window film – Page 5

How to Protect Your Skin: Seven Best Ways

April 29, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Spring is here and people are spending more time outdoors, so here are the best ways to protect your skin. Even if you’re working indoors, most people are spending more time near the windows once the weather warms up.

Protect your skin with UV-blocking window film

UV rays can damage your skin and that damaged skin is nearly impossible to repair once it’s damaged. Did you know that UV damage is cumulative? So you don’t reset the clock each time you go outside! UV-blocking window film can help protect your against sun damage indoors, especially as people spend more time near windows in sunny weather. We’re big fans of Prestige window film (ask us for details).

Bring back big hats

Back in the day, not so very long ago, people wore big hats. They wore them to Easter service, to the beach, to baseball games, and so on. Big hats are not just a fashion accessory–they protect your sensitive skin! So even if your friends don’t want to wear big hats, there’s no reason you shouldn’t! But don’t dispair–Fashionista says that big hats are in for 2024!

And giant sunglasses

We’re also in favor of ginormous sunglasses to protect your eyes. Big sunglasses go along with big hats. Don’t damage your eyes or skin by having naked eyes! The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends “shades that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB light.”

Clothing that blocks radiation

There are now so many choices in clothing with built-in skin protection. More and more companies are coming up with better-looking choices, too. If you’re a golfer, check out Callaway Apparel’s weather series. Denali Performance has products with UPF 50+ with shirts (check out the Trophy Bones collection–awesome!). And SwimZip has many stylish swimwear choices. By the way, we’re not affiliates of any of these companies!

Patio umbrellas

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, you can also get patio umbrellas with sun protection. There are beach umbrellas, pop-up tents, as well as canopies to protect your skin. By the way, you might like Lloyd Flanders outdoor furniture.

Sunscreen

By now, everyone is using sunscreen, but there are so many kinds. If you’re active, you’d want a sunscreen that doesn’t wash off easily. And also, you might already know that you have to use a ridiculous amount of sunscreen if you’re outside for hours at a time.

Be a shade seeker

Look for trees, awnings, and shadows if you can find them. If you can’t find shade, you may need to make your own shade! Pack an umbrella in the car, along with sun protection, and of course wear your sun-protective clothing.

Did we mention window film?

Just to reiterate, window film is the way to go especially if you spend a lot of time near windows. It’s like giving your house sunglasses!

Which window film, though?

We’ve got answers to all your window film questions! Call us and we’ll brainstorm with you! Our CEO of Skin Protection is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Tenth Annual National Window Film Day: Seven Reasons to Celebrate

April 15, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

April 30, 2024 is National Window Film Day, and here are seven of the best reasons we know to celebrate! If you’ve ever read any of our blog posts, you know we’re huge fans of window film. A big shoutout to the International Window Film Association for many of the ideas and the terrific infographic!

It’s a day of education

Window Works is celebrating this tenth annual National Window Film Day because window film makes things better. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling accounts for more than half the energy use in a typical home. And with rising energy costs, who doesn’t want to reduce your energy costs? Nobody, that’s who!

Window film offers year-round protection

Window film evens out the temperatures, making your home and office more livable throughout the year. Many people believe that window film is only for the summer! Not true–window film can reduce both your heating and cooling costs.

Window film aids in the reduction of energy use

Because of the reduction of energy use, window film reduces carbon emissions. Using less energy overall reduces your carbon emissions.

Window film helps screen out dangerous UV rays

Yes, we’ve written about this many times before. According to the U.S. EPA, “…overexposure to ultraviolet rays may suppress proper functioning of the body’s immune system and the skin’s natural defenses.”

Reduce fading of furniture and flooring

You’ve spent thousands of dollars on your beautiful furniture and flooring. Why not apply window film to help protect your furnishings? Everyone has that one friend with the big beautiful windows…and the hopelessly bleached floor and couch. Don’t be that person!

Window film provides jobs and business opportunities

We’re big advocates of using local businesses and providing jobs in the local community where possible. We are blessed to have an amazing crew to help us! And we love to hire locals to work alongside our crew, too. Who knows? Of you’re a small business in the San Francisco Bay Area, we might work with you in the future!

