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Jan 24
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Heat Loss: How window film can help you save energy and stay warm this winter. Learn how high-performance window film reduces heat loss through your windows, keeping your home cozy and your energy bills low.

Banishing the Chill: How Window Film Can Stop Heat Loss in Its Tracks

By | Home | No Comments

Winter can be a real energy guzzler, especially when it comes to keeping your home warm. Drafty windows are notorious for letting precious heat escape, leaving you shivering and your energy bills sky-high. But fear not, homeowners! There’s a simple yet effective solution to this chilly predicament: high-performance window film.

Think of your windows like a sieve in the winter. Warm air inside your home is constantly trying to escape through those tiny gaps and cracks, while icy blasts from outside are eager to infiltrate. This constant battle leads to energy loss and a less-than-cozy living environment.

Enter the hero: window film.

How Window Film Stops Heat Loss in Its Tracks

High-performance window film acts as an invisible shield, creating a barrier between your cozy abode and the frigid outdoors. Here’s how it works:

  1. Reduced Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact. Window film significantly reduces heat transfer through your windows by creating an insulating layer. This means less heat escapes your home during the winter, keeping you warmer and your energy bills lower.
  2. Minimized Convection: Convection is the transfer of heat through the movement of air. Window film helps to reduce air infiltration, minimizing the flow of cold air into your home through gaps and cracks around your windows.
  3. Enhanced Radiation Control: Infrared radiation is a form of heat energy that can easily pass through ordinary glass. High-performance window films are designed to reflect infrared radiation back into the room, keeping your home warmer and more comfortable.

Beyond Energy Savings: Additional Benefits

  1. UV Protection: Window film blocks harmful UV rays, protecting your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading and damage.
  2. Glare Reduction: Winter sun can create glare on your computer screens and other electronic devices. Window film reduces glare, creating a more comfortable and productive living environment.
  3. Improved Privacy: Window film can enhance your privacy, allowing you to enjoy the view without feeling exposed.
  4. Enhanced Aesthetics: Window film can add a touch of style to your home with a variety of tints and finishes to choose from.

Choosing the Right Window Film

Not all window films are created equal. Look for high-performance films with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, which are specifically designed to reduce heat loss. Consult with a professional window film installer to discuss your specific needs and choose the best film for your home.

So, this winter, say goodbye to drafty windows and hello to cozy comfort. Invest in high-performance window film and experience the difference for yourself.

Need help finding a local installer – CLICK HERE.

If you have questions about these films, contact us at (417) 823-8715. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the entire surrounding area.

Jan 08
0
Discover how high-performance window film can transform your commercial building this winter. Learn how it reduces energy costs, improves comfort, enhances security, and boosts your company's sustainability.

Curbing the Chill: High-Performance Window Film Can Save $$ in 2025

By | Commercial

The frigid grip of winter can significantly impact the comfort and energy consumption of commercial buildings. Heating costs soar as businesses struggle to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, while cold drafts can wreak havoc on employee productivity. Fortunately, a simple yet effective solution lies in the application of high-performance window film.

In 2025, with sustainability and energy efficiency at the forefront of many business strategies, window film emerges as a crucial tool for building owners and managers. Beyond aesthetics, modern window films offer a multifaceted approach to improving building performance and enhancing the overall occupant experience.

1. Winter Comfort and Energy Savings

One of the most significant benefits of window film during the winter months is its ability to reduce heat loss. Traditional glass windows are notorious for their poor insulation properties, allowing precious heat to escape. High-performance window films create an invisible barrier, significantly minimizing heat transfer and keeping your building warmer. This reduced heat loss translates to lower energy bills and a more comfortable indoor environment for employees and customers.

2. Glare Reduction and Improved Productivity

Winter sunlight, while welcome, can often cause glare on computer screens and other electronic devices, leading to eye strain and reduced productivity. Window film with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings effectively reduces glare, creating a more comfortable and productive work environment. This not only improves employee comfort but also enhances overall workplace efficiency.

