May 07
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May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month - See How Window Film Helps - Window Film and Window Tinting Services in Springfield, Missouri

May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – See How Window Film Helps

By | Commercial, Home

Based on information from The Skin Cancer Foundation, with over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. That is why observing May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month is so important. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the incidence of this disease reaching epidemic levels. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. By raising awareness of the dangers of unprotected exposure and encouraging sun-safe habits, we can change behaviors and save lives.

Skin care to help prevent skin cancerWhile fad diets and pop science tout “cancer preventing” super foods with difficult to pronounce names, protecting yourself from the most common type of cancer really comes down to blocking UV rays. Skin cancer affected more than 5.4 million people in the United States in a single year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all the other cancer types combined, and one in five Americans will develop it by the age of 70. Because this risk is so great, we wanted to offer some skin cancer prevention steps you can take to protect yourself while on the go, at home, and on the job.

Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of RecommendationYou may wonder why we are sharing this information with you. What does window film have to do with skin cancer prevention? Actually, professionally installed window films are a given the Seal of Recommendation by The Skin Cancer Foundation as a safe and effective sun protection. They warn that ultraviolet radiation can travel through car and home windows, where it can contribute to the daily accumulation of sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer and photoaging. UV-blocking films can not only protect you against this exposure, but can offer other benefits as well. Harmful ultraviolet rays (UVR) are sneaky. Not only can they cause skin cancer and visible signs of aging, they’re also very good at finding you. They can bounce off water, off sand, and they can penetrate glass. Which means that even if you’re inside your car or house, if you’re sitting next to a window with sunlight streaming in, you’re at risk for UV damage. Window film is an increasingly effective solution, offering substantial indoor protection by blocking up to 99.9 percent of UVA radiation.

We are happy to offer window film products that can help be part of the solution. We wanted to share this article and this information to do our part during Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Please share this article to help raise skin cancer awareness and educate friends and family one how a product like window film can help protect you in ways you never imagined.

Vehicle UV Protection

Skin Protection While Driving With Automotive Window FilmsResearcher Scott Fosko, MD in an American Academy of Dermatology news release said that over 50% of skin cancers manifest on the left side of the body. He continued by saying “Our initial findings confirm that there is a correlation between more time spent driving and a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers, especially on sun-exposed areas in men,”

Researches attribute this split to our sun exposure while driving in the car. Given that AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that the average American spends 17,600 minutes driving each year, that’s a lot time for one half of your body to be receiving more UV radiation than the other.

To prevent skin cancer, always keep sunscreen in your car and apply before driving. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and reapplying every two hours. Sunscreen is critical, because at least 50% of UVA rays can pass through glass, and even though they aren’t as intense as UVB rays, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more common than UVB.

Another option is having a professionally installed window film installed. This is an even better way to filter the UV radiation that causes most types of skin cancer, because it filters all the time without the need for reapplying every two hours. In addition, many professionally installed window films are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. You can check out their article on using window film for sun protection by clicking HERE.

At-Home UV Protection

Skin Protection While at Home Using Home Window FilmsSpeaking of windows, our homes are another place where we’re exposed to the sun’s rays. Untreated windows let in rays that wash out your furniture and damage your skin, so take precautions. Apply sunscreen if you’ll be sitting in a sunny area, and never bring a tanning bed or UV-based light into your home. If you have concerns about the UV impact in your house, you might even consider installing UV sensors

An easier solution is to have a window film installed to block out up to 99.9% of those damaging rays. Because films put a barrier between your home and the sun, they reflect heat from the exterior and trap it inside during the winter.

For more information on the benefits of window films for protecting your home, check out the Skin Cancer Foundation’s blog post on the topic.

UV Protection on the Job

Skin Protection While Working With Commercial Window FilmsWhile you’re on the job, you’re still being affected by damaging rays. If your business has a storefront, a window film will block those rays and protect your merchandise and furniture from becoming washed out, while also saving you energy costs.

If you’re lucky enough to sit by a window while you work, don’t forget to consider windows film or a broad-spectrum sunscreen reapplied regularly. If neither these options is feasible, try and situate your workspace where you won’t be sitting directly in the sun. If you work outside, sunscreen is especially important! The Skin Cancer Foundation found that 85% of melanomas and 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers come from exposure to UV radiation, so if you’re working full time outdoors, your risk will increase exponentially.

So, as we start in Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we hope you found this article informative and now understand how window films can play a part in your overall skin protection plan. Our company is proud to offer professionally installed window films to help protect your skin. If you would like more information on the products or services we offer, contact us today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE.