Window film protects your eyes and skin

Ask your dermatologist if they recommend window film. You’d be surprised how many do! Many automotive manufacturers routinely include window film. Once upon a time window film was only available as an aftermarket product. If you drive a lot, you may notice your skin looking more wrinkled on your left side if you don’t have window film. We don’t install automotive window film, but it’s a good idea if you drive. And of course installing window film at your home or business is a no-brainer!

We appreciate you!

Thank you to all our valuable clients, coworkers and friends! We really couldn’t do it without you. If you have any questions about window film or Window Film Appreciation Day, give us a call. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Here’s our number for your convenience: 415.623.8700.

How Window Film Keeps You Clutter-Free: Five Ways

March 27, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We all have battles with clutter and staying organized. And in the springtime, people seem to be the most interested in getting organized and getting rid of clutter. However, window film can help you stay organized and clutter-free. Before you start yelling that it isn’t so, take a look at some ideas that have helped our clients maintain their sanity.

Hide kitchen clutter

Someday in the distant future your life won’t be filled with mismatched coffee cups, sippy cups, and that weird Christmas set your auntie gave you and you have to haul out during the holidays. Perhaps you are even praying for that day. But guess what? You can hide all that stuff now with window film! Fix that clutter problem instantly! By the way, we’ve discussed clutter before: Fight Clutter.

Replace curtains with window film

Aren’t curtains a little bit 1995? Why not simply replace those outdated eyesores with window film? There is less to clean and window film won’t collect dust like curtains or shutters do. Less is more, right? Also, there’s one less decision to make if you don’t have to pick out the colors, textures, etc., of the curtains.

Use gradient window film

Gradient window film is great if you want to block part of a view–maybe the part with the clutter? Your friends and neighbors don’t ever have to know what you’ve got going on in that storage room if you cover the glass wall with window film! Gradient window film can transition from opaque to completely transparent, in case you want to keep some of the view. See our recent post about gradient window film.

Soften the light

No matter how much clutter you have or don’t have, softening the light coming in through your windows will help. We recommend an opaque window film to soften the light. We also have beautiful decorative window film that you will absolutely love! 3M has a window film simulator so you can see how different window films might look in your home or office.

Colorful window film adds an element of fun

Did you know that window film now comes in a variety of colors? In fact, you might want to try color blocking. You could go with warm or cool tones in window film. You could also add both, but since this article is about having less clutter, we’ll leave that idea for another day.

Combine curation with window film

If you can pare down your belongings plus add window film, that’s the best combination of all. Of course, you might need to hire a professional organizer, but you’ll have so much less clutter! You might like this article about Open Shelving Mistakes from Homes and Gardens, too.

How to get started?

We’ve got answers to all your clutter and window film questions! Call us and we’ll help you get started! Our Head Clutter Buster Expert is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Is it Time for Color Blocking with Window Film?

March 13, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

You’re a bold person, with lots of design experience using different textures, colors, and ideas, but would you use color blocking with window film? We believe it’s time to put this new design idea to work! It’s fun and cutting edge. Doesn’t that say it all?

Visual harmony

We like looking at what other people have done before we decide on anything, especially with colors. Here are a few ideas from YouTube (all shorts) to get you started:

Big, sweeping swathes of color

Oxford Dictionary defined color blocking in fashion and design as follows:

(in fashion and design) the use of contrasting blocks or panels of solid, typically bright color.”coral leather looked infinitely cool styled with a cobalt skirt—a modern lesson in colorblocking”

Your blocks o’ color might not always be diametrically opposed on the color wheel, but some people like to do that. So, for example, you might use yellow and purple to make the colors really pop. You might use two colors together that don’t ordinarily get mixed.

Color blocking rules

Color blocking is almost always bold and bright. There’s nothing subtle about color blocking. Also, there’s usually something BIG about color blocking. Using teensy-tinsy bits of color just won’t do. Speaking of bold and bright, you might like our previous bold and bright post about how window film can save you on your energy bills: Energy Savers for Spring.

Color block like a pro

It’s important that if you’re going to start color blocking, you have some confidence. At first, you might need to “fake it ’til you make it.” And remember, if you’re combining paint colors and window film, it’s easy to change paint colors. With 3M dichroic window film, you can have access to a range of colors, which shift in color as you change angles. For instance, Chill dichroic window film shifts the cool colors, while Blaze shifts the warm colors.

