Nov 30
0

Perfect Home Gift? – 3 Reasons to Consider Window Film

By | Home
How is Window Film The Perfect Home Gift?

It’s officially that time of year again! People are often scrambling around to come up with gift ideas. Why not give a gift that continues to provide value well into the future? Considering that many people are spending more time in their home at this time of the year, we wanted to share what we thought might be the perfect home gift. Who couldn’t use a gift that will improve comfort, save money and help preserve furniture, floors and furnishings in your home? That is exactly what retrofitting a window film to the existing glass in your home can do. Sound interesting? Let’s learn more!

3 Ways That Window Film Makes The Perfect Home Gift
  1. Help Save Money On Utility Costs – As a result of spending more time at home, many have noticed their heating and cooling system working harder to maintain the desired comfort level throughout the day. When these systems are working harder, they consume more energy. Window films retrofitted to your existing glass can help reduce the demand on your system by making your windows more energy efficient. With the projected significant rise in utility costs this upcoming year, this reduction in demand on the system can result in some nice utility savings.
  2. Improve The Comfort Of A Home – Nothing impacts the comfort of a home more than being too hot or too cold. That is exactly what often happens in areas of the home near windows. You can experience hot and cold spots throughout the home that the heating and cooling system cannot address. A properly chosen home window film can help eliminate these hot spots in the summer and cold spots in the winter, making a home more comfortable all year round.
  3. Preserves Floors, Furniture & Furnishings – A home window film retrofitted to existing glass will block virtually all of the sun’s UV rays as well as a portion of solar heat and visible light. These are the 3 main factors related to sun damage and fading. By reducing this combination of 3 factors through the use of window film, you can extend the life of floors, furniture and furnishings.

We hope that this article explained why we feel might be the perfect home gift idea this holiday season and beyond. These are just a couple ways that window films can make a great gift for 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.

Nov 08
0
Reduce Home Energy Usage With These 4 Easy Tips - Home Window Tinting in Springfield, MO

Reduce Home Energy Usage With These 4 Easy Tips

By | Home

The news is often filled with reports that home energy prices are expected to rise significantly this coming year and how to reduce home energy usage. With these costs going up, it’s in everyone’s best interest to reduce the amount of energy we use. Not only do you reduce your carbon footprint and energy waste, you are also setting yourself up to save money on your utility bills. With that in mind, here are some of the most useful and practical ways you can save money and reduce energy usage.

4 Easy Ways To Reduce Home Energy Usage
  • Switch to LEDs – LED bulbs require an initial investment that puts some people off, but they’re a far more efficient and inexpensive solution long term. Not only do they last longer (some LEDs work for more than twenty years!), but they reduce the amount of energy you consume by up to 90% compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Plus, rather than burning out in a sudden flash, LEDs experience a more gradual decline that makes them easier to live with when they need replacement. Just by swapping out one bulb for an LED model, you’ll reduce your energy bill for that light source by 30-80 dollars over the course of the bulb’s life.z
  • Have Home Window Film Installed – This is where we come in, Did you know that modern window films are retrofitted to your existing windows and come in a variety of energy-conserving styles that reduce your energy usage by putting barriers between your home and the outside world? Professionally installed window films block nearly 80% of the sun’s heat, which can really help lower the interior temperature and the amount of air conditioning you need. In addition, during the winter, some low-e window film options help create an insulating layer on your windows to trap your home’s heat inside the house and reduce your heating bill.As a side benefit, most home window films block 99% or more of the sun’s UV rays which can help reduce the impact of cancer causing rays that damage skin as well as fade furnishings and flooring. Go with a pro who can make sure that the films are installed correctly and get you the best possible return on investment by choosing the right film for your application.
  • Switch to Time-Based Electricity Rates – To cut down on peaking power usage, some utility companies encourage customers to use electricity during off-peak hours. The energy company saves money during high-use hours and the customer receives those savings through rebates or lowered electricity rates. By using energy when others aren’t, you reduce consumption needs during busy times and help keep energy usage balanced for everyone.These programs are especially useful for people with electric or hybrid cars that recharge overnight, but it’s just as easy for people who can easily do things like run dishwashers overnight rather than during the day, for example. Also, technology like home window film mentioned above helps reduce energy usage from the sun’s heat during the peak hours you are trying to limit your consumption.
  • Kill “Energy Vampires” – Did you know that appliances leech energy even when they’re powered down? Large appliances like fridges, desktop computers, and especially televisions can be draining power even when they’re off, to the extent that as much as 20% of your electric bill can come down to this “vampire power” usage. Turns out that every appliance that stays plugged in is pulling electricity, and most appliances continuously use energy even when “off” to perform updates, connect to servers, and record data. To reduce your energy leaks, be sure to unplug all your devices that you can when you’re not using them. This is easier if you’re using a power strip that allows you to quickly flick off appliances without reaching down and physically unplugging them.