Apr 22
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Window Film Retrofit Upgrades Glass According To Architect Magazine - Commercial Window Film and Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Window Film Retrofit Upgrades Glass According To Architect Magazine

By | Commercial

In an article in Architect Magazine entitled “The Effects of Window Films Go Beyond the Surface” by Wanda Lau, how a window film retrofit your existing windows to enhance performance. We wanted to summarize that article to explain some of the ways these films upgrade existing windows with minimum disruption to a commercial space.

According to the article, “Window films can conjure up images of hazy purple film bubbling off of automobile glazing. In today’s buildings, however, they represent both an established and evolving technology that can significantly reduce solar heat gain and glare. By giving us daylighting and views, windows provide immeasurable boosts to our productivity and well-being. However, they also increase HVAC loads, which account for 39 percent of the energy that buildings consume, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. For older buildings with windows installed before the days of low-emissivity (low-E) and insulated glass, applied aftermarket films may be an effective alternative to window replacement, with paybacks as short as three years”.

In addition to the energy saving capabilities, window films can also be used to nearly eliminate UV rays which can have health benefits as well as act to protect your furnishings from sun fading. The article highlights this by saying “The ability of films to provide UV protection without affecting building aesthetics appealed to Phil Mark, director of preservation at Stratford Hall, the historic home of Robert E. Lee. In 2010, the Stratford, Va., plantation installed window film with a VT of 0.69 and a SHGC of 0.50 on 13 single-pane windows in an effort to protect interior finishes and the estate’s collections from UV damage. “You can hardly see it unless you know it’s there,” Mark says.”

We hope that you found this information on commercial window films useful. If you would like to learn even more about how a window film retrofit upgrades glass in commercial spaces, call us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation consultation and discuss how you can implement a window film solution in your space. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

Jan 07
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Five Ways Window Film Will Improve Commercial Spaces in 2021 - Commercial Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Five Ways Window Film Will Improve Commercial Spaces in 2021

By | Commercial

Many of us are reviewing plans for 2021 and things we would like to accomplish in the coming year. As more time is spent indoors, improving those spaces in a variety of ways is a goal to consider. With that in mind, we wanted to share this summary of an article from Facility Executive Magazine on five ways that window films can be used to improve your facility. The article hits on several of the key ways that building owners and commercial property managers integrate window films to improve commercial spaces.

Five Ways Window Films Improve Commercial Spaces

  1. Energy Conservation: Up to 30% of any building’s cooling and heating load is through windows. Installing window film reduces the stress on a facility’s HVAC system. Many films block up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat, helping to cut cooling costs.
  2. Safety and Security: Windows and doors are the most vulnerable parts of any building. They are easy points of entry for people who may mean harm to the occupants, the building itself, or its contents. When professionally installed safety film is added, the glass doesn’t shatter, delaying the intruder’s entrance, and allowing local authorities to get to the scene in a timely matter.
  3. Health and Comfort: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends solar control window film to protect healthy skin and prevent premature aging. Window film lets natural daylight in, but blocks up to 99% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, and up to 80% of the sun’s heat protecting the building’s occupants and preventing interior furnishings from fading. Employees are also more productive and comfortable thanks to window film reducing solar glare, not only on their computer screens but throughout the entire building.
  4. Green Benefits: Nearly 75% of windows are not energy efficient, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Window film installation costs a fraction of new window replacement, and accomplishes many of the same goals, as well as going a long way in reducing a building’s carbon footprint.
  5. Aesthetics: Window film can improve the aesthetics of any commercial building. By improving the look of dated windows with film, the whole building will appear as though it had a modern facelift. Many manufacturers also offer decorative films that can add style, privacy and create a unique interior design. With certain styles of decorative films, facility executives can even achieve the look of etched glass at a fraction of the cost.

You can find the entire article HERE.

We hope that you found this summary informative and that it helps you in your goal to improve your commercial space in 2021. If you would like more information on commercial window films, click HERE. If you have any questions about these innovative films, please contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

Dec 09
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Why Auto Window Tint Might Make Even More Sense During Fall & Winter in Springfield, Missouri

Why Auto Window Tint Might Make Even More Sense During Fall & Winter

By | Automotive

Have you ever noticed that the sun seems brighter in the Fall and Winter? That is not your imagination and this article is meant to share share a couple reasons why this is the case and why auto window tint might make even more sense during this time of the year.

Why Is The Sun Brighter During The Fall and Winter?