Deciding what to keep

When you’re working with color, you may need to simplify. Color blocking with nine different colors will just seem muddled in the end. Nobody wants that! So start with two or three colors, and move on from there. You can always add more color later! In the top photo, you can see how Blaze dichroic window film is paired with blue furniture, which makes both colors really pop!

How to get started?

We’ve got answers to all your window film questions–color blocking or otherwise! Call us and we’ll help you get started! Our Chief Window Works Color Blocking CEO is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Window Film Energy Savers for Spring: Five Best

February 28, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you heard about all the ways window film can save you energy, but been afraid to take the leap? We understand the fear, but there’s a big payoff for you, too. If you’re a bit uncertain, spring forward (do you get that one?) and you’ll learn about some of the options.

Match the window film to your climate

It’s critical that your window film match your environment and climate. For example, people in Phoenix, Arizona mostly have to tackle extreme heat. So they’d want to choose window films that blocks solar gain. Whereas in colder climates they want to keep warmth in. For most of us in the San Francisco Bay Area, keeping temperatures moderate is probably the way to go. Our temperatures (outside the city of San Francisco, anyway!) are getting more extreme, though, with higher temperatures in the summer.

Combine window film with other energy cost savings

There are ways other than window film (gasp!) to make your home or office energy efficient. Check for leaks around doors and windows. Use fans for a cooling breeze in the summer and reverse the fan in the winter to keep the warmer air down. Make sure you’re using as much insulation as possible in your home or office, along with window film on your windows for the best savings. And did you know the Department of Energy gives tax credits for several energy devices? You can also schedule a home energy audit and get a discount! Here’s info on the Professional Home Energy Audit from the Department of Energy.

There are also the old-school ways, such as sleeping with large cats and dogs (our favorite!), pretending you’re snow camping, and wearing multiple layers of socks and long-sleeved shirts.

Choose professionals to install your window film

Have you seen your buddy’s windows, with the film all folded over and bubbly? Don’t let that be you! We often have to come in and uninstall window film that our clients have asked their cousins or uncles or sister’s friend’s grandpa to install. Don’t be like that! We’re professionals and we stand behind our work. We even have an article on how to prep for a home visit (from us–not from your Auntie B).

Use insulating window film

We are very excited to install insulating window film to help lower your energy costs. Big corporations have known how much they can save with window film and it’s about time that residential customers also discover the same savings! Check out our post on Climate Control Window Film.

Regular maintenance

Keeping your windows and window film clean and relatively dust-free will help your window film do its job. Just as you clean the appliances in your home, the windows should be maintained regularly. The people at This Old House have some ideas for keeping those windows clean!

How to get started?

We’ve got answers to all your questions! Unless they’re personal and then we’ll just pretend. Call us and we’ll help you get started! Our Chief Window Works Energy Saving Expert is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Protect Your Furnishings from Sun Damage?

February 14, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

It’s nearly springtime and the sun is getting brighter, so how do you protect your furnishings from sun damage? Window film can be applied to protect your furniture, rugs, and floors from harmful UV rays, especially in areas where large amounts of glass are used. But before you consider window film, think about all these other options!

Move all your furniture to the corner away from the windows

Just like a last-minute timeout during the Big Game, get all your furniture huddled in a corner. By the way, we’re very disappointed that the 49ers lost! But we’re hopeful for next year. Maybe your guests won’t be able to use the furniture, but at least the furniture will be protected, and that’s what really counts! Right? If anyone asks why you’re putting your furniture in the corner tell them that “sitting is the new smoking!” They’ll buy that!

Rotate your cushions

Put a reminder in your calendar to rotate the cushions every so often. Is once a day too much? We think not! Another added benefit? Instant upper body workout! While you’re at it, you could also rotate your couches so the one closest to the windows moves to the back and vice-versa. Your friends and neighbors will think you’re studying to be an interior designer with the way you’re always moving your cushions and furniture around.

Use blackout curtains

Now we can already hear some of you saying “but they’re so ugly!” or “we moved here for the view!” But think about it: blackout curtains could eliminate some of the damage to your furnishings unless someone forgets and leaves them open. Then all bets are off.

