Jun 17
0
Window Film Retrofit Upgrade Enhances Comfort and Helps Save Energy - Window Films and Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Window Film Retrofit Upgrade Enhances Comfort and Helps Save Energy

By | Commercial, Home

We wanted to summarize some information contained in an article that appeared in Healthcare Facilities Today related to how a window film retrofit upgrade to existing glass can enhance comfort and help save energy in nearly any space. The article written by Steve DeBusk entitled Window Film Can Balance Comfort, Energy Savings discusses some primary sources of savings. While this article was written specifically about using these films in hospitals and medical buildings, the benefits can be realized not only in medical facilities, but nearly any residential or commercial space.

The article begins by saying that “the right type of window film offers several energy-saving benefits: enhanced and prolonged performance of HVAC and lighting systems, increased window insulating power, and decreased plug load. Window film also improves the indoor environment by reducing hot and cold spots, making near-window indoor temperatures more tolerable, reducing glare, and lessening exposure to UV rays.” Let’s take a look at each on of these points individually.

Window Film Retrofit Upgrade Enhances Comfort and Helps Save Energy - Window Film and Window Tinting InformationImproved Comfort: As mentioned above, a properly specified window film can help reduce both how and cold spots in a building. Rather than have areas of a building that are too hot or too cold, you can strategically use window films to even out the temperature and increase comfort. In addition, window films can be used to reduce glare and eye strain while allowing pleasant light to stream into the space. This makes a space more pleasant by maintaining views while eliminating the irritating elements of natural lighting.

HVAC Savings: This point was made by stating “proper maintenance and load reduction strategies may extend the life of existing systems. If you’ve identified HVAC as an opportunity to save energy, start by reducing heating and cooling loads. You may also prolong capital investments in HVAC upgrades or replacements.” There are several ways to reduce the load on an HVAC system, but a logical place to start is by controlling the transmission of heat through the windows. Window films can be used to help reduce the heat passing through the glass and allowing the HVAC to not have to work as hard to keep the space at the desired temperature.

Lighting Savings: Having uncontrolled light streaming through the windows can bring some unwanted aspects. This causes many people to use blinds or shades. The article explains by stating while this “helps reduce the effects of solar heat gain, glare, and UV ray exposure, but covering the windows also sacrifices natural light and views. As a result, artificial lighting requirements may increase because it’s the only source of light.” By taking advantage of the natural light coming through the windows, the need to use lighting is decreased and that helps save on lighting costs.

We hope that this summary helped you understand how a window film retrofit upgrade can improve your space by making it more comfortable and help save energy costs. If you would like more information on these innovative films, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation of your commercial facility, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. We service Springfield, Missouri and the surrounding areas. We would be glad to explain the different types of window film and help you get exactly the right film to fit the needs of your space.

Jun 08
0
Four Commercial Window Film Benefits Detailed on Buildings.com - Commercial Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Four Commercial Window Film Benefits Detailed on Buildings.com

By | Commercial

With so many people re-imagining commercial spaces post-pandemic, we wanted to share this summary of an article that first appeared on Buildings.com about several commercial window film benefits. While the open feeling and natural lighting that windows and glass walls create can make a space feel very inviting, these same features can have drawbacks. These window film benefits can help you address the drawbacks and maximize the positive attributes of your windows.

Four Commercial Window Film Benefits
  1. Four Commercial Window Film BenefitsLess Glare and Lower Energy Bills – Window film can be applied to existing glass surfaces to reduce glare and help block heat from entering a space. Less heat means less work for the HVAC system which can result in lower energy bills.
  2. Customized Films To Meet Performance and Design Requirements – Modern window films can literally give you the best of both worlds. It once was true that getting high performance out of a window film meant dealing with a more reflective glass surface from the outside during the day and from the inside at night. This was often not the desired look or accepted design. That is no longer the case. You can achieve high levels of performance with films that are barely detectable on the glass and do not increase reflectivity on the inside or outside.
  3. Decorative, Privacy and Branding – Current decorative window films come in many designs and finishes. From traditional white frosted film to gradients and intricate designs, there is nearly something for every taste. These films can be retrofitted to nearly any glass surface to add a decorative element, increase privacy or to integrate a company logo or branding. You are nearly only limited by your own imagination.
  4. Personal Safety and Facility Security – Window films retrofitted to existing glass can help reduce injury possibility in the event of broken glass as well as increase the intrusion resistance and facility security. As the article states; “Window film buyers sometimes believe that window film can make glass shatterproof, a longstanding myth in the market. The truth is that window film can’t prevent glass from breaking, but it can hold glass fragments together when the glass is broken.That usually means that the broken glass also stays in place in the window rather than scattering everywhere, keeping wind and rain out of your facility during a storm and making it harder for an intruder to get into your building through the broken window.“

We hope that you found this article informative about commercial window film benefits. If you would like more information on these innovative films, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation of your commercial facility, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. We service Springfield, Missouri and the surrounding areas. We would be glad to explain the different types of window film and help you get exactly the right film to fit the needs of your space.

