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Stephen Gallagher

Dec 15
0
How Does Professional Window Film Upgrade Home Windows - Home Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

How Professional Window Film Upgrades Home Windows in 2023

By | Home

Have you ever considered a professional window film for your home? In this article, we wanted to explain the variety of ways that professionally installed home window film can upgrade the existing windows in your house. Unlike window film products of years ago, modern, innovative window films let in desirable light, block harmful UV rays, add insulation against outside climate extremes, and bring aesthetic upgrades to homes. It can be a solid return on investment when you work with professionals who know what they’re doing.

Despite this, there are still some unfortunate misconceptions carried over from more than two decades ago. We wanted to address these and explain a bit about how this new generation of window films work. 

Does a window film alter the color of the light in your home?

The short answer? Nope!

For homeowners with a passion for interior design, there’s a misconception that a window film will alter the hue of the sunlight coming in from the window and affect the color palette in the room. While this may have been the case in the past with older technologies, the world of window films has changed a lot since its early days. The reality is that window films today can absorb heat and UV rays without using a dark or a metallic tint. While these films did reflect the sun and heat, they often did so while changing the look of a home and the nature of the light entering the home.

Newer technology in window films enable you to get heat rejection, glare reduction and UV protection while barely being noticeable on the glass. There are a variety of films to suit nearly any need, budget or desired appearance. To the original question, if you want great protection without a changing the color of the light, ask for color-neutral films.

Can window films reduce my energy costs?

If your home has a lot of windows that get sun throughout the day, air conditioning is likely needed to keep the rooms comfortable. Modern solar control window film act to stop the heat at the windows and reduce the amount of heat from the sun that enters your home. By reducing the amount of heat coming in, your air conditioning will not have to work as hard to keep the home at the desired temperature. The end result is less energy used and less wear and tear on your unit as it is not working as hard. Savings vary by particular house, number of windows, type of existing windows and the specific orientation of the home to the sun.

Does residential window film stop fading?

A common misconception is that UV rays are what cause faded floors and sun damage to furnishings. While they are certainly the largest component, as this chart illustrates, they only account for 40%. Solar heat and visible light are also major contributors, accounting for 25% of the problem. The last factor is comprised of a variety of this we simply put under the heading “Other”. These are things like interior lighting, humidity, etc.

Primary Causes of Fading ChartThe great thing about modern window films is that they work to typically block 99+% of the UV portion of the chart, but also work to reduce the contributing factors of visible light and heat. A properly specified window film cannot completely stop fading, but it can significantly reduce the primary causes of fading and dramatically extend the life of floors, furniture and furnishings in your home.

We hope this article opened your eyes to a couple ways modern, professional window film can help upgrade your home. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Custom Shade today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

Dec 01
0
Factory Vehicle Tint Doesn't Offer Performance or Protection - Automotive Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Factory Vehicle Tint Doesn’t Offer Performance or Protection

By | Automotive

If you’re driving a truck, SUV or wagon built in the last decade, the chances are it’s equipped with factory vehicle tint on all windows behind the front doors. In addition, many of these vehicles come equipped with large sunroofs or multiple sunroofs like seen in the picture above. Many owners of vehicles like this often choose to only have the front windows tinted to match these back glass panels because they believe that they are already set with the rear windows having factory tint.

However, while this factory specified vehicle tint improves the looks of the vehicle and offers rear passengers some privacy, it does very little to help reduce excessive heat entering through the glass or protecting rear passengers from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Here are two reasons you might want to consider a professionally installed window film on all windows, including the glass that came with factory tint.

2 Benefits of Professionally Applied Window Film Versus Factory Vehicle Tint

Superior Heat Rejection

While a darkened piece of factory vehicle tint may slightly reduce the heat from entering the vehicle, it cannot compare to the heat rejection possible utilizing the modern window film technology. As mentioned above, factory tinted glass is primarily installed for looks and privacy. Many vehicle owners have the front windows tinted to match the rear and provide some heat rejection in the front seats. However, they may assume that the level of heat rejection they now have on the front glass is already present in the rear glass because of the factory vehicle tint. Actually, nothing can be further from the truth. Other than having the “tinted” look, these windows do very little to stop the heat from entering the vehicle.

