window film – Page 6

The Window Works Crew Wishes You Happy Holidays!

November 28, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you!

Here at Window Works, we love to celebrate. We have so many things to be thankful for–our beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, our friends and families, and our health, too! Recently, we celebrated for the holidays! Well, it won’t be the last of our parties! Our theme for this party was disco sneakers, and there was a little bit of RAWR, too. Can you tell? RAWR, by the way, is the sound that cats make. So when we use or have leopard print, we call it RAWR.

There were so many choices at our office party!

Yummy food

Not only did we have tons of appetizers, if you look carefully, you’ll see all the other food. Shrimp with noodles, pork, hand pies with a variety of filling, rice, and pakoras with delish filling. There was also appetizers, dessert and a variety of beverages (even some non-alcoholic ones!). Mostly, we are savory food lovers, so there wasn’t a ton of dessert.

Disco balls

Don’t even ask how we got all of these disco balls on the tree! Luckily, we’re a talented bunch (some talents cannot be listed on a resume, right?), and creativity won the day! There was also a ladder and some yelling involved, but we won’t get into that! The hard part was getting the mirrored ornaments behind the lights. The mirrored Christmas tree skirt helped amplify the ornaments, too.

A black Christmas tree?

Yes, we all discovered how much we love the aesthetic of the black Christmas tree. We’ve tried other colors in the past, but this one was mwah! (Chef’s kiss!) In fact, here’s our last season’s tree: Happy Holiday from the Window Works Crew! Scroll down to see last year’s blue tree! Disco does seem to be an underlying theme, doesn’t it?

Our crew

We’re pretty good at celebrating our successes and each other! We’re so thankful to have each other. And we’re also thankful for all of YOU, our clients, friends, and fans! Without you, there would be nothing to celebrate, so thank you a million times over.

Have a holly jolly Christmas!

By the way, if you’d like to spruce up your place for a holly jolly Christmas, we can help you out! Lots of places around the bay area would like some anti-graffiti film, and we know all about that. Our Chief Window Works Window Film Expert and Head Elf 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.

The Ultimate Sun Control Film for Winter

November 15, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

The Ultimate Sun Control for Winter (even in San Francisco!)

The winter sun can be so annoying because of glare, amiright? You want the ultimate in sun control film because nobody wants to spend their holidays squinting. Not only does it eventually give you a headache, but bad crow’s feet! By the way, we recently talked about Climate Control Window Film: Five Reasons You Need it. You might want to read that post first!

Sun is at its lowest position around December 21st

We all love the winter solstice, Christmas, and the gift giving and hoopla surrounding the holidays. But what we don’t love is that sun glare coming in through our windows. It’s too bad that we have to change our routines to avoid that glare, isn’t it? For instance, people working from home might move their desk away from the windows because of glare, not realizing that there’s a solution!

Because of the sun’s position, glare is the worst from November – January

You probably already knew that the sun’s glare is the worst starting right about now, in mid-November. As if Daylight Savings Time and the time change wasn’t enough, there’s less light, but what light there is isn’t all that great. It seems like we get up to go to work in the dark and when we get home it’s dark, too! Ugh.

Squinting gives you wrinkles and headaches

Sure, you can go and get cosmetic surgery after you get wrinkles. And you can take all kinds of med’s for your headaches. But why not avoid trouble before it hits you in the head? And why not make your home easy on the eyes, as this article from 3M suggests?

Don’t wear sunglasses inside

We’ve seen plenty of people who wear sunglasses indoors. And you can even get a sunburn if your windows aren’t covered. Also, it looks weird if you get a sunburn and you haven’t even had the chance to go outside! That is definitely not fair.

Energy Savings

In our area, the San Francisco Bay Area, we’re about to get hit with higher power bills. It happens every year, and sometimes more than once a year. So if you can save energy with a little window film, why not?

Use window film instead

So what is the best sun control film for winter? The answer isn’t a simple one because more than one film can be used for sun control. But for our area the best film is 3M Prestige window film. We love 3M’s Prestige because it rejects up to 97% of infrared light providing energy savings, enhanced comfort and protection. Also, it lets a lot of light through, which if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) is a big deal.

Tell us what you want!

But if you don’t know what you really really want, give us a call! We’ve got answers for you! Call us and we’ll brainstorm with you! Our Chief Window Works 3M Prestige Window Film 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.