3. UV Protection and Indoor Air Quality

While winter sunlight may not seem as intense as summer sun, UV rays can still penetrate windows and cause damage to furniture, flooring, and artwork. High-performance window films offer superior UV protection, safeguarding your valuable assets and creating a more aesthetically pleasing interior. Furthermore, by reducing heat gain, window film can help minimize the need for excessive ventilation, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of airborne contaminants.

4. Enhanced Security

Beyond energy efficiency and comfort, window film can also enhance the security of your commercial building. Safety and security films are designed to deter break-ins by making it more difficult to break through windows. This added layer of protection can provide peace of mind for building occupants and valuable assets.

5. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

In today’s environmentally conscious world, sustainability is a key concern for many businesses. By reducing energy consumption and minimizing their environmental impact, companies can enhance their corporate social responsibility image. Investing in energy-efficient solutions like window film demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and can appeal to environmentally conscious customers and employees.

Choosing the Right Window Film:

Selecting the right window film requires careful consideration of your specific needs and priorities. Factors such as the building’s orientation, climate, and desired level of privacy should all be taken into account. Consulting with a window film professional can help you choose the most suitable film for your building and achieve the desired results.

High-performance window film offers a range of benefits for commercial buildings during the winter months. By reducing heat loss, minimizing glare, and enhancing overall comfort and security, window film can contribute to a more productive and sustainable work environment. As we move further into 2025 and beyond, investing in energy-efficient solutions like window film will become increasingly important for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive and environmentally conscious world.

If you have questions about these films, contact us at (417) 823-8715. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the entire surrounding areas.

Dec 13
0
home-window-film

Home Window Film: A Guide to Elevating Comfort and Privacy

By | Home

Home window film, a thin, transparent layer applied to your windows, offers a myriad of benefits that can significantly enhance your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. While often associated with commercial buildings, window film is equally beneficial for residential properties. Let’s delve into the reasons why you should consider this innovative solution for your home.

Privacy, Please:

One of the most significant advantages of home window film is its ability to provide privacy without sacrificing natural light. By reducing visibility into your home, you can enjoy a sense of seclusion and security. Imagine relaxing in your living room without feeling exposed to the outside world. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or hosting a gathering, window film ensures your privacy remains intact.

Harnessing the Sun’s Power:

While sunlight can brighten up your home, excessive heat and glare can be a nuisance. Window film acts as a barrier, blocking harmful UV rays and reducing heat gain during the summer months. This not only helps to keep your home cooler but also protects your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading and damage.

Winter Warmth:

As the temperature drops, window film can help retain heat, reducing energy consumption and lowering heating costs. By minimizing heat loss through your windows, you can create a cozy and energy-efficient living space.

Aesthetics and Curb Appeal:

Window film can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. With a wide range of options available, you can choose a film that complements your home’s style, whether it’s a sleek, modern look or a more traditional aesthetic. Additionally, window film can help to reduce glare, making your windows appear less reflective and more inviting.

Easy Installation and Long-lasting Results:

One of the greatest benefits of window film is its ease of installation. Professional installers can apply the film quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruption to your daily routine. Once installed, window film is durable and requires minimal maintenance.

Real-World Benefits:

  1. Reduced Energy Costs: By regulating temperature and reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling, window film can help you save money on your energy bills.
  2. Improved Comfort: A more comfortable indoor environment with reduced glare and heat gain.
  3. Enhanced Security: While home window film won’t deter a determined burglar, it can deter opportunistic thieves by making it more difficult to see inside your home.
  4. UV Protection: Safeguard your skin, eyes, and furniture from harmful UV rays.

By making a wise investment in home window film, you can elevate your home’s comfort, security, and style.

We hope that this article provided some useful information about how residential window films are perfect for this winter season. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation for your home, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. We would be glad to explain these innovative and functional window films available and help you get exactly the right film to fit your needs in the Springfield, MO area.

Mar 14
0
Furnishing a home can be expensive. Protect your investment against sun damaged floors, furniture and furnishings with home window film.

Sun Damaged Floors & Furnishings – Great Fade Protection

By | Home

Added Protection Against Sun Damaged Floors and Furniture 2Many people have been making investments in their homes in these past several years as they are planning to stay put with interest rates soaring. With the investment in home improvement, it only makes sense that you would want to protect against sun damaged floors and furniture. This article is designed to explain the true causes of sun damage and why window films retrofitted to your existing windows can be a good solution.

