Apr 20
0
Car Window Tint Information Discussed by Kelley Blue Book - Automotive Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Car Window Tint Information Key Elements From Kelley Blue Book

By | Automotive

Trusted resource Kelley Blue Book recently published a post on automotive window tint entitled “7 Things to Know About Car Window Tinting“. The article introduces this car window tint information by saying “Car window tinting can give a stylish look to your ride and improve visibility by reducing glare. Fans of tinted windows say the darkened glass slows fading of interior surfaces due to sunlight exposure. They also say tinting helps keep the temperature inside a car cooler. Tinted car windows also bring an additional layer of privacy and security because it is more difficult to see inside the automobile. In some cases, medical conditions may require a car owner to have tinted windows.”

The first thing the article dives into is answering the question “What is Window Tint?”. The article states that “Aftermarket window tinting is a method of applying a thin film to the interior surface of a vehicle’s windows. This material is designed to darken a car’s windows to block UV light and reduce glare from the sun and headlights.

Car window tint film is available in a variety of materials and shades. A standard performance measurement used for car window tinting is visible light transmission. A darker shade of car tinting has a lower percentage of light transmission. The tint affects how much light gets into the car and plays a part in reducing glare and how well a driver can see.”

The next thing that the article explains is the laws related to window tint. The article explains “State laws regulate the level of darkness permitted for auto glass tinting. Window tint laws are created as a safety issue for drivers to see other vehicles better when driving and for law enforcement officers as they approach a car.

When determining how much to tint windows, you must check your state’s department of motor vehicles to learn about the regulations, such as the legal light transmission levels. Once you determine the levels allowed, you can choose the appropriate window tint film for your car. State laws specify the level of tint allowed for each window of passenger vehicles. All states have restrictions on tinting applied to front windshields.”

You can learn about the automotive window film laws in your area by clicking HERE

The article finishes by discussing the different variety of films available. Window films do much more than just tint your glass; they can block 99% of UV rays, significantly reduce heat and cut irritating glare. The level of window film selected makes a difference in how it will perform. We would be happy to discuss these different options, the pros and cons of each with you and help you determine what might be the best fit for your needs and budget.

We hope that this article provided you with car window tint information you can use to make a great decision for your vehicle. If you have questions about our services, contact us at (417) 823-8715. We are your premier source for automotive window tint in the Springfield, Missouri area.

Apr 06
0
Improve School Security & Student Safety With Window Films - Safety & Security Window Film in the Springfield, Missouri area

Improve School Security & Student Safety With Window Films

By | Safety & Security Window Film

With this school year closing in on Spring Break, many districts are looking into facility security upgrades to improve school security and enhance student safety. Many of the upgrades being discussed and implemented across the country have to do with school security and student safety. It is an unfortunate thing that school safety has become a mainstay in the news. It becomes difficult to discuss school security and student safety strategies without appearing to have an agenda or be trying to sell something.

While we want to be sensitive to this, we also feel that it is important to share information that can have a positive impact on these incidents in the future. This article is designed to illuminate the topic of glass being one of the greatest school safety vulnerabilities.

A recent article in Campus Safety Magazine called 9 Ways to Improve Safety on an Open Campus discusses a variety of different tactics to improve school security and enhance student safety. Of the various things they discussed, they mention “Apply security glazing film to all first-floor doors and window glass. Start with door glass first and continue until all first-floor glass is secure.”

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

Gundry Aldo said, “One of the reasons tempered glass has historically been much more common in architectural design as well as indoor environments is because of the price. It is less than half the price typically of laminated glass,”. We unfortunately see this specification in schools regularly. There is good news though. This school safety vulnerability can be addressed by retrofitting existing school glass with a security window film. When someone tries to gain access through the glass of a protected door or window, the security window film would allow the glass to break, but it would maintain the glass in the frame. While this film / glass combination can eventually be penetrated to gain access, the objective is to create resistance. Slow the entry down.

