San Francisco Bay Area

The Invisible Power of Window Film You Need to See

June 21, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

The really great thing about good window film is that it’s invisible. When it’s doing its job, you can’t even see it! Of course, that makes it a little difficult to talk about, right? It’s like trying to take a picture of the Invisible Man. He’s there, but how do you explain him to other people? Maybe we could begin by talking about some of the benefits of window film.

Protects You from UV Rays

We’ve all heard that ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin and cause premature aging. Because UV rays are sneaky, they can find you when you least expect it. At the beach, in your office, and in your car, among other places. And it comes right through windows unless you have window film to block it!

commercial look photo — Photo by @AnnerleyJohnsonPhotos

Saves You Money on Your Utility Bills

When the sun’s rays don’t enter your home or business, you save money on your power bills. Things don’t heat up or cool down the way they do when you don’t have window film. Here’s a recent article we wrote about how you can save money on your power bills: Window Film: A Quick and Easy Way to Save Money?

uv skies photo — Photo by Robert.Pittman

Prevents Skin Cancer

Preventing skin cancer is a big one for us. The Skin Cancer organization has a whole section on skin cancer, UV protection, and window film on their website. Of course, using common sense when in the sun goes a long way towards preventing skin cancer, too. Staying out of the sun during the hottest times of the day, sporting a wide-brimmed hat, and wearing long sleeves can all help skin damage.

Keeps Employees (and You!) Happy

If you have employees, you want to keep them happy, don’t you? Don’t make the people who work with you wear sunglasses indoors because of a terrible problem with glare! We’ve seen many places where the employees have to wear sunglasses indoors–don’t let your workplace be one of them.

Ready for Window Film?

Give us a call! We’d love to talk to you about window film. We work all over the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Mateo County, Alameda County, and Santa Clara County.

How to Make Glass Windows More Private

May 31, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You may be wondering what the best ways are to create more privacy at your home or office. Not to worry! We have some ideas that will make your task much easier!

Window Film Creates Privacy

For the most uncluttered look, try window film. You might have wondered about what kind of window film you should get. But you can always give us a call and we can help advise you. And you might like this recent post about How to Use Window Film to Get Privacy in Your Tiny House. After all, to afford to live in the San Francisco Bay Area, many people live with roommates or in a tiny house.

Curtains or Half Curtains

Sometimes all you need is a cafe curtain, which is a half curtain. Or you may need a full floor-to-ceiling type of curtain. Either way, curtains can help you have more privacy. The upside with curtains is that they’re easy to install and usually inexpensive. The downside is that for those with allergies they collect dust and need to be cleaned. Also, curtains take up valuable space whereas window film takes up no space at all. You might like 10 Important Things to Consider When You’re Buying Curtains from Elle Decor.

gorgeous home photo — Photo by Serena Snowfield – On Hiatus Until June

Photo by Serena Snowfield – On Hiatus Until June

Shutters for Privacy

Shutters are handy because you can open and close one, two, or more shutters at a time. And they have a classic look which is wonderful in a living room or library, too. And in case you think adding shutters is something you can do casually, here’s an article that talks about how installing shutters the wrong way can ruin the look of your home: All About Exterior Window Shutters.

Screens Provide Instant Privacy

Screens are great because you can move them around. They’re a way to create instant privacy and can be pulled out at a moment’s notice such as when you have a guest over and need to create a private space for them. They can block the afternoon sun in front of a window, or provide relief from people looking in as well.

Call Us to Schedule an Appointment!

We install window film all over the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have questions about window film, please call!

How to Use Window Film That Will Help You Have Privacy in Your Tiny House

May 3, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Here in San Francisco, real estate prices have gone through the roof. You’ve probably seen some of the reports showing how expensive San Francisco is. For instance, Bloomberg had an article about how Buying a Home in San Francisco is About to Get Even Harder. But people still want to live here, although some of them have to move into tiny houses to afford the San Francisco Bay Area lifestyle!