The Four Benefits of 3M Ultra S Films That Other Films Don’t Have!

October 30, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Shattered glass can be very dangerous! Prevent dangerous shards like these, above — Shattered glass can be very dangerous! 3M Ultra S films help prevent dangerous shards like these, above

You’ve heard about the benefits of other kinds of window film, but what about 3M™ Ultra S Films? You may not have heard anything about these fantastic films. But let’s try and unpack just what gives 3M™ Ultra S Films the edge over other films. Here are just some of the benefits.

Tensile Strength

Our 3M™ Ultra S Film contains the most strength in terms of psi (compared to the competition). Wikipedia defines tensile strength as “the maximum stress that a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking.” Having the most tensile strength is important because it increases resistance to pressure and breakage. By the way, PSI = pounds per square inch, which is a measure of pressure.

Break Strength

In terms of pound per inch (lb/inch), the competition cannot compare. Break strength is just like it sounds. It’s the amount of force needed to break the film. 3M™ Ultra S Film has the highest break strength. And if you’re protecting your family or coworkers, wouldn’t you want the best Break Strength?

Tear Resistance

Our film is the most resistant to tear, nearly impossible to rip in half. In fact, 3M™ Ultra S Film is about 40 times tougher and harder to tear than other safety films. Only the Hulk might be able to tear it, and according to the internet (which is always the best source of information for this kind of thing), Hulk is the strongest superhero! Hulk even smashes San Francisco (don’t worry–it’s just cgi), but that’s a whole other story.

Protect your loved ones from glass breakage

Elongation at Break

Our film goes to 135% of its stature in terms of its elongation (that is, in a bomb blast type situation). In plain English, that means that it stretches 135% before it breaks, which is bendier than your bendiest friend doing yoga. And that’s very stretchy!

Why do you need it?

Maybe you’re concerned about breakage because you’re in an earthquake zone. Or could be that there have been breakins nearby, which has happened in some neighborhoods. Schools are also concerned with glass breakage and reducing injury. Maybe you live next to a golf course or baseball field, and you’re tired of shattered glass (those darn kids!). Or you may have your own reasons for this kind of window film. By the way, we’ve written about window film and breakage before. You might like Will Window Film Make My Life Better?

Unsure whether 3M Ultra S window film is right for you?

We’ve got answers for you! Call us and we’ll sort those questions out for you! Our Chief Window Works 3M Ultra S Window Film 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.

Climate Control Window Film: Five Reasons You Need it

October 16, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Climate Control Window Film lets you keep conditioned air, heat or air con inside the home.

Back in the olden days–ok last year or so–we discussed 3M Thinsulate window film, a climate control window film. We are big fans of climate control window film, since right now you probably need it more than ever. For one thing, the temperatures, even in the San Francisco Bay Area, are getting wilder and wilder. But that doesn’t mean that the temperature inside your home or office has to get wilder and wilder!

Stop wearing so many layers

Are you wearing five layers of clothing inside your house? Let’s see…undershirts, shirts, down jacket, mufflers, and mukluks? Maybe you could take off a layer or two if you use some of that climate control window film! At least the mukluks, we’re thinking. Unless you really, really like mukluks! And also you won’t have to avoid a cold corner of your house.

The best thing about climate control window film? You can’t even tell it’s there!

Turn down the heat

Is your power company, like ours, charging more despite doing less? Here’s something you can do to reduce your energy bills–especially in the winter when those bills tend to soar out of control. Of course, in many parts of the San Francisco Bay Area, the energy bills soar in the summer, too. But San Francisco is typically cooler than other areas. And did you know that 30% of all energy used to heat and cool homes in the U.S. escapes through the windows?

Why have a great view if nobody wants to get close to those brrrr-cold windows?

Make your home more visitor friendly

Nobody wants to come over if they freeze to death for those parties. It’s not fun to have to ask for *another* blanket, when you’ve already got three blankets and a dog piled on your lap! We’ve found that even running video of the Yule Log on YouTube doesn’t make people feel more festive.

Sleep better

Sure, everyone says it’s great to sleep in a cold room. But icicles on your nose and frozen fingers are a whole other story. Of course, the Old Farmers Almanac has a lot of tips for staying warm, such as using a safe electric blanket or a hot water bottle just for your toes. Wouldn’t it be easier to just get the darn window film, though?

