window film – Page 9

Why your New Year’s Resolutions should include window film installation

January 5, 2022 by Carol S Leave a Comment

If your New Year’s resolutions don’t include window film, you’re doing it wrong!

You’ve heard about the usual New Year’s resolutions, all the ones you write down and promptly forget. But what about creating some New Year’s resolutions which are easy to keep and require very little work from you? What about those resolutions? Here are a bunch of reasons you ought to include window film installation in your list of resolutions. Not that we’re telling you what to do. But stick around and maybe we’ll convince you!

New Year’s resolutions should be easy

Seriously, when was the last time you had an easy resolution? Are you really going to lose weight in January, a time when every cell in your body is screaming at you to eat all the cupcakes and binge-watch Netflix? NO! And are you going to battle the gym right now, what with the new Covid restrictions? Are you going to triple-mask so you’ll feel safe? NO! But guess what? (If you were here, you’d say “What?!”) Window film installation is super easy!

New Year’s resolutions should improve your health

You might already know that window film reduces UV rays coming through your windows. And that those same UV rays are what cause skin cancer. If not, you’re hearing it here first. Window film can improve your health! It’s like having sunglasses on your house or office! But don’t take our word for it–check out the Skin Cancer Foundation’s excellent article Not All UV Rays Stay Outside: How Window Film Can Help Protect You.

Use window film with dots, patterns or stripes to make your office look snazzier

New Year’s resolutions should lower your heating and A/C bill

With Thinsulate window film, your temperatures will even out. That is, your place will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. So your heating and cooling bills will be lower. And doesn’t everyone want lower power bills? By the way, we’ve written about Thinsulate before because we love it so much! Why Use 3M Thinsulate Window Film: Five Good Reasons You Need to Know.

New Year’s Resolutions should make your home or office look better

Did you know that window films have improved a lot over the past years? There are many decorative window films that can add to the easy glamor of your place, with gorgeous designs that will make you the envy of your neighborhood. Take a look at some of our decorative window films here: Decorating with Window Film. 3M Fasara window film comes in a variety of designs. There are patterns, dots, and stripes.

So easy a kid could do it!

If your kid can pick up the phone and find us, and you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, you could be done with your New Year’s resolutions! That’s not to say you should make your kid call us! All we’re saying is it’s that easy. We work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin! Call Window Works customer care at 415.650.5200 for pricing and more information. We’re very friendly!

What Happens When the Window Works Crew Gets Together for Christmas?

December 14, 2021 by Carol S 1 Comment

We knew there would be ornaments. We knew there would be a tree. What we didn’t know was how the tree would turn out! It was so much better than anyone imagined!

Oh, Christmas tree! Oh, Christmas tree!

You’ve got to imagine some really bad karaoke Christmas music here because it’s obligatory, right? Not all Christmas music can be like the Charlie Brown Christmas Special music. Anyway, you can see Donna next to the tree, in this version. Yes, we had RAWR elements under the tree, in the ribbons, and with the decorations, too (RAWR meaning tiger striped)!

Last year, they said the trees were “too girly”

Some of the guys like to complain. Their complaint was about the Christmas trees being pink, if you can believe that! We loved the tone-on-tone Christmas look–it was so fun and festive! And so unlike anyone else’s tree, too! But they complained–and we listened. So this year the tree was a little different!

So we fixed the tree!

This year, because the guys helped decorate the tree, it was black (like their cold, cold hearts lol)! And we decorated it with plenty of RAWR. And also, if you look closely, you might see something else! Yes, that’s right–beer! We also had plenty of volunteers to help “decorate the tree” AKA drink the beer so we had enough “decorations.” Phew. That’s a lot of quotation marks!

The goodies

There were lots and lots of goodies. Here are just a few of them, above. And of course, we had RAWR plates, napkins, and a tablecloth! The chicken wings were fab, but somehow we didn’t get a picture of those because they were gobbled up! And also the salads–delish!!!

Happy Holidays to all and to all a Good RAWR night!!!

Maybe one of the only traditional things was our cake. That, and our best wishes for everyone for this holiday season!!! Have a beautiful, festive, and fun holiday, everyone!

What Happens When You Support Women in Construction?

September 16, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

There are so many reasons to support Women in Construction

There are loads of reasons we choose to support women in construction, but let’s start with the top reasons. Underrepresentation, sexism, our own involvement as women in construction, and helping all women. Those are just for starters! And, as you know, the entire economy took a hit because of Covid-19, so it’s doubly critical that we help women in construction.

