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!

Window Film Confidential: How to Create Privacy Where There is None

August 11, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Window Film Confidential: How to Create Privacy Where There is None

If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, then you know how expensive it is to live here. Nearly every day, there’s an article about how crowded and pricey housing is here. Even if you do find a place to live, there’s probably no privacy. Roommates or neighbors are too close, and you need a little privacy!

What to Do?

You might like to read our previous article about privacy: Ten Day Challenge: More Privacy in San Francisco, for starters.

Block Sound

To block sound, some people prefer to use sound-blocking curtains in their home. Here’s one that we found: Moon Dream Curtains. These would be great if you have a noisy neighbor, and/or you work nights and need to sleep during the day. Their Frequently Asked Questions have additional ideas for blocking sound that you could try, such as rugs, and double-back tape to prevent the sound from entering your home.

Create Room Dividers

Do you use screens or room dividers to create smaller rooms out of larger ones? You’re not alone. You might want to refer to our article: Is Privacy Actually a Big Concern for You? with more tips on privacy. And right now we’re interested in these room divider kits that seem like a simple way to solve the problem of dividing up space.

Use Window Film

Of course, we recommend window film as the best and easiest way to find privacy. Why? It lasts, it’s installed by professionals, it blocks UV light which has been known to cause skin cancer, and it doesn’t take up any space.

Call Us

Confused about which kind of window film would work best for you and your privacy? Give us a call! We’d love to talk to you. Our number is 415.623.8700. We work all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose, Silicon Valley, to Marin County, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara and of course San Francisco counties.

It looks like a good day to try window film

July 31, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

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

The Climate is Warming

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

The Planet is More Crowded

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

Skin Cancer Is a Real Concern

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

Why Window Works?

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

Our Clients

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

We’d Love to Help You!

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

This is what happens when you try window film for the first time

July 17, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Want to know what happens when you try window film for the first time? Nothing, that’s what! Window film is so good just because you don’t know it’s there. But you may experience a quieter feeling inside your home. Without all the glare you’d usually experience, you won’t be squinting so much. But there’s more. Much, much more.

It’s More About What Isn’t There

The heat will be less, the temperatures will be more even, and the power bills will be smaller. Trust us on this one, it’s so much more about what’s not there, as you might have seen in a previous article of ours, The Invisible Power of Window Film You Need to See. In fact, you’ll probably forget that it’s there! Our minds have a way of forgetting unpleasant things, don’t they?

Your Skin Will Thank You

Well, not literally thank you, but you won’t get all that UV light coming in through the windows the way you used to. And that is very good for your skin, which has a big job to do anyway. With melanoma rates rising each year, anything we can do to protect our skin is a good thing. See why window film has been recommended by the Skin Cancer in our article, How to Use Window Film that Will Help You Prevent Skin Cancer.

Get Rid of Those Bulky Drapes

You never liked those drapes anyway, did you? Ever since you got that kitten who liked to climb up them, they haven’t really looked the same. Or maybe you had those automatic roller shades installed like Emily Henderson did. Read about how much she loved window film, in How Window Film Changed My House (and Life). Not only that, but she has excellent photos of the damage the sun did to her furniture and flooring.

Are You Considering Window Film?

Give us a call so we can answer your questions! We’d love to help you choose some window film if you’re considering it, but are unsure of your next steps. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

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 to Use Window Film that Will Help You Prevent Skin Cancer

April 26, 2018 by Carol S 1 Comment

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Since May is officially Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we thought we’d talk a little about skin cancer and how window film can be used as part of a strategy to prevent skin cancer. If you don’t know about Skin Cancer Awareness Month, take a look at the Skin Cancer Foundation’s article: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

Skin Cancer is the Number One Most Common Cancer

Unfortunately, many people don’t know how many skin cancers can be avoided through prevention. And skin cancer is becoming much more prevalent. Skin cancer is usually easily detectable and can be treated. The Skin Cancer Foundation has a ton of ways to prevent skin cancer on their website, so take a look if you’re unsure. And you might like to check out our article Ten Quick and Easy Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer.

Window Film to Prevent Cancer

Did you know that 3M™ window film is one of the best ways to prevent the sun’s UV rays from reaching your skin? And that 3M™ window film has the seal of recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation? Check out the 3M website (scroll down) to see the Skin Cancer Foundation badge. You can find automotive, commercial, and residential window films. There are a number of surprising ways to use window film, as our recent article, Surprising Uses for Window Film You Need to Know outlines.