So, what can be done? You may not want to apply additional window tint on the rear windows for increased heat rejection as the windows are dark enough already with factory tint. There is good news. These windows can be made to perform much better at rejecting heat with newer technology window films without making them noticeably darker than the factory tint already present. Combining these films on factory tinted windows with the window film installed on the front windows will make the vehicle interior much cooler and even possibly reduce the need to run air conditioning as often. So, not only will your passengers be more comfortable, you may even save a little at the gas pump by less frequent AC use.

Skin Protection From Harmful UV Rays

Did you know that your skin is susceptible to sun damage even while simply traveling in your car? What you may not know is that factory tinted automotive glass does very little to block the sun’s harmful UV rays. While most of us would not think of spending significant time in the sun without some form of skin protection, we often ride for hours inside a vehicle with the false impression that we are protected.

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that nearly 53% of skin cancers in the US occur on the left, or drivers’ side of the body. If you’re one of the approximately 208 million licensed drivers in the US, take heed: “The increase in left-sided skin cancers may be from the UV (ultraviolet) exposure we get when driving a car,” said Susan T. Butler, MD, coauthor of the study.

This is one of the reasons why The Skin Cancer Foundation gives many professionally installed window films their Seal of Recommendation that is a symbol of safe and effective sun protection. You can learn more from The Skin Cancer Foundation about sun safety and the advantages of using a window film on your car by clicking HERE.

Hopefully the information will enable you to make an educated choice about having window film installed on your entire vehicle. We should also note, please make sure to check tint laws to understand what window films are legal. You can see the complete list by clicking HERE.

If you would like more information regarding the information contained in this article or the window tinting products we offer, click HERE. If you have questions about our services, contact us at (417) 823-8715. We are your premier source for automotive window tint in the Springfield, Missouri area.

Oct 28
0
Car Tinting Provides 5 Important Benefits For Whatever You Drive - Automotive Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Car Tinting Provides 5 Important Benefits For Whatever You Drive

By | Automotive

We recently came across an article in Times Square Chronicles called “5 Important Benefits of Car Tint“. Most people consider window tint because they like the appearance of tinted windows. However, there are 5 additional benefits of car tinting most people do not think about, so we wanted to summarize them below.

5 Car Tinting Benefits
    • Increase Privacy & Security – Vehicle window tint comes in various light transmission ranges to provide the top level of privacy to you and your passengers on the road. At the same time, it provides the security from the thieves looking to rob valuables from vehicles. It prevents them from seeing your belongings in the parking lot and other areas where cars stay for a longer period of time.
    • Reduces UV Ray Exposure – UV rays can damage your skin and increases the chances of skin cancer. It can also lead to the myriad of health problems such as sunburn, premature aging, damage to skin, suppression of immune system, etc. Vehicle window tint can help with this by preventing 99% of UV rays from entering the vehicle to damage your skin.
    • Keep Vehicle Interiors Cool & Comfortable – When the sun beats down through your vehicle’s windows, it can heat the interior of your automobile quickly. On a 70 degree day, the temperature inside your vehicle can easily rise to over 100 degrees in a brief period of time. Automobile window tint can noticeably reduce this heat entering through the glass. In fact, automotive window tint can lessen heat coming through the glass by as much as 70 percent! The result will be that you can be more comfortable every time you get into your vehicle and you may even reduce your gas consumption as a result of using the air conditioning less frequently. In addition, window tinting also reduces glare to lessen eye fatigue from direct sun rays and shiny headlights at night.
    • Shattered Glass Prevention & Protection – There are numerous benefits for the car tinting which you might not have considered. Window film is designed in such a way that if the glass shatters, it will keep it in one piece rather than many individual shards. In an accident, not having broken flying shards of glass flying through the vehicle can help prevent injuries.
    • Sun Damage Protection of Interiors – As mentioned above, tinting windows typically rejects 99% of the sun’s UV rays and heat. This protection from the sun helps protect vehicle interiors from fading, cracks and warping of interior surfaces to keep your automobiles looking newer longer.

