Apr 01
0
Home Window Tint and Film Benefits Discussed In Million Acres Magazine - Residential Window Film in the Springfield, Missouri

Home Window Tint and Film Benefits Discussed In Million Acres Magazine

By | Home

We wanted to share information from a recent article in Million Acres by Matt Frankel, CFP that discussed the pros and cons of having home window tint retrofitted to your existing windows. In this article, we are going to primarily summarize the benefits as the only negative the article mentioned was the potential out of pocket cost up front. Other than that, home window tint and film provides a fairly substantial list of positives. The great thing about this home improvement is that in most cases window film can be installed directly on your existing windows with very little disruption to a household. So, without further delay, here are the pros of home window tint.

The Benefits of Home Window Tint and Film
  • Reduce Excessive Heat or Eliminate Hot Spots: In general terms, sunlight generates heat, and utilizing tinted windows allows less sunlight in. The result is less heat entering the home through the windows. This can be used to cut heat in a room that has a south or west exposure and gets too hot during the day or in targeted areas to eliminate a hot spot in a very particular area of the house. The article quotes a HomeGuide claim that tinted windows can block as much as 85% of the heat generated by sunlight, which can mean a difference of as much as 15 degrees in the interior of the home. While the amount of heat reduced depends on the particular windows installed, home window film is an effective way to reduce heat from entering though the glass.
  • Help Prevent Sun Damage: As the article states, “natural sunlight isn’t just hot, it can be damaging to the inside of your home“. Wood floors and furniture are especially vulnerable to long-term sun damage. This sun damage is caused primarily by a combination of UV rays, heat and natural light. Window films can reduce the combination of these three primary elements to help prolong the life of your furnishings.
  • Lower Energy Costs: This goes hand in hand with reducing excessive heat. The goal is to maintain a comfortable environment in your home for the least amount of cost due to energy usage. The article explains that, “as sunlight heats the air in your home to an uncomfortable temperature, you probably use your air conditioning system to cool it. Reducing the sunlight in your home means you’ll run your air conditioner less, which can save you money on electricity.“
  • Improved Privacy: The article states that, “tinted windows make it more difficult for people to see into your home, which can add to the feeling of privacy (and security) in your home, without the need to keep your shades drawn at all times“. While this is true of some window tint during the day, when it becomes dark outside others will be able to see in. That being said, there are specific window films that can be used to give you privacy both day and night.
  • Cut Irritating Glare: Like a quality pair of sun glasses, window film can be used to cut irritating glare. The article says it this way, “tinted windows help eliminate glare caused by sunlight. As a personal example, I can’t use my home office after 3 p.m. without my blinds down. The glare is too intense for me to see my computer screens comfortably. Window tint can solve this sort of problem“.
  • Add a Decorative Element: In addition to films that reduce the light transmission, some types of window film come in attractive textures, designs and patterns that can add both decorative and privacy elements to your home.

If you would like to read the entire article in Million Acres, click HERE.

We hope that this summary of the article gave you some insight into all the great things these innovative home window tint and films can do. If you would like more information about the home window tinting films mentioned in the article, click HERE. If you have questions about our services, call us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing a window film solution in your Springfield, Missouri home.

Mar 10
0
Quality Car Tint vs Cheap Tint - What's The Real Difference? - Automotive Window Tint in Springfield, Missouri

Quality Car Tint vs Cheap Tint – What’s The Real Difference?

By | Automotive

Is there any real difference between quality car tint and the cheap stuff? The prices of a vehicle tint job vary widely, but is there really that much difference in the tint being used? This article aims to look into the different types of automotive tint and why some are more expensive that others.

Before we begin looking into the differing window tint types available, let’s define some of the main benefits of a car window tint. We can then discuss how the benefits cary with different levels of tint. For the sake of this article, we will only look at professionally installed window tint and not DIY products.

