be applied to protect your furniture, rugs, and floors from harmful UV rays, especially in areas where large amounts of glass are used. But before you consider window film, think about all these other options!

Move all your furniture to the corner away from the windows

Just like a last-minute timeout during the Big Game, get all your furniture huddled in a corner. By the way, we’re very disappointed that the 49ers lost! But we’re hopeful for next year. Maybe your guests won’t be able to use the furniture, but at least the furniture will be protected, and that’s what really counts! Right? If anyone asks why you’re putting your furniture in the corner tell them that “sitting is the new smoking!” They’ll buy that!

Rotate your cushions

Put a reminder in your calendar to rotate the cushions every so often. Is once a day too much? We think not! Another added benefit? Instant upper body workout! While you’re at it, you could also rotate your couches so the one closest to the windows moves to the back and vice-versa. Your friends and neighbors will think you’re studying to be an interior designer with the way you’re always moving your cushions and furniture around.

Use blackout curtains

Now we can already hear some of you saying “but they’re so ugly!” or “we moved here for the view!” But think about it: blackout curtains could eliminate some of the damage to your furnishings unless someone forgets and leaves them open. Then all bets are off.

You do have time to dust the blinds, don’t you? | Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Install louvered shutters

Again, louvered shutters aren’t always pretty. But they will protect your furnishings from UV rays! And while they need a lot of dusting, you have lots of extra time for that, don’t you? And, while you won’t have a view any more, your furnishings will be protected. And you’ll probably sleep more, since it will be dark all the time, since very little light will get in.

Big windows? Use window film for UV Protection

You’ve all seen your neighbor’s floors when they pull up the rug and the floor is a different color. Unless you want to bleach your floors, you need UV protection! And you’ve also seen discolored couches, including the cushions, and expensive Persian rugs damaged by UV rays. All joking aside, you really, really need window film! And we know just the people to cover those big windows! Ahem! See below.

Need sun protection for your furnishings?

We’ve got you covered! Call our Furnishings Protection Hotline and we’ll help you through choosing the best window film for your home or office. 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.

Most Fun Window Film Ideas for Privacy

January 30, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Why not have a little fun with your window film?

Everyone is so serious about window film ideas for privacy, but where’s the fun in that? Answer: there is no fun in that! But there are lots of quirky, fun ideas for how you can use window film and plus retain your privacy. There might be some ideas here you haven’t heard about. After all, window film has come a long way in the years since it first came out (1966 and 3M, in case you were wondering). Here’s a quick history of window film, for those of you who were curious.

Splashes of color can wake you up

Window film isn’t such a black and white world any more. Neither is it your grandma’s window film, with cracking, peeling, purpling (is that even a word?), or other yucky-looking stuff on your windows. There are loads of color and various texture options that you might enjoy. For example, dichroic window film offers fun colors, above.

Play with light

Not only can you block light with window film, but you can also redirect light with 3M’s redirecting film if you live in a dark area. Or if your foyer or another part of your home or business suffers from poor lighting. This is especially true in high rises where there are tall buildings blocking the light and you’d like to bring it into the building. After all, so many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder in the winter. And having even a little more light can help.

Use gradient tinting

We wrote about gradient tinting recently, and it’s a very good and fun way to create privacy. Cover just part of a window or glass wall with tint. You may want to leave the bottom part of a wall uncovered so you can see if there are people occupying a meeting room, for instance. The same could be true if you want some privacy because there are new kids in the house and you want some privacy.

Decorate a glass partition

Glass partitions can sometimes look cold or boring. Why not boost the Fun Factor ™ with a little window film? The film can be decorative to add a little design element to your space, too. People always appreciate having privacy. People can peek through part of the partition, but mostly can be left in peace.

Be inspired by nature

There are so many nature-inspired window films now. From bamboo to dots, stripes, or many more designs. We’ve written about all of these kinds of window film before. You’ve heard it before, but you’re only limited by your imagination!

Need more fun in your life?

We’ve got you covered! Call us and our Goddess of Fun will help you through choosing the best window film for your home or office. 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 Decorate Creatively with Window Film

January 16, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We’ve all stayed up way too late pinning things on Pinterest, trying to find the most creative uses of window film for our decor. Right? I can’t be the only one who does this! There are probably many uses of window film that you don’t know about, and there are more types of window film being invented all the time. By the way, here’s a recent post of ours on the Magic and Beauty of Gradient Tinting.