We hope this article helped you with some ways you can reduce home energy usage beginning tomorrow. Our company specializes in helping homeowners improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes utilizing modern window film technology. If you would like more information about home window film, click HERE. If you have any questions, 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 home. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

Oct 25
0
Sun Faded Floor Protection Using a Home Window Film Retrofit - Home Window Tinting in Springfield, MO

Sun Faded Floor Protection Using a Home Window Film Retrofit

By | Home

Looking For a Solution to Sun Faded Floor Protection?

Furnishing a home can be expensive. Flooring, furniture and furnishings costs can add up quick. With so much invested, doesn’t it make sense to take steps to protect that investment from sun fading? While most of us love open and airy homes with lots of windows, the biggest threat to your floors and furnishings can be right outside those same windows, the sun. Sunlight is responsible for the primary causes of sun faded floor protection.

Sun Faded Floor Protection Using a Home Window Film RetrofitMost people do not want to sacrifice their views and the open feeling of their home to protect their furnishings from the sun, so what can be done? One of the best ways to attack the 3 primary causes of sun damage and fading is with a window film retrofitted to your existing windows. This article will examine exactly what causes the fading and damage to occur and how window film is a great solution to consider.

What Causes Fading and Sun Damage?

A common misconception is that UV rays are what cause sun faded floors and damage to furnishings. While UV is certainly the largest component, as the chart below illustrates, these rays only account for 40% of the causes of fading. Solar heat and visible lights 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. This article from Build Direct explains this from the angle of a flooring supplier.

The first thing this chart demonstrates is that you cannot “stop” fading completely unless the item you want to protect in a dark, climate controlled room. In real life, the most you can do is attack the primary contributors of fading in a significant enough way to slow down the fading process in a substantive way. By slowing the process, you extend the life of your floors, furniture and furnishings.

Protection from Sun Caused Fading Floors and Furnishings 5

Why Is A Window Film Retrofit To Your Existing Windows a Good Solution?

As mentioned above, most people do not want to darken their home with sun blocking curtains, blinds or drapes in an effort to stop fade damage from occurring. So, assuming the windows will not be covered the majority of the time, you need to attack the fade factors before they enter the home. The reason a window film retrofit is a great option is because it attacks all 3 primary contributors of fading. Most professionally installed window films will block 99%+ of the UV rays.

Sun Faded Floor Protection Using a Home Window Film Retrofit 3So, that removes almost 40% of the contributing factors of fading. In addition, many window films can significantly reduce the solar heat and visible light coming through the window. When you combine these factors, you can take a large slice out of the fade pie chart shown above. This protection can be accomplished while retaining the open feel of your home.

So, let’s do a quick calculation of a common home window film to show how much it can reduce fading versus a clear window. The window film being used in this scenario will block 99% of the UV rays, 68% of the visible light and 41% of solar heat. So, the fading math calculation would go as follows, (40% x 99%) + (25% x 68%) + (25% x 41%) = 66.85% Fade Reduction. As you can see, although window film will not 100% stop fading as we discussed above, by reducing the fade factors by 66.85%, you can substantially extend the life of your furniture, floors and furnishings.

We hope this brief article shed some light on what the factors of sun faded floors, rugs and furniture are and how retrofitting window film to your existing windows is one of your best options to address this issue. If you are interested in learning more, click HERE.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free, no obligation assessment and estimate, call us at (417) 823-8715. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing a window film solution in your Springfield, Missouri area home.

