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!

How Does Window Film Help You in the Winter?

October 16, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

San Francisco photo — How Does Window Film Help You in the Winter?

How Does Window Film Help You in the Winter?

Maybe you’re one of those people who only think about window film in the summer. After all, window film helps with glare and keeping out UV rays. In our experience, people don’t think about window film in the winter nearly as much. Here are some ways that window film can help you in the winter.

Winterizing with Window Film

Of course, 3M has a window film that can help you with climate control, which includes staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You don’t want heat escaping in the colder months, just as you don’t want cooler air to escape during the warmer months. By adding 3M’s window film, you can have the best of both worlds. If you already have a double-paned window, it’s like having a triple-paned window. You might want to read about Thinsulate in our previous article: How to Punch the Solar Vortex in the Nose with Window Film.

Keeping Temperature Stable

If temperatures were more stable year-round, planning would be so much easier, wouldn’t it? But temperatures are all over the map, with hotter days in the summer and colder days in the winter. In the San Francisco Bay Area, we always have to dress in layers so we’re prepared for anything. Having the right window film provides that extra layer so we’re prepared for unstable temperatures. Check out 3M’s website for all the details.

3M™ Thinsulate™ Climate Control Window Film Keeps You Warm in the Winter…

“30% of all energy used to heat and cool homes in the U.S. escapes through the windows. 3M™ Thinsulate™ Climate Control Window Film is a low emissivity or “low-e” window film which improves the insulation value of a typical single pane window close to that of a double pane window and the insulation value of a typical double pane window close to a triple pane window.” From 3M™’s website. Keeping your home warm helps you save money on heat. Heating prices seem to be increasing each year. You can check out energy costs, via PG&E, and compare the rates.

And Cool in the Summer

Once summer comes around, you’ll be more concerned about staying cool. And guess what? 3M™ Thinsulate™ Climate Control Window Film does that, too! So you’ll save money in the winter as well as the summer. And we think that’s pretty cool! More about staying cool in the summer here: How to Stay Warm in the Winter and Cool in the Summer.

Have Questions?

Still not sure about Thinsulate or any window film? We can help advise you! Give us a call at 415.623.8700 to discuss window film!

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.

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.

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!

Best of the Best: 3M™’s Fantastic New Website is a Great Resource

January 17, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Recently, 3M™ launched a new 3M™ Window Film website. Before you run off to call your local 3M™ window film dealer, check out the site, filled with fantastic resources.

Here is a brief synopsis of our favorite parts of the site.

Commercial Window Film

3M™ was issued the first sun control window film patent in 1966, and their innovative window film products have helped provide protection from the sun’s harmful rays for 50 years. Today, millions of square feet of 3M™ Window Film have been installed all over the world. Upgrade your building with 3M™ Window Film, and you’ll be reaping the rewards for years to come.

Six Top Reasons to Use Window Film for Your Commercial Space?

Here’s a synopsis of some of our favorite 3M™ window film links:

Save Energy Reduce the costs of keeping your building comfortable for yourself and your tenants.
Improve Comfort With more extreme heat in the summer, and cold in the winter, you’ll want to even out the comfort level year-round.
Increase Safety Flying glass is one of the risks you can control. 3M window film helps you reduce the risk during a natural disaster.
Strengthen Security Unfortunately, bomb blasts, break-ins, and vandalism are becoming more common. 3M window film can help.
Enhance Décor/Privacy Achieve privacy while beautifying your office space.
Redirect Light One of the most amazing ways that 3M window film can brighten your office is by redirecting light deeper into your building.

Residential Window Film

If you aren’t convinced yet to use 3M window film for your commerical property or business, there are even more reasons to use window film for your residential needs:

Excessive Heat See some excellent case studies.
Excessive Cold Protect your windows — it’s like going from single-pane to double-pane or from double-pane to triple-pane windows.
Fading Do you know someone whose furniture or flooring is faded from the sun? Avoid that issue with window film.
High Energy Costs We all want the benefit of sun, but without all the side effects. Let in the light, and stabilize your energy costs with window film.
Glare You don’t need to wear sunglasses indoors! Avoid that glare.
Safety and Security When someone’s trying to break into your home, every second counts. Get added security with window film!
Privacy and Decorative Do you like the look of textured glass for privacy?

Still Confused About Which Window Film to Choose?

We’d be happy to walk you through it!

The Genuine Truth about Window Film You Need to Know

September 29, 2016 by Carol S 2 Comments

There might be some things you don’t know about window film, but you probably know more than you think you know. Using window film makes you more likely to focus on health in other areas of your life. Window film has great value and affordability when you look at what it does for your furnishings and how it protects your skin’s health, too.

Without Drapes, Fewer Places for Dust to Collect

If you suffer from allergies, one thing you don’t need more of is drapes! With window film, you can just give it a quick swipe, rather than have to put everything in the washer (while you’re drugged up on anti-allergy meds and sneezing)! Makes for a much better experience during fall as well as spring, when allergies go crazy.

Focus on Health

People who are healthier put their focus on protecting their families and loved ones. Does that sound like you? Then why not make the investment in your health with window film? For instance, you don’t have to wear sunglasses inside, squint because of glare, or worry that your skin is being damaged. Window film protects your skin: it’s like having an extra thick layer of sunscreen on your house.

Protect Your Furnishings

Window film protects your valuable floors, furnishings, and you! And we particularly like 3M’s Thinsulate window film, as shown in the video.

Affordability and Value

Do you have a favorite outfit that you wear over and over? That outfit might have cost you a bit more than most, but if you think about the number of times you wear it, you come to the issue of value. Window film is the same way: you pay for it once, but you get back so much in terms of health, protection, and peace of mind. And that is priceless!

