What is window film
Window film, also called window tint, is transparent plastic film or metallic laminate which is applied to glass windows. It is available in many different compositions with varying effects on the optical and mechanical properties of the underlying glass. Because window film is applied to finished glass, it is easier to install and less costly than chemically-altered specialty glass. Depending on the needs of the user, window film can work in various ways.
Polyester is the raw material of choice due to its durability, strength and the ability to accept a variety of of other materials. The most commonly accepted materials are sputtered metals, dyes, adhesives, pigments and UV inhibitors.
The Energy Saving Benefits of Window Film
Window film can deliver up to 7 times the energy saving benefits per dollar spent, compared with installing a complete set of replacement windows. That fact alone makes it a very wise investment.
If you’re concerned about the environment, you’re probably not just concerned about the energy you’ll save by installing window film. Did you know that window film is also good for you and good for the environment? Think about it: the environmental impact of removing your old windows, properly disposing of them, and replacing them with a complete set of newly manufactured ones is quite high. Not to mention the time and energy involved to research, find and purchase them. Here are some other energy saving tips:
- Temperature Control: One of the suggestions given is to adjust the thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature possible. Another great suggestion is to turn your thermostat back by 10° to 15° for the hours that you are away from your home or sleeping. This adjustment can save you up to 10% on your yearly heating and cooling bill. Amazing that such a small adjustment can create a substantial savings, isn’t it? If you want tips on installing a programmable thermostat, try this link.
- Check for Air Leaks: Another suggestion is to seal air leaks around pipes and other areas in your home. There are a few places that you might not think of checking that can really make a difference. Gaps around your chimney or wood stove, recess lighting and unfinished spaces behind cabinets and in closets. Applying caulking can also be a great energy saver. Look for air leaks around leaky doors and windows. Energy.org has some great suggestions for applying caulk and weatherstripping.
- Adjust Your Water Heater: Here’s one that you might not normally think of: Turn down the temperature of your water heater to 120°F. Not only will you avoid scalding your hands, you’ll save on your energy bill as well. Read here for some pointers on finding energy efficient water heaters.
The Health Benefits of Window Film
As you can imagine, the Sun’s rays do indeed pass through your windows and has an impact on anything it touches, including your skin. Hence, professionally installed window film is a great way to offer a measure of protection for you and your family from the Sun’s harmful UV rays. With 1 in 5 Americans affected by skin cancer, the advantage or using window film becomes obvious. Your family deserves the best protection possible and we believe that window film can help provide it. Even the Surgeon General of the United States recommends protective window film as a viable way to reduce sun damage that can cause skin cancer.
In what will probably go down in history as one of the most comprehensive discussions of skin cancer by a surgeon general, acting surgeon general Boris D. Lushniak has issued a ‘call to action’ to encourage more people to become aware of the dangers of skin cancer.
As Window Film Magazine reports, dermatologist and surgeon general Lushniak has made it a priority to educate the public about the ever increasing risk of developing skin cancer among the general population in the United States. In an interview with the Washington Post, Lushniak states that “We’ve seen increases [in melanoma cases] — almost tripling over the last 30 years … we need to do something about it.” While window film isn’t noted directly in the report, it did recommend, according to the Window Film Magazine report, that businesses employing drivers or workers who “encounter substantial UV exposure through windows” consider “sun protection policies [that can] include the provision of equipment or modifications to glass in windows.”
Download a copy of the surgeon general’s report here (or read it below).
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Feel more Secure with Window Film
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners these days is safety and privacy. After all, your home is supposed to be a haven and keeping your family safe and secure is a top priority. What a lot of San Francisco Bay Area residents are discovering is that professionally installed window film can assist with both.
When it comes to safety, there are two areas of concern that we’ve seen with our customers. The first has to do with making sure that residential window contribute to theft prevention. For instance, in summer months, many homeowners hit the road and want to know that their homes are secure. For good reason then, the International Window Film Association recommends using window film. They noted that the FBI’s statistics indicate an increase in home invasions for the months of July and August, the two busiest travel months of the summer. By using window film in entry way window especially, “Safety window films when professionally installed on windows may slow down a thief by holding the glass together and making it harder for a thief to get through the glass, which may discourage them from breaking in”.
Window Film at Work: Residential
Home window tinting can turn your house into a safer, more comfortable place to live in so many ways. Window tinting can reduce harmful ultraviolet rays, protect your home furnishings from sun damage and reduce glare. Plus, 3M window film can reduce your energy bill both during warm and cold weather.
Window Film at Work: Commercial
Commercial 3m Window film provides the most efficient cost effective way to save energy and improve the performance of your building in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Energy Savings: reduce energy costs in your building and improve efficiency. Learn about our LOW-E window film solutions.
- Fade reduction: commercial window tinting blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays and reduces fading of furnishings and flooring.
- Sun control: improve comfort and maintain temperature consistency from one room to the next.
- Glare reduction: reduce the glare and control the sun in any building or workspace with window film.
ClimatePro: Your Window Film Experts
ClimatePro is dedicated to helping you with all of your window film needs. Are you a residential customer looking for the combined benefits that window film can bring to you San Francisco Bay Area home? We can assist you every step of the way, from choosing the right film to a professional installation. For our commercial clients, we offer the best selection of window film and have years of exceptional service to share with you. Start your window film journey today, right here.
