window film – Page 10

How to Use Window Film That Will Help You Reduce Remodeling Costs

July 13, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We’re getting out of the pandemic, or at least we’re getting pretty close to the end of it (fingers crossed). So what’s everyone doing? Remodeling, of course! After all, we’ve been staring at the same walls, doors, and windows for the past year and a half! And it’s time to change something. The problem is, everyone is low on materials.

Want new replacement windows?

There’s a long wait for nearly every type of material you may need. The International Window Film Association has an excellent article about the costs of remodeling. With building materials up 300% this year, many are opting for window film rather than replacement windows. The cost of window film is about 1/10th the cost of replacement windows. Not only that, but window film is usually installed in a day or less and doesn’t require ripping into your walls. You won’t need couples counseling, nor will you need to sell your Maserati to afford window film.

Lumber costs are driving up remodeling costs

A local paper, the North Bay Business Journal, has an article about how lumber costs are affecting the entire construction market. Because of the pandemic, costs may never get to the same lows that we saw before 2020. Sandy Bird, with Sandra Bird Designs Inc. in Kentfield notes that windows and doors are taking longer to arrive. Building permits are slower, and the storage of supplies is an issue, too. “We are doing kitchen remodels for $300,000. The days of a $75,000 kitchen remodel is now $150,000; the days of a $20,000 bathroom are now $50,000,” said Mark Labourdette, owner of Design/Build Specialists Inc. in Novato.

All the cool kids are getting window film

What we love, and what you might also love about window film, is that if it’s working you won’t even know it’s there. We wrote about the stealthy qualities of window film before, and you might like to read about Heat Reduction and Privacy Window Film. Window film just quietly does its job so you can do yours. It’s like having sunglasses on your home! The cool kind, of course, not the supermarket brand X kind.

What does the future look like?

By looking into our overpriced crystal ball (from Etsy), we can see that things are not going to get less expensive any time soon. Although lumber prices may fall, home sales are still up in the San Francisco Bay Area. People are moving as well as remodeling, and this trend won’t end any time soon. So you could wait for prices to level out and for all the stars to align, or you could have window film installed. The choice is yours.

What will do with all the money you save?

Might we suggest having a house warming party? You could probably buy a new barbeque, plus steaks for all your friends and then you could even have s’mores! Or how about a trip to Hawaii? Maui is a very nice place, with surfing, long walks on the beach, and the ever-present mai tais!

Why Is Now A Good Time for Window Film?

June 15, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

There are lots of reasons to get window film, even in foggy San Francisco. Here are ten of our favorites.

Your furniture needs protection

Let’s face it, you’ve spent hundreds of hours on Pinterest and Etsy searching for the perfect chairs. We know because we do the same thing! Now you’re going to leave those gorgeous handmade Italian leather chairs in your bright living room where the sun is going to scorch and bleach it? Noooo!

Because it’s summer… and there’s more heat and light

During the hot summer months, we feel more heat. And sometimes that heat gets uncomfortable. So you may want to block not only the heat with window film, but some of that extra light. Recently, we wrote about light-blocking window film. You might want to read about light-blocking window film.

You love the light, but want to protect your skin

Yes, UV rays can travel right through windows, but window film protects your skin. While UV rays can damage your skin, window film is one way to prevent skin cancer. You can see some of the other recommendations of the Skin Cancer Foundation to prevent cancer. Using sunscreen, wearing wide-brimmed hats, and and donning sunglasses are three ways to prevent skin cancer—the world’s most common cancer.

Climate change

Every year, temperatures get a little warmer, and sometimes a lot more uneven. Window film can help even out those fluctuations. Why not take the plunge and invest in window film now? Along with donating some of your time and money to help curb climate change, of course.

Monthly discounts

Since we’ve now been in business ten years, we’re giving you the savings! For each month, we have a special. Check on our Twitter or Facebook pages to see what those new specials are.

Holds glass together

If you’re in a restaurant or school, you might be concerned about being hurt by flying glass during a storm. Window film can protect you and your littles by holding that glass together.