We hope this article gave you some additional reasons other than improved looks to consider car tinting. If you would like more information, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, you can reach us directly by calling (417) 823-8715. We would be happy to discuss your options and provide you with a free, no obligation assessment and quotation on your particular vehicle. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and are the #1 source for vehicle window tinting in the Springfield, Missouri area.

Oct 12
0
Improve Facility Operations With Commercial Window Films - Commercial Window Film and Tint in Springfield, Missouri

Improve Facility Operations With Commercial Window Films

By | Commercial

This past year has really changed the way that commercial spaces are being utilized. In light of these changes, it is imperative that building managers take steps to operate the facility more efficiently and make their space stand out from the crowd. FacilitiesNet had an article that discussed how commercial window films could improve facility operations, and we wanted to summarize the findings below.

3 Ways Commercial Window Films Improve Facility Operations

  • Reduces Energy Costs: When window film is installed, the stress on the HVAC system is greatly reduced. Film keeps the cool air inside during summer months and limits heat loss during the winter months. These benefits can ultimately result in lower utility bills for facility managers.
  • Improves Safety Measures: Windows and doors are any building’s main point of entry, even for those who are uninvited. Safety window films can help reduce property loss and damage in the event of a burglary attempt by making it far more difficult for criminals to penetrate the building through glass doors and windows. Also, in the unlikely and unfortunate event of a natural disaster or extreme weather event, safety and security window film will help minimize damage to property and occupants.
  • Increases Productivity for Occupants and Preserve Furnishings: Window film lets in natural daylight, but blocks 99% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, and up to 82% of the sun’s heat. Sun beaming in through the windows can be harmful to the building’s occupants and damage the furnishings. Window film can solve these problems, making it easier for employees to get their jobs done comfortably while protecting their skin and the interior furnishings.

We hope that you found this information enlightening and useful. If you would like to see the source article at FacilitiesNet, click Here

If you are interested in learning more about commercial window film, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Custom Shade today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

Sep 28
0
Considering Home Window Replacement? Read This First. - Home Window Tinting and Film in Springfield, Missouri

Considering Home Window Replacement? Read This First.

By | Home

Have you been considering a home window replacement? There may be some better ideas that you should consider before pulling the trigger. In this post we summarize an article from The Washington Post entitled “What to consider before replacing the windows on your home“.

The article is based on the author being asked by a friend for some advice on having their home windows replaced. He explains that retaining and retrofitting your existing windows might be a much better option. He also makes the point of saying with current inflation that the sticker shock on window replacement might be quite eye-opening. He states that “It may be a better idea to install new weatherstripping and window films, and to paint your existing windows with the best urethane resin paint you can find
We hoped that you enjoyed this article considering a home window tint retrofit instead of home window replacement.”

As we install window films, we will focus on that option. These films are installed on your existing windows most commonly on the inside surface. Most home window film and tint installs can be done fairly quickly with very little disruption to your home. As the author mentions in the article, “you can apply transparent films to your existing windows and achieve the same results. One film can reject 97 percent of the IR light that’s trying to transform the inside of your house into a blast furnace. Another film can block significant amounts of UV light that work to fade your fabrics and carpets. These films cost a tiny fraction of what a new window might set you back.”

One thing the article mentions to consider is how long you might be staying in the home if you think the replacement windows will pay for themselves in the energy savings. He mentions that this might be much longer than you might expect by saying “My calculator showed it would take more than 86 years to break even. Yes, as energy costs rise, the payback period is reduced. Do your own math using your true annual heating and cooling costs. I think you’ll be stunned by the length of your payback period.”

We hope you enjoyed this post. If you would like to read the entire article in The Washington Post, click HERE.

To learn more about the residential window films we offer, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Custom Shade today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

Sep 01
0
School Security Vulnerabilities - Window Retrofit Targets Weakness - Safety and Security Window Film in Springfield, Missouri

School Security Vulnerabilities – Window Retrofit Targets Weakness

By | Commercial

As children across the country begin heading back to school full time, a mainstay of the news has become school safety and what can be done to protect students and staff. While a great deal of the safety is focused on COVID related modifications, many of the upgrades being discussed and implemented across the country also have to do with school security vulnerabilities as it relates to student safety.