May 20
0
Washington Post Home & Garden Discusses How To Prevent Sun Fading - Home Window Tinting and Films in the Springfield, Missouri area

Washington Post Home & Garden Discusses How To Prevent Sun Fading

By | Home

In a recent question and answer segment of the Home & Garden section of The Washington Post, the author Jeanne Huber discussed how window film can be effective to help prevent sun fading of furniture and floors.

Washington Post Home & Garden Discusses How To Prevent Sun Fading 2The person’s question was as follows: “My apartment — on the 12th floor, with southeast exposure — is wonderfully sunny. Plants do well, and I enjoy the light and the view all day. However, the sun has bleached both wood and upholstered furniture and some carpet. I don’t want to close the drapes and live in the dark. Can my windows be treated?”

Jeanne went on to describe how window film could be the solution to the issue by saying, “Having window film installed on the inside of your windows could be the solution…Window film cannot totally prevent fading because other factors, such as humidity, account for about 5 percent of the problem. But depending on the window film you select, it can go a long way toward reducing the problem. All films block virtually all ultraviolet rays from the sun, which are responsible for about 45 percent of fading. Films also can block the rays that together cause about half of fading: visible light and infrared light, which causes heat.”

Jeanne was absolutely correct. The window films we carry cannot completely stop sun fading, virtually nothing can, but they can significantly slow down the process. By significantly reducing UV, visible light and heat, a properly specified window film can allow you to enjoy the sun without worrying about bleaching out your furniture or flooring.

You can read the complete piece in The Washington Post by clicking HERE.

If you would like more information about how our home window films can help to prevent sun fading in your home, 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 house.

May 07
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May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month - See How Window Film Helps - Window Film and Window Tinting Services in Springfield, Missouri

May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – See How Window Film Helps

By | Commercial, Home

Based on information from The Skin Cancer Foundation, with over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. That is why observing May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month is so important. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the incidence of this disease reaching epidemic levels. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. By raising awareness of the dangers of unprotected exposure and encouraging sun-safe habits, we can change behaviors and save lives.

Skin care to help prevent skin cancerWhile fad diets and pop science tout “cancer preventing” super foods with difficult to pronounce names, protecting yourself from the most common type of cancer really comes down to blocking UV rays. Skin cancer affected more than 5.4 million people in the United States in a single year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all the other cancer types combined, and one in five Americans will develop it by the age of 70. Because this risk is so great, we wanted to offer some skin cancer prevention steps you can take to protect yourself while on the go, at home, and on the job.

Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of RecommendationYou may wonder why we are sharing this information with you. What does window film have to do with skin cancer prevention? Actually, professionally installed window films are a given the Seal of Recommendation by The Skin Cancer Foundation as a safe and effective sun protection. They warn that ultraviolet radiation can travel through car and home windows, where it can contribute to the daily accumulation of sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer and photoaging. UV-blocking films can not only protect you against this exposure, but can offer other benefits as well. Harmful ultraviolet rays (UVR) are sneaky. Not only can they cause skin cancer and visible signs of aging, they’re also very good at finding you. They can bounce off water, off sand, and they can penetrate glass. Which means that even if you’re inside your car or house, if you’re sitting next to a window with sunlight streaming in, you’re at risk for UV damage. Window film is an increasingly effective solution, offering substantial indoor protection by blocking up to 99.9 percent of UVA radiation.

We are happy to offer window film products that can help be part of the solution. We wanted to share this article and this information to do our part during Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Please share this article to help raise skin cancer awareness and educate friends and family one how a product like window film can help protect you in ways you never imagined.

Vehicle UV Protection

Skin Protection While Driving With Automotive Window FilmsResearcher Scott Fosko, MD in an American Academy of Dermatology news release said that over 50% of skin cancers manifest on the left side of the body. He continued by saying “Our initial findings confirm that there is a correlation between more time spent driving and a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers, especially on sun-exposed areas in men,”

Researches attribute this split to our sun exposure while driving in the car. Given that AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that the average American spends 17,600 minutes driving each year, that’s a lot time for one half of your body to be receiving more UV radiation than the other.

To prevent skin cancer, always keep sunscreen in your car and apply before driving. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and reapplying every two hours. Sunscreen is critical, because at least 50% of UVA rays can pass through glass, and even though they aren’t as intense as UVB rays, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more common than UVB.