Surprising design uses for window film

There are all kinds of uses for window film, some of which we’ve gone over before. For instance, suddenly you’re surrounded by nosy neighbors. Or your previously busy neighbor retires and has nothing better to do that poke around in your business. What to do? As outlined in This Old House, you could use window film, in their article 12 Creative Uses of Window Film.

Use window film when your family grows

Do you suddenly have a little one crawling, or running, around your home? You don’t want to be surprised in the bathroom, so why not use window film to strategically block a view? We’ve outlined that plus some other creative uses here: Ten Best Uses of Window Film.

Or…when your new puppy starts barking at every other dog or person

Dogs can become stressed when they see other dogs or people passing by, so why not use window film to block that view? Pittsburgh Window Film recommends frosted window film to alleviate your reactive dog’s stress. Certain dogs can really be annoying. Whether yours is a chihuahua or a malamute, cutting back on the barking can make your life more serene.

Window film on your patio to create beauty and privacy

Keep those nosy neighbors at bay with window film

Your neighbors might not be nosy on purpose. But why give them easy access when you’re cooking outdoors? Or even just hanging out in your own living room? After all, our California weather allows cooking outdoors nearly year round! Besides, you might want to hide some of that clutter, like those bags of briquettes that seemed like such a good deal at Costco, but now have been gathering dust! Oh, and all that barbecue equipment that your relatives gave you once they found out that you can cook! Grill tools, smokers, vegetable cookers, and on and on.

Protect your deliveries while looking good

Have a spot in your building where you get deliveries? Use a little window film to block those prying eyes. You don’t even have to have a glitter bomb or special devices to spew fart smells onto those porch pirates! Although it is fun to watch those videos!

Glitter Bomb vs. Porch Pirate

Not creative yourself?

We’ve got you covered! Call us and we’ll help you through choosing the best window film for your home. 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.

New Year: New Look with Window Film

December 28, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

So Christmas is finally over and now you’re looking forward to the new year and your new look! Where will you be this coming year and will your home be working for you or against you, energy wise? Also, what kind of look do you want from your windows? Plain, updated, modern, fashion conscious, or what? The photo above is looking through a client’s window north towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Notice how you might not even notice the window film is there!

Ring in the new year with great style!

Champagne is wonderful, and we like to drink a little whenever we can. But window film lasts longer than that bottle you just threw in the recycling, and can not only save you on the energy bill, but help you get better style. For example, you might be interested in our post about Japandi Style.

Don’t block your view

If you could see the Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, and the east bay from your suite, would you want to block that view? No you would not! That’s where window film helps with your style. That view needs to be the star of the show, not hidden behind bulky curtains.

Window film gives you a clear view to the future

At least it can if you’re using clear window film (do you get that one?). There are all sorts of window films, and many are decorative. And clearly sometimes you want to protect your view since the real estate in San Francisco is often quite spendy.

Decorative window film is the answer

There are so many new decorative window film that you could be surprised. Here is just one that could interest you: 3M Fasara Decorative Window Film: Patterns. There are also window films with dots and stripes, as well as different colors.

Protect your furnishings, floor, and skin

We’ve talked before about how your furniture and floors can be bleached by sun pouring in through the windows. You’ve spent a lot on your beautiful sofas and chairs, so why not take the next step and protect them from the sun?

Still unsure where you’re going in the new year? We’ve got answers!

Still unsure what kind of window film is right for you? Give us a quick call and we’ll sort them out for you! Our New Years Window Film Manager is standing by to answer all your questions. 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.

The Ultimate Sun Control Film for Winter

November 15, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

The Ultimate Sun Control for Winter (even in San Francisco!)

The winter sun can be so annoying because of glare, amiright? You want the ultimate in sun control film because nobody wants to spend their holidays squinting. Not only does it eventually give you a headache, but bad crow’s feet! By the way, we recently talked about Climate Control Window Film: Five Reasons You Need it. You might want to read that post first!

Sun is at its lowest position around December 21st

We all love the winter solstice, Christmas, and the gift giving and hoopla surrounding the holidays. But what we don’t love is that sun glare coming in through our windows. It’s too bad that we have to change our routines to avoid that glare, isn’t it? For instance, people working from home might move their desk away from the windows because of glare, not realizing that there’s a solution!