It’s invisible

One of the benefits of good climate control window film is that you can’t see it! Even though you know it’s working, you just can’t see it. And that’s a huge advantage for a lot of people.

Have questions about climate control window film?

We’ve got answers for you! Call us and we’ll sort those questions out for you! Our Chief Window Works Climate Control 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.

The Magic and Beauty of Gradient Tinting

September 27, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Maybe you’ve heard about gradient tinting before and you’re curious to know what it means, and whether it’s for you. Is there some place you could use it in your home or business?

What is gradient tinting?

Gradient tinting is a special technique where the window film changes in opacity or darkness from the top to the bottom of the film. The tint could be darker at the top and lighter at the bottom, for instance. The gradient tinting still gives you everything you want with other types of film, but also that je ne sais quoi, which we’ll explain here. It might be easier to simply show you some examples of gradient tinting, rather than try to explain it with words.

Here gradient tinting is used in a bathroom to provide privacy and preserve (some of) the view and light

Explore the benefits of gradient tinting

You can still reduce glare and have privacy with gradient tinting, just as you would with other types of window film. You can also reduce heat. But the big benefit is that you can control exactly where you want to let light in or where to extend privacy. Also gradient tinting is beautiful, so using it can earn you extra points with your interior designer. In the example above, the homeowners didn’t want to completely block the view, but they wanted light as well as privacy.

Gradient tinting can be used in a subtle way, such as in the conference room above

The art of subtlety

Gradient tinting is an interior decorator’s dream because of the subtlety you get with it. You may want to block just a bit of the view out your window or give yourself more privacy and still let the light in. You can do that with gradient tinting. For instance, in the image above people can see whether a conference room is occupied, but still give the meeting participants privacy. By the way, facilities managers can use gradient tinting for the buildings they manage. See more about facilities managers here: How Window Film Empowers Facilities Managers.

Your neighbors don’t need to see you in the bathtub–do they?

Gradient tinting is all about transitions

Here’s another example of providing privacy, above. People don’t need to see you in your bathtub–do they? But you might want to relax as you enjoy a partial view. And you’d like to control the light without having a sense of claustrophobia. We really like 3M’s Fasara which “Provides a gradation of light transmission to control your level of privacy through glass.”

Preserve your privacy and maybe your sanity

Do you have nosy neighbors? Seems like there’s always one in every neighborhood. They peek out the curtains and write down your comings and goings in a little tiny notebook. They look over their hedge and want to know what’s for dinner–at your house! You can’t stop them completely, but you can limit what they can see with gradient tinting. Yes, window film can make you at least 10% happier!

Still have questions?

We’ve always got answers for you! Call us and we’ll sort those questions out for you! Our Chief Window Works Gradient Tinting 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.

The Northern California Facilities Expo: Five Things We Love

September 14, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Nearly every year since about 100 years ago, we’ve been going to the Northern California Facilities Expo. This year, it was September 12 and 13, 2023. To say we love going would be a vast understatement. Here are just a few reasons we love going. And by the way, we’ve written about facilities managers and window film before.

Here’s the Window Works Crew at the Northern California Facilities Expo!

We love our spot at the Facilities Expo–straight down the main aisle in the middle. And also, we love being next to our friends at Atlas Copco. We got to sponsor Happy Hour with them again this year! By the way, if you missed any of our past posts about the Facilities Expo, here are a few:

Here’s our booth at the Facilities Expo!

You might think we get to see each other often, but we don’t always gather together for long. Here’s more of the crew, below.

You know what else was extra fun this year? Going up in our friend Sunbelt Rentals Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) and seeing the entire room at the Facilities Expo!

One thing we haven’t talked about is the venue itself–the Santa Clara Convention Center, which is huge and well constructed. You do have to walk a long way to get to the Facilities Expo, but it’s worth it. And look at all that glass! (Oooooh!)

That’s a wrap for 2023! We hope to see you next year at the Facilities Expo!

How to Use Decorative Window Film: Design Perspectives

August 29, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Decorative Window Film with San Francisco Skyline in the Background

In this article, we’ll go over the design possibilities with decorative window film: from favorite seasons to unique patterns. There are so many different ways to use window film, but we’d like to concentrate on design. You might also like The Window Works Home Visit: 5 Ways to Prep.

Choose window film for a favorite season–or skyline!