4 Primary Benefits Possible With Automotive Window Tint
  • Improved or changed appearance of the vehicle.
  • Reduced solar heat entering interior of vehicle.
  • Reduced glare through windows.
  • Reduced UV rays passing through the glass.
Quality Car Tint vs Cheap Tint - What's The Real Difference? 24 General Types of Vehicle Window Tint Along With Associated Costs
  • Basic Dyed Automotive Window Tint – This is the least expensive form of car tint. As it related to the benefits above, these films are primarily to change the looks of the vehicle as desired, glare reduction and often come with very good UV rejection. However, this level of tint does very little to reject solar heat. On the downside, these films are often not warranted against color change and may not have a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. This level of tint will usually be the entry level offered at most professional shops.
  • Premium Dyed / Carbon Automotive Window Tint – This is the first step up from basic dyed tint. The costs is usually a step up from entry level. In addition to often having better quality levels of base polyester and scratch resistance, these films also typically offer better solar heat rejection than a basic dyed film. Also, these films are typically more color stable which means they will not fade or change color over time like many basic dyed films might. These films normally carry a lifetime warranty against color change or any other defect for the original purchaser.
  • Metal or Metal Hybrid Automotive Window Tint – As the name suggests, these films often utilize a metal layer in the construction. This is done to give the film a much higher solar heat rejection than possible with a dyed only film. These films are often very color stable and come with lifetime warranties. The potential negatives of these films are that they can have a slightly reflective look which some dislike. In addition, the metal layer can interfere with reception with certain electronic systems. These films are often priced slightly higher than premium carbon based films.
  • Nano-Ceramic or Ceramic Automotive Window Tint – Think of this as the best of all worlds. These films are at the top of the price structure and for good reason. They have great, non-reflective factory tinted appearance and very high heat rejection with no metal. The heat rejection comes from the technology of the ceramic construction and often is not dependent on the darkness of the tint to have higher heat rejection. This allows the user to choose everything from very light ti darker films and still get great solar heat rejection. Using a lighter window tint can be based on owner tastes or local window tint laws. In addition, because no metal is used, these films do not cause any interference with electronic systems.

If you would like more information on the quality car window tint products we offer, we would love to help. We can discuss the various options and assist you in making a great choice for your vehicle. Contact us today by calling (417) 823-8715. We look forward to serving you from our Springfield, Missouri locations.

Feb 24
0
District Administration Notes Window Film For Student and School Security In Springfield, Missouri

District Administration Notes Window Film For Student and School Security

By | Safety & Security Window Film

With many schools beginning to relax safety and health procedures as it pertains to COVID,  school administrators must still focus on school security and student safety as a result of tragic events of the past several years. As a result, most districts are discussing what steps can be taken to avoid unauthorized access on campus and to keep these incidents from occurring in the future. The ability to restrict access to the school is at the forefront of any security discussion.

An article in District Administration Magazine entitled “Building Blocks of a School Security Plan” discussed particular strategies that can be implemented to improve the school security and student safety. One of the items mentioned in the article was utilizing security window film to make it harder for someone to forcefully enter the facility.

Student Safety & School Security Plans - District Administration Magazine - Safety and Security Window Film InformationAs the article states:

“Make your building perimeter harder to penetrate. If you already have locks on your outside doors, the next item you should consider on your list is security film for your windows. After the doors, the next obvious place a person with bad intentions will try to enter the building is through your windows. Security film maintains the integrity of the window, even if the glass is broken. It helps to hold the glass in place, acting as a screen that is difficult to breach, even with a sledge hammer or baseball bat. I believe that simple is better. Make sure that your plan is based on principles such as distance or time. Ask yourself, Does this security device offer my community additional time by delaying the threat?”

One of the best things about a security window film is that, when installed professionally, it can be hard to detect that anything is even on the glass. A typical person looking to gain unauthorized access to the facility does not expect the delayed entry that security window film produces. That serves to buy school authorities on-site and local police departments more time to respond. This technology has been used for many years to thwart smash and grab burglary attempts in retail store settings. In these situations, every extra moment counts and security window film delivers additional time for authorities to respond.