Because of the sun’s position, glare is the worst from November – January

You probably already knew that the sun’s glare is the worst starting right about now, in mid-November. As if Daylight Savings Time and the time change wasn’t enough, there’s less light, but what light there is isn’t all that great. It seems like we get up to go to work in the dark and when we get home it’s dark, too! Ugh.

Squinting gives you wrinkles and headaches

Sure, you can go and get cosmetic surgery after you get wrinkles. And you can take all kinds of med’s for your headaches. But why not avoid trouble before it hits you in the head? And why not make your home easy on the eyes, as this article from 3M suggests?

Don’t wear sunglasses inside

We’ve seen plenty of people who wear sunglasses indoors. And you can even get a sunburn if your windows aren’t covered. Also, it looks weird if you get a sunburn and you haven’t even had the chance to go outside! That is definitely not fair.

Energy Savings

In our area, the San Francisco Bay Area, we’re about to get hit with higher power bills. It happens every year, and sometimes more than once a year. So if you can save energy with a little window film, why not?

Use window film instead

So what is the best sun control film for winter? The answer isn’t a simple one because more than one film can be used for sun control. But for our area the best film is 3M Prestige window film. We love 3M’s Prestige because it rejects up to 97% of infrared light providing energy savings, enhanced comfort and protection. Also, it lets a lot of light through, which if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is a big deal.

Tell us what you want!

But if you don’t know what you really really want, give us a call! We’ve got answers for you! Call us and we’ll brainstorm with you! Our Chief Window Works 3M Prestige Window Film Expert is standing by to answer all your questions. 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.

The Four Benefits of 3M Ultra S Films That Other Films Don’t Have!

October 30, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Shattered glass can be very dangerous! Prevent dangerous shards like these, above — Shattered glass can be very dangerous! 3M Ultra S films help prevent dangerous shards like these, above

You’ve heard about the benefits of other kinds of window film, but what about 3M™ Ultra S Films? You may not have heard anything about these fantastic films. But let’s try and unpack just what gives 3M™ Ultra S Films the edge over other films. Here are just some of the benefits.

Tensile Strength

Our 3M™ Ultra S Film contains the most strength in terms of psi (compared to the competition). Wikipedia defines tensile strength as “the maximum stress that a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking.” Having the most tensile strength is important because it increases resistance to pressure and breakage. By the way, PSI = pounds per square inch, which is a measure of pressure.

Break Strength

In terms of pound per inch (lb/inch), the competition cannot compare. Break strength is just like it sounds. It’s the amount of force needed to break the film. 3M™ Ultra S Film has the highest break strength. And if you’re protecting your family or coworkers, wouldn’t you want the best Break Strength?

Tear Resistance

Our film is the most resistant to tear, nearly impossible to rip in half. In fact, 3M™ Ultra S Film is about 40 times tougher and harder to tear than other safety films. Only the Hulk might be able to tear it, and according to the internet (which is always the best source of information for this kind of thing), Hulk is the strongest superhero! Hulk even smashes San Francisco (don’t worry–it’s just cgi), but that’s a whole other story.

Protect your loved ones from glass breakage

Elongation at Break

Our film goes to 135% of its stature in terms of its elongation (that is, in a bomb blast type situation). In plain English, that means that it stretches 135% before it breaks, which is bendier than your bendiest friend doing yoga. And that’s very stretchy!

Why do you need it?

Maybe you’re concerned about breakage because you’re in an earthquake zone. Or could be that there have been breakins nearby, which has happened in some neighborhoods. Schools are also concerned with glass breakage and reducing injury. Maybe you live next to a golf course or baseball field, and you’re tired of shattered glass (those darn kids!). Or you may have your own reasons for this kind of window film. By the way, we’ve written about window film and breakage before. You might like Will Window Film Make My Life Better?

Unsure whether 3M Ultra S window film is right for you?

We’ve got answers for you! Call us and we’ll sort those questions out for you! Our Chief Window Works 3M Ultra S Window Film Expert is standing by to answer all your questions. 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.

Climate Control Window Film: Five Reasons You Need it

October 16, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Climate Control Window Film lets you keep conditioned air, heat or air con inside the home.

