Seven Ways You Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer

May 17, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

This month, May, is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. We’ve all heard the old saw that an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure, but how many of us actually do something even when we know it’s true? With skin cancer, your prevention efforts pay massive dividends. Here are just a few things that you can do to prevent skin cancer!

Wear Sun Screen

Yes, we all need some vitamin D. You can still get a little sun, just not when the sun is likely to burn you. And you can get vitamin D from your diet as well as in pill form. Even if it’s cloudy, ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin. Here’s a comprehensive list of types of sunscreen, strength, and other things to do to protect your skin. But how, you might ask? Keep sunscreen in your car, in your purse or man bag, at home, etc. The hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. are especially dangerous.

Use Protective Clothing

Did you know there is a lot of clothing that can protect you? Yes, you can even find clothing to protect you against UV at Costco! You never need to reapply it, unlike sunscreen, and it comes in many styles and colors. The Skin Cancer Foundation has details on sun-safe clothing that you might want to try. They recommend long sleeves 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.”

Sun Glasses

Wear big sunglasses that’s rated so that it offers protection against UV. According to Mayo Clinic, sun glasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays are optimal. Also “opt for wraparound sunglasses or closefitting sunglasses with wide lenses that protect your eyes from every angle.” Think Jackie-O! And also: read the label to ensure that your glasses really block both UVA and UVB.

Hats

Wear hats with a wide brim so you can keep the sun off your face. As a rule of thumb, a hat with a 3” brim is optimal. Although wider is even better! Although baseball caps are cool looking, they leave your ears and neck exposed.

Use Window Film

Of course, this is our favorite one! UV rays can come right through windows, but most people don’t wear sunglasses indoors! With window film, you don’t even have to think about dangerous UV light. Here are some recent articles about window film and how it protects you:

Expose Yourself Earlier and Later

And by that we mean if you must go in the sun head out before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. The hours between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. are when the sun is at its strongest and most dangerous.

Avoid Tanning Beds

Yes, people still use those awful tanning beds. There are still plenty of salons that offer tanning. And tanning doesn’t protect you from the sun—quite the opposite, as tanning is your body’s response to injury from the sun.

Want Window Film?

Call our office in San Francisco, California! We’d love to hear about your upcoming project: 415.650.5200. We work all over the Bay Area, including the peninsula, San Francisco, and Marin (as well as other parts of the state and country!) We can help.

All About Minimalism and Clear Window Film Technology

April 30, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

A common misconception, even in a sophisticated city like San Francisco, is that window film must be darker to do its job. But lighter or paler window films still provide protection. Light window films do the same job as darker ones. For example, you don’t want dark or mirror film in a beach home or home with view of the mountains. If you want an obscure glass, and you don’t want to go dense, go with 3M Matte Crystal or Sabrina, a 3M Fasara glass finish. Bring in the light and have minimal appearance. You won’t even know that it’s there. Check out the gradations in the different 3M window films above (we’re particularly fond of Sabrina).

Discounts for Small Business and Homeowners for 2021

Since Window Works has now been in business for ten years, we’re offering discounts every month this year. For May, our discount to small businesses and homeowners is 10% off all clear window films. In case you missed it, read about our ten-year anniversary discounts. If you want more information about which window films qualify as light window films, give us a call! Here’s our number for your convenience: 415.650.5200. We especially welcome homeowners who may have felt too intimidated to call. We really are very friendly!

Indoor Sun Protection

Did you know that you need protection from the sun inside your home? If you didn’t know this, you’re not alone. Here’s a great video that you might enjoy, from the International Window Film Association:

As you can see, you do need protection from UVA/UVB inside your home. Also, did we mention that the darkness of the window film doesn’t really matter: light window film will protect you as much as the darker stuff does. People have the misconception that window film has to be dark, but don’t fall for this piece of fake news!

Prestige 60 and 70 Window Film

You can have a minimalist look with window film. What we’re saying is this is the opposite of blackout window film. And for the super nerds among you, here are some data sheets so you can see the numbers behind the technology. If you’d like to know more about Prestige window film, you might like this article: Get ready for summer with Prestige window film.

Lombard Street, one of our favorite views in San Francisco

You Moved to San Francisco for the Views!

Amiright? If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, one big reason you’re here is the views! Whether you see cable cars, the bay, or the Golden Gate Bridge, that’s a view you don’t want to block! So think about having a light window film, not only because it’s less cluttered, but also so you can have an unhampered view of our beautiful city. If you have an ugly view, window film can help with that, too, but that’s a topic for another day.

