Jun 08
0
Does Automotive Tint Really Reduce Heat Inside The Car? - Automotive Window Tint in Springfield, Missouri

Does Automotive Tint Really Reduce Heat Inside The Car?

By | Automotive

A recent post on Verify This online asked the question does automotive tint really reduce the heat inside your car.

They start the article by saying “Every car owner knows a hot day can feel even worse when you climb into a car that’s been sitting outside. Interior car temperatures can reach well over 100 degrees after just an hour of sitting in the summer heat. People try all kinds of things to keep their cars a little cooler while they’re out in the sun, including adding extra tinting to their car’s windows. Dark windows may increase your privacy, but do they actually cool the interior too?”

The article shares a video that helps to answer this question.

The article goes on to state that “For decades, studies have found tinted windows can help reduce a car’s internal temperature by at least a few degrees. The studies have shown that you don’t have to tint all of your windows to see a decline in your car’s interior temperature.”

With the Summer heat arriving, we wanted to share this and we hope you found this information about how automotive window tint reduces heat inside your car helpful. We offer free quotes for adding window tint to your particular vehicle and can discuss the various types of tint available and their heat reducing capability.

If you have questions about our window tinting services, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. We are your premier source for automotive tint in the Springfield, Missouri area.

May 16
0
Car Window Tint - Frequently Asked Questions and Answers - Automotive Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Car Window Tint FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

By | Automotive

As we interact with clients, we often get asked the same or very similar questions about car window tint. As a result, to help answer some of those questions, we thought we would create this post with car window tint FAQ along with the answers.

Car Window Tint FAQ

  1. How long will window tint last? – Most modern window films come with a lifetime warranty and you should reasonably expect them to last the entire period of expected ownership.
  2. I have seen window tint turn purple. Will that happen? – Many window films that you may have seen turn purple are based on older technology. It should be noted that window films come in a variety of differing qualities and you should ask the company installing what brand and quality of film they are using on your vehicle for the price quoted. Most newer, quality films will not turn purple during normal ownership and many are warranted against color change.
  3. What about bubbling? I have noticed cars with film bubbling off the windows. What causes that and will that happen with my car? – What you are likely seeing is the result of an adhesive failure of the film. This can be caused by either a film failure or the use of glass cleaners not recommended for window films. These usually contain ammonia, which can be prevalent in glass cleaners, and this chemical will break down the adhesive over time. It is best to only clean aftermarket tinted windows with ammonia free glass cleaners.
  4. Do different levels window tint really have different performance? – Yes. You can get everything from a window film that gives you the look you want but blocks very little heat, to a window film that is barely noticeable on the glass that blocks a great deal of heat. Give us a call or stop in and we can discuss real-world performance differences for the varying levels of window film we offer.
  5. What are the window tint laws in our area? – Window tint laws vary from state to state. Click HERE and this link will give you information about tint laws in all 50 States and Canada.

We hope that this brief article answered some car window tint FAQ you might have about car window tint. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, you can reach us directly by calling (417) 823-8715.

May 04
0
Spring Home Improvement? Window Tint May Be A Great Choice - Home Window Tint and Film in Springfield, Missouri

2023 Spring Home Improvement? Window Tint Is A Great Choice

By | Home

Thinking about a Spring home improvement project? We wanted to give you some compelling reasons to consider home window tint or film. This innovative product brings many valuable benefits that you should be aware of.

Why Home Window Tint / Film May Be The Perfect Spring Home Improvement
  • Reduced energy costs. Window tint can help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which can lead to savings on your energy bills.
  • Improved comfort. Window tint can help to reduce glare and heat, which can make your home more comfortable to live in.
  • Increased safety. Window film can help to deter break-ins and protect your family from flying glass in the event of an accident or natural disaster.
  • Enhanced privacy. Window films can help to provide privacy for your home in a variety of ways.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, safety and privacy, then window tint / film is a great option. And with the warm weather of spring just around the corner, there’s no better time to get it done. It is a retrofit that is applied to your existing windows with minimal disruption to your home.

If that didn’t convince you, here are a couple additional benefits of home window tint.

  • Reduced fading of furnishings. The sun’s UV rays can fade furniture, carpets, and other furnishings. Window tint can help to protect your belongings from fading.
  • Increased curb appeal. Window tint can make your home look more attractive from the outside. This can be a great way to increase your home’s value.

With so many benefits to offer, window tint is a great Spring home improvement project. If you would like more information about our home window films, you can contact us by calling  (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the entire surrounding areas.

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.