First, let’s discuss why you notice the sun being brighter at this time of the year. As we head into Fall, the sun begins to be lower in the sky. This is contrasted with the Summer when the sun is high in the sky. With the sun lower on the horizon in Fall and Winter, the light is hitting you at angles much closer to the horizon. So, while you might never look directly up into the sun during the Summer, you often find yourself looking somewhat directly at the sun during Fall and Winter.

The sun being lower to the horizon corresponds to shorter days. This will continue into January when the sun seems brightest and is very low on the horizon. After Winter solstice, the process begins to reverse and the sun begins getting higher in the sky each day again. During this process, you will notice that you are confronted with irritating and often blinding glare at the exact time of the day when many people are commuting to work.

Finally, if you drive near a body of water or have to contend with snow, the situation gets even worse. The low angled sunlight will reflect off of water and / or snow and create and even brighter and more blinding effect.

How Does Auto Window Tint Help?

Like a quality pair of sunglasses, window tint can reduce the amount of glare passing through the glass. This will not only make your vehicle a more comfortable place to be, it can also make it safer. If you have ever been blinded by the sun while driving or trying to pull out onto a road, you know what we mean. By reducing the glare and allowing you to see the road better, you are in a better position to operate your vehicle safely. In addition, not having to squint and deal with excessive glare will allow your eyes to relax and not make your time in the vehicle as stressful.

On one final note, remember to keep your windows as clean as possible this time of year. The issues surrounding the lower angle of the sun will be amplified through dirty windows.

We hope you enjoyed this article. We would be happy to show you all of the options of auto window tint available to improve the comfort and safety of your vehicle. If you would like to learn more about the automotive window film we install, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like and estimate or to schedule an appointment for automotive window tint installation, call us at (417) 823-8715.

Nov 13
0
Solar Controlling Window Film in Springfield, Missouri.

Solar Controlling Window Film Pros & Cons Detailed by Architect Magazine

By | Commercial, Home

Evelyn Royer wrote an article for Architecture Magazine called “The Pros and Cons of Window Films” that we wanted to summarize. Solar controlling window film can be a misunderstood product, so we wanted to clear up some misconceptions. These innovative films retrofitted to your existing windows can be one of the most cost-effective ways to boost energy efficiency in both homes and commercial spaces.

With a growing interest in improving energy efficiency, residential and commercial window films should not be a product that is overlooked. Let’s look into what the article says that these films can, and cannot do.

Window Film Pros

  • Window film can cut utility costs by 30% to 40% that is much cheaper than replacing windows.
  • Solar films block 99% of UV light that fades furniture without looking reflective or dark.
  • Window films can add security and slow down a break in.
  • Window Film can add safety by holding shards together if a window shatters.
  • Some films can make a low-cost new window as efficient as a newer low-E, triple-pane unit.

Window Film Cons

  • Some window manufacturers warn that films will void their window warranty. Check with your window manufacturer if your windows are still covered under warranty by the manufacturer.
  • Certain glass lites, latches, and frames make installation difficult, which can impact cost.

Ultimately, experts say the future is bright for solar controlling window film products. We completely agree as the importance of green technologies implemented into existing spaces will only be growing in importance over the coming years.

We would be happy to answer any questions and schedule a free, no obligation consultation about integrating these films into your home or commercial space. You can contact us by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

Oct 29
0
Reasons To Add Window Tint Your Tesla in Springfield, Missouri

Enrg.io Magazine Gives Numerous Reasons Window Tint Your Tesla

By | Automotive

In a recent article in Enrg.io Magazine, they discuss the particular reasons why you should consider window tint for your Tesla vehicle. Enrg.io Magazine is dedicated to electric vehicle related articles, but we think the reasons they give for considering window tint can apply to nearly any vehicle.
The first thing the article mentions is why Tesla vehicle are particularly good candidates for window tinting. They state in the article “The only shortcoming with Tesla windows, however, is they let in a lot of sunlight. More sun is great for charging up the solar panels, but for passengers in the car’s interior, it can prove uncomfortable. Due to all that glass, the glare makes it hard to drive, significantly reducing safety. Owners should, therefore, consider window tinting..”.
The article continues by giving four additional reasons to consider window tinting for your Tesla.They are as follows:

  • Tinting your Tesla protects the interior from UV rays and heat. This prevents the car from warming up when parked in the sun. Heat and UV are absorbed at a slower rate when windows are tinted.
  • A tinted glass Tesla looks beautiful, and you can match your window color between the side and top sections.
  • You will feel less vulnerable sitting in traffic behind your tinted windows, unlike the fishbowl effect of an un-tinted Tesla.
  • Tinted glass makes it easier to control the interior temperature of your Tesla vehicle.