Back in the olden days–ok last year or so–we discussed 3M Thinsulate window film, a climate control window film. We are big fans of climate control window film, since right now you probably need it more than ever. For one thing, the temperatures, even in the San Francisco Bay Area, are getting wilder and wilder. But that doesn’t mean that the temperature inside your home or office has to get wilder and wilder!

Stop wearing so many layers

Are you wearing five layers of clothing inside your house? Let’s see…undershirts, shirts, down jacket, mufflers, and mukluks? Maybe you could take off a layer or two if you use some of that climate control window film! At least the mukluks, we’re thinking. Unless you really, really like mukluks! And also you won’t have to avoid a cold corner of your house.

The best thing about climate control window film? You can’t even tell it’s there!

Turn down the heat

Is your power company, like ours, charging more despite doing less? Here’s something you can do to reduce your energy bills–especially in the winter when those bills tend to soar out of control. Of course, in many parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, the energy bills soar in the summer, too. But San Francisco is typically cooler than other areas. And did you know that 30% of all energy used to heat and cool homes in the U.S. escapes through the windows?

Why have a great view if nobody wants to get close to those brrrr-cold windows?

Make your home more visitor friendly

Nobody wants to come over if they freeze to death for those parties. It’s not fun to have to ask for *another* blanket, when you’ve already got three blankets and a dog piled on your lap! We’ve found that even running video of the Yule Log on YouTube doesn’t make people feel more festive.

Sleep better

Sure, everyone says it’s great to sleep in a cold room. But icicles on your nose and frozen fingers are a whole other story. Of course, the Old Farmers Almanac has a lot of tips for staying warm, such as using a safe electric blanket or a hot water bottle just for your toes. Wouldn’t it be easier to just get the darn window film, though?

It’s invisible

One of the benefits of good climate control window film is that you can’t see it! Even though you know it’s working, you just can’t see it. And that’s a huge advantage for a lot of people.

Have questions about climate control window film?

We’ve got answers for you! Call us and we’ll sort those questions out for you! Our Chief Window Works Climate Control Expert is standing by to answer all your questions. 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.

How to Use Decorative Window Film: Design Perspectives

August 29, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Decorative Window Film with San Francisco Skyline in the Background

In this article, we’ll go over the design possibilities with decorative window film: from favorite seasons to unique patterns. There are so many different ways to use window film, but we’d like to concentrate on design. You might also like The Window Works Home Visit: 5 Ways to Prep.

Choose window film for a favorite season–or skyline!

Are you a person in love with springtime? You can choose window film to help you have perpetual springtime in your bath, kitchen, or bedroom. In fact, you could make your entire house a springtime oasis! Even if your place is located in Antarctica, you can have the illusion of springtime. If instead you’d like to focus on a favorite view, you can do that, too. In the image above, you can see the San Francisco skyline and Salesforce Tower.

Ombre effects

Ombre effects are not just for hair! But, if you like, your windows could match your hair. There are many window films that can provide a fading effect. And did you know you can design with light using window film? Take a look at 3M’s window tints for decorative effects. By the way, we’re big fans of Fasara window film.

Can you see why we’re big fans of 3M Fasara window film?

Gradient effects

Window film can create stunning gradient effects which can block what you don’t want to see and accentuate what you do want to see. You can transition from transparent to opaque easily with window film. In the olden days, people simply slapped on window film to make a room darker or lighter. It’s not your grandma’s window film anymore! No offense to any grandmas reading this! It’s all about subtlety now. You can also create a border around your window film, as they did in the bathroom above.

Here’s a commercial application (but you could use it at home, too!)

Privacy and decorative patterns

You can choose to have privacy as well as decorative patterns in your window film. See something you like while at your dentist or at a restaurant? Tell us about it! Better still, snap a picture and then tell us about it! Window film can improve your restaurant’s (or dentist’s office or home’s) safety. Here’s an article from 3M that you might like: Open a Window of Opportunity for Your Restaurant. You could use the commercial application above for an open dining room, to create privacy. Or if you don’t want to see the mess in the kitchen. Window film creates a clean, uncluttered look.

Unique patterns for your own special hideaway

Does your man-cave or she-cave lack personality? Choose something based on your own favorite patterns. We love seeing the creative ideas our clients come up with! For instance, you could use a bamboo window film to echo wallpaper outside the house! There’s a Japanese paper “washi” that gives you the delicate fibres of Japanese paper. And there is window film that diffuses light, and which you can add to a partition, door, or window.

