Window Works

Five Reasons You Could Be Arrested for DIY (Read this!)

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Don’t get arrested for a DIY window film project!

Have you ever gotten partway through a DIY project only to discover that you’ve bitten off more than you could chew? Or have you ever been stopped by the Window Film Police ™ because they’ve seen you trying to either install your own window film or remove someone else’s window film failure? If you’re a DIYer (or thinking about installing your own window film), read on. You’re likely to recognize yourself in some of these paragraphs. If not, well, consider it a cautionary tale. One that could easily happen to you.

Why is it a bad idea to install my own window film?

We do hear this question from time to time. There are many reasons why, actually. First of all, people hardly ever measure twice and cut once. It’s more like they sorta-kinda measure using an old magazine as a yardstick or a broken app on their phone. Or they use their arms because they saw someone do it on a YouTube Video! Then they guesstimate how much film they need. Eventually, they use their phone for its original purpose (phoning). Do you remember using your phone as a phone? It happens sometimes. Anyway, when people get around to calling us, they’re often embarrassed. Or crying. Or their friend or partner calls us in hushed tones when the guilty DIYer has left the house for a few minutes, begging us to come over. But what is that DIYer thinking? That no one will ever find out? By the way, we’ve written about how to prepare for window film installation before. You might like that article.

Removing the old film myself–what could possibly go wrong?

You already know the answer to this because you’ve probably tried removing some old film at home, despite the warnings not to. Using an old hair dryer and some rags from the Dollar Store, you’ve attempted window film removal. You start earlyish, leaving time for snack breaks and possible shopping trips. It looks pretty good until you touch the surface and realize there’s still glue all over the window! And all over you, too! Oh, no!!! Now what? If we had a flow chart, we’d go back to the part where you end up calling us. There could be crying.

Because of the last time you did a DIY

Do you remember the last time you tried something and it didn’t work out? Remember when you bought that broken-down dresser at that yard sale and decided to antique it and turn it into a combination bar/desk. It looked so easy on Pinterest, right? But then you were all covered in paint, paint remover, and again there were tears. Also, lots of cursing. And you’ll never get those jeans back. Those $300 jeans that you used to love. The Window Film Police would just love to hear about this!

Your friends know you and your past

Your friends have seen you looking at those pix of sleek remodels, and they know how your mind works. They’ve witnesses that optimistic squirrel brain thinking that you can do anything up to and maybe including flying. They know you like to take shortcuts when you DIY, and they’re embarrassed and scared. Which is why they could make a citizen’s arrest.

You don’t have the time or patience

Remember that full-time job you have? By the time you get home and change and watch 10,000 YouTube videos on how to install window film, you’ll be tired. So here you go: the Quick Residential Estimate. Simply fill it out and send it. Easy peasy. Really! You don’t have to do it yourself! And also: Window Works customer care is at 415.650.5200. Pick up your phone and enter our number! We really are very friendly, and we’ll answer your questions.

Stay out of trouble

We work all over the greater San Francisco Bay Area, from San Jose to the East Bay to the Peninsula and Marin! So stay out of trouble and give us a call!

How to Choose the Best Window Film Installer?

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How to Choose the Best Window Film Installer?

If choosing window film is overwhelming, how are you ever going to choose a window film installer? Aren’t there hundreds of installers available? Do you use your Magic 8-Ball? Flip a coin? No! Here are some ideas.

Check out their website

If you’re looking at a website, can you see clients, and do you know any of them? That is, do you recognize any businesses there? If so, you might take a look at the actual-in-real-life window film installations and see how they look! Some may be easily accessible. For instance, not to toot our own horn, but we have quite a few companies that you’ve (probably) heard of who’ve had window film installed.

Ask friends and neighbors

You could ask your neighbors if you want residential window film. Or you could go to social media sites. Personally, we like Google, and our Google site is here: Window Works. What do people say on those sites? Here’s a review we really like:

“These guys are really great. We live in San Francisco with windows all round on the second floor. Great views but it can become a greenhouse, especially as the climate warms. Window Works applied Prestige 20 to all our windows and it made a huge difference in the amount of heat retained. The staff was courteous and competent, Asia is extremely knowledgeable.”