Tiny Houses and Window Film

We’ll get right to the heart of the matter. If you live in a tiny house, window film can help you with privacy. Immediately. No waiting seven years. Have it installed and get more privacy immediately. Plus, it looks great! Here’s an article about how window tint was used in a tiny home, so you can see some of the possibilities.

More Privacy

You can put window film on your exterior windows, but also on your interior windows if you have them. If you have a shower, but don’t want a curtain, you can use window film to create privacy in your shower or bath. Window film looks sleek and uncluttered, too. We wrote about privacy recently in our post: Ten Day Challenge: More Privacy in San Francisco.

Spend Your Dollars Wisely

You’ve spent less money by buying a tiny house rather than a giant McMansion, so with that what you’ve saved, you could invest in window film. You might also want to invest in insulation, too. And by the way, did you know that we install 3M Thinsulate, which insulates your windows? See more information in our previous post, How to Stay Cool in the Heat? You’ll Love 3M Thinsulate Window Film.

Save Money, Too!

Window film can help you save money on your power bill, since it keeps the interior of your home well-regulated. So temperatures don’t get as hot or as cold. It keeps the nosy neighbors from peeking in, which could save your sanity.

phone call photo — Photo by Andrew Stawarz

Call Us

If you need a recommendation on what kind of window film to get, give us a call. We’d love to talk to you!

How Window Film Can Actually Help Simplify Your Life

April 11, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You might not have considered how window film can simplify your life, but it seriously can! Here are a few of the ways.

Eliminate Drapes

If you’re tired of cleaning your drapes, have no fear! Once you have window film, you may want to get rid of the drapes or other window coverings. Also, if you’ve been laundering your drapes, that’s another thing you can take off your to-do list. And when the drapes are gone, away goes the dust that collects on the drapes, too! For people with allergies, that can be a game-changer!

A Sleek Look

Do you have clutter all over your home? Window film looks clean, sleek, and modern. You can avoid a cluttered look with one simple decision: installing window film. For other ideas on avoiding clutter, see the excellent Wikipedia How to Remove Clutter From Your Home.

Sunscreen for Your Home

You can feel safer in your own home because window film protects your family’s skin and eyes. Some types of window film help hold your windows together, too, which is helpful during storms or in case of break-ins. We help both residential and commercial property owners with window film. For more information on how window film protects your health, see Why Window Film Makes You Healthier and Why You Need to Know.

More Privacy

Perhaps you’ve thought about installing awnings or privacy walls to protect your family or employees from prying eyes. With window film, you can get more privacy without any of that silliness. You might like our recent article Ten Day Challenge: More Privacy in San Francisco.

Keep Employees Happy

If you’re an employer, you can keep your employees happier, which in turn makes your life simpler. When window film does its job, your employees won’t even notice. The temperature is more regulated, and they can even stop wearing sunglasses indoors. The 3M Window Film website has all kinds of ideas on window film (scroll down to the simulator!).

We Work All Over the San Francisco Bay Area!

We started in the South Bay, in Silicon Valley, but we’ve expanded to San Francisco. And we travel to the East Bay, to Marin, and to the Peninsula as well. So call us and we’ll see what we can do for you!

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!

How to Help Fed Up Employees Stay Cool in the Summer

July 7, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We know what you’re thinking: what do you mean fed up employees? How are they so fed up? If you’ve ever seen people wearing sunglasses indoors, then you know how hot an office can get in the summer. And with many employees working longer hours, offices can get awfully hot and stuffy!

Recent Window Film Installation at Some South Bay Fruit Company

Here are some pictures from a recent job in the San Francisco South Bay. We can’t reveal the name of this fruit company, but we will say that their fruit is highly regarded.

South Bay Fruit Company Window Film Installation

With that said, here are some hints to keep employees (and you!) happy in the summer time heat.

Ice, Ice, Ice

Keep plenty of cold beverages on hand, and an ice machine or three around so everyone can have a cold beverage.

