South Bay

The Best Window Film Installations You Might Want to See

October 14, 2017 by Carol S 1 Comment

We see a lot of window film installations since we’re in the window film business. Some of those installations are inspiring. And others? Not so much. So for this post, here are some of our own installations that we hope you’ll like! Because everyone on the staff loves these!

Window Film Installation in Marin County

Above is an example of an artistic and unusual use of window film–on an outdoor divider in a residence in Marin County, California. You can see Mt. Tamalpais in the distance!

South Bay Area

The above installation is one we did for a large fruit company in the South Bay Area. We didn’t want the employees to need to wear sunglasses indoors, so we helped them cut the glare and lower their cooling costs. By the way, if you want to learn more about glare, you might like this article: How to Dramatically Cut Back Sun Glare: 10 Ways.

Santa Clara Installation

The above installation in Santa Clara is one we did for a gym’s waiting room. We really like the clean, uncluttered look of this installation.

San Francisco Highrise Installation

We do a lot of installations in San Francisco, so forgive us if we can’t choose just one. The above installation was done for a search engine, but we can’t name any names! And guess what?! Because of the window film, you won’t be able to see into their offices!

Downtown San Francisco ~ 3M™ Fasara™ Mat Glass Finish

Here’s a conference room that lets the light through without sacrificing privacy. It’s another installation in San Francisco.

Instagram

By the way, some of these images also appear on our Instagram account, and we’d love to connect with you there if you’d like to follow us as well.

Have a Request?

Please give us a call! We’d love to install some window film for you!

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!

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!

Dangers of Indoor UV Radiation: How to Protect Yourself

February 23, 2016 by Window Works 2 Comments

Danger of Indoor UV Radiation: How to Protect Yourself — The Dangers of Indoor UV Radiation: How to Protect Yourself

You might think that if you stay indoors, wear sunscreen, and don a big hat that you’ll be safe from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. But did you realize that even indoors you can receive a lot of the wrong kind of ultraviolet light? There are two kinds of UV: UVA and UVB. UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, as outlined by SkinCancer.org. UVA rays are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year, and can penetrate clouds and glass. What can you do about it, though?

Windows Don’t Block UVA Radiation

Windows do not block all ultraviolet rays when you’re indoors. And while UVB rays can harm your skin, they are not as significant in harming your skin as are UVA rays are indoors. Perry Robins, MD, President, The Skin Cancer Foundation says: “We now know that UVA radiation can penetrate windows to reach the skin, accelerating skin aging.”

Use a Broad-Spectrum SunScreen

Your sunscreen should be at least 15 SPF, and include one of these UVA-protective ingredients: avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Make sure to apply it liberally to your face, in particular. Consumer Reports has a list of the best sunscreens, and what to look for.

Apply Window Film

Window film, which can be applied to home, office and car windows, blocks almost 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. This is the best way to prevent UVA rays from reaching you indoors. After all, you don’t always want to be wearing gloves, a hat, and sunscreen inside, do you? We have lots of different kinds of decorative window film, such as:

Have Questions?

As far as aesthetics, you may have lots of questions. We can help! By now you probably know that we are in Santa Clara, although we work all over the San Francisco Bay Area. Give us a call! We’d love to talk to you.

Window Works Has Moved!

April 29, 2015 by Window Works 3 Comments

3M Prestige Window Film Dealer Window Works has moved to Santa Clara!

We had three great years at the amazing Car Condo community Club Auto Sport but we have grown out of our quarters!

We found a great place to call HQ right on the other side of the San Jose Airport in Santa Clara.

Our New Address:

Window Works
400 Reed Street
Santa Clara, CA 95050
408-644-5200
877-677-0067

We will still have Automotive Installs at Club Auto Sport for 3M Crystalline, so don’t worry–we’ve got your cars covered!

Window Works is your Authorized 3M Prestige Window Film Dealer for 3M Residential, Commercial and Decorative Window Film. We service and install in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and all of the San Francisco & South Bay Areas.

Have a Question?

Give us a call! We’re friendly!