Dec 13
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home-window-film

Home Window Film: A Guide to Elevating Comfort and Privacy

By | Home | No Comments

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Jan 04
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New Year, New View: 5 Reasons to Tint Your Car Windows in 2024 - Automotive Window Tinting in Springfield, MO

New Year, New View: 5 Reasons to Tint Your Car Windows in 2024

By | Automotive

As the sun creeps higher in the January sky, we’re reminded of the joys and challenges a new year brings. For many, it’s a time for resolutions, fresh starts, and maybe even a little automotive TLC. So, if you’re looking to spruce up your car and add a touch of cool comfort to your daily drives, consider one upgrade that offers a bundle of benefits: tint your car windows!

Here are 5 compelling reasons why getting your windows tinted should be at the top of your auto wishlist in 2024:

  1. Beat the Heat (and Save on A/C): We all know that scorching summer sun can turn your car into a rolling sauna. Window tint acts as a shield, blocking damaging UV rays and reducing the interior temperature by as much as 15 degrees. This can save on gas by taking the pressure off your air conditioning, making it a win for both your budget and the environment.
  2. Glare Goodbye: Sun-drenched roads can be blinding, causing eye strain and making it difficult to react quickly. Tinted windows reduce glare significantly, giving you a clearer view of the road and enhancing your driving safety.
  3. Sun Protection, Inside and Out: UV rays aren’t just annoying – they’re harmful. Window tinting blocks up to 99% of UVA and UVB rays, protecting your skin from premature aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Bonus points for your car’s interior: Say goodbye to faded dashboards and cracked leather, as reduced sun exposure keeps your upholstery looking sharp.
  4. Privacy Please: Want to keep prying eyes away from your belongings or enjoy a little private road trip karaoke? Tinted windows act as a barrier, obscuring the view into your car while still allowing you to see out comfortably. This added security brings peace of mind, especially when parked in busy areas.
  5. Instant Upgrade, Lasting Value: Window tinting doesn’t just improve your driving experience, it can also boost your car’s resale value. A sleek, professionally tinted car has a more modern and stylish look, making it more appealing to potential buyers down the line.

Beyond these practical benefits, there’s something undeniably cool about tinted windows. They add a touch of mystery and sophistication to any vehicle, turning your daily commute into a mini-escape from the ordinary. So, as you plan your 2024 resolutions, don’t just focus on self-improvement – consider giving your car a little upgrade too. With window tinting, you’ll enjoy a cooler, safer, and more stylish ride throughout the year, making every journey a fresh start.

Remember, window tint regulations vary by state, we can help you choose a high-quality film and complies with local laws. Happy cruising in your newly tinted haven!

If you would like to tint your car windows and want more information , check out our automotive window tint page, or contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 . Find out why Custom Shade – Springfield Window Tinting is the Springfield, Missouri areas #1 source for automotive window tinting.

Dec 14
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Five Primary Benefits of Using Decorative Film Versus Custom Glass - Decorative Window Film in Springfield, MO

Decorative Film vs Custom Glass – 5 Great Window Film Benefits

By | Decorative window film

Decorative film and decorative glass are popular in both commercial and home settings. The main reason is how versatile they can make a space. You can add elements of privacy, decor or branding without making a space feel enclosed. It is easy to see why these products are being used more frequently as commercial and home spaces are being reimagined. With that said, is there a benefit to using either decorative film or a custom glass panel? In our opinion, decorative window film is a superior option and this article gives 5 reasons we feel that to be the case.

5 Primary Benefits of Decorative Film vs Custom Glass
Decorative Film vs Custom Glass – 5 Primary Benefits of Window Film - 2
  1. Retrofittable to Existing Glass – You can avoid the excessive cost of removing your existing glass and replacing it with a custom glass panel as decorative film can be applied to the existing glass panel in most cases.
  2. Cost – Even basic custom glass panels can get costly. However, decorative glass films allow you to implement much more intricate and involved designs at a fraction of what having a custom piece of glass would cost.
  3. Reversible – If the needs of a space change and you would like to remove the decorative element, the decorative film can simply be removed. With a custom glass panel, you would need to order a new piece of glass and have it installed.
  4. Nearly Unlimited Options – Unlike actual custom glass, designs using decorative glass film are limited nearly by only your imagination. Through the use of potter cut film or custom printing, your dreams can truly become reality.
  5. Easier to Clean – When the actual glass panel is customized to give a frosted or sand blasted look, it creates a rough surface in the glass. This surface attracts dust, oil from people’s hand, etc and begins to look dirty over time. As the dirt becomes embedded in the surface, it becomes harder to remove it completely and keep the decorative panel looking clean. On the other hand, designs utilizing decorative glass films are easily cleaned so that they continue to look as good as the day they were installed.

We hope that this brief article gave you some compelling reasons why a decorative film might be a better option that custom glass panels. If you would like more information on these innovative and versatile films, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation of your project, contact us today at (417) 823-8715. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.