The goal should be giving school officials and authorities time to respond. Window film offers a cost effective solution with minimal disruption to the facility.

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

Mar 15
0
UV Protection For Your Home or Office? Learn Why It's Important. - Home and Office Window Film and Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

UV Protection For Your Home or Office? Learn Why It’s Important.

By | Commercial, Home

Have you ever thought about the need for UV protection in your home or at the office? If not, keep reading. This article explains why it is important and how a professional window film can help.

First, what are window films?

Window films are thin sheets of material that are applied to the surface of windows to provide a variety of benefits, including UV protection.

How do they help with UV protection?

Here are some of the benefits of using a window film for UV protection in a home or office.

  1. Blocks Harmful UV Rays: Window films can block up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This means that it can help protect the people inside the building from the damaging effects of UV rays, such as skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin disorders.Check out this article from The Skin Cancer Foundation that states, “Both UVA and UVB rays can cause sunburn and tanning, which damage the DNA in your skin cells and increase your risk for skin cancer. UVA rays also cause the unwelcome signs of premature aging, including dark spots and wrinkles. Those UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface and are quite good at finding you. They can bounce off reflective surfaces like water and, most relevant during the workday, they can penetrate window glass. If you’re sitting next to a window on a sunny day, those UVA rays hitting your skin are doing damage. (Window glass filters out most UVB rays.)“
  2. Preserves Interior Furnishings: The same UV rays that harm human skin can also damage interior furnishings and fabrics such as carpets, curtains, and upholstery. Window film can help protect these items by blocking the UV rays that cause fading and discoloration.

Overall, window film is a practical and effective way to provide UV protection for a home or office. By blocking harmful UV rays, window film can help create a healthier and more enjoyable indoor environment.

If you would like more information on the UV protection of our home or office window film offerings, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Custom Shade today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

Feb 17
0
Decorative Window Films Can Transform Glass Panels In Many Ways - Decorative Glass Film in Springfield, Missouri

Decorative Window Films Transform Glass Panels In Many Ways

By | Decorative window film

Decorative window films are an easy, cost effective way to add style and functionality to a commercial space or home, but are you aware of how incredibly versatile they are? There are uses for these innovative films in nearly any space, and they can instantly revitalize the look of boring glass panels. Here are just a few of our favorite uses!

Decorative Glass Films for Company BrandingAdd Company Branding To An Office Space

If your office has a large window or a glass wall, a custom decorative window film with your company name or logo is a classy, easy way to add a custom branded look to your office space. These films can be styled in nearly any font, color or logo design, so you can create a variety of looks to represent your brand – from a Japanese rice paper style to etched glass designs; there’s literally something for every office.

Decorative Window Films for PrivacyAdd Privacy At Home Or In The Office

These films are wonderful for adding privacy to any room where you’d rather not have spectators. For example, and entryway, bathroom or an office conference room. While you may like the open and airy feeling of a modern office space, you likely do not want the feeling of being in a fish bowl during the meeting. Decorative window film options allow you to retain the open feel while adding the desired privacy. In a home setting, the narrow windows on either side of your front door are a great way to add light to your entryway, it can be uncomfortable to think that anyone on your doorstep can see straight in. A privacy film on these sidelights allows the light to get in while obscuring the view. You get more privacy without sacrificing on sunlight, and the variety of colors and textures makes it easy to find a style that looks beautiful with your home.

Reduce Skylight Glare

Here is one area you may not have thought of. Skylights are a beautiful accent that add a ton of character, but they’re a little less lovely when they allow glare directly into a space while trying to work or first thing in the morning. If you would like to tone down this harsh light coming through skylights, a decorative window film can cut the glare while still giving the open-to-the-sky feeling that you love. These films look great, and they’re far less costly than installing difficult skylight window screens or blinds.