If you don’t want your new floors or furniture to end up looking like the floor above or to the right, check out the information below.

What Causes Sun Damaged Floors and Furniture

First, let’s discuss what causes this type of fading and sun damage. A common misconception is that the sun’s UV rays are what cause sun damaged floors, furniture and furnishings. While UV rays are certainly the largest component that causes fading, as the chart below illustrates, they actually only account for 40% of the total.

Solar heat, or the heat you feel passing through your windows and the visible light streaming through are also major contributors. These factors account for an additional 25% each of the causes of fading. The last factor accounts for the remaining 10% and is listed as “other”.  It is comprised of a variety of things that are harder to control like interior lighting, humidity, etc.

One thing this chart might help you realize is that you cannot “stop” fading completely. The facts are that unless the items you want to protect are placed in a dark, climate controlled room, they will typically fade over time. However, most of us plan to have the flooring and furniture in a place that will be exposed to UV, heat and light. This being the case, the most you can do is attack these major contributors of fading.

By significantly attacking these contributors, you can slow down this fading process and extend the life of floors and furnishings. With that in mind, one of the best ways to attack these primary causes of sun damage and fading is with window films.

Why Are Window Films a Good Solution to Fading?

As mentioned above, you cannot completely stop fading and most people do not want to “close-up” their home in an effort to stop the damage from occurring. So, assuming windows will not be covered, you need to attack these fading factors before they enter the home. Window films are a great option because they attack all 3 major contributors of fading before they pass through the glass and enter your home.

Most professionally installed window films will block 99%+ of the UV rays, so that is nearly 40% of the factors removed. In addition, many window films can significantly reduce heat coming through the window, so that eliminates part of that 25% piece. Finally, it is possible to block up to 60% of the visible light coming through a window without noticeably darkening the window.

When you combine the overall reduction in these 3 fade factors, you can take a significant portion of the fading pie shown above. The best part is that this protection can be accomplished while continuing to retain the open feel of your home through the use of window film.

We hope this article has served to shed some light the factors of sun damaged floors, furniture and furnishings and how utilizing window film can be one of your best options to address this issue. If you would like more information, click HERE and contact Custom Shade today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We can provide you with a free, no obligation assessment and estimate on the work you are considering. We are based in Springfield, Missouri and proudly service the surrounding area.

Mar 01
0
Stay Cool & Save Energy! The Benefits of House Window Films

Stay Cool & Save Energy! The Benefits of House Window Films

By | Home

Higher Temperatures Expected – How House Window Films Can Help Save Energy

The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a publication known for its long-range weather forecasts, has predicted a hotter than normal Summer for much of the United States in 2024. While their methods haven’t been scientifically validated, the Almanac boasts an 80% accuracy rate on their yearly forecasts.

In addition, consumers should brace for continued high energy costs throughout 2024. While some sources predict a slight decrease in average electricity prices nationally, these may not be reflected in all regions. Coupled with the potential for a hotter-than-average summer, which could increase demand for electricity, many individuals could face higher energy bills in the coming year. It’s crucial to consider energy-saving measures to navigate this period of potentially elevated costs.

Stay Cool & Save Energy! The Benefits of House Window Films - Home Window Tinting ServicesWe recently came across an article in USA Today that detailed 5 ways to cool your home without central air. The article discussed things like using dehumidifiers, fans and other portable AC units, but they also discussed how house window films retrofitted to your existing windows can help.

We wanted to take a moment to summarize what they said about these innovative films and expand on how they can help you have a comfortable home this Summer.

The article mentions that according to the U.S. Department Of Energy, over one third of all sunlight that enters the home is transferred into heat. Therefore, any strategy to help keep your home cooler in the Summer needs to include a way to block this heat. This is where home window films retrofitted to your existing glass come in.

As the USA Today article explains, “A discreet window tint defends you from the sun by absorbing light shining in. Here at Reviewed, we tested window tints in our lab, and we were surprised by how much direct sunlight they block out. As a plus, the tinted film works as another layer of insulation come wintertime.”