The article also goes on to give tips on what to look for when having an installation done and the differing types of window tint materials that are available. Again, this information applies to nearly any vehicle. If you would like to read the entire article at Enrg.io, click on the link “Window Tinting Considerations For Tesla“.

We hope that you found this article informative and interesting. If you would like to learn more about the automotive window film we install, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like and estimate or to schedule an appointment for automotive window tint installation, call us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE

Sep 25
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How Window Films Can Modernize Commercial Buildings - Commercial Window Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

How Window Films Can Modernize Commercial Buildings in Springfield, Missouri

By | Commercial

Are you interested in way to modernize commercial buildings? We came across an article in Commercial Construction & Renovation written by Mike Pallerino that discusses how professionally installed window films can help modernize commercial buildings in a variety of ways. The article states that “provides comfort to building inhabitants by reducing heat and glare as well as blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays. It also saves money by controlling a building’s energy consumption – keeping heat out in summer months and retaining heat in the winter. It offers an added layer of safety by holding together broken glass during a natural disaster or intrusion. And gives any commercial facility a modern, updated look.” We wanted to summarize the main points of this article in the post below.

Ways Window Films Modernize Commercial Buildings

    • Aesthetics – Window film is a flexible, adaptable product that can be retrofitted to enhance the unique aesthetic appeal of any commercial building. While it doesn’t need to stand out, it can be used to enhance the style of a building exterior. There are also decorative glass films that add extra style to glass panels. You can achieve the look of etched glass or other custom glass options at a fraction of the cost of designer glass at a fraction of the cost.
    • Energy Savings – Per the International Window Film Association (IWFA), the return on investment is higher for commercial building owners when renovating with window film verses any other method. Up to 30% of any building’s cooling and heating load is lost through windows. Installing window film will reduce the stress on a facility’s HVAC system as it’s designed to keep heat out, even during the hottest of summer days.
    • UV Protection – Window film blocks up to 99 percent of UV rays, and reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s energy. Blocking UV rays helps reduce glare on computer screens, and protects and prolongs the life of furniture, carpets, artwork, draperies, and woodwork.
    • Security – Safety and security is an important benefit for commercial buildings. On the security side, professionally installed safety and security film can delay an intruder’s attempt to enter through the window. The film holds the glass together and prevents it from shattering, delaying the intruder’s entrance, and allowing local authorities to get to the scene in a timely manner.
    • Safety – On the safety front, in the event of a natural disaster, acts of terrorism or something similar, window film can manage how the glass panels break and limit the amount of dangerous flying glass shards.

If you would like to read the entire article, click HERE

If you would like to get more information on how commercial window films can modernize commercial buildings, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free, no obligation assessment and quotation at your facility, call us at (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE.

Aug 28
0
Duke Energy Offers Several Energy Saving Tips For Homeowners - Home Tinting in Springfield, Missouri

Duke Energy Offers Several Energy Saving Tips For Homeowners

By | Home

Let’s face it, most of us are looking to save a little money these days and would love to take a bite out of high utility bills. However, we also want to maintain a comfortable house as many are spending a great deal more time in our homes these days. We wanted to do our part to help by summarizing five energy saving tips provided by Duke Energy in a recently published article. While this is not meant to be a comprehensive list, this could get you on the way to saving some money each month.

Five Energy Saving Tips From Duke Energy

  1. Use ceiling fans and set them to rotate in the proper direction for the season. Fans allow users to set thermostats in a way that can reduce energy use.
  2. Have your heating and air conditioning system serviced and change the air filter each month or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Date the filter or set a reminder to help track when it’s time for a new one. This can help the unit run more efficiently.
  3. Install attic insulation rated R-30 and seal attic leaks. This will reduce heating and cooling escaping and could qualify for bill credits. Check with your utility company for more information.
  4. Install home window films or keep blinds, curtains and shades closed during the hottest part of the day, especially on south and west facing windows. This helps keep heat out and the AC from running constantly. However, most of us do not want to keep our blinds or shades closed, and this is where we can help. Modern home window films that can block a significant amount of this heat without even changing the appearance of your windows. We even have low-e options that can potentially save energy in both the warmer and cooler months. Contact us for more details.
  5. This is an area most people are unaware of. Unplug phones or other electronic devices once fully charged. Many chargers use energy even when they aren’t connected to a device.

The article at Duke offer several more tips as well and you can read the entire piece by clicking HERE.

We hope that this summary gave you some energy saving tips that you could use to start driving down your utility bills. If you would like more information about the home window films mentioned in the article, click HERE. If you have questions about our services, If you have questions about our services call us at or fill out a form HERE today.