Another option is having a professionally installed window film installed. This is an even better way to filter the UV radiation that causes most types of skin cancer, because it filters all the time without the need for reapplying every two hours. In addition, many professionally installed window films are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. You can check out their article on using window film for sun protection by clicking HERE.

At-Home UV Protection

Skin Protection While at Home Using Home Window FilmsSpeaking of windows, our homes are another place where we’re exposed to the sun’s rays. Untreated windows let in rays that wash out your furniture and damage your skin, so take precautions. Apply sunscreen if you’ll be sitting in a sunny area, and never bring a tanning bed or UV-based light into your home. If you have concerns about the UV impact in your house, you might even consider installing UV sensors

An easier solution is to have a window film installed to block out up to 99.9% of those damaging rays. Because films put a barrier between your home and the sun, they reflect heat from the exterior and trap it inside during the winter.

For more information on the benefits of window films for protecting your home, check out the Skin Cancer Foundation’s blog post on the topic.

UV Protection on the Job

Skin Protection While Working With Commercial Window FilmsWhile you’re on the job, you’re still being affected by damaging rays. If your business has a storefront, a window film will block those rays and protect your merchandise and furniture from becoming washed out, while also saving you energy costs.

If you’re lucky enough to sit by a window while you work, don’t forget to consider windows film or a broad-spectrum sunscreen reapplied regularly. If neither these options is feasible, try and situate your workspace where you won’t be sitting directly in the sun. If you work outside, sunscreen is especially important! The Skin Cancer Foundation found that 85% of melanomas and 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers come from exposure to UV radiation, so if you’re working full time outdoors, your risk will increase exponentially.

So, as we start in Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we hope you found this article informative and now understand how window films can play a part in your overall skin protection plan. Our company is proud to offer professionally installed window films to help protect your skin. If you would like more information on the products or services we offer, contact us today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE.

Apr 22
0
Window Film Retrofit Upgrades Glass According To Architect Magazine - Commercial Window Film and Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Window Film Retrofit Upgrades Glass According To Architect Magazine

By | Commercial

In an article in Architect Magazine entitled “The Effects of Window Films Go Beyond the Surface” by Wanda Lau, how a window film retrofit your existing windows to enhance performance. We wanted to summarize that article to explain some of the ways these films upgrade existing windows with minimum disruption to a commercial space.

According to the article, “Window films can conjure up images of hazy purple film bubbling off of automobile glazing. In today’s buildings, however, they represent both an established and evolving technology that can significantly reduce solar heat gain and glare. By giving us daylighting and views, windows provide immeasurable boosts to our productivity and well-being. However, they also increase HVAC loads, which account for 39 percent of the energy that buildings consume, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. For older buildings with windows installed before the days of low-emissivity (low-E) and insulated glass, applied aftermarket films may be an effective alternative to window replacement, with paybacks as short as three years”.

In addition to the energy saving capabilities, window films can also be used to nearly eliminate UV rays which can have health benefits as well as act to protect your furnishings from sun fading. The article highlights this by saying “The ability of films to provide UV protection without affecting building aesthetics appealed to Phil Mark, director of preservation at Stratford Hall, the historic home of Robert E. Lee. In 2010, the Stratford, Va., plantation installed window film with a VT of 0.69 and a SHGC of 0.50 on 13 single-pane windows in an effort to protect interior finishes and the estate’s collections from UV damage. “You can hardly see it unless you know it’s there,” Mark says.”

We hope that you found this information on commercial window films useful. If you would like to learn even more about how a window film retrofit upgrades glass in commercial spaces, call us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation consultation and discuss how you can implement a window film solution in your space. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

Jan 07
0
Five Ways Window Film Will Improve Commercial Spaces in 2021 - Commercial Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Five Ways Window Film Will Improve Commercial Spaces in 2021

By | Commercial

Many of us are reviewing plans for 2021 and things we would like to accomplish in the coming year. As more time is spent indoors, improving those spaces in a variety of ways is a goal to consider. With that in mind, we wanted to share this summary of an article from Facility Executive Magazine on five ways that window films can be used to improve your facility. The article hits on several of the key ways that building owners and commercial property managers integrate window films to improve commercial spaces.