Window Film Will Make You Worry Less About This

June 17, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Do you ever worry about the damage that UV rays can do to your skin…while you’re inside? Lots of people do! UV rays can travel right through glass, so it can damage your eyes, and age your skin. Bottom Line: if you have window film, you don’t have to worry about that anymore.

Why Not Wear Sunglasses?

You could wear sunglasses indoors, but wouldn’t that be a little bit…silly? We have seen people wearing sunglasses indoors, but it’s so much better if your building wears the sunglasses (also known as window film). And, while sunglasses can protect your eyes, they can’t protect the rest of your body. Besides, if you have visitors, they may not have sunglasses handy! And it’s more welcoming to have window film than to hand out sunglasses. Unless of course those you have a dachsund. In that case, all bets are off.

What about Curtains?

Sure, you could have curtains, but you might like having a view. And with window film, you can block the UV rays and have a view at the same time. And curtains don’t look as modern as window film does. Window film blocks the heat, too. Which leads to your next question, probably: Can you save energy using window film? Yes, you can! Take a look at one of our recent articles: How to Use Window Film for Energy Efficiency. You know that the planet is warming and window film is one of your best defenses against that warming.

Window Film is Less Cluttered

Have you ever had long curtains that got tangled or just added to the visual clutter of a home? If you have young cats, curtains might be one of their favorite places to climb. The curtains can end up shredded and ugly. That’s what we’re talking about. With window film, there’s nothing to get tangled, they don’t collect dust, and there’s less to clean, too. Window film can actually be a good decorative element–not all window film is invisible. See our article about decorating with window film. There are dots, stripes, and many different patterns available. You can also mix and match your favorites if you can’t decide!

Some Sunlight is Good

Of course, some sunlight is good because sunlight helps you produce Vitamin D, which has been shown to be protective against Covid-19. But isn’t it better to be able to control the amount of sunlight you receive? For most people, a few minutes in the sun is enough. And in some areas, even a few minutes of sunlight can cause severe burns (helloooo Phoenix!). For more information, see this article about Vitamin D and your health from Harvard Medical School.

And Less Worry is a Good Thing

Don’t we all have enough to worry about right now? If you could take one thing off your worry plate, why not? Give us a call if you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and need window film. We’re here to help protect you from UV rays!

Why Not Use All the Space in Your Home?

December 19, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Why Not Use All the Space in Your Home?

Having natural light pouring in through your huge glass windows can be a beautiful thing if there’s no glare, but what about when there is? Do you have to pack up yourself, plus your dog and cat, too, every time the sun hits your windows at the wrong angle? We know a number of people who used to have to do that exact thing! And it’s really not very fun. But 3M’s Prestige Window Film can block 97% of infrared light for your comfort. Which is really much easier than having a pair of sunglasses near every single window.

Glare on Your Computer Screen

Are you hiding in your loft because the glare through the windows downstairs is simply too harsh? Or maybe you have strategically placed towels hanging over the windows at certain times of the day. That can happen anywhere from homes to businesses. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, space is really at a premium. It’s a shame to not be able to use every inch of your space, as we talked about in our previous article: How to Dramatically Cut Back Sun Glare: 10 Ways.

Glare When You’re Trying to Eat

If you’re squinting as you try to see your friend eat, it doesn’t make for good conversation. Without eliminating the glare, you’ll probably be too distracted to have a very good talk. Maybe you have to keep scootching your chairs around every few minutes so you can see each other–as well as your food. That’s also seriously annoying! If your eyes are already strained, you don’t need to be squinting when you should be relaxing.

Glare in Your Eyes

Maybe you’ve given up on trying to use any of the space near your windows at all. That would be a shame since you may have a beautiful view! Glare can cause headaches, sore muscles, and annoyance. And that indoor UV light can damage your furnishings as well as your skin. We’re getting a headache just thinking about the glare! Not to mention all the ways UV light can damage your skin when it enters through your windows.

Ready to Use All Your Space?

We’d love to help! Give us a call and we can help you find a perfect solution to your glare issues. One that doesn’t include squinting.

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!

Spectacular Window Film that Will Save You Money

October 31, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Spectacular Window Film that Will Save You Money

You’re probably wondering how window film can help you save money. Aren’t you? You will see some cost savings immediately. However, the more important, critical benefits will help you in the long term. Seriously–how do you put a price tag on your health?

Lower Power Bills

With window film, you can save money during both the hot months, with less air conditioning costs, and during the cold months, where your heating bill will go down. Using 3M’s Thinsulate evens out the temperatures year round, saving you money no matter what time of year it is. We’ve written about Thinsulate before, and you might like to read our most recent post: How Does Window Film Help You in the Winter?