~ Amir Najmi

Google Reviewer

By the way, sometimes reviews can be fake. We’ve seen quite a few on Amazon. And there are signs of fake reviews that you might already know such as really bad grammar, no profile pictures, or one-word reviews. How a company deals with negative reviews can tell you a lot, too. Here’s an article about Amazon Fake Reviewers by Business Insider.

Ask a few questions

Does the window film installer know their stuff? What kind of film would they recommend for your particular windows? Ask about heat retention of the window film, and ask about the staff, too.

Read their blog posts and check their social media

Is the window film installer you’re poised to go with active with their blog posts? Do they have social media and are they active there? Those are some good signs that you’re dealing with a reputable company. If they aren’t active, that could indicate a number of things: They might be too busy or too small to deal with their website/blogging/social media. Or they might not know how and want to get to it later. You could ask them when you call!

Trust your gut

What is your gut telling you about the company you’re about to hire? Have you ever known before that you shouldn’t hire someone and hired them anyway, and then regretted it? Same here! And you shake your head and say “I shoulda known!” Right? We’ve probably all had that experience!

Give us a call!

Call us and ask a few questions, as we’ve suggested above. We really are very friendly. We work all over the greater 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.

Why Not Use Window Film for Patio Privacy?

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Why Not Use Window Film for Patio Privacy?

Recently, walking along the beach, I noticed a lot of balconies and patios surrounded by partial glass enclosures. Maybe people don’t realize that they could use window film to block the view people have into their patios or balconies? It seems like such a simple and elegant solution. After all, do you really want a bunch of strangers peering into your home while you’re having a barbeque?

Patio privacy on second floor balconies

If your patio set up is on a second floor balcony, using some window film to block the view can give you an extraordinary amount of privacy. Imagine the glass on the balcony above with window film. Not only would the view into your home be less cluttered, more importantly, you would not be so visible from outside. Here, as in many parts of the Bay Area, people can walk right up to the house and look into the windows. In many homes, there are no curtains or anything to keep prying eyes from looking inside and seeing everything you own. We’ve talked about privacy before: What Are the Best Window FIlms for Privacy?

Heavily trafficked areas

With all parts of the San Francisco Bay Area growing, there’s more and more reasons to look for ways to secure more privacy. You can hide your valuables, protect your family by making them less accessible to the eyes of strangers, and simply be less visible. After all, don’t you want to be free to say what you want and wear what you want while you’re relaxing at home? Do you really want a messy patio visible to the entire world?

Less goldfish bowl

We’re all visible more and more via social media. Everyone has a camera built into their cell phones now. And you’re likely to appear in many places, even if you don’t want to be featured in a video. People hardly even bother to ask any more if you want your picture taken, do they? While you might not want a completely curated existence, having more privacy allows you to control who sees what.

Here’s a patio enclosure we worked on (with window film!)

Don’t be a statistic

You might have seen the Google car driving around taking pictures of everything. If you live in the Bay Area, chances are you have! Your home and everything in it is on display for all the world to see. But you can exercise a little bit of control with window film. Nobody needs to see what you ate for breakfast or what you’re watching on your laptop while you’re on your own balcony. You probably also want to protect your kids from prying eyes.

It gets even easier!

If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, we can offer suggestions. 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!

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

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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?

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Definitely a serious crew!

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?

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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How to Use Window Film for Energy Efficiency
How to Use Window Film for Energy Efficiency

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 Earth Is Getting Warmer
The Earth Is Getting Warmer

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.

reading photo

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.

race photo

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:

 

 

Locations
6991 E Camelback Rd Ste D300 Scottsdale, AZ 85251
850 South Van Ness San Francisco, CA 94110
400 Reed Street Santa Clara, CA 95050
3555 Harbor Gateway S. Costa Mesa, CA 92626
           

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