New Sun-Protective Clothing to Prevent Cancer

We are really enjoying the new sun-protective clothing that blocks the UV rays that can harm your skin. Coolibar is one of the best ones we’ve found, with hats, beachwear, and other clothing that look good, too. Another of our favorites is Under Armour. There are many others, but these had websites that were the easiest to navigate. We’ve even seen some sun-protective clothing at Costco–so luckily for all of us, sun protection is getting easier, and awareness has been spreading, too.

Umbrellas, Awnings, and Tents

Do a search on Amazon for UV protection and you’ll find all kinds of nifty umbrellas and awnings, as well as tents. If you don’t know where to start, just choose one item and start there. Like organizing an emergency kit for your car, it doesn’t have to be done all at once.

Have Questions About Window Film?

Give us a call! We’d love to answer your window film questions.

Is Privacy Actually a Big Concern for You?

July 22, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

No Privacy in the City

In big cities with crowded spaces, you might be sharing space with your neighbors without wanting to! And although you’d hate to move, you sometimes consider it since that next-door neighbor always seems to be looking into your kitchen. Here are a few tips to increase your privacy.

warmth station photo — Photo by Momentchensammler

Window Film

Of course we love window film because you can preserve your view and your skin, while also gaining privacy! In fact, there are so many reasons to love window film that we could write about it all day. For instance, here’s a post that you might have missed: Why the hell do I need window film in San Francisco. It addresses some of the issues of city dwellers.

Privacy Hedge

If you’re outside on your deck, a privacy hedge might be just the ticket to keeping those prying eyes away from your deck. Here’s How to Plant a Privacy Hedge. You could also use potted plants, positioned appropriately, as a green hedge. Evergreen plants would probably work the best.

Screens

Screens are wonderful because you can move them around. When you don’t want them, fold them up and slide them under the bed or put them in the closet. They’re simple and inexpensive, too. And, when you have guests over, you can create a room of sorts using folding screens.

Happiness

Do you believe that more privacy leads to greater happiness? If you’re an introvert, you probably do! By the way, here’s an article about how window film makes you happier!

Curtains

Curtains can help you avoid prying eyes, especially black-out curtains. And if you sleep during the day, or even nap during the day, curtains can help with privacy as well as noise reduction. Of course, you could use curtains as well as window film to double your privacy!

Fences

Outdoors, fences have a smaller footprint than other types of privacy screens. They can be built quickly and painted to match your decor. Here’s a great article from This Old House: 10 Ways to Add Privacy to Your Yard.

Dual Purpose: Privacy and Heat Reduction

These days, anything that goes into our homes needs to have at least one purpose, and hopefully two. So what about having something that will not only give you privacy, but also will help protect your skin as well as lower your power bill? To us, that’s a win-win-win! (If you guess that win-win-win is window film, then you’re right!)

Got Privacy?

If not, give us a call! We can help!

Why the Hell do I Need Window Film in San Francisco?

June 22, 2017 by Carol S 2 Comments

You’re probably asking yourself all the reasons you need window film in San Francisco. In fact, you’ve probably been kept awake wondering if you need it at all! Short answer: Yes, you do! And here’s why. By the way, the photo above is from a recent high-tech client who wanted to protect their employees from sun glare, as well as reduce air conditioning costs.

Protect Your Eyes from Glare

You and the people you work or live with need to protect their eyes. Glare coming through windows can be even worse than in direct light. Do you know anyone who wears sunglasses indoors? We do! Why not put the equivalent of sun glasses on your windows?

Protect Your Carpets and Furniture

Have you ever peeled back a rug and seen a the darker floor underneath where the sun has bleached the wood? It’s not a pretty sight! Your rugs and expensive furniture will look much better and last longer if you have window film on your windows. Here’s a recent article you might like: Sun Damage: What Things Can Be Harmed in Your Home and How to Stop it.

Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

Yes, window film keeps your costs down and doesn’t require long days of planning to install. You don’t have to remodel to get window film. And it begins to work for you immediately.

Window Film for home in San Francisco Bay Area

Reduce Excess Heat

In the warmer months, you feel more comfortable. We just recently had a heat wave here in San Francisco, so you know what we mean! And the hotter temperatures have become more and more common, unfortunately. Especially in the outlying areas, on the peninsula, in Marin, and past the Caldecott Tunnel (in the East Bay).

Keeps Your Family Safe

Did you know that children are the most prone to skin damage? What’s more important than keeping your kids safe? For more information about keeping kids safe from the sun, check the CDC’s article: How Can I Protect My Children from the Sun?

Stay Cool

If you don’t want to live and work in a furnace-like environment, we heartily recommend window film. As well as for all the reasons above.