Go Old School

If you don’t have an air conditioner–and we hope that you do–you can use strategically placed fans. This surprisingly simple solution can really help to keep you cool. For more tips, here’s a good Wiki: 3 Ways to Cool Yourself Without Air Conditioning.

Microclimates in the Bay Area

If you’ve lived here in the San Francisco Bay Area for awhile, you know how much temperatures can vary from one neighborhood to the next. Downtown and South of Market could be 15 degrees hotter than out by the beach.

The East Bay, Marin, and Peninsula

If you go the East Bay or to Marin County, the temperatures can be much hotter than downtown. San Francisco is generally cooler in the summer.

San Francisco MicroClimates

While tooling around the interwebs, we found this neat app for discovering microclimate temperatures within San Francisco: Mr. Chilly.

Back to Keeping Employees Cool

In buildings, there are also microclimates. One side of the building can be quite cool, while the people on the other side of the building can be complaining about the heat. And in case you think you don’t need window film in San Francisco, you might want to read our recent post: Why the Hell Do I Need Window Film in San Francisco?

Fans, Hydration, and Window Film

Our last suggestion to you is window film. Window film helps even out the temperatures and keep everyone happy. Window film also protects your employees’ health. In fact, window film is one of the ten best ways to protect against skin cancer.

Got Microclimates?

We’d love to talk to you about your building’s microclimates! Give us a call!

Ten Quick and Easy Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

April 6, 2017 by Carol S 1 Comment

Spring has sprung and with it, thoughts of being outdoors. But before you head to the beach, won’t you protect yourself against skin cancer? What if we promise that there are some easy ways to give your skin a break? After all, about 20% of Americans will develop some form of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology says skin cancer is the most common type of cancer.

Clothing Is Your First Line of Defense

Big hats and long sleeves can be chic! Don’t roast in the sun like a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. The Skin Cancer Foundation has some detailed tips on sun-safe clothing that you might want to try. They recommend long sleeved shirts with a tight weave, for instance. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation “Look for garments with a UPF of at least 30 so that you know you’re getting effective sun protection.”

Protect Your Eyes

You might want your eyes to be fashionable, but your eyes also need protection. Big glasses, like the ones Jackie O used to wear, will give you lots of protection. Make sure your shades block both UVA and UVB light. The Skin Cancer Foundation has a nifty article on how to select the perfect sunglasses, by the way.

Hint: Your sunglasses should block 99-100 percent of the sun’s UV rays. Check the tag on the packaging to ensure this, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Giant Hat

Think Beach Blanket Babylon. Not really, but a big hat that covers your face, with at least a 3″ brim, will help a lot to prevent cancer. And also, big hats are cool! Baseball caps aren’t the best choice, since they leave your ears and neck exposed. You want a real hat, not something that’s necessarily the most chic.

tanning photo — Photo by earthlydelights

Sunscreen

You already knew this one, right? And the SPF should be at least 30, which filters out about 97% of the harmful rays, if used correctly. The American Cancer Society has a terrific article on how to choose the right sunscreen. In it, they suggest a broad spectrum sunshade. That is, a sunshade that protects against both UVA and UVB.

Timing

Staying out of the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when sun is the strongest, is one of the simplest way to avoid overexposure. Here are some more ways to avoid exposure, according to the American Skin Organization. One simple way to know when sun is the strongest, they say, is the saying Short Shadow, Seek Shade.

Avoid Indoor Tanning

Despite what we know about the dangers of tanning, many people still use tanning beds. They also use tanning lamps to get what they consider a “healthy glow.” But that healthy glow is anything but. Indoor tanning is especially popular among teens and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “A tan is the body’s response to injury from UV rays, showing that damage has been done. It does little to protect you from future UV exposure.”

Be a Shade-Seeking Beast

If you must be in the sun between 10 and 4, then be under a big umbrella, wearing a big hat, with giant sunglasses and sunscreen. If you must be out with your friends who love the sun, practice shaking your head at them when they suggest you wear skimpy clothes and frolic in the noonday sun. “Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen Go Out in the Noon Day Sun” you can say to them. They’ll wonder what you’re talking about, but they’ll sneak off to look it up on Google.