Oct 12
0
Great Automotive Window Tinting Benefits - All You Need To Know- Car Window Tint in Springfield, MO

Great Automotive Window Tinting Benefits – All You Need To Know

By | Automotive

Why is it important to do your homework to get the best automotive window tinting? You want to understand all the automotive window tinting benefits as well as ensure you pick the right shop to install it. In this article, we go over the benefits of an automotive tint and then how you should go about choosing a shop.

The Top Automotive Window Tinting Benefits

Great Looks

This is why many people have window tint installed. The sleek look of tinted windows improves the looks of nearly any vehicle.

Protect Your Interior

Auto tint helps protect your car’s upholstered seats. In fact, glass tinting is a great solution to spare your car from UV rays and heat from direct sunlight. Having glass tinting prevents your auto interior from getting hot enough to fade, crack and become damaged over time. It also blocks over ninety percent of the sun’s UV rays that can negatively impact both you and your vehicle interior.

Increase Safety

In the event of the accident, window tint can be a great way to keep the glass intact instead of shattering throughout the interior of the vehicle.

Add Privacy

It’s always a brilliant idea to have a low profile. Automotive tint can keep the interior of your car secure from prying eyes. Tint not only guards your personal privacy, it can also protect the valuables inside your car especially when you’re not around.

Improved Driving by Reducing Glare

Drivers are typically annoyed when the sun directly hits their face. It makes it very difficult to drive and see where you are going. Like a great pair of sunglasses, vehicle tinting can significantly shield drivers’ eyes and prevents glare of extreme light so they can see better and can safely operate their vehicle.

Keep Cool

With a fine quality auto glass tinting, you can minimize the heat inside the car by up to 60 percent! This makes the drive more comfortable and even reduces the workload on your air conditioning system potentially saving you money on gas.

How to Choose an Automotive Window Tint Installer?

Automotive Window Tinting Seattle - Everything You Should Know- Diamond Window Tinting Auburn WA

Do Your Homework

Before you begin calling shops, do a little digging around online to determine what you are looking for in an automotive window tint. Do you just want the look, or do you want the heat rejection also? Be ready to list the things that are important to you as you begin contacting shops.

Check Past Reviews and Reputation

As a rule of thumb, it is always a good idea to choose a company that has a good track record in the industry. To narrow down your choices, check out their past customer reviews and see if they have satisfied client’s needs.

Ask for Referrals

It is likely that you have a relative or friend who can refer you to a skillful auto glass tinting shop in your area. Pay attention to the vehicles of others you interact with. When you notice a job that looks good, ask them where they had it done. Someone who has had their vehicle tinted can offer great advice based on their experience and help you choose a good shop.

Talk to the Shop

Now you are ready to contact your short list of candidates. Let them know what you are looking for and listen to their responses. Ask to see some recent work if possible. Finally, go with the company that you feel the most comfortable with.

What About Vehicle Tint Laws?

There are vehicle tint regulations that you should be aware of. If you would like to learn more about the laws pertaining to auto tint throughout the US and Canada, click HERE.

If you would like more information regarding what was explained above or to discuss your options on getting your vehicle tinted, you can learn more by clicking HERE or reach us directly by calling (417) 823-8715 for Springfield, Missouri area.

Sep 28
0
Looking For Quality Auto Tint Near You? Contact Us. We Can Help! - Automotive Window Tint Near Me in Springfield, MO

Looking For Quality Auto Tint Near You? Contact Us. We Can Help!

By | Automotive

Looking for quality auto tint near you? Automotive window tinting is a great way to improve the look, performance, and comfort of your vehicle. It can also help protect you and your passengers from the harmful effects of the sun. But with so many window tint shops out there, it can be tough to know where to start.