Are you a person in love with springtime? You can choose window film to help you have perpetual springtime in your bath, kitchen, or bedroom. In fact, you could make your entire house a springtime oasis! Even if your place is located in Antarctica, you can have the illusion of springtime. If instead you’d like to focus on a favorite view, you can do that, too. In the image above, you can see the San Francisco skyline and Salesforce Tower.

Ombre effects

Ombre effects are not just for hair! But, if you like, your windows could match your hair. There are many window films that can provide a fading effect. And did you know you can design with light using window film? Take a look at 3M’s window tints for decorative effects. By the way, we’re big fans of Fasara window film.

Can you see why we’re big fans of 3M Fasara window film?

Gradient effects

Window film can create stunning gradient effects which can block what you don’t want to see and accentuate what you do want to see. You can transition from transparent to opaque easily with window film. In the olden days, people simply slapped on window film to make a room darker or lighter. It’s not your grandma’s window film anymore! No offense to any grandmas reading this! It’s all about subtlety now. You can also create a border around your window film, as they did in the bathroom above.

Here’s a commercial application (but you could use it at home, too!)

Privacy and decorative patterns

You can choose to have privacy as well as decorative patterns in your window film. See something you like while at your dentist or at a restaurant? Tell us about it! Better still, snap a picture and then tell us about it! Window film can improve your restaurant’s (or dentist’s office or home’s) safety. Here’s an article from 3M that you might like: Open a Window of Opportunity for Your Restaurant. You could use the commercial application above for an open dining room, to create privacy. Or if you don’t want to see the mess in the kitchen. Window film creates a clean, uncluttered look.

Unique patterns for your own special hideaway

Does your man-cave or she-cave lack personality? Choose something based on your own favorite patterns. We love seeing the creative ideas our clients come up with! For instance, you could use a bamboo window film to echo wallpaper outside the house! There’s a Japanese paper “washi” that gives you the delicate fibres of Japanese paper. And there is window film that diffuses light, and which you can add to a partition, door, or window.

Still have questions? We’ve got answers!

Still unsure about decorative window film? Give us a quick call and we’ll sort them out for you! Our Chief Window Works Decorative 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.

The Window Works Home Visit: 5 Ways to Prep

August 15, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

So you’ve finally decided to take the plunge and have us install window film. Congratulations! We know there are many reasons for your decision, among them energy efficiency, aesthetics, clearing clutter, and more. Here are five ways you can prepare for our visit, and save yourself a lot of headaches! And thank you for taking the time to prepare. We do appreciate your effort!

Clear a path

You’d be surprised at how many times our installers get to your home and need to move boxes, furniture, and random stuff out of the way. Please move things at least four feet away from the work area so that our installers have room to do their jobs. If you do this work yourself, it saves you time and money, too.

Fill out the form

Have you filled out the Quick Residential Estimate yet? We call it quick for a reason! Send as many photos as needed to give us an idea of what we need to do and bring when we get to your place! We can accept up to 20 photos, by the way. And don’t forget to let us know what type of window film you need–is it for security? Privacy? Something else? We can do a better job if you give us all the specifics.

Remove your blinds, shades, and any window coverings

Remove blinds and shades

Please remove all the window coverings you might have. If you have old window film, please let us know that ahead of time. It’s best to let us remove the old window film. We know you’ve been on YouTube looking at those videos on removing film with your hair dryer and some razor blades, but come on! Let us do it! Don’t hurt yourself because you want to do it yourself!

Cover your sensitive things

Those miniature Balinese sculptures you brought back from your honeymoon? Be sure to cover them or move them to another area! And also remove any special artwork or things that might be hurt by the spray our installers use on the windows. We don’t want to damage your beautiful artwork.

Remove the pets

While some pets love everyone, other pets only love some people, and then only some of the time. How often have we heard “oh, he’s never like this! we had NO IDEA he would growl and bite and chase you around the condo!” Well, not in those exact words, but you get the idea. And if you need professional help with your pet, there’s always Cesar Millan!

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Still unsure about something? Give us a quick call and we’ll sort them out for you! Our Chief Window Works Preparation 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.

Let the Light in: How Window Film Can Make You 10% Happier

July 28, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Have you heard of the book Ten Percent Happier? In it, Dan Harris talks about how he tamed the voices in his head that made him unhappy. Thinking about that made me realize that window film, too, could make you happier. We often underestimate how much the environment, our climate, and the people around us contribute to our happiness.

