window film

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 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.

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!

Why Window Film Makes You Healthier and Why You Need to Know

January 25, 2018 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Maybe in the past you’d always thought of window film as a luxury, or something for people with too much money. But what if window film improved your health? What if window film could help block the UV rays that cause skin cancer? News Flash! Window film does screen out the UV rays that can cause cancer! Here’s how the sun and UV cause cancer from Cancer Research UK.

Your Eyes and Your Skin Need Protection

You eat healthy food, you drink plenty of water, but do you protect your eyes and your skin as much as they need to be protected? Probably not. It’s strange to think that you might need to wear sun screen indoors! But UV rays travel right through glass. So you might want to know How Window Film Protects Your Skin. Because maybe no one told you before.

Skin Cancer Rates on the Increase

Did you know that skin cancer rates have been increasing every year? And that over the past three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined? Take a look at more statistics about skin cancer from Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics from the Skin Cancer Foundation. Prepare to be terrified!

UV Rays Travel Through Clouds

While you might not get quite as many UV rays on cloudy days, UV rays do indeed travel through clouds. So fog won’t protect you, people of San Francisco! Take a look at these Six Common Sun Myths, Exposed, by CNN. 80% of the sun’s rays travel through clouds, which is why you’ll still get burnt on a cloudy day unless you take steps to protect yourself! And 80% is a B (not for you, but for those sneaky UV rays!).

Want to Live Longer and Better?

Preventing UV rays from reaching your skin can prevent wrinkles and premature aging as well as preventing cancer! We’d all like to look better as we grow older, right? Not to mention, we’d like to keep our eyesight in tip-top shape! Here’s an article about protecting your skin that you might like: Spotlight on Skin: Six Ways to Protect Yours Now.

Convinced Yet?

Give us a call! We’d love to talk to you about which kind of window film might be best for you!

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!

How to Dramatically Cut Back Sun Glare: 10 Ways

September 12, 2017 by Carol S 1 Comment

The weather has been frightful lately. With temperatures upwards of 100 degrees in San Francisco, the heat has been terrible. The glare for most people has been awful, too. And our eyes can be harmed by the UV rays and glare from the sun! So what can you do?

Our go-to for glare reduction is window film. Your eyes will thank you by not squinting all day. Not only that, but you won’t have to wear sun glasses indoors any more! If you don’t believe us, you might want to read this terrific article on Houzz: A Surefire Way to Prevent Sun Damage Indoors.

Thick Curtains

Curtains are a good choice, but they can be a little unwieldy. Still, they do work to cut back on the glare. If you have a smaller house, or want a clean, uncluttered look, thick curtains might not be your best bet.

Awnings

Awnings can be a good option, depending upon the angle of the sun. Awnings probably are not going to block all the glare for you, though. We do really like the idea of an awning that could also generate electricity, as you can see in this article from the Department of Energy: Energy Efficient Window Treatments.

Plantation Shutters

These are popular in certain types of homes. If your home is more rustic, like a cabin, then you might enjoy plantation shutters. They also remind us of some homes in the tropics or Hawaii.

Drapes

Drapes can be beautiful and dramatic, although cleaning them is never fun. They seem to attract dust! And also, the slatted types often let in a piercing line of bright sunshine. Not exactly the way to prevent glare.

Trees and Shrubs

Shrubs can help cool the house as well as prevent glare and clean the air. We’re big fans of trees and shrubs. This low-tech way of preventing glare can also dramatically lower your energy bills. A little study of where the light hits your house and when can really help!

Blackout Shades

You could use blackout shades, but then why have windows? But if glare is giving you a big headache, this option will certainly work.

Aluminum Foil

You probably have some foil left over from that hat you made, right? Just kidding! There are some other nifty ideas on this Wiki How to Make Your Room Pitch Black During the Day.

Insulated Panels

Panels can be made of foam core or styrofoam and inserted into the interior of a window. And, like blackout shades, you might have to ask yourself why even have windows if you’re going to such desperate measures to block them.

Storm Panels

While not popular around the San Francisco Bay Area, storm panels can indeed help with glare. Many people simply use plywood as protection against storms. But there are also lightweight panels available.

How Do You Protect Yourself Against Glare?

Have you thought of a solution that we haven’t thought of? We’d love to hear from you!

How to Protect Your Family’s Health with this Quick and Easy Solution

August 23, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Life can be so complex sometimes. Just ordering a coffee requires that you make 33 different decisions from the kind of creamer to whether you want toppings. So when you come across one decision that helps everyone in your family to be healthier, why not jump on it?

Healthy Choice

When you look at a possible purchase as a healthy choice, rather than a luxury item, doesn’t it make sense that it comes out of a different financial bucket? That is, choosing window film is an investment that will protect your family’s health for years to come. And we can install it easily once you make the decision. It’s like flipping a switch!