It is very unfortunate that physical school security has become a primary topic of conversation, but it is part of the reality of the world in 2022. It sometimes is difficult to discuss school security and student safety strategies without appearing to have an agenda or be trying to sell something. While we are sensitive to this, we also feel that it is important to share information that can have a positive impact on potential incidents in the future. This article is designed to illuminate the topic of glass being one of the greatest school safety vulnerabilities.

School Security Vulnerabilities - Window Retrofit Addresses Weakness 2Liz Crawford wrote a piece recently titled “Is Your Child’s School Safe? Examining The Top 3 School Safety Vulnerabilities“. In this article, she noted glass as being one of the top three vulnerabilities because of the extensive use of tempered glass in schools. She, along with Craig Gundry, Vice President with Critical Intervention Services, discussed and said “Another common security vulnerability in schools is extensive use of tempered glass glazing. Tempered glass shatters into small pieces and Gundry believes one gunshot into the glass will make it easy for a gunman to enter the building. Critical Intervention Services estimates a gunman can get into a school in roughly nine seconds if confronted with tempered glass.”

Gundry also said, “One of the reasons tempered glass has historically been much more common in architectural design as well as indoor environments is because of the price. It is less than half the price typically of laminated glass,”.

School Safety Vulnerabilities - Window Retrofit Addresses Weakness 3While it is true that we see this specification in schools regularly, there is good news. This school safety vulnerability can be addressed by retrofitting existing tempered school glass with a security window film. When someone tries to gain access through the glass of a protected door or window, the security window film would allow the glass to break, but it would maintain the glass in the frame. While this film / glass combination can eventually be penetrated to gain access, the objective is to create resistance that slows the entry down. The goal is by slowing the entry down that will be giving school officials and local authorities time to respond to the threat.

If you would like more information or have any questions about how security window films can help address school security vulnerabilities, please contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to provide you with a free property assessment and estimate on retrofitting security window film in your Springfield, Missouri area school.

Aug 24
0
Energy Efficiency Addressed With Window Film - Experts Weigh In - Commercial Window Film & Tint in the Springfield, Missouri area

Energy Efficiency Addressed With Window Film – Experts Weigh In

By | Commercial
Energy Efficiency Claims and Real Information From The Experts

When it comes to commercial buildings, statistics and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR are alluded to quite frequently. And some of this information can be quite overwhelming. When you hear some of these energy efficiency facts, how do you decide to take action within your own building?

Here, we explain how high-performance, low-e window film can address the energy efficiency statistics and claims that exist in our industry.

Claim: Approximately one third of a building’s cooling costs can be attributed to solar heat gain through windows.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency Addressed With Window Film - Experts Weigh In - Commercial Window Film & TintHow Window Film Helps: If buildings don’t have a way to reduce solar heat gain coming in through window glass, then cooling systems may be used more often to keep tenants and occupants comfortable. Using window film to reduce solar heat gain can make a big impact on cooling costs by helping to even out hot and cold spots, regulating temperatures near windows to improve thermal comfort, and reducing cooling requirements. Newer low-e films are designed to be spectrally selective, reducing a large portion of the sun’s infrared heat while allowing visible light to pass through.

Claim: HVAC systems account for roughly 41% of total commercial building electrical usage – almost double that of any other building system.

Source: Alliant Energy

How Window Film Helps: Reducing heating and cooling loads can lessen HVAC energy usage – and high-performance, low-e window film may help you accomplish this. After installation, you may notice reduced HVAC usage thanks to more controlled interior temperatures throughout the building. Another bonus? When you reduce loads, you also reduce stress on the system. The more often it runs, the faster the equipment may need repairs or replacement. When it runs less often, you can prolong the life of your HVAC system.

Claim: Energy costs represent 30% of a typical building’s annual budget and is the single largest operating cost.

Source: BOMA-Kingsley Quarterly/ENERGY STAR

How Window Film Helps: Operating costs include energy usage for HVAC, lighting, plug load, etc. And low-e window film can positively impact all of these factors. For example, uncontrolled daylight through window glass often causes tenants and occupants to shut blinds and shades. This may reduce the amount of natural daylight coming into the space, and place a higher demand on your electric lighting system. At the end of the month, you may notice higher utility bills if lighting has been turned on more often.