Here are Several Tips for Finding a Quality Auto Tint Shop Near You
  • Read Online Reviews: One of the best ways to get an idea of the quality of a window tint shop is to read online reviews. Pay attention to what other customers have to say about the quality of the work, the customer service, and the overall experience.
  • Ask for Recommendations: Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers to see if they have any recommendations for window tint shops. They may be able to give you some firsthand insights into their experiences with particular shops.
  • Check the Company’s Reputation: Once you have a few potential shops in mind, do some research to check their reputation. Make sure they are licensed and insured, and that they offer a warranty on their work.
  • Ask about the Different Types / Qualities of Tint Available: There are different types and qualities of window tint available, each with its own unique benefits. Be sure to ask the shop about the different types of tint they offer and which one is right for your needs.
Looking For Quality Auto Tint Near You? Contact Us. We Can Help! - Automotive Window Tint Near MeOther Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Window Tint Shop
  1. Ensure the Shop Uses High-Quality Tint: The quality of the tint will make a big difference in the appearance and performance of your window tint.
  2. Make Sure the Shop / Tint Has a Good Warranty: A good warranty will protect you in case there are any problems with your window tint.
  3. Do They Inform You About The Window Tint Laws In Your Area?: There are specific laws pertaining to having window tint on your vehicle. The shop you are talking to should be able to inform you about these laws. You can also check the laws in your area by clicking HERE.

Window tinting can be a great way to improve your vehicle in a number of ways. By following the tips above, you can find a quality auto tint shop near you that will give you the results you are looking for.

We hope that if you are looking for auto tint near you that this article helped. If you would like more information, click HERE or contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. Find out why Custom Shade Window Tinting is the Springfield, Missouri area #1 source for automotive window tinting.

Sep 14
0
How To Upgrade Home Windows Without Replacing Them - Home Window Tinting in Springfield, MO

1 Great Way To Upgrade Home Windows Without Replacement

By | Home

Upgrade Home Windows Without Replacing Them

Did you know that Energy.Gov states that 30% of a home’s heating and cooling costs can be lost through windows that are not energy efficient? With home fuel costs going through the roof, you may be considering the purchase of energy-efficient replacement windows.

However, before you spend thousands of dollars, there is a way to upgrade home windows without replacing them.

When your goal is to improve energy efficiency, retrofitting energy-saving window film to your existing windows provides an affordable alternative to window replacement. Home window films can help windows that are otherwise in good shape, but just not as energy efficient as you would like.

If you windows are damaged or deteriorating, they will need to be replaced. Assuming that window film is a viable option, the cost for quick, professional installation of energy saving window film is about 1/5th the cost of replacement windows!

2 Ways Residential Films Help Save Energy
  • 1 Great Way To Upgrade Home Windows Without ReplacementEnergy-saving window film can also lower your home’s cooling costs by reducing the heat coming through the windows in warmer months.
  • Specific Low-E window films can help retain interior heat in the cooler months.

In these two ways, home window film helps reduce house energy consumption, which saves money and also helps the environment. In addition, retrofitting window film is much less disruptive than window replacement and is better for the environment than the landfill impact of removal of the existing units.

Additional Ways Window Film Can Upgrade Home Windows
  • UV Protection: Window films can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, which can help to protect your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading. UV rays can also contribute to skin cancer, so window films can also provide a layer of protection for your family.
  • Added Privacy: Window films can be used to create daytime privacy without blocking out all of the natural light. This can be a great option for homes with young children or pets, or for homes that are located near busy streets.
  • Additional Security: Window films can make your windows more difficult to break through, which can deter burglars.

Choosing a home window film to upgrade your windows without replacing brings benefits all the way around.

You can find out more information about home window films by clicking HERE

If you are interested in learning how window films can upgrade home windows, please contact us today by calling (417) 823-8715 for a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing window film.

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about window film, the installation process and the products that we use to upgrade your Springfield, Missouri area home.

Aug 16
0
Vehicle Window Tinting - 4 Things to Consider Before Your Job - Automotive Window Tint in Springfield, Missouri

Vehicle Window Tinting – 4 Things to Consider Before Your Job

By | Automotive

Vehicle window tinting is something many people don’t give a second thought. While you may know that you want it done, how much research have you done to ensure you will be happy with the overall result? Unfortunately, most people only notice a window tint job when done improperly or when the window tint has gone bad. Fortunately, these are easy pitfalls to avoid. We wanted to give you four things to consider before you get your vehicle tinted.