Shade Cloth and Awnings

Shade sail canopies and awnings are wonderful ways to prevent sunburns and overexposure. If you do a search on Google or Pinterest, you’ll find some very pretty options to prevent overexposure for you and your bbq guests if you live in a sunny area, such as California. Even in the San Francisco Bay Area, where we’re famous for foggy days, UV rays are a problem–UV rays penetrate clouds and fog. Look for shade cloth that protects from harmful UV rays.

Use Extra Caution Near Water, Sand, or Snow

Water, sand, and snow can intensify the negative effects of the sun, and result in sunburn. We all know someone who’s come back from skiing with the raccoon eyes they got because they skipped the sunscreen. Don’t be that raccoon!

Our Favorite – Window Film

In case you didn’t know, window film is like putting sunscreen on your windows! Your furnishings will absolutely thank you for the assistance. Without window film, your couch, your rug, and your skin can be damaged by the sun coming through your windows. Here are some articles for more information:

Have An Unusual Way to Avoid Skin Cancer?

We’d really like to know! So leave a comment, please.

Need Commercial Window Film? How to Choose the Best Company!

March 9, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Need Commercial Window Film? How to Choose the Best Company!

Drive around the Bay Area, especial in San Francisco, and you’ll see construction sites galore. With all the construction going on, we field a lot of calls about window film. How could you possibly choose the best company to help you install window film? Like that automobile insurance company that helps you choose the best insurance, we’re here to give you a hand!

Here are some things to consider if you are trying to choose an installer.

Go with Your Gut

All things being equal, and they’re usually not, go with your instincts. Do you get a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach when you think about the company you’re considering? Does your head start to throb at the prospect of doing business with them? Then they’re not a good choice! Now, we realize that “gut instinct” isn’t what most people believe they’re using, but most people do make their decisions based on emotion.

If you don’t believe us, read this article: The Myth of Rational Decision-Making, by Fast Company’s Vivian Giang. In it, Giang outlines how the stock market fluctuates based on weather. Yes, a sunny or cloudy day determines your portfolio.

Go with Experience

There are a lot of people who say they’re installers. Do they have experience, or did they start last week? Ask to see the installer’s portfolio, some examples of recent work, and ask how busy they are. Do you really want to leave the fate of your commercial building’s window film to someone who’s an amateur?

Check out Their Social Media

Does the installer you’re considering have any presence on social media? What are they posting or tweeting about? Not to brag, but we’ve been tweeting and posting since 2011! You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

See Whether They Have Multiple Locations

A sure sign of success is if a window film business has more than one location, or can service larger jobs. Sometimes a tiny shop isn’t the best, especially for a commercial application.

See Whether They're Affiliated with a Major Window Film Brand

See Whether They’re Affiliated with a Major Window Film Brand

Someone with a strong affiliation with a brand such as 3M signals that the business does high caliber work. We work with 3M window film, by the way. Trust in a brand that has been around for over 50 years!

Look at Their Website

Yes, take a look at other jobs they’ve done and what they’re saying on their blog as well! You may find case studies or examples of other jobs they’ve done to help you decide. Sometimes a picture is really worth a thousand words. Also, the articles on their website may give you ideas you hadn’t thought of, for instance. We have new-school technology, but old-world customer service!

Call Us!

If you want to know what kind of window film would be best for your windows, give us a call. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley (including Santa Clara and San Jose), and points beyond!

Window Film: Spotlight on the Invisible Hero of the Home Remodeling Business!

February 23, 2017 by Carol S 2 Comments

Heroic Proportions

Like Clark Kent, window film does a lot behind the scenes but is mild-mannered and dislikes bragging. Make no mistake, though, window film is a player of heroic proportions in the business! Here are just a few of the reasons that window film is a super hero!