Women in Construction are underrepresented

With women in the construction field comprising only about 10% of the total population, it’s clear that more women need to be in this sector. The number of women on the front lines (that is, in the trenches) is even smaller, with only 1% of women. Whatever we can do, no matter how small the effort, can help boost the number of women in construction.

Diversity and Inclusion

As a minority-run business, we know what it’s like to feel excluded. Even in the San Francisco Bay Area, where there’s a lot of diversity, there are many pockets where minorities–including women–may feel like outsiders. So having friends in the business is critical.

Sexism is Rampant

Women can be treated like second-class citizens on and off construction sites, so it’s doubly important that we all support each other. The boardroom of construction companies are frequently male-centric, and we’d like to support women there, too.

We are Women in Construction ourselves

Window Works USA is comprised of many women, including our CEO and founder. So we know what we’re talking about when we talk about women in construction. We’ve seen the sexual harassment, the lack of bathrooms and safety gear, and the way women are treated in general. We love organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), and share their philosophy. We also share and follow their posts on our social media, whenever possible.

When we support other women, we help all women

You’ve probably heard that old saw A Rising Tide Floats All Boats. That’s how we feel about supporting other women. When we support other women, those same women support us, too. Not to get too cornball, but it takes a village. A village of women wielding power tools, that is! So to answer the question of what happens when you support Women in Construction–all kinds of magic happens!

Women in Construction Week

We’ve been celebrating Women in Construction Week since 2018 with our Women in Construction Week festivities. The above photo is from our 2019 networking event. The first celebrations were in real life, but because of Covid, 2021’s event was virtual. For next year, we really hope that we can once again meet up in person.

Job shadowing and mentoring

Window Works also supports job shadowing, where young women can see what other women in construction actually do at their actual jobs. We try to mentor young women whenever possible so they can learn the ropes from someone in the field and have a better chance at success.

Check out our social channels!

Check out our Twitter and Facebook pages. We retweet and reshare posts from all over the world. And we promise never to hit you with spam!

How to Use Security Window Film That Will Make You Feel Safer

August 31, 2021 by Carol S Leave a Comment

Feeling safe is one of the top reasons people choose window film

For each month of 2021, we’re offering special discounts on different window films. For September, our discount is on 3M security window film. Please mention that you saw this article so you can get the discount! Here’s our post about Window Works’ Ten Year Anniversary!

Onto 3M security window film

We receive a lot of calls from people about security window film. Often those calls start out something like this: “What will keep our glass together in case there’s a storm?” Or “Our neighbor’s tree fell through their glass window–can window film help protect us in case our tree falls over?” And to both questions, the answer is yes–security window film can help protect you and your family. We’ve written about security window film before: How to Choose the Best Security Window Film. You can see some examples of different types of security window film–for instance, 3M Ultra S800 Security Film with 3M IPA helps protect against flying glass shards when a window is broken.

Keep your windows safe with 3M security window film

Reasons to choose 3M security window film

Live near a golf course or driving range? Stray golf balls may threaten you. If you live next door to a school, baseballs could fly your way. Or you may be a small business with a window that is vulnerable to break-ins, such as in certain downtown areas. If you have a restaurant you may want to protect diners from the threat of broken glass. These are just a few of the reasons you might choose 3M security window film. There are a few other reasons right on 3M’s website.

Huge Storms, Fires, and Breakins

More of our friends have installed security systems in their homes and small businesses recently. If you’re being evacuated due to a storm, a security system is a good way to ensure your home is safe while you’re away. Same with fires–people want to know what’s happening with their home or business. But did you know that anything that slows down a burglar for even a few seconds can make that burglar try a different door or window? Best case scenario is if the burglar goes away altogether! Window film can give you those extra few seconds and make your home that much more secure.

Shhh! It’s our secret!

No one needs to know if you have installed security window film. Since it’s invisible, no one will know it’s there. And unless they have a trained eye, they won’t notice it at all. It’s our little secret. Like other window films, it’s invisible. But you’ll feel more secure knowing it’s there.

Can’t Decide? Give Us a Call!

We’d love to discuss any kind of window film with you, whether it’s 3M security window film or not. We’re all over the San Francisco Bay Area, from the South Bay to San Francisco to Marin to the East Bay. Here’s our customer care number for your convenience: 415.650.5200.

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!

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