Gone are the days when energy-efficient window films meant sacrificing aesthetics for functionality. Modern innovation has brought exciting advancements to the market, allowing homeowners to enjoy the benefits of heat rejection without compromising the look of their windows.

Now, homeowners can embrace a new generation of window films that effectively block a significant amount of heat while maintaining a clear, near-invisible appearance. So, you can achieve substantial heat rejection without the need for dark, tinted windows that might not match your home’s style.

Furthermore, these innovative house window films offer an incredibly cost-effective solution compared to replacing your existing windows. They can be easily applied directly onto your current windows, instantly improving their performance and energy efficiency. This translates to significant savings on your energy bills, especially during the hot summer months.

For targeted heat control, you can strategically place the film on specific windows throughout your home. This allows you to address the rooms most impacted by the sun’s rays, creating a more comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective way to improve comfort or simply want to keep your home cool and stylish, window film offers a compelling solution in 2024.

We hope that this article gave you some ideas on how house window films might be able to improve the comfort of your home this Summer. If you would like more information, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to discuss this with you and provide you with a free, no obligation quote of implementing a window film product into your Springfield, Missouri area home.

Feb 16
0
School Security Upgrades Addressed By Campus Security Magazine - Safety and Security Window Film in Springfield, MO.

School Security Upgrades Discussed in Campus Security Magazine

By | Safety & Security Window Film

A recent article in Campus Security Magazine entitled “Now Is the Time to Improve Your Campus Security and Safety Infrastructure” discusses why, with recent federal funding, school security upgrades should be a priority. The article starts by saying, “If your school district, college or university has outdated infrastructure (and, let’s face it, what educational facility doesn’t?), there is no better time than now to make upgrades. That’s because a whole lot of federal funding has recently become available for these types of projects.”

How Window Film Fits With School Security Upgrades

Many schools have already utilized state and federal funding for security window films, but this latest round of funding enables them to enhance the work that may have already been done. We know that windows and glass door are often a main security vulnerability in school facilities. In another article entitled “Is Your Child’s School Safe? Examining the Top 3 School Safety Vulnerabilities“, the article noted glass as being one of the top three vulnerabilities because of the extensive use of tempered glass in schools.

The good news is that this school safety vulnerability can be addressed by retrofitting existing tempered school glass with a security window film. In addition, about $280 billion is currently available for K-12 and higher education infrastructure improvements.

The article goes on to state that This means that this money can be used for a wide variety of solutions that improve the long-term safety and health of students, faculty and staff..” and that “Schools and institutions of higher education would be foolish not to take advantage of these opportunities.”

Finally, in a District Administration Magazine article entitled “Building Blocks of a School Security Plan”, the article states “Make your building perimeter harder to penetrate. If you already have locks on your outside doors, the next item you should consider on your list is security film for your windows. After the doors, the next obvious place a person with bad intentions will try to enter the building is through your windows. Security film maintains the integrity of the window, even if the glass is broken.

It helps to hold the glass in place, acting as a screen that is difficult to breach, even with a sledge hammer or baseball bat. I believe that simple is better. Make sure that your plan is based on principles such as distance or time. Ask yourself, Does this security device offer my community additional time by delaying the threat?”

The evidence is clear that security window films can be an vital part of any school security program. If you would like more information or have any questions about window films being used for these school security upgrades, please contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. We would be happy to provide you with a free property assessment and estimate on retrofitting security window film at your Springfield, Missouri area schools.

Feb 01
0
Upgrade Commercial Buildings with Innovative Window Films - Commercial Window Tinting in the Springfield, MO area.

Upgrade Commercial Buildings with Innovative Window Films

By | Commercial

Did you know that window tint and films are a cost-effective, retrofittable solution that upgrade commercial buildings by improving the safety, comfort, and energy efficiency of the facility? Furthermore, they can be easily installed to existing glass to solve some of the biggest concerns facing property managers today. Learn more about the benefits of these innovative products below.