Energy savings

According to the International Window Film Association“While the energy savings of window films are comparable to replacement windows, they may cost about one-tenth the cost of replacement windows and their installation.” Your energy bill is already too high, but with window films like 3M Thinsulate you can reduce the need for cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. We’ve talked about Thinsulate before:

Even out heat imbalances

Do you have a part of your home that’s always too hot? Window film can help correct that. With window film, you won’t have severe hot spots where the sun pours into your home and heats up that part of your home.

Creates privacy

If space is tight for you and your neighbors can peer into your home or office, window film is the perfect way to go. Yes, we’ve written about privacy before. You might like What are the Best Window Films for Privacy?

It’s beautiful and decorative

There are many beautiful, decorate choices in window film. So if you’re concerned that window film will be too plain, not to worry. We’ve got you and your windows covered!

Still need some guidance?

Give us a call! We’re super-friendly and always here to brainstorm.

How to Use Window Film for Energy Efficiency

April 30, 2020 by Carol S 1 Comment

As we ease back into our new normal, many people have been asking about window film and energy efficiency. They want to know if having window film will help their building be more efficient, and how it will affect their energy bills. According to 3M “An estimated 33% of cooling expenses are due to solar heat gain from windows.” There’s also this: “The Department of Energy considers window film a top-tier technology for energy conservation with one of the fastest paybacks — approximately three years.” By the way, here’s our last article about the New Normal: How the New Normal Will Eventually Make Life Better.

The Planet Is Getting Warmer

Nearly everyone now agrees that the planet is warming. For sensitive individuals, even a degree or two can have an impact on their health. With window film, you can avoid much of the solar heat gain from your windows. And that means that your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool. You might like this article about global warming: Window Film and Global Warming: What You Need to Know.

Comfort is Key

If you’re comfortable in your home or office, it stands to reason that you’ll spend more time there. When a room is too warm, you’ll probably avoid that area, right? So one of the hidden savings is that you’ll get to use more of your home or office if you have window film, rather than always moving to another area of your building. And since we’re all spending more time indoors and at home, being comfortable is even more critical. Also, in places like San Francisco, there isn’t much space to begin with–many of us live in very small apartments or condos.

Utility Companies Offer Incentives

You may have to search a bit to find the rebate forms for your area. In the San Francisco Bay Area, PG&E offers rebates for certain energy efficient products. Some, such as solar, are more well known than others. Your CPA may be able to help you locate tax incentives.

Where to Start with Window Film?

You can start with a call to us–we can discuss your options and give you suggestions. We also have a lot of information on our website, including our blog. We also recommend the 3M window film site, which you can find here: 3M Commercial Window Film. Some other suggestions are:

Pinterest has many ideas — use it as a search engine.
Houzz–you may find windows and window film that you like here
Online interior design magazines, such as Design Milk
Architectural Digest

Why Is 3M’s Night Vision Window Film So Crazy Popular?

January 30, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

happy photo

We’ve talked about the different kinds of window film before, but 3M’s Night Vision is one we have not discussed much. 3M’s Night Vision Window Film is loved by everyone, hands down. And in case you missed it, here’s our last post about Prestige Window Film: Why 3M Prestige Window Film?

Overview of Night Vision Window Film

Night Vision:
- Is dual reflective (meaning reflective but less reflective from the interior at night or with darker lighted interior scenarios than all others)
- Offers enhanced views with low interior reflectivity
- Has very high heat rejection properties
- Does not reduce heat or infrared (IR) on contact like Prestige does
- Rejects up to 71% of the sun’s heat and helps reduce eye discomfort
- Has the most aggressive glare reduction in the Industry
- Blocks the amount of harmful UV rays that cause fading to your furniture and valuables
- Is scratch-resistant
- Has centric pricing, not a high-end material like others

Prestige Window Film and Night Vision Window Film are 3M’s marquis products. Prestige is best-in-class in our industry, yet Night Vision is America’s Number 1 selling window film (and 3M’s, too). For more details about Night Vision, see 3M’s Sun Control Window Film Night Vision Series.