Invisibility

People often forget that their window film is there. Because it’s invisible, it’s like a cloak that you put on once and forget. You don’t have to put on sunscreen to protect yourself from the harmful UV light coming through your windows. Nor do you need to carry a parasol around every time you pass by a big window!

Protects Your Belongings

Your belongings are safe with window film–no fading or bleaching from the sun. Your carpets keep their original colors. And your couch retains its original brightness. You won’t pull back your beautiful oriental rug to see a faded wood floor, either! Your belongings retain their bright colors.

Safeguards Your Health

We are firm believers that without your health, you have nothing. 3M window film is the only film recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Protect your skin and the health of your family and friends with window film. Can any super hero protect you with the same vigilance?

Keeps out the Heat and the Cold!

Do you want to be able to punch the polar vortex in the nose? Of course you do! Just as soon as you figure out if the polar vortex has a nose, that is! Not everyone realizes that window film can even out the temperature in your home, office, or commercial building.

The Coolness Factor

Everyone knows that invisibility is the best super power there is! Was there ever any doubt? Think about the Cheshire Cat and Bilbo Baggins. Then consider the Invisible Woman and the more modern Iron Man. All of these characters and superheroes have invisibility as their super power. For a complete list, see Invisibility – Superpowers.

Now, if you needed a superpower for inside your house, what would it be? Why, invisibility of course!

lake tahoe beautiful photo — Photo by MrMitch

Safety and Security

If you work in a restaurant, you might want window film to protect your windows against break-ins. Window film holds the glass together, making a break-in less likely. And if your area is prone to storms, window film gives you peace of mind, since even if a window breaks, the pieces are held together and won’t hurt your customers!

Cut Down on Glare

Glare can be annoying, and with just a thin layer of window film, that glare can be greatly reduced. Again, it’s invisible, so your guests or customers won’t know it’s there. And the glare simply goes away! In our area, the San Francisco Bay Area, we get glare from the sun and sometimes from light reflecting off the bay.

Are You One of the Cool Kids?

If you’d like to be one of the cool kids, give us a cool! We’ll let you into the Cool Kid Window Film Club!

Solar Heat Gain: Why Should it Matter to You?

February 9, 2017 by Carol S 2 Comments

living room photo

According to wikipedia, Solar gain (also known as solar heat gain or passive solar gain) refers to the increase in temperature in a space, object or structure that results from solar radiation. Designers, architects, and building managers need to know about solar heat gain during the hottest times of the year. But did you know that during the cold times of the year heat gain is an issue as well?

Glass Amplifies Heat Gain

Some materials, such as glass, can amplify the effects of the sun, causing a space to heat up. We’ve all been in a too-warm space during the winter, feeling like hot house flowers well, in a hot house. With no water. The glass can cause the air inside your home to heat up, making you feel like you’re under a magnifying glass.

greenhouse photo — Photo by Drew’s Photo Shoots

Lack of Air Circulation

A fan can help to redistribute the hot air and replace some of it with cold air, but wouldn’t it be better to stop that air from heating up at the source? That is, by keeping the heat outside and a more moderate temperature inside your home.

Can Window Film Help?

Window film can block the UV radiation, and the heat, from entering your home or business. You might have seen our post about window film around the San Francisco Bay Area. Seeing a few real-world examples often helps people to decide that they, too, would like to be able to use all of their home, and not just the coolest parts!

Above is a snazzy video showing how window film works, in just a couple of minutes. The technology has been around for many years–in fact, 3M window film just celebrated their 50th anniversary!

mansion inside photo — Photo by PhotoAtelier

Enjoy Your Home

Don’t wait until you are about to sell your house to make it more comfortable for yourself. Life is short, and you never know whether window film would be the tipping point to make you want to stay! Having window film might make your home so comfortable that you might decide not to sell it. Many of our clients have told us as much. And if you’re thinking about installing window film yourself, read about why that might not be such a good idea.

Is Window Film Right for You?

We’d love to talk to you about window film! Give us a call to brainstorm, or just to have us answer a question. We’re friendly!