6 Great Benefits of Professionally Installed Commercial Window Films

Lower Energy Costs

A huge cost to facility owners comes in the form of high utility bills. It’s a large and expensive task to keep a huge building cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and windows account for about 30% of your heating and cooling load. To cut down on those costs, you can have a commercial window film installed that can block as much as 80% of the sun’s heat. Some low-e window films can even work by not only reducing heat in the Summer, but also retain the interior heat in the Winter. With modern window film options, you can get greater energy savings year-round without the need for expensive replacement windows or window treatments.

Increased Security

Windows and exposed glass are some of the most vulnerable parts on any building. The most common points of entry for burglars are windows and doors, so protecting your glass with a protective security film adds safety and function to your structure. Security films make glass more resistant to shattering, and if anyone does try to break in, the film holds the glass in place to delay the intruder and reduce the risk of a bystander getting injured. It’s also an important safety add-on for areas where earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, and other natural disasters make glass more likely to shatter and become a projectile. As with any safety and anti-intruder product, security films should be used in conjunction with other safety measures to make your facility as secure as possible.

Improved Comfort

By reducing the heat and glare coming through your windows, you make the space more comfortable for those working in it. From eliminating hot and cold spots across floors, to reducing irritating glare and reflection on computer and monitor screens, window films help make your space a more comfortable place to be.

UV Protection

While sunlight in a workplace improves mood and morale, it also lets damaging UV-A rays into the workplace. UV-A rays cause tanning, premature aging, and increase your risk of skin cancer, so adding a UV-blocking film to your facility is a great step to reducing those risks for those working near windows. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends UV-blocking window films to let the daylight in but keep those UV rays out. Not only does this reduce cancer risk, it helps keep furniture, flooring and other furnishings from fading in color.

Better for the Environment

The EPA reports that 75% of all windows in the US are inefficient, so facility owners often look to replacing their windows when they want to cut energy costs. However, an energy-saving window film can save facilities thousands without the need for the huge cost of replacing windows. In addition to the energy and health benefits, you can feel good about knowing that your facility has a smaller carbon footprint and that your facility’s current windows won’t end up in a landfill.

Enhanced Style

Depending on the facility, style might not be your biggest priority when it comes to windows, but a film is an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade the look of your building without a huge renovation. From etched glass styles to branded appliqués that show off your brand, there’s a film for every taste and business.

If you would like more information on how window films can upgrade commercial buildings, click HERE. If you have questions about these films, contact us at (417) 823-8715. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing these solutions in your Springfield, Missouri area space.

Jan 18
0
Glare Reducing Window Film Offers Improved Winter Comfort - Home and Commercial Window Film Services in the Springfield, MO area.

Glare Reducing Window Film Offers Improved Winter Comfort

By | Commercial, Home

Are you aware of the benefits of glare reducing window film and why it might be even more important in the Winter months? We wrote this article to explain why glare is worse at this time of the year and how these innovative films can help.

It may seem counterintuitive, but it’s not your imagination, the sun’s light and glare actually appear brighter in the Winter. The reason is that from October through Spring, the sun is much lower in the sky and that presents itself as an irritating glare that you might not notice as much at other times of the year. This lower angle of the sun’s rays hitting your windows results in a corresponding lower angle light passed through into the space.

The combination of a brighter sun and the lower angle of the rays result in excessive glare that make a space less comfortable and make seeing a computer or television screen more difficult. Furthermore, when you combine this lower angle and brighter sun with reflection off water or snow, the resulting glare can be even worse. Finally, the leaves on tress that provide a barrier to glare in the warmer months are missing giving the sun an unobstructed path to your windows.

So, How Does Glare Reducing Window Film Help?

For these reasons, Winter is the best time to consider retrofitting your existing windows with a glare reducing window film. Much like a quality pair of sunglasses, window films can significantly reduce the glare and increase visibility and comfort without negatively impacting your views. In fact, when the glare is reduced, your eyes can actually relax and result in an enhanced view and a more comfortable home.

In addition, significant glare problems are often accompanied by the issue of faded floors, furniture and furnishings. The increased sun exposure brings in excessive UV and light which both are major contributors to fading. A great added benefit of  window film is that it also will typically reduce 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays and a portion of the visible light.

If you would like more information or have any questions about glare reducing window film, contact us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing these solutions in your Springfield, Missouri area space.