Hide Glass-Front Cabinet Contents

Glass cabinets are justifiably fashionable for their fresh style, but if your cupboards or office cabinets aren’t well sorted, you may be a little embarrassed that everyone can see the disorganized contents. After all, if you wanted to show the world what is inside, you would’ve installed open face shelves instead of cabinets. A decorative glass film hides the mess but keeps the custom feel of a glass fronted cabinet, and you can pick a texture or color that matches the décor of the space.

With decorative window films, the options are nearly only limited by your own imagination. If you would like to see the options available, we’re here to help! If you have questions or would like to schedule a free, no obligation assessment and quotation at your home or facility, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

Feb 03
0
Clean Automotive Tinted Windows Properly To Avoid Damage in Springfield, Missouri

Clean Automotive Tinted Windows Properly To Avoid Damage

By | Automotive

One of the most common questions we are asked regarding window tint is the proper way to care for and clean automotive tinted windows. As a result, we wanted to write a brief article that explains the do’s and dont’s of tint care.

To begin, let’s discuss a bit about window film construction and how it adheres to the glass. As you likely know, window tint is installed on the inside surface of the glass. The construction of tint is such that once installed the outermost surface is a durable scratch resistant coating. This is what allows film tint to slide up and down in a properly adjusted roll down window channel for years without getting scratched. Although this surface is durable, it is not indestructible. Also, the window tint is adhered to the glass with a thin, optically clear pressure sensitive adhesive. Once cured, this bond should last for many years without fail. Now that we understand a bit about how the film is constructed and how it is adhering to the glass, let’s get into how to properly care for it to ensure long life.

Is Any Glass Cleaner OK?

In short, no. The type of adhesive that I mentioned is used to adhere the film to the glass and it creates a mechanical bond between the film and the glass. Certain chemicals can degrade this mechanical bond and cause the window tint to bubble or peel. Many times you may see a window film job that has a bunch of large bubbles and think that it was a bad tint or a bad tint job. While it may have been either of those things, it could also have been a quality tint that was installed properly that was cleaned using the wrong type of cleaner. There are so many cleaners on the market that we cannot possibly discuss each one individually, but the main thing to look for is an AMMONIA FREE Glass Cleaner. Ammonia is one of the main culprits in glass cleaners that attacks the mechanical bond of the adhesive. It will creep under the film and cause a mechanical failure breakdown between the glass and film and that is what causes the bubbles you have likely seen. Many companies make ammonia free glass cleaners, just be sure to read the label. If it does not expressly say that it is “ammonia free”, assume it has ammonia and find another cleaner to use.

What Should I Use to Wipe the Windows Down?

You want to avoid using a standard paper towel to wipe down the tint as you clean. While this is OK for other surfaces, paper towels can trap a piece of dirt between the towel and film and cause scratches. This happens because there is nowhere for the dirt particle to absorb into the paper towel, so it just gets dragged across the film surface as you wipe the window down.

The best thing to use is a soft microfiber towel. These towels absorb more solution and allow a dirt particle to sink into the fibers and away from the film surface while cleaning. Not only will these towels give you a better, steak free cleaning, they will help you avoid scratches.

Is There Anything Else?

Actually, yes. One more thing to keep an eye on is the sudden appearance of small scratches in the film going from the top to the bottom of the window. This indicates that the window guide inside the door is either out of adjustment or had dirt trapped on it’s surface. If you notice these scratches, stop using that window and get the vehicle to a mechanic to check the adjustment and guide surface. Continued use without getting this resolved will cause these scratches to get worse and the only fix will be to replace the window film.

If you have any additional questions how to properly care for and clean automotive tinted windows, contact us at (417) 823-8715. We are your premier source for automotive window tint in the Springfield, Missouri area.