Spend Less on Your Health in the Long Run

The science is clear: UV rays cause skin cancer. Most people feel safe indoors, without realizing that UV rays can pass straight through glass, damaging your skin, your eyes, and more. Your family deserves to feel and be safe in your home. So why not invest in your long-term health the way you invest in health insurance? To read more about UV rays and cancer, read more about window film and skin cancer at The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Saves Your Floor, Rugs, and Furniture

Do you love your floor, rugs, and furniture? How about your other belongings? UV light not only damages your family’s skin, but it damages much of your furnishings. Window film can prevent damage to your valuable decor. You’ve probably seen damaged rugs and flooring, but with window film, you can hold onto your cherished possessions longer. Losing the lovely pieces you’ve spent days curating saves you not only money but headaches. Save Money and Beautify Your Home at the same time.

Preserves Your Photographs

Certain of your valuables may be irreplaceable, such as your family photographs. That’s why museums use window film to protect heirloom photographs. You may not be able to put a price tag on your own family heirlooms. Why not protect them with window film so that your family can enjoy them for years to come? Check out Houzz’s excellent article “A Surefire Way to Prevent Sun Damage Indoors.”

Have Questions?

We have answers! Give us a call! We’d be glad to help. Call us at 415.623.8700 to discuss window film!

How to Have a Zen Experience with Window Film

August 31, 2018 by Carol S 4 Comments

Something we haven’t heard anyone talk about is how window film makes everything more…zen. Maybe it’s the lack of sensory stimulation once glare is removed. Window film makes everything quieter, which if you’re sensitive to overstimulation is a very good thing. By the way, you might enjoy our post about window film and what happens when you try it for the first time!

Block a Bad View

Having an ugly view can really mess up your day, and take away from that zen experience you’re seeking. If the first thing you see is your neighbor’s garbage can, you’ll want to pull the covers back over your head and go back to sleep. Have you read our post: Window Film Confidential: How to Create Privacy Where There is None?

Block UV Light

By now, you’ve probably heard about how much damage UV light can do to you, your family, and your furniture and belongings. You don’t have to be a museum curator to benefit from having window film to protect your belongings. If you haven’t heard about how UV light can damage your furniture, you might want to read SF Gate’s article: How to Avoid UV Light Damage to Furniture.

Protect Your Skin and Eyes

UV light damages your skin and makes you age prematurely, not to mention that UV light has been shown to cause skin cancer. And too much of it also damages your eyes. This is one reason that the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the use of window film.

Use Your Entire Home

Have you been avoiding some part of your home because of glare or because your neighbors can see in? Here in the San Francisco Bay area, space is limited. That’s why you need to use every square inch of your space that you can. With window film, you don’t need to avoid the windows because you’re afraid the locals can see in. And that’s a very good thing.

Give Us a Call!

We’d love to provide window film for your home or office! Give us a call at 415.623.8700 when you’re ready to discuss window film. We’d love to talk to you and give you the zen experience!

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: Patterns

December 21, 2017 by Carol S 2 Comments

This is the third in the series on 3M™ Fasara™ Decorative window film. See our other two posts here:

Many Patterns Available

The patterned 3M Fasara Decorative window film might be the most fun of all. There are so many different choices. For instance, the rice paper finish filters light and gives you privacy while adding a design element which can be mirrored in other parts of your design. Sometimes people like to block an ugly view and create a beautiful one instead. With space so limited in the San Francisco Bay Area, patterned Fasara window film is a great way to go.

3M’s website has a number of Asian-inspired Fasara window films. These are perfect for conference rooms, lobbies, your brick-and-mortar store, as partitions, or to create privacy in your home or office.

Aesthetics and Design

It’s no secret that people are more apt to spend time in a room or building that they enjoy. A beautiful setting means that people will spend more time and feel more positive there, as this article: Window film improves office aesthetics outlines. If your employees or you feel better in a room, why wouldn’t you want to create a more beautiful environment using window film? Decorative window film combines high-end style with function.

Flexibility

With 3M Fasara decorative window films, you can tailor the amount of light your room or building gets. You can alternate films on windows, using different patterns on every other window, or you can use a striped pattern along with an Asian-inspired film.

Champagne Taste, Beer Budget

Window film increases the overall beauty of your windows without using up your entire budget. You can use film on a row of exterior-facing windows, or do a combination of interior windows so the overall look is seamless. Mirror the pattern of your windows in other design elements, such as a live bamboo plant along with a bamboo window film.

Give Us a Call!

Maybe you don’t know exactly what you want yet. We can guide you!

We work all over the San Francisco Bay Area, and would love to talk to 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!