Why Night Vision?

For many customers, pricing is an issue. For those budget-minded folks, we find that Night Vision window film is a very good option. Perhaps that’s one reason why this window film is so popular. After all, it still has the great 3M name backing it up. It still reduces glare and has heat rejection properties, too. But why take it from us? Why not let Wayne Newton explain how he uses 3M’s Night Vision to protect his estate and valuables?!

Choose Your Level of Protection

3M^TM Sun Control Window Night Vision Series is available in a variety of tint levels to meet your needs.

We’re Available to Talk

Want to know more? Give us a call and we can help guide you through the available options. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, including Marin County, the peninsula, and the East Bay.

Decorating with Window Film: What You Need to Know

January 9, 2020 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you ever considered window film as part of your interior design? If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, we can help you redirect sunlight, change privacy, as well as protect your skin from UV rays. There are so many design options with window film. You might be surprised when you see them all!

Fasara Window Film

One of our more popular window films, 3M Fasara, comes in a variety of designs. There are patterns, dots, and stripes. And if you’re indecisive about which type to choose, the good news is you don’t have to choose–you can have it all! For instance, you could have a combination of Fasara thin and thick stripes. Or choose a pattern along with a dotted Fasara window film. Here are some previous posts which might interest you:

Window Film Controls Light

Christopher Lowell, designer extraordinaire, talks about seven layers of design. One of the seven layers that you need to be concerned with in interior design is lighting. Lowell says: “Sculpting with light can make cheap things look like museum finds and turn not so great stuff into dynamic silhouettes and shapes that can be poetic.” And what better way to control lighting than with window film? Did you know that there’s a window film that can redirect light? If you’re in a dark home or office, you can take a little bit of light and redirect it into the interior of a building.

Create Privacy

Privacy is critical, especially since so many of us are living in smaller and smaller spaces. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, even a tiny apartment can cost a lot. People would rather maximize the space they do have than move into a larger space. But you don’t have to drive out to Death Valley to find privacy! With window film, you have the flexibility to add privacy without adding thick drapery or wooden slats, which are both heavy and bulky. And window film does not add bulky curtains to your windows, but allows subtlety. Every inch counts in a tiny space!

Change the Energy of a Space

Sometimes you walk into a space and immediately feel a sense of zen. Other times, a space can energize you. Window film can do both, which is important in interior design. For instance, adding polka dots in a space can energize it and give it a happy, upbeat feeling–so important if you’re trying to work. Adding a rice paper window film look creates a sense of calm, which is important if you’re trying to relax in a space. For a restaurant, you might want guests to linger and relax. A fast food restaurant might want diners to eat more quickly, so an energized space might be just the ticket.

Give Us a Call!

We’d love to hear what your window film decorating needs are. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay.

Why 3M Prestige Window Film?

December 27, 2019 by Carol S 2 Comments

3M’s Prestige window film is good for museums (we’ve done several including the Exploratorium), Corporate Art Collections (because they retard fading so well), high-end homes with views where they want optical clarity (versus reflective or mirrored film) and other exclusive scenarios.

Just the Facts about Prestige Window Film

Here are some other facts about Prestige window film that you may not know:

Optically Clear
Non-Reflective
229 layers and thinner than a Post-it note, another 3M adhesive product
SPF 1400 to 1900
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
The only window film in the entire industry that reduces Heat or Infrared (IR) by 97%
The above is also ‘on-angle’ a very important distinction as other film companies claim so, but they do NOT, have that metric ‘on-angle’ on direct. In other words, the sun’s rays can be coming at an angle.
Interior and Exterior versions, which is absolutely a huge claim; others do not have these options

For more details about 3M Prestige Window film, see: 3M Sun Control Window Film Prestige Series.