You do have time to dust the blinds, don’t you? | Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Install louvered shutters

Again, louvered shutters aren’t always pretty. But they will protect your furnishings from UV rays! And while they need a lot of dusting, you have lots of extra time for that, don’t you? And, while you won’t have a view any more, your furnishings will be protected. And you’ll probably sleep more, since it will be dark all the time, since very little light will get in.

Big windows? Use window film for UV Protection

You’ve all seen your neighbor’s floors when they pull up the rug and the floor is a different color. Unless you want to bleach your floors, you need UV protection! And you’ve also seen discolored couches, including the cushions, and expensive Persian rugs damaged by UV rays. All joking aside, you really, really need window film! And we know just the people to cover those big windows! Ahem! See below.

Need sun protection for your furnishings?

We’ve got you covered! Call our Furnishings Protection Hotline and we’ll help you through choosing the best window film for your home or office. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Most Fun Window Film Ideas for Privacy

January 30, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Why not have a little fun with your window film?

Everyone is so serious about window film ideas for privacy, but where’s the fun in that? Answer: there is no fun in that! But there are lots of quirky, fun ideas for how you can use window film and plus retain your privacy. There might be some ideas here you haven’t heard about. After all, window film has come a long way in the years since it first came out (1966 and 3M, in case you were wondering). Here’s a quick history of window film, for those of you who were curious.

Splashes of color can wake you up

Window film isn’t such a black and white world any more. Neither is it your grandma’s window film, with cracking, peeling, purpling (is that even a word?), or other yucky-looking stuff on your windows. There are loads of color and various texture options that you might enjoy. For example, dichroic window film offers fun colors, above.

Play with light

Not only can you block light with window film, but you can also redirect light with 3M’s redirecting film if you live in a dark area. Or if your foyer or another part of your home or business suffers from poor lighting. This is especially true in high rises where there are tall buildings blocking the light and you’d like to bring it into the building. After all, so many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder in the winter. And having even a little more light can help.

Use gradient tinting

We wrote about gradient tinting recently, and it’s a very good and fun way to create privacy. Cover just part of a window or glass wall with tint. You may want to leave the bottom part of a wall uncovered so you can see if there are people occupying a meeting room, for instance. The same could be true if you want some privacy because there are new kids in the house and you want some privacy.

Decorate a glass partition

Glass partitions can sometimes look cold or boring. Why not boost the Fun Factor ™ with a little window film? The film can be decorative to add a little design element to your space, too. People always appreciate having privacy. People can peek through part of the partition, but mostly can be left in peace.

Be inspired by nature

There are so many nature-inspired window films now. From bamboo to dots, stripes, or many more designs. We’ve written about all of these kinds of window film before. You’ve heard it before, but you’re only limited by your imagination!

Need more fun in your life?

We’ve got you covered! Call us and our Goddess of Fun will help you through choosing the best window film for your home or office. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

How to Decorate Creatively with Window Film

January 16, 2024 by Carol S Leave a Comment

We’ve all stayed up way too late pinning things on Pinterest, trying to find the most creative uses of window film for our decor. Right? I can’t be the only one who does this! There are probably many uses of window film that you don’t know about, and there are more types of window film being invented all the time. By the way, here’s a recent post of ours on the Magic and Beauty of Gradient Tinting.

Surprising design uses for window film

There are all kinds of uses for window film, some of which we’ve gone over before. For instance, suddenly you’re surrounded by nosy neighbors. Or your previously busy neighbor retires and has nothing better to do that poke around in your business. What to do? As outlined in This Old House, you could use window film, in their article 12 Creative Uses of Window Film.

Use window film when your family grows

Do you suddenly have a little one crawling, or running, around your home? You don’t want to be surprised in the bathroom, so why not use window film to strategically block a view? We’ve outlined that plus some other creative uses here: Ten Best Uses of Window Film.

Or…when your new puppy starts barking at every other dog or person

Dogs can become stressed when they see other dogs or people passing by, so why not use window film to block that view? Pittsburgh Window Film recommends frosted window film to alleviate your reactive dog’s stress. Certain dogs can really be annoying. Whether yours is a chihuahua or a malamute, cutting back on the barking can make your life more serene.