If you have any questions or would like more information on how security window film can enhance school security and student safety, Contact Us today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

Jan 31
0
Solar Control Window Films Save Money And Conserve Energy - Commercial Window Tinting and Film in Springfield, Missouri

Solar Control Window Films Save Money And Conserve Energy

By | Commercial, Home

These days, a more energy efficient commercial space helps you go green in two ways: it’s better for the environment, and it’s better for your wallet. With the costs of utilities going through the roof, you want to find ways to conserve wherever possible. The energy savings from solar control window films can help you avoid costly utility bills, and these innovative films retrofit to existing windows to avoid the cost and disruption of replacing inefficient windows.

Adding one of these window films to your commercial facility will give you energy and cost savings that can have a real impact. Let’s talk specifically about how they work and what they can do for you.

How Solar Control Window Films Conserve Energy

You might be imagining that window films reduce heat simply by tinting the window a dark color and blocking light, but that’s not the only way a window film can work. Modern solar control window films actually decrease a building’s heat gain through various technologies embedded in the film that absorb or deflect solar radiation….and they can even do this without noticeably darkening the glass.

When solar radiation hits untreated windows, some is reflected off, but most penetrates through the window and enters the internal spaces. Window films act to reflect or absorb a significant portion of that radiation at the glass surface, keeping it out of your space and maintaining a more temperature-controlled interior. 

Solar Control Window Films Save Money And Conserve Energy - Commercial Window Tinting and FilmThis results in a number of significant benefits:

Looking for a partner in energy and cost saving window films? Give us a call!

We hope that this article provided some useful information about how commercial solar control window films. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your commercial space, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be glad to explain these innovative and functional window films available and help you get exactly the right film to fit your needs in the Springfield, Missouri area.

Dec 10
0
The Perfect Home Gift Might Be A Window Film Retrofit To Existing Glass - Home Window Tinting in the Springfield, Missouri area

The Perfect Home Gift Might Be A Window Film Retrofit To Existing Glass

By | Home

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 since the beginning of the pandemic, 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 Reasons Window Film Is 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. If you would like more information about the residential window films we offer, 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 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of retrofitting a house window film solution onto your home’s existing windows in the Springfield, Missouri area.

Nov 18
0
Tinting Luxury Car Windows - 3 Tips From The Intelligent Driver - Automotive Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Tinting Luxury Car Windows – 3 Tips From The Intelligent Driver

By | Automotive

Deciding on tinting for luxury car windows can be challenging. Maybe you want to enhance the looks or improve the comfort of the interior with an automotive window film, but you don’t want to cheapen the car or devalue it with an add-on not worthy of the car. A recent article in The Intelligent Driver written by Zeid Nasser took on this exact topic in an article entitled “Tips for Tinting Your Luxury Car’s Windows“. We summarize 3 main points below.

Tinting Luxury Car Windows - 3 Tips From The Intelligent Driver - 2Performance Benefits of Tinting – The article details that in addition to looks, there are performance benefits associated with window tint. “With window tinting for your luxury car, you can extend the life of your car’s interior, reduce the overall amount of heat inside the car, reduce glare, increase security, improve the look of your car, and increase the efficiency of your car’s air conditioning.”

Types of Car Tint – The car details that automotive tint can have a variety of constructions. One of those types is a metal based film. The article mentions that this can be a problem as it could interfere with the vehicle’s electronic systems and mentions a non-metal ceramic film might be a better option. “If you have a luxury car with electronics such as satellite radio, navigation, or advanced keyless entry systems, you’re probably going to want to go with ceramic tinting. Metallic tint has been known to interfere with the electronics in a luxury car, so in most cases it’s simply not worth taking the chance.”

Check The Tint Laws In Your Area – The article mentions that it is important that you understand the laws pertaining to automotive window tint in your area. There are typically laws that dictate what windows / portions of windows can have film applied and exactly how dark that window film can be. For a quick check of the relevant window tint laws throughout the United States and Canada, visit the page located HERE.

We hope that you found this summary of the article helpful with regard to tinting for luxury car windows. If you would like more information, click HERE or contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. Find out why Custom Shade is the Springfield, Missouri area #1 source for automotive window tinting.