Insurance for All

Health insurance has become such a political minefield. Yet one thing we all have in common is the desire to be healthy. And sometimes knowing what to do isn’t that easy. But, like insurance, once you have window film, you’ll feel that you made the right choice. You’ll feel protected, and that in turn will make you sleep better at night. By the way, here’s an article you might like: Why the Hell Do I Need Window Film in San Francisco?

Skin Cancer and You

Some types of cancer can be prevented to a large extent. Skin cancer is one of those that you can prevent. And skin cancer rates are rising. Take a look at these numbers from the Skin Cancer Foundation! So what can you do, aside from slathering yourself with SPF 50 and wearing a big hat? Plenty, that’s what! Well, in addition to wearing big hats and using sunscreen, that is. There are after all, at least 10 Quick and Easy Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer.

Once You’ve Decided You Want Window Film

What now? You’d probably like someone with experience who’s worked with people just like you. We’ve worked with homeowners as well as large corporations in the San Francisco Bay Area. And here’s why you should choose to work with us: Need Commercial Window Film? How to Choose the Best Company! We also install residential window film, by the way!

We’re a Phone Call Away

Give us a call! We’d love to help you decide what kind of window film is right for you!

Window Film’s Superior Technology Boosts Bottom Line, Makes You More Secure

August 9, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

If you own a home or business in the San Francisco Bay Area, or any metropolitan area, chances are you worry about your home or business when you’re not there. Even when you’re in the building, you might worry about people breaking and entering. You could hire armed guards, but what’s a simple thing you can do to increase your security and make you worry less? And by the way, did you know that window film can make you happier?

silver office glass photo — Photo by mkosut

Security Window Film

Did you know that there’s a security window film that will help hold the glass together in case someone tries to break a window and enter your building? Yes, there is!

From Break-ins …

Some neighborhoods have lots of break ins, while some might have lots of accidents. If your commercial building is unattended on evenings and weekends, you might feel nervous about having a glass storefront. But with security window film, there’s an extra layer of security to help give you peace of mind. We’ve written about the theft deterrent properties of window film before (you might like to read about it).

… to Accidents

People who live near parks where kids play might get a lot of baseballs coming through their windows. The same holds true for those who live on the edges of golf courses. Of course, no one is trying to break your windows, but accidents happen sometimes. And 3M security window film can hold the glass together in case it does break, and prevent flying shards that can hurt your coworkers or family.

Kitchens

From restaurant kitchens to corporate kitchens, security window film can keep your clients and coworkers safe. Because security film holds glass together, if by chance the glass above your chefs or diners should break, it will hold together and prevent splinters or shards.

What Kind of Security Window Film is Best?

There are three types that we can recommend:

For more information, give us a call! We’re happy to answer any 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!

How to Help Fed Up Employees Stay Cool in the Summer

July 7, 2017 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We know what you’re thinking: what do you mean fed up employees? How are they so fed up? If you’ve ever seen people wearing sunglasses indoors, then you know how hot an office can get in the summer. And with many employees working longer hours, offices can get awfully hot and stuffy!

Recent Window Film Installation at Some South Bay Fruit Company

Here are some pictures from a recent job in the San Francisco South Bay. We can’t reveal the name of this fruit company, but we will say that their fruit is highly regarded.

South Bay Fruit Company Window Film Installation

With that said, here are some hints to keep employees (and you!) happy in the summer time heat.

Ice, Ice, Ice

Keep plenty of cold beverages on hand, and an ice machine or three around so everyone can have a cold beverage.

Go Old School

If you don’t have an air conditioner–and we hope that you do–you can use strategically placed fans. This surprisingly simple solution can really help to keep you cool. For more tips, here’s a good Wiki: 3 Ways to Cool Yourself Without Air Conditioning.

Microclimates in the Bay Area

If you’ve lived here in the San Francisco Bay Area for awhile, you know how much temperatures can vary from one neighborhood to the next. Downtown and South of Market could be 15 degrees hotter than out by the beach.

The East Bay, Marin, and Peninsula

If you go the East Bay or to Marin County, the temperatures can be much hotter than downtown. San Francisco is generally cooler in the summer.

San Francisco MicroClimates

While tooling around the interwebs, we found this neat app for discovering microclimate temperatures within San Francisco: Mr. Chilly.

Back to Keeping Employees Cool

In buildings, there are also microclimates. One side of the building can be quite cool, while the people on the other side of the building can be complaining about the heat. And in case you think you don’t need window film in San Francisco, you might want to read our recent post: Why the Hell Do I Need Window Film in San Francisco?

Fans, Hydration, and Window Film

Our last suggestion to you is window film. Window film helps even out the temperatures and keep everyone happy. Window film also protects your employees’ health. In fact, window film is one of the ten best ways to protect against skin cancer.

Got Microclimates?

We’d love to talk to you about your building’s microclimates! Give us a call!