Feb 17
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

Dec 01
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Factory Vehicle Tint Doesn't Offer Performance or Protection - Automotive Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Factory Vehicle Tint Doesn’t Offer Performance or Protection

By | Automotive

If you’re driving a truck, SUV or wagon built in the last decade, the chances are it’s equipped with factory vehicle tint on all windows behind the front doors. In addition, many of these vehicles come equipped with large sunroofs or multiple sunroofs like seen in the picture above. Many owners of vehicles like this often choose to only have the front windows tinted to match these back glass panels because they believe that they are already set with the rear windows having factory tint.

However, while this factory specified vehicle tint improves the looks of the vehicle and offers rear passengers some privacy, it does very little to help reduce excessive heat entering through the glass or protecting rear passengers from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Here are two reasons you might want to consider a professionally installed window film on all windows, including the glass that came with factory tint.

2 Benefits of Professionally Applied Window Film Versus Factory Vehicle Tint

Superior Heat Rejection

While a darkened piece of factory vehicle tint may slightly reduce the heat from entering the vehicle, it cannot compare to the heat rejection possible utilizing the modern window film technology. As mentioned above, factory tinted glass is primarily installed for looks and privacy. Many vehicle owners have the front windows tinted to match the rear and provide some heat rejection in the front seats. However, they may assume that the level of heat rejection they now have on the front glass is already present in the rear glass because of the factory vehicle tint. Actually, nothing can be further from the truth. Other than having the “tinted” look, these windows do very little to stop the heat from entering the vehicle.

So, what can be done? You may not want to apply additional window tint on the rear windows for increased heat rejection as the windows are dark enough already with factory tint. There is good news. These windows can be made to perform much better at rejecting heat with newer technology window films without making them noticeably darker than the factory tint already present. Combining these films on factory tinted windows with the window film installed on the front windows will make the vehicle interior much cooler and even possibly reduce the need to run air conditioning as often. So, not only will your passengers be more comfortable, you may even save a little at the gas pump by less frequent AC use.

Skin Protection From Harmful UV Rays

Did you know that your skin is susceptible to sun damage even while simply traveling in your car? What you may not know is that factory tinted automotive glass does very little to block the sun’s harmful UV rays. While most of us would not think of spending significant time in the sun without some form of skin protection, we often ride for hours inside a vehicle with the false impression that we are protected.

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that nearly 53% of skin cancers in the US occur on the left, or drivers’ side of the body. If you’re one of the approximately 208 million licensed drivers in the US, take heed: “The increase in left-sided skin cancers may be from the UV (ultraviolet) exposure we get when driving a car,” said Susan T. Butler, MD, coauthor of the study.

This is one of the reasons why The Skin Cancer Foundation gives many professionally installed window films their Seal of Recommendation that is a symbol of safe and effective sun protection. You can learn more from The Skin Cancer Foundation about sun safety and the advantages of using a window film on your car by clicking HERE.

Hopefully the information will enable you to make an educated choice about having window film installed on your entire vehicle. We should also note, please make sure to check tint laws to understand what window films are legal. You can see the complete list by clicking HERE.

If you would like more information regarding the information contained in this article or the window tinting products we offer, click HERE. 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.

Dec 01
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Residential Window Tinting - 5 Top Benefits to Consider - Home Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Residential Window Tint – 5 Top Benefits to Consider

By | Home

Residential window tinting can be a very cost-effective way to reduce energy, minimize glare, protect your furnishings and increase the security of your home. The best part is that this film can typically be done as a retrofit to your existing windows with very little disruption to your home.

5 Top Benefits of Residential Window Tinting

CUT YOUR HOME COOLING COSTS UP TO 50% – According to the EPA Energy Star Buildings Manual in the United States, approximately half of a home’s utility bills are wasted by loss of heat and heat gain through untreated windows. Home window tinting can significantly improve energy efficiency. With a thin, virtually invisible addition to your home’s existing windows, window films can help you save up to 50% on cooling costs.

REDUCE HEAT AND GLARE – Open your blinds, shades, or draperies and let the sunlight in. In addition to blocking heat, home window tint reduces glare by up to 87%, making it easier for you to watch television or work on a computer in the comfort of your home. Because home window films are made with ultra-clear, distortion-free materials, you won’t even know it’s there.

LESSEN THE EFFECTS OF HARMFUL UV RAYS – Most fabrics, furnishings and artwork can fade simply by allowing daylight to pass through an untreated window. Home window tinting will block up to 99.9% of all UVA and UVB rays, helping to protect your family and preserve the color of your furnishings, fabrics and carpets.