Nov 04
0
Increase EV - Hybrid Range With Automotive Window Tint - Vehicle Window Tint in the Springfield, Missouri area

Increase EV – Hybrid Range With Automotive Window Tint

By | Automotive

One of the most common questions or concerns when in comes to electric vehicles EVs and hybrids is the range. A recent article in TorqueNews written by Peter Neilson entitled “Why Heat Kills MPG In Toyota Prius And What To Do About It” discusses why window film can help eliminate heat and increase EV – hybrid range.

The article starts by stating that “Heat causes the batteries to be less efficient, and the less energy you can store in your battery, the lower your fuel economy. It is as simple as that….If your internal cabin temps are hot, your battery will be too. Keeping the A/C in good working condition and operating on hot days will help keep those battery temps down.” By keeping the heat down in the interior and on the battery, your batteries will retain more capacity. So what can be done?

According to the article, “Nano Ceramic window tint is a massive help. The tint helps reduce cabin temps. When parking, try to find shade and crack the windows slightly. This will help keep the heat from building up too much inside the cabin. I use a front windshield screen to help keep heat out, along with tinted windows and shaded parking (where available). These practices keep the heat to a minimum and my battery in stable condition.”

In addition, by keeping the heat in check, your vehicle air conditioning system will not have to work as hard to keep the cabin comfortable. By reducing the demand on the air conditioning system, you can reduce the draw on the batteries and keep them cooler. Net result can be an increase in range for your vehicle.

In conclusion, the article states “Excessive Heat and hybrids do not mix well. If your battery has seen its time, the heat could put it over the edge. Keep your fan clean, park in the shade, tint your windows, and yes, washing your car will help too.”

Laws pertaining to vehicle window tinting vary, so please be sure to check the window tint laws in your area.

Hopefully this article was interesting and explained how automotive window tint can help increase ev – hybrid range. If you would like more information regarding the automotive window tint we offer or to talk about your options on getting a vehicle tinted, click contact us by calling (417) 823-8715. Find out why Custom Shade is the Springfield, Missouri area #1 source for automotive window tinting.

Aug 05
0
House Window Tint Useful Information And The Pros & Cons of Using It - Home Window Film in Springfield, Missouri

House Window Tint Useful Information And The Pros & Cons of Using It

By | Home

When discussing house window tint with homeowners we often get asked many similar questions. As a result, we wanted to write an article that explains some facts about these innovative films and also shares some pros and cons of having them installed in your home.

4 Fast Facts About House Window Tint

  • Window Film Retrofits To Existing Windows – Window film is installed as a retrofit to your existing windows allowing you to significantly improve the performance of you windows with minimal disruption to your home.
  • Window Film Improves The Comfort In Your Home – Window film can enhance comfort by reducing excessive heat and glare throughout your home or strategically only in areas most impacted by the sun.
  • Window Film Extends The Life Of Your Floors & Furnishings – Most window films will reduce 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. This along with the reduction of heat and glare mentioned above will significantly reduce the contributors of fading and extend the life of your floors and furnishings.
  • Window Film Can Enhance Privacy – By using decorative window films in areas like entryways and bathrooms you can add privacy without resorting to blinds, curtains or shades that obscure the windows.

Pros and Cons of House Window Tint

  • Home Window Film Pros – In addition to the facts listed above, window films can also be used to add safety and security to a home, protect the skin of the occupants in the home and improve the insulating value of your existing windows for far less than the cost of replacement units.
  • Home Window Film Cons – The primary negative of window film is the fact that it can void your existing window warranty if you have one in place. You would have to verify you have a warranty in place and that window film would void the factory warranty. If so, a supplemental warranty from the window film manufacturer is often available to replace the voided manufacturer warranty.

We hope that this article shed some light on house window tint and the pros and cons of using it in your home. If you would like more information, contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to discuss this with you and provide you with a free, no obligation quote of implementing a window film product into your Springfield, Missouri area home.