The popularity of Interior window film grows every year

Prestige for Interiors

Sunlight can damage your furniture, your skin, and your eyes faster than the wind on the Golden Gate Bridge. So while you might enjoy having the light — especially in the wintertime — you don’t really want or need damage to your health or belongings. Interior window film is the type most people are familiar with, and its popularity grows every year. You might like this previous post: The Revolutionary Benefits of Window Film You Never Knew.

Prestige for Exteriors

Did you know that Prestige is also available for exteriors? Window film used on the exterior of your windows helps your windows withstand wind, rain, and all kinds of stormy weather. It gives you an extra layer of protection. And its scratch resistance is higher than interior window film, too. For more information, you might want to read about it on 3M’s site: 3M Sun Control Window Film Prestige Exterior Series.

Prestige for Residential and Commercial

While window film is becoming more and more popular for residential use, we spend a lot of time at work, especially in the San Francisco Bay Area. So it only makes sense to have window film where you work as well as at your home. That’s why so many San Francisco Bay Area clients choose Prestige window film for their offices.

A Gift for Your Employees?

While you may give your employees great benefits, such as a 401K and profit sharing options, window film offers your friends, family, and employees the gift of health. How else can you protect so many all at once? Window film prevents a lot of problems, and we’ve all heard the old saw “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Have Questions?

We can talk your ear off about window film, so if you have questions, let us know! We work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. And we’d also like to wish all of our friends a Happy New Year!

Why Window Film Makes A Great Gift

November 28, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Every year about this time, millions of people all over the world think about what to get their family and friends for the holidays. It’s not just Christmas, it’s year-end gifts, appreciation for doing business, etc. There are lots of reasons to buy gifts. You might have considered getting people fruit baskets, but why not get them something different this year?

Window Film Lasts Longer Than Fruit Baskets

That’s right. By the time the last pear in that fruit basket has gone soft, window film will still be up and working on your windows. It’ll be blocking those UV rays, giving your friend more privacy, and being, well, awesome at its job. Your friend or co-worker probably won’t even remember who gave them the fruit basket! But the window film? They’ll remember that. If you really, really need a fruit basket, Harry and David has some good ones.

Window Film is Unexpected

Who gives anyone window film as a gift? It’s usually something you give yourself, right? Won’t your loved one be surprised, and maybe a little shocked, to get window film instead? Why, yes! Yes, they will be. And if you want to be remembered, this is a very good way. If you don’t know where to start with window film, you might like: How to Enter the Wild and Unusual World of Window Film.

Skin is Important

You only have one body, and that body is covered by skin. Did you know that skin damage is cumulative? So all those days that you sat on the beach as a kid, covered in baby oil and holding up aluminum foil to magnify the sun’s rays? That all adds up. Whoops–you millennials probably don’t know about the baby oil-aluminum foil connection, but you do know about tanning salons. Please don’t use those. If you still think tanning is a great idea, please read: 5 Myths of Indoor Tanning, Busted! from the Skin Cancer Foundation.

When is the Last Time You Got an Unexpected Gift?

Do you remember the last really thoughtful gift you received? One where the giver gave you something that would last for years, protect your skin and eyes, and guard against cancer? Probably never! If you haven’t read this article about how window film protects you, please do: How to Use Window Film That Will Help You Prevent Cancer.

Need a Gift? Give Us a Call!

We’re happy to talk to you about any options in window film. We’re based in San Francisco, with clients all over the great San Francisco Bay Area.

How to Enter the Wild and Unusual World of Window Film

November 15, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Are you interested in using window film but don’t know where to start? There are lots of wild and unusual window films these days. Window films can redirect sunlight, block UV, help prevent glass from shattering, and so much more. Sometimes getting started is the toughest part of any project. And are you located in the San Francisco Bay Area? Then read on! We have plenty of ideas for you.

Start with a Window

You may have that one annoying window where there’s always glare. You can’t sit next to it so the space is essentially wasted. Yet the view would be wonderful if only there was no glare. We all have a window like that! Here’s How to Dramatically Cut Back Sun Glare: 10 Ways. Not all of them use window film, but of course that’s our favorite solution.