Claim: 80% of workers have trouble concentrating if the office temperature is higher than normal; nearly two-thirds say typical tasks may take up to 25% longer in warmer conditions.

Source: Cornell University

How Window Film Helps: As mentioned above, low-e window film can reduce plug loads – and here’s how. Unprotected glass can cause year-round indoor temperature fluctuations: warm temperatures in summer months due to solar heat gain, and cool temperatures in winter months due to thermal heat loss. If tenants or occupants are uncomfortable, they may resort to space heaters and fans to keep working environments at reasonable temperatures. As a result, your electricity bills go up. Installing low-e film may remove hot and cold spots, reduce solar heat gain and thermal loss, and allow tenants and occupants to keep blinds and shades open. When they are more comfortable and have access to natural light and views to the outdoors, workers may be more productive.

Claim: Inefficient windows are to blame for 25% to 35% of wasted energy in commercial buildings.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

How Window Film Helps: The poor insulating characteristics of glass make windows one of the worst-performing components of your building envelope. Low-e window film can improve comfort levels and save energy by improving window insulating power by up to 92%. The right low-e window film provides single-pane windows with the same insulating performance as double-pane windows (and double-pane windows with the same insulating performance as triple-pane windows), significantly increasing the R-value of existing windows.This data was shared

Information Provided by Steve Debusk, Global Energy Solutions Manager from Eastman Chemical Company.

We hope this article enlightened you on some energy efficiency issues and how commercial window film can help. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Springfield Window Tinting today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

Jul 28
0
Sun Control Window Film Pros & Cons For Homes by Sciencing - Home Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Sun Control Window Film Pros & Cons For Homes by Sciencing

By | Home

We came across an article in Sciencing Online Magazine about the pros and cons of a sun control window film for your home. We thought this article shared some interesting information and we wanted to summarize it here.

The article begins by defining what these films are and what they are typically used for. The author writes “Solar window films were designed to control problems, mostly excess heat and fading from ultraviolet light exposure, caused by direct sunlight through home or office windows. These films are considered “retrofit” products that alter existing after-market windows and circumvent the need for new, upgraded window units.”

Pros & Cons of Sun Control Window Film For Your Home

Pros of Home Window Films

The author discusses a variety of films that can be used for the home, but summarizes her findings as follows. These films “can absorb and reradiate long-wave infrared heat, improving heat retention in the winter and lowering energy costs. Others reflect heat to the outside, minimizing summer heat — reducing central air conditioning bills and prolonging the life of heating, ventilation and air conditioning units. The same films can reduce glare and block up to 99 percent of harmful UV radiation from entering a home or office. The newest solar films have the capacity to be clear instead of tinted and can block out as much as 55 percent of summer heat while retaining heat in winter.”

Cons of Home Window Films

Regarding the cons, the author paints a fair view of all films, but does distinguish between some films available for DIY application from the professional window films that we offer and install. She notes; “Some films may not provide the advertised benefits or may begin to peel after a few years — though a quality film, professionally installed, may last 12 to 22 years. A film with a dark tint may significantly affect the view for people inside the house, while a film with a shiny outer coat can give windows a dark or shiny external appearance — or make the glass appear colored due to reflection of some bands of visible light. Many homeowners associations prohibit such alterations in appearance. In addition, the application of window film voids some manufacturers’ warranties on windows, so check the details of any existing warranties before applying window film.”

It should be noted that professionally installed window films are checked specified to not create issues with the existing glass. In many cases, a window film manufacturers warranty can replace part or all of a window manufacturer’s warranty that might be voided if a film is applied.

Other Considerations

The author finishes up by listing some other considerations when considering a home window film. She mentions to “Choose a film that has been tested and certified by an independent third party. Third-party testing verifies that films meet health and safety standards — like fire safety, glass fragment protection and human impact safety — as well as energy performance standards. The National Fenestration Rating Council has certified more than 250 films for energy efficiency.”

We hope that this summary of the article was helpful if you. If you would like to check out the complete article, click HERE.

To learn more about these pros and cons and all of the other things a sun control window film can do for your home, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Custom Shade today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.