Jan 20
0
5 Safety and Security Window Film Benefits To Be Aware Of - Safety & Security Window Film in Springfield, Missouri

5 Safety and Security Window Film Benefits To Be Aware Of

By | Safety & Security Window Film

Safety and security window film is a popular choice for homeowners and business owners looking to improve the safety and security of their properties. This type of film is typically applied to the interior surface of windows and doors and can provide a wide range of benefits, including the following:

  1. Intrusion Resistance: Properly installed safety and security window films can increase how hard it is for an intruder to gain access to a space. While they cannot typically completely remove any possibility of someone gaining access, they can slow them down to allow authorities to respond or cause the intruder to leave and look for an easier target.
  2. Reduce Injuries: Safety and security window film is designed to hold glass in place in the event of an impact, such as a break-in or natural disaster. This can prevent shattered glass from causing injury or damage to the interior of your property.
  3. UV Protection: Some safety and security window film can also provide protection from harmful UV rays, which can cause damage to your skin and your furniture. This can help to protect your family’s health and prolong the life of your furniture.
  4. Increased Privacy: Some safety and security window film can also provide increased privacy for your home or business. This can make it more difficult for outsiders to see inside, providing an added layer of security.
  5. Improved Energy Efficiency: Safety and security window film can also help to improve the energy efficiency of your property by blocking out the sun’s rays and reducing the amount of heat that enters your home or business. This can help to lower your energy bills and keep your property cooler during the summer months.

Overall, safety and security window film is a cost-effective and efficient way to improve the safety, security, and energy efficiency of your property. It is a smart investment that is sure to provide long-term benefits for your home or business.If you would like to learn more, you can contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

Dec 29
0
Make Energy Efficient Home & Commercial Spaces A Resolution For 2023 - Home & Commercial Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Make Energy Efficient Home & Commercial Spaces A Resolution For 2023

By | Home

With the new year upon us, why not resolve to have a more comfortable and energy efficient home and commercial spaces in 2023? While windows open a space to natural lighting, warmth and views of the outside world, there are also downsides. These same windows also open up a space to high energy costs, heat build-up, excessive glare, and the premature fading of interior furnishings. Implementing a high quality home or commercial window film solution can improve the comfort and increase the energy efficiency of the existing windows with minimal disruption.

Some Benefits and Information About Home & Commercial Window Film

  • Make Energy Efficient Home & Commercial Spaces A Resolution For 2022 - Home & Commercial Window Tinting InformationMore Energy Efficient Spaces – According to the EPA’s Assessment Of Energy Technologies and Research Opportunities, “Virtually the entire commercial cooling load comes from energy entering through the windows (i.e., solar heat gain). The bulk of residential cooling results from window heat gains although infiltration also has a significant role. Future cooling may be a larger share of total demand since U.S. regions with high population growth are largely in warmer climates.” The positive news is that a solar control film retrofitted to existing glass can significantly reduce the energy entering through the window.
  • Improved Comfort by Reducing Heat and Glare – Open your blinds, shades, or draperies and let the sunlight in. In addition to blocking heat, architectural window film can reduce glare by up to 87%, making it easier for you to watch television or work on a computer. Because these innovative window films are made with ultra-clear, distortion-free materials, you won’t even know it’s there.
  • Reduce Hot and Cold Spots Throughout the Space – Window films can help eliminate hot and cold spots within spaces. This is done by using film strategically to reduce heat gain coming through the glass in hot areas like the south and west exposures. By reducing the heat in these areas specifically, you can create a more balanced temperature across the space which can reduce the load on cooling system.
  • Prevent Premature Fading of Furniture and Furnishings – Fading is caused by three primary factors; visible light or glare, heat and UV rays. The great thing about architectural window films are that they attack all three of these areas. Window film will help reduce heat and glare as discussed above. In addition, most window films will block 99% of the sun’s UV rays from passing through. The combination of window film reducing heat, visible light and UV helps extend the life of furnishings by protecting them from sun fading.

If you think that 2023 is the year to resolve to have more energy efficient home and commercial spaces, you can contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

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

How Professional Window Film Upgrades Home Windows in 2023

By | Home

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

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

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

The short answer? Nope!

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

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

Can window films reduce my energy costs?

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

Does residential window film stop fading?

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

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

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