Window film on your patio to create beauty and privacy

Keep those nosy neighbors at bay with window film

Your neighbors might not be nosy on purpose. But why give them easy access when you’re cooking outdoors? Or even just hanging out in your own living room? After all, our California weather allows cooking outdoors nearly year round! Besides, you might want to hide some of that clutter, like those bags of briquettes that seemed like such a good deal at Costco, but now have been gathering dust! Oh, and all that barbecue equipment that your relatives gave you once they found out that you can cook! Grill tools, smokers, vegetable cookers, and on and on.

Protect your deliveries while looking good

Have a spot in your building where you get deliveries? Use a little window film to block those prying eyes. You don’t even have to have a glitter bomb or special devices to spew fart smells onto those porch pirates! Although it is fun to watch those videos!

Glitter Bomb vs. Porch Pirate

Not creative yourself?

We’ve got you covered! Call us and we’ll help you through choosing the best window film for your home. We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

New Year: New Look with Window Film

December 28, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

So Christmas is finally over and now you’re looking forward to the new year and your new look! Where will you be this coming year and will your home be working for you or against you, energy wise? Also, what kind of look do you want from your windows? Plain, updated, modern, fashion conscious, or what? The photo above is looking through a client’s window north towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Notice how you might not even notice the window film is there!

Ring in the new year with great style!

Champagne is wonderful, and we like to drink a little whenever we can. But window film lasts longer than that bottle you just threw in the recycling, and can not only save you on the energy bill, but help you get better style. For example, you might be interested in our post about Japandi Style.

Don’t block your view

If you could see the Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, and the east bay from your suite, would you want to block that view? No you would not! That’s where window film helps with your style. That view needs to be the star of the show, not hidden behind bulky curtains.

Window film gives you a clear view to the future

At least it can if you’re using clear window film (do you get that one?). There are all sorts of window films, and many are decorative. And clearly sometimes you want to protect your view since the real estate in San Francisco is often quite spendy.

Decorative window film is the answer

There are so many new decorative window film that you could be surprised. Here is just one that could interest you: 3M Fasara Decorative Window Film: Patterns. There are also window films with dots and stripes, as well as different colors.

Protect your furnishings, floor, and skin

We’ve talked before about how your furniture and floors can be bleached by sun pouring in through the windows. You’ve spent a lot on your beautiful sofas and chairs, so why not take the next step and protect them from the sun?

Still unsure where you’re going in the new year? We’ve got answers!

Still unsure what kind of window film is right for you? Give us a quick call and we’ll sort them out for you! Our New Years Window Film Manager is standing by to answer all your questions. We install film all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin. Give us a call at 415.623.8700.

Even More Reasons to Celebrate

December 13, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Even More Reasons to Celebrate ~ Christmas 2023

By now, if you’ve been following us at all, you know how much we love to celebrate and here are even more reasons that’s the case. If you don’t believe us, you can look back at our previous blog post! We recently got together to celebrate Christmas with disco, spiffy sneakers, and so much food! We were all shiny and resplendent in our fun–and sometimes funny–togs!

We have questions!

We have so many questions. What was Danilo looking at? What was in that soup? How the heck did you find that restaurant? How does everyone get their shoes so clean? And will that Uber driver be able to find us? Because some of us need designated drivers! Strangely enough, nobody asked a single question about window film. But if you can’t stand not knowing more about window film (sigh), you can check out some fun facts here: climate control window film.

some people are born stylish! Do you agree?

Stylish friends

Some people seem to be born with style. Like these three, above. And these three, below. So take that, Merriam Webster.

Nearly everyone wore their favorite sneakers, along with their fancy suits, hats, and dresses.

More friends = more reasons to celebrate!

So many new and classic friends! (We call our old friends “classics” because it just sounds better!) We love meeting new friends and breaking bread with them.

That sparkly cowboy hat, though. Seems like it got passed around quite a bit during the evening.

Food, glorious food!

Along with prime rib, there was salmon, lots of bread, plus soup and salad. Everyone had passes for the bar, where you could get nearly anything you wanted! The dessert, ice cream and cookies, disappeared before anyone could get a picture!

We’d like to take a minute to thank all our clients, friends, and families for all your support this year. We appreciate all of you!

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