Five Ways Window Films Improve Commercial Spaces

  1. Energy Conservation: Up to 30% of any building’s cooling and heating load is through windows. Installing window film reduces the stress on a facility’s HVAC system. Many films block up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat, helping to cut cooling costs.
  2. Safety and Security: Windows and doors are the most vulnerable parts of any building. They are easy points of entry for people who may mean harm to the occupants, the building itself, or its contents. When professionally installed safety film is added, the glass doesn’t shatter, delaying the intruder’s entrance, and allowing local authorities to get to the scene in a timely matter.
  3. Health and Comfort: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends solar control window film to protect healthy skin and prevent premature aging. Window film lets natural daylight in, but blocks up to 99% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, and up to 80% of the sun’s heat protecting the building’s occupants and preventing interior furnishings from fading. Employees are also more productive and comfortable thanks to window film reducing solar glare, not only on their computer screens but throughout the entire building.
  4. Green Benefits: Nearly 75% of windows are not energy efficient, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Window film installation costs a fraction of new window replacement, and accomplishes many of the same goals, as well as going a long way in reducing a building’s carbon footprint.
  5. Aesthetics: Window film can improve the aesthetics of any commercial building. By improving the look of dated windows with film, the whole building will appear as though it had a modern facelift. Many manufacturers also offer decorative films that can add style, privacy and create a unique interior design. With certain styles of decorative films, facility executives can even achieve the look of etched glass at a fraction of the cost.

You can find the entire article HERE.

We hope that you found this summary informative and that it helps you in your goal to improve your commercial space in 2021. If you would like more information on commercial window films, click HERE. If you have any questions about these innovative films, please contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

Dec 09
0
Why Auto Window Tint Might Make Even More Sense During Fall & Winter in Springfield, Missouri

Why Auto Window Tint Might Make Even More Sense During Fall & Winter

By | Automotive

Have you ever noticed that the sun seems brighter in the Fall and Winter? That is not your imagination and this article is meant to share share a couple reasons why this is the case and why auto window tint might make even more sense during this time of the year.

Why Is The Sun Brighter During The Fall and Winter?

First, let’s discuss why you notice the sun being brighter at this time of the year. As we head into Fall, the sun begins to be lower in the sky. This is contrasted with the Summer when the sun is high in the sky. With the sun lower on the horizon in Fall and Winter, the light is hitting you at angles much closer to the horizon. So, while you might never look directly up into the sun during the Summer, you often find yourself looking somewhat directly at the sun during Fall and Winter.

The sun being lower to the horizon corresponds to shorter days. This will continue into January when the sun seems brightest and is very low on the horizon. After Winter solstice, the process begins to reverse and the sun begins getting higher in the sky each day again. During this process, you will notice that you are confronted with irritating and often blinding glare at the exact time of the day when many people are commuting to work.

Finally, if you drive near a body of water or have to contend with snow, the situation gets even worse. The low angled sunlight will reflect off of water and / or snow and create and even brighter and more blinding effect.

How Does Auto Window Tint Help?

Like a quality pair of sunglasses, window tint can reduce the amount of glare passing through the glass. This will not only make your vehicle a more comfortable place to be, it can also make it safer. If you have ever been blinded by the sun while driving or trying to pull out onto a road, you know what we mean. By reducing the glare and allowing you to see the road better, you are in a better position to operate your vehicle safely. In addition, not having to squint and deal with excessive glare will allow your eyes to relax and not make your time in the vehicle as stressful.

On one final note, remember to keep your windows as clean as possible this time of year. The issues surrounding the lower angle of the sun will be amplified through dirty windows.

We hope you enjoyed this article. We would be happy to show you all of the options of auto window tint available to improve the comfort and safety of your vehicle. If you would like to learn more about the automotive window film we install, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like and estimate or to schedule an appointment for automotive window tint installation, call us at (417) 823-8715.

Nov 13
0
Solar Controlling Window Film in Springfield, Missouri.

Solar Controlling Window Film Pros & Cons Detailed by Architect Magazine

By | Commercial, Home

Evelyn Royer wrote an article for Architecture Magazine called “The Pros and Cons of Window Films” that we wanted to summarize. Solar controlling window film can be a misunderstood product, so we wanted to clear up some misconceptions. These innovative films retrofitted to your existing windows can be one of the most cost-effective ways to boost energy efficiency in both homes and commercial spaces.

With a growing interest in improving energy efficiency, residential and commercial window films should not be a product that is overlooked. Let’s look into what the article says that these films can, and cannot do.

Window Film Pros

  • Window film can cut utility costs by 30% to 40% that is much cheaper than replacing windows.
  • Solar films block 99% of UV light that fades furniture without looking reflective or dark.
  • Window films can add security and slow down a break in.
  • Window Film can add safety by holding shards together if a window shatters.
  • Some films can make a low-cost new window as efficient as a newer low-E, triple-pane unit.

Window Film Cons

  • Some window manufacturers warn that films will void their window warranty. Check with your window manufacturer if your windows are still covered under warranty by the manufacturer.
  • Certain glass lites, latches, and frames make installation difficult, which can impact cost.

Ultimately, experts say the future is bright for solar controlling window film products. We completely agree as the importance of green technologies implemented into existing spaces will only be growing in importance over the coming years.

We would be happy to answer any questions and schedule a free, no obligation consultation about integrating these films into your home or commercial space. You can contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.