Still have questions? We’ve got answers!

Still unsure about decorative window film? Give us a quick call and we’ll sort them out for you! Our Chief Window Works Decorative Window Film Manager is standing by to answer all your questions. 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.

The Window Works Home Visit: 5 Ways to Prep

August 15, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

So you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and have us install window film. Congratulations! We know there are many reasons for your decision, among them energy efficiency, aesthetics, clearing clutter, and more. Here are five ways you can prepare for our visit, and save yourself a lot of headaches! And thank you for taking the time to prepare. We do appreciate your effort!

Clear a path

You’d be surprised at how many times our installers get to your home and need to move boxes, furniture, and random stuff out of the way. Please move things at least four feet away from the work area so that our installers have room to do their jobs. If you do this work yourself, it saves you time and money, too.

Fill out the form

Have you filled out the Quick Residential Estimate yet? We call it quick for a reason! Send as many photos as needed to give us an idea of what we need to do and bring when we get to your place! We can accept up to 20 photos, by the way. And don’t forget to let us know what type of window film you need–is it for security? Privacy? Something else? We can do a better job if you give us all the specifics.

Remove your blinds, shades, and any window coverings

Remove blinds and shades

Please remove all the window coverings you might have. If you have old window film, please let us know that ahead of time. It’s best to let us remove the old window film. We know you’ve been on YouTube looking at those videos on removing film with your hair dryer and some razor blades, but come on! Let us do it! Don’t hurt yourself because you want to do it yourself!

Cover your sensitive things

Those miniature Balinese sculptures you brought back from your honeymoon? Be sure to cover them or move them to another area! And also remove any special artwork or things that might be hurt by the spray our installers use on the windows. We don’t want to damage your beautiful artwork.

Remove the pets

While some pets love everyone, other pets only love some people, and then only some of the time. How often have we heard “oh, he’s never like this! we had NO IDEA he would growl and bite and chase you around the condo!” Well, not in those exact words, but you get the idea. And if you need professional help with your pet, there’s always Cesar Millan!

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Still unsure about something? Give us a quick call and we’ll sort them out for you! Our Chief Window Works Preparation Manager is standing by to answer all your questions. 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.

How Does Window Film Help Battle Climate Change? Five Ways

June 28, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

While climate change is here to stay, window film can help in your battle against it. Although there are many more than five ways window film can battle climate change, here are our top five. You may have other reasons to use window film!

Enhances energy efficiency

Window film can enhance energy efficiency by reducing heat gain in the summer and heat loss during the winter. In other words, window film evens out the temperature and helps you keep your cool year round! And temperature extremes are getting worse all the time!

Rejects solar heat

If you’re concerned about the environment, then you might already know about solar heat rejection. You don’t want to fry inside your home or office, do you? No, you do not! If you don’t believe us, you might want to read this fine article from the Florida Solar Energy Center: About Window Films.

Blocks harmful UV rays

We’ve talked about the damage that UV rays can do to your skin many times before. In fact, here’s an article you might like: Learn the Best Ways to Use Window Film. Long story short? UV rays cause skin cancer. And using window film is one easy way to help prevent it. Not only that, but UV rays can fade your furniture, your beautiful bamboo flooring, and your lovely Persian rugs. Ugh. No thank you! And on another note, if your beautiful flooring doesn’t fade, that also increases the value of your property.

Minimizes glare

Do you know anyone who has to wear sunglasses inside? We know of many businesses that have sunlight streaming straight through their windows and into the eyes of their unhappy customers! If that sounds like you, get yourself some window film. You don’t want your customers to scurry out of your shop while they’re making an important purchase. And your coworkers will also be much happier without all the glare.

Reduces need for both heat and A/C

In some homes or businesses, people have to run between the heater and the A/C constantly. It’s a pain, isn’t it? What if your home could stay at a much steadier temperature? And energy costs are always going up, too, so why not use window film to keep your temperature more constant? You’re not only investing in your home, you’re investing in your sanity! Right now, in the San Francisco Bay Area, there’s a heat advisory for the coming weekend, probably the first of many. So your window film installation can help you through the worst part of the heat.

Call us to help battle climate change

Call us and let us help you choose the best window film in your ongoing battle against climate change. We’ve been there ourselves, so we know what you’re going through. 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.