CORRECTS TEMPERATURE IMBALANCES – Window films can help eliminate hot and cold spots within your home by using film that reduces heat gain coming through the glass in hot areas. This will create a more balanced temperature across the space and reduce the load on your air conditioning system.

PROTECT YOUR HOME AND FAMILY – Glass can be a real hazard in the home when broken from accidents, storms, or break-ins. Safeguard your family and your property with home safety window films. This transparent but powerful barrier helps hold glass in place should an impact occur, help keep an intruder out and help defend you against the unexpected.

AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO REPLACEMENT WINDOWS – While damaged or deteriorating windows simply have to be replaced, home window tinting provides an affordable alternative to replacement when your goal is to improve energy efficiency. In fact, the cost for quick, professional installation is about one-tenth the cost of replacement windows!

We also found this excerpt from an article written by Jessica Brown that appeared in How Stuff Works that discussed the top benefits of having your home windows tinted:

“Curtains, furniture and even flooring can fall victim to the effects of the sun. One of the leading culprits in fading your valuables is ultraviolet light. To keep those home furnishings and decorations looking their best, a window film with a high percentage of ultraviolet light rejection would be a good choice. Many films can now block almost 99 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Ultraviolet light can not only fade your furniture, but too much of it can affect your health. Ultraviolet rays are the reason for sunburns and are also seen as one of the risk factors for cancer. According ­to the Report on Carcinogens released by the Department of Health and Human Services, ultraviolet radiation is a known human carcinogen [source: National Institutes of Health]. For working to prevent sun-induced skin damage, several types of window film have even been given the Skin Cancer Foundation‘s Seal of Recommendation [source: The Skin Cancer Foundation].

Some window films offer another benefit in the area of safety: shatter resistance. The film’s shatter resistance comes from its ability to hold glass shards together and act as a barrier between the interior of the home and the glass. Along with the safety benefits, window tinting can also help to reduce the glare on your television when viewing the big game. The percentage of glare reduction is usually related to the visible light transmittance. The lower the amount of light transmitted through the film, the greater the glare reduction inside the home.”

If you would like more information on the benefits of residential window tinting, 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.

Oct 28
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Car Tinting Provides 5 Important Benefits For Whatever You Drive - Automotive Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Car Tinting Provides 5 Important Benefits For Whatever You Drive

By | Automotive

We recently came across an article in Times Square Chronicles called “5 Important Benefits of Car Tint“. Most people consider window tint because they like the appearance of tinted windows. However, there are 5 additional benefits of car tinting most people do not think about, so we wanted to summarize them below.

5 Car Tinting Benefits
    • Increase Privacy & Security – Vehicle window tint comes in various light transmission ranges to provide the top level of privacy to you and your passengers on the road. At the same time, it provides the security from the thieves looking to rob valuables from vehicles. It prevents them from seeing your belongings in the parking lot and other areas where cars stay for a longer period of time.
    • Reduces UV Ray Exposure – UV rays can damage your skin and increases the chances of skin cancer. It can also lead to the myriad of health problems such as sunburn, premature aging, damage to skin, suppression of immune system, etc. Vehicle window tint can help with this by preventing 99% of UV rays from entering the vehicle to damage your skin.
    • Keep Vehicle Interiors Cool & Comfortable – When the sun beats down through your vehicle’s windows, it can heat the interior of your automobile quickly. On a 70 degree day, the temperature inside your vehicle can easily rise to over 100 degrees in a brief period of time. Automobile window tint can noticeably reduce this heat entering through the glass. In fact, automotive window tint can lessen heat coming through the glass by as much as 70 percent! The result will be that you can be more comfortable every time you get into your vehicle and you may even reduce your gas consumption as a result of using the air conditioning less frequently. In addition, window tinting also reduces glare to lessen eye fatigue from direct sun rays and shiny headlights at night.
    • Shattered Glass Prevention & Protection – There are numerous benefits for the car tinting which you might not have considered. Window film is designed in such a way that if the glass shatters, it will keep it in one piece rather than many individual shards. In an accident, not having broken flying shards of glass flying through the vehicle can help prevent injuries.
    • Sun Damage Protection of Interiors – As mentioned above, tinting windows typically rejects 99% of the sun’s UV rays and heat. This protection from the sun helps protect vehicle interiors from fading, cracks and warping of interior surfaces to keep your automobiles looking newer longer.

We hope this article gave you some additional reasons other than improved looks to consider car tinting. If you would like more information, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, you can reach us directly by calling (417) 823-8715. We would be happy to discuss your options and provide you with a free, no obligation assessment and quotation on your particular vehicle. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and are the #1 source for vehicle window tinting in the Springfield, Missouri area.