Give Us a Call!

We’d love to talk to you about the myriad ways you can use window film on your home or business. We’d love to help you find the perfect kind of window film. We are located in Santa Clara, but provide service up and down the San Francisco peninsula as well.

Want to Control the Sun? Valuable Tips Actually Make You Healthier

August 27, 2016 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You’ve heard it again and again: stay out of the sun during peak hours (10-4:00 pm), use sunscreen, and wear a big hat! But what else can you do to put your health back in your hands? Read on to see!

sunlight photo

First Tip: Get Window Film!

During the hottest months in particular, Window film is like sunscreen for your house, car, or office. You might not always remember to use sunscreen, and with window film you won’t have to! So for heaven’s sake, use window film. Like brushing your teeth, window film is an investment in your future self’s health. And your future self will thank you!

Window film is good for your car, as well as your home, or business. So if you spend a lot of time in any one of these places, start with window film there.

Second Tip: Monthly Self-Exam

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, doing a monthly self-exam helps to catch early stages of skin cancer. Examine your nose, ears, and places that get lots of sun in particular. Check behind your knees, your back, and your face. If you can’t see all those places yourself with mirrors, have an “exam buddy” help you out!

Step-by-Step Skin Cancer Exam from the Skin Cancer Foundation

You could also have your general practitioner give you a look over. A dermatologist will probably give you the most thorough exam. If you have skin cancer in your family, you might want to do a self-exam and have a doctor examine you as well!

Third Tip: Protect Your Left Side

Anyone who drives is more prone to getting sun exposure from the left side (unless you drive on the other side of the road!). Keep a hat, wraparound sunglasses and sunscreen in your car, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. You’ve heard of tennis elbow, but what about driver’s face? Remember the truck driver with damage to one side of his face? That’s what the sun’s UVA rays can do coming through your car’s windows. Those bad rays can also penetrate clouds, in case you were thinking of rolling down your windows on a cloudy day!

In the summertime, you might be more likely to roll down your windows or ride on a motorcycle, or have the top down on a convertible. In that case, all of your sides need to be protected–not just your left side.

golf photo — Photo by Krzysztof Urbanowicz

Fourth Tip: Take Extra Precautions if You Play Golf

That’s right: golfers have more exposure to the sun than athletes who play other sports. But you can choose earlier or later tee times, and of course wear a hat, sunglasses, and a thick layer of sunscreen. If your skin is lighter, be extra careful, although anyone can suffer from skin damage. There are now specialty sun screens just for golfers, hats with extra air flow, and fabrics that have SPF protection built in. See the video on the PGA Show’s link for specifics.

Fifth Tip: Ask An Expert

Who would know how to stay cool better than Bigfoot? After all, he’s covered with fur, which he doesn’t shave even when it’s scalding hot. And if you try to mention global warming, he’s likely to throw a half-empty beer can at you!! Oh, you could also ask someone at 3M, since it’s the 50th Anniversary of Window Film.

Sixth Tip: Call Us for the Best Window Film!

We’re in the San Francisco South Bay, but travel throughout the Bay Area, up and down the peninsula, Campbell, Saratoga, Palo Alto, and San Mateo. As well as Sunnyvale, Brisbane, and the places in between!

How to Choose a Window Film Installer: 5 Best Ways

July 14, 2016 by Carol S 1 Comment

You’ve begun experiencing global warming and much hotter summers, and you’re thinking “now is the time!” What time is that? Why, time to get some window film, of course! How do you cut through all the baloney out there, and find someone trustworthy? Here are some ideas.

Check Them out on Social Media

Are they posting anywhere, and if they are, are they staying on message? Do you like what you’re seeing? Do they seem reliable? Are their posts filled with spelling errors, or do they seem to know how to write and share good content? Also, do they seem honest and reliable? By the way, here are some brands doing an amazing job on social media.

Stalk Their Blog

You’re doing that right now, aren’t you? See what the company you’re considering is writing about on their blog Do you agree with the posts you’re reading? Skim through a few to get a sense of what the company does. For window film companies, they may be discussing their own jobs, what you can do with window film in commercial situations, or the benefits of window film.

ferrari dealer photo — Photo by Michel Curi

Ask Whether They Service Your Area

Some installers are willing to travel a bit outside their regular area. If you like someone, give them a call and ask. They might even know someone in your area, since the window film arena is a fairly small world. We work in the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose and Santa Clara, up to San Francisco. We’ve done both small and large jobs all up and down the peninsula.

talk shop photo — Photo by humanstatuebodyart

Check the Numbers

You can do your own research into the type of window film you might like. We highly recommend 3M window films, and you can get numbers on automotive, residential, or commercial window films on the site. Our blog has lots of ideas for new films you might not have considered. For instance, we have stripes, dots, and patterns.

Ask for References

There may be references on the company website already. For instance, we installed window film for the Exploratorium in San Francisco. If you’re familiar with the Exploratorium, they’re a fantastic place on San Francisco’s Embarcadero. When they moved, they needed window film in their new location.

professional conference photo — Photo by tec_estromberg

Make Sure They Carry Reputable Brands

In window film, 3M is one of the top brands, if not THE top brand. Does the company you’re looking at carry a reliable brand? Not all window film is created equally–some will turn purple and bubble very quickly. Ask what brand or brands your prospective window film installer uses.

patagonia store photo — Photo by Andrew-Hyde

Got Questions?

We’d be happy to talk to you! If you’re considering window film, give us a call!