Choose a Window Film

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Sometimes simple is the most elegant. We love 3M window film. Here are three ideas we particularly love. Patterns, dots, and stripes can all be elegant and simple. If you want a bold solution, that’s available, too.

If none of those work, there are many other options.

Call Us

Lots of people don’t know where to start. We can get you going! We have loads of experience with residential and commercial window film jobs, all over the bay area. And if you want your window film to look good, you’ll want to hire a professional!

Window Works at the Northern California Facilities Expo 2019

October 16, 2019 by Carol S 2 Comments

On October 9 and 10, 2019, several of us from Window Works worked a booth at the Northern California Facilities Expo at the Santa Clara Convention Center. You might enjoy reading our last blogpost, about the Expo here. Here are a few photos!

Our Booth at the Northern California Facilities Expo 2019

We really enjoyed the set up of the booth. We had lots of people coming and going during the entire show. The only time our booth was empty was before the show opened!

Window Security System

Our window security systems display drew a lot of attention at the Expo. People wondered at the protection that window film gives them. Time is of the essence when someone is trying to break and enter your home, and security window film protects your property and family from intruders as well as broken glass! Read about how 3M Safety and Security Window Film is being used in schools.

An Overview of the Expo

This video shows you the other businesses involved in the Expo. We were lucky enough to get a ride in one of Snorkel’s awesome lifts, the S3219:

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Expo Friends

Here are some Expo friends: (left to right) Lisa Nagle – NCFE Show Director, Kashmir Uppal Atlas Copco – Managing Director & Exhibitor Happy Hour Sponsor, and Asia Bautista of Window Works.

Lisa Nagle - NCFE Show Director, Kashmir Uppal Atlas Copco - Managing Director & Exhibitor Happy Hour Sponsor — Lisa Nagle – NCFE Show Director, Kashmir Uppal Atlas Copco – Managing Director & Exhibitor Happy Hour Sponsor, and Asia Bautistia

The Gang’s (Mostly) All Here

After the Expo, a few of us went to Benihana in Cupertino. The chef showcased a flaming onion, and we had a delicious meal!

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And…It’s a Wrap!

How to Cure Silly Window Film Syndrome

August 29, 2019 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Why silly window film syndrome? Recently, we were reading a post from one of our Twitter followers, Randy Clark. And he accused us of **gasp** being silly! As if that could happen! Anyhow, we were thinking that with all the talk about security violations and privacy lately, one thing that window film really does for you is get you the privacy you need to be as silly as you need to be. Hence, silly window film syndrome was born! Here’s the tweet that inspired this blog post, by the way.

There is a Silly Window Syndrome

Did you know there’s a silly window syndrome? Yes, there is. But that has to do with TCP packets and a David Clark (no relation to Randy Clark). However, as far as we know, there is no silly window film syndrome–yet! So you read about it here first, folks!

What is Silly Window Film Syndrome?

Silly window film syndrome is the ability to be silly because you’re protected by the privacy of window film. People can’t see you making faces, practicing your selfies with your cat, or performing the goofiest goat yoga that yet exists. Silly window film syndrome lets you figure out all the Michael Jackson moves you never mastered back in the ’80s. Curse at your in-laws, make hats out of tin foil, and practice putting on makeup using YouTube videos. Anything is possible.

How to Cure Silly Window Film Syndrome?

To cure silly window film syndrome, do nothing. Without window film, you’ll have to stay serious or risk having someone record you and put a video of you imitating a squirrel up on YouTube. Your life will never look the same. People will point at you and laugh. Unless, of course, they are equally silly. In that case, they may suggest that you become president of the Squirrel Imitators, who meet every Wednesday evening in the park. You know the park? The one with all the trees? That one.

The Choice is Yours

Do you want the freedom to be silly? Then for heaven’s sakes, get yourself some window film. Window film syndrome is not something to be cured after all! If you need ideas on how to be silly, call us! And we also can answer your questions about window film, too! We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

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