Answer These 4 Questions For A Great Vehicle Window Tinting Job
    • Do you only want the look or do you want performance too? – Just like most other items you can purchase for your vehicle, there are numerous levels of window tint quality and performance. You first need to determine if you only want the look of tinted windows or if you actually would like some noticeable heat and UV rejection as well. While an inexpensive film might make your windows look the way you want, it may barely reject any heat at all. The good news is that with the latest generations of window tint you can have great looks and tremendous performance. Spend some time discussing your options with our team at Diamond Window Tinting so that you can make the right choice to give you the combination of desired look and heat and UV rejecting performance.
    • How experienced is the installer? – Many of the modifications done to a vehicle can be done by individuals with a variety of skill levels without drastically effecting the end result. However, window tint is quite different. An experienced installer can make all the difference between you have a great looking tint job that you can be proud of or an eyesore not worthy of your Vehicle Window Tinting - 4 Things to Consider Before Your Window Tint Jobvehicle. A good installer can make an even average window tint look great based on the quality of their installation. Likewise, an inexperienced installer can take the best window film available and get a substandard result based on flaws in the installation. To have a tint job that will last and that you can be proud of, make sure to verify a company’s experience level and ask to see some examples of their work.
    • Who is standing behind the product and installation? – We would all love to live in a world where things did not go wrong. Unfortunately, things can sometimes turn out different than we would like. Just like any other product you might purchase, there can be situations where a window tint will fail and need to be replaced. It is when this happens that the company standing behind the film that was installed and the shop that did the installation become very important. We use only top quality film from reputable manufacturers that come with a solid warranty. Any quality vehicle window tinting should come with warranty information from the manufacturer that spells out the terms of the warranty and the process to get something corrected if there is ever an issue. If a shop does not tell you what brand of window tint is being installed or provide you with warranty information, that should be a red flag to look elsewhere for your installation.
    • Is The Chosen Window Tint Legal In My Area? – The laws pertaining to automotive window tint vary across the United States. You will want to familiarize yourself with the laws regarding vehicle tint in the state that your vehicle is registered. You can check out the information about window tint laws by clicking HERE.

I hope that this basic information helps you to make a more informed decision before scheduling vehicle window tinting. If you would like more information regarding vehicle window tinting, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. We are your premier source for automotive tint in the Springfield, MO area.

Aug 03
0
Commercial Decorative Window Film For Privacy

Commercial Decorative Window Film For Privacy & Branding

By | Decorative window film

With so many commercial spaces being re-imagined after the pandemic, many have been considering custom glass panels for privacy, branding or design. We wanted to share 5 reasons why commercial decorative window film is a great choice for accomplishing this. Check out the details below to learn more.

5 Reasons Commercial Decorative Window Film Is A Great Choice

  1. Commercial Decorative Window Film For Privacy & Branding - Decorative Glass FilmsRetrofittable to Existing Glass – You can avoid the excessive cost of removing your existing glass and replacing it with a custom piece of glass as decorative glass film is applied to your existing glass panel.
  2. Nearly Unlimited Options – Unlike actual custom glass, designs using decorative glass film are nearly limited by only your imagination. Through the use of potter cut film or custom printing, your dreams can truly become reality.
  3. Cost Effective – Even basic custom glass panels can get costly. However, decorative glass film allows you to implement much more intricate and involved designs at a fraction of what having a custom piece of glass would cost.
  4. Much 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.
  5. Easily Removable or Replaceable – Unlike a piece of custom glass, decorative glass film can be removed if desired from the glass panel to which it is applied. This makes it ideal for leased spaces and office space where the use of particular areas and design may change over time.

Overall, commercial decorative window film is a versatile and effective way to improve the look, privacy and design in your commercial space. It is a cost-effective option that can provide a variety of benefits. Here are a couple more reasons to consider this innovative product.

  • Added Privacy: Decorative window film can provide privacy without blocking out all natural light. This is ideal for offices, conference rooms and other areas where you need to control who can see inside.
  • Enhanced Branding and Design : Decorative window film can be used to promote your business or brand and enhance the decor of your space. You can choose a custom film with your company logo or other branding elements, or you can create a custom design that looks great.

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.