Natural light is a mood booster

Are you taking Vitamin D because you don’t get enough natural sunlight? Natural sunlight triggers the production of melatonin and boosts our mood. Try remembering how you feel in January versus how you feel in July if you need a reminder. If you’re covering up your windows with heavy curtains, you may be depriving yourself of an important source of natural light.

Comfort and energy efficiency

Does feeling comfortable contribute to your overall happiness? You bet it does! Try a long drive in an uncomfortable seat and you’ll get the idea. Add a screaming baby or two and you’ll want to stop driving forever. And energy efficiency? Think of how happy you feel when you get an energy bill that’s less than you expected! Yes, window film can help with that.

Privacy aka blocking out the nosy neighbors

Who knows why people have to poke their noses into other people’s business? Maybe they just don’t have enough hobbies! At any rate, window film can lower your anxiety because it can block those nosy neighbors from seeing all your stuff. By the way, you might like this article about how to fight clutter. Too much clutter can definitely harm your happiness.

Aesthetics

Back to the environment around you, window film can make your home look more beautiful. There are so many designs and colors now that you can use window film the way an interior designer does. Make your environment work for you by creating the Pinterest board of your dreams in your own home! You can do it! By the way, here’s our Pinterest account. We don’t spam you, by the way!

Less stress and better health

How much time do you spend working, and how much time do you spend working next to a window? That glare can cause eye strain and headaches! We’re always talking about wearing sunglasses indoors and how you shouldn’t have to. Window film can create a less stressful environment in either your home or business office. Why not have us install some window film instead?

Ready to be 10% happier?

Window film is a definite game changer when it comes to your happiness. Window film can reduce stress, help your aesthetic quotient, and increase your energy efficiency. And! It’s cost-effective–so why not give us a call? Our Happiness Manager is standing by to get your desperate phone calls. Just kidding! But we do take your happiness seriously, so call us. 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 Window Film Empowers Facilities Managers: Five Ways

July 13, 2023 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Facilities managers have always known about window film, but they might not understand all the nuances of window film. Facilities managers may just be copying what their predecessors did by installing window film because that’s “what Joe used to do.” While that’s not a bad approach, here are some of the reasons window film can help with the maintenance of your buildings. You know–in case someone ever asks you.

Energy Efficiency

Who doesn’t want to save money, protect the environment, and be more energy efficient? Window film helps reduce the heat gain from the sun. And we’ve all got more sun these days, even foggy San Francisco! Not to mention outlying cities in the Bay Area. San Jose, Santa Clara, the East Bay, and Marin County can get very hot during the summer in particular. We’ve talked about climate change and window film recently, and you might enjoy How Window Film Helps You Battle Climate Change.

Safety and Security

Window film helps hold glass together during times of stress, such as high winds. You don’t want people to get hurt by shards of glass, so it’s a very good idea for high rises, restaurants, and other businesses. During our last winter here in San Francisco some high rises suffered some very high winds, which broke glass and had it shatter on the streets below. Window film can reduce the risk from flying shards.

Privacy

When you have buildings close to each other, there’s a good chance people will be able to see into your building. Your tenants don’t want their neighbors seeing everything they’re doing, even if they’re just eating lunch! Window film helps your tenants maintain their privacy, which makes for a safer workplace. There are various styles of window film which can even be used to partially cover glass–for instance when several dentists are sharing an office space and want to create separate spaces.

Glare Reduction

We’re always going on about having to wear sunglasses indoors. Sunglasses do protect your eyes, but why do you have to wear them inside? Instead, put sunglasses on your building! You might like Learn the Best Ways to Use Window Film. Squinting is never a good look for anyone, and having window film can boost productivity, and reduce headaches and squinting.

UV Protection

Last but not least is UV protection. We all have that one friend with the sun-bleached furniture and ugly flooring because the sun’s rays beat down on their office or home. Prevent that bleaching effect with window film protection. Window film blocks up to 99% of UV rays, according to 3M. And even more important? Window film protects your skin. Too much UV can damage your skin and is known to cause skin cancer. Read more about window film and how it protects against skin cancer in this article from the Skin Cancer Foundation. As for us, we’ll be using window film on the windows as well as sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat when we’re outdoors.

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