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Commercial

Jan 08
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Discover how high-performance window film can transform your commercial building this winter. Learn how it reduces energy costs, improves comfort, enhances security, and boosts your company's sustainability.

Curbing the Chill: High-Performance Window Film Can Save $$ in 2025

By | Commercial

The frigid grip of winter can significantly impact the comfort and energy consumption of commercial buildings. Heating costs soar as businesses struggle to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, while cold drafts can wreak havoc on employee productivity. Fortunately, a simple yet effective solution lies in the application of high-performance window film.

In 2025, with sustainability and energy efficiency at the forefront of many business strategies, window film emerges as a crucial tool for building owners and managers. Beyond aesthetics, modern window films offer a multifaceted approach to improving building performance and enhancing the overall occupant experience.

1. Winter Comfort and Energy Savings

One of the most significant benefits of window film during the winter months is its ability to reduce heat loss. Traditional glass windows are notorious for their poor insulation properties, allowing precious heat to escape. High-performance window films create an invisible barrier, significantly minimizing heat transfer and keeping your building warmer. This reduced heat loss translates to lower energy bills and a more comfortable indoor environment for employees and customers.

2. Glare Reduction and Improved Productivity

Winter sunlight, while welcome, can often cause glare on computer screens and other electronic devices, leading to eye strain and reduced productivity. Window film with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings effectively reduces glare, creating a more comfortable and productive work environment. This not only improves employee comfort but also enhances overall workplace efficiency.

3. UV Protection and Indoor Air Quality

While winter sunlight may not seem as intense as summer sun, UV rays can still penetrate windows and cause damage to furniture, flooring, and artwork. High-performance window films offer superior UV protection, safeguarding your valuable assets and creating a more aesthetically pleasing interior. Furthermore, by reducing heat gain, window film can help minimize the need for excessive ventilation, improving indoor air quality and reducing the risk of airborne contaminants.

4. Enhanced Security

Beyond energy efficiency and comfort, window film can also enhance the security of your commercial building. Safety and security films are designed to deter break-ins by making it more difficult to break through windows. This added layer of protection can provide peace of mind for building occupants and valuable assets.

5. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

In today’s environmentally conscious world, sustainability is a key concern for many businesses. By reducing energy consumption and minimizing their environmental impact, companies can enhance their corporate social responsibility image. Investing in energy-efficient solutions like window film demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and can appeal to environmentally conscious customers and employees.

Choosing the Right Window Film:

Selecting the right window film requires careful consideration of your specific needs and priorities. Factors such as the building’s orientation, climate, and desired level of privacy should all be taken into account. Consulting with a window film professional can help you choose the most suitable film for your building and achieve the desired results.

High-performance window film offers a range of benefits for commercial buildings during the winter months. By reducing heat loss, minimizing glare, and enhancing overall comfort and security, window film can contribute to a more productive and sustainable work environment. As we move further into 2025 and beyond, investing in energy-efficient solutions like window film will become increasingly important for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive and environmentally conscious world.

If you have questions about these films, contact us at (417) 823-8715. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the entire surrounding areas.

Feb 01
0
Upgrade Commercial Buildings with Innovative Window Films - Commercial Window Tinting in the Springfield, MO area.

Upgrade Commercial Buildings with Innovative Window Films

By | Commercial

Did you know that window tint and films are a cost-effective, retrofittable solution that upgrade commercial buildings by improving the safety, comfort, and energy efficiency of the facility? Furthermore, they can be easily installed to existing glass to solve some of the biggest concerns facing property managers today. Learn more about the benefits of these innovative products below.

6 Great Benefits of Professionally Installed Commercial Window Films

Lower Energy Costs

A huge cost to facility owners comes in the form of high utility bills. It’s a large and expensive task to keep a huge building cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and windows account for about 30% of your heating and cooling load. To cut down on those costs, you can have a commercial window film installed that can block as much as 80% of the sun’s heat. Some low-e window films can even work by not only reducing heat in the Summer, but also retain the interior heat in the Winter. With modern window film options, you can get greater energy savings year-round without the need for expensive replacement windows or window treatments.

Increased Security

Windows and exposed glass are some of the most vulnerable parts on any building. The most common points of entry for burglars are windows and doors, so protecting your glass with a protective security film adds safety and function to your structure. Security films make glass more resistant to shattering, and if anyone does try to break in, the film holds the glass in place to delay the intruder and reduce the risk of a bystander getting injured. It’s also an important safety add-on for areas where earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, and other natural disasters make glass more likely to shatter and become a projectile. As with any safety and anti-intruder product, security films should be used in conjunction with other safety measures to make your facility as secure as possible.

Improved Comfort

By reducing the heat and glare coming through your windows, you make the space more comfortable for those working in it. From eliminating hot and cold spots across floors, to reducing irritating glare and reflection on computer and monitor screens, window films help make your space a more comfortable place to be.

UV Protection

While sunlight in a workplace improves mood and morale, it also lets damaging UV-A rays into the workplace. UV-A rays cause tanning, premature aging, and increase your risk of skin cancer, so adding a UV-blocking film to your facility is a great step to reducing those risks for those working near windows. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends UV-blocking window films to let the daylight in but keep those UV rays out. Not only does this reduce cancer risk, it helps keep furniture, flooring and other furnishings from fading in color.

Better for the Environment

The EPA reports that 75% of all windows in the US are inefficient, so facility owners often look to replacing their windows when they want to cut energy costs. However, an energy-saving window film can save facilities thousands without the need for the huge cost of replacing windows. In addition to the energy and health benefits, you can feel good about knowing that your facility has a smaller carbon footprint and that your facility’s current windows won’t end up in a landfill.

Enhanced Style

Depending on the facility, style might not be your biggest priority when it comes to windows, but a film is an easy and cost-effective way to upgrade the look of your building without a huge renovation. From etched glass styles to branded appliqués that show off your brand, there’s a film for every taste and business.

If you would like more information on how window films can upgrade commercial buildings, click HERE. If you have questions about these films, contact us at (417) 823-8715. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing these solutions in your Springfield, Missouri area space.

Jan 18
0
Glare Reducing Window Film Offers Improved Winter Comfort - Home and Commercial Window Film Services in the Springfield, MO area.

Glare Reducing Window Film Offers Improved Winter Comfort

By | Commercial, Home

Are you aware of the benefits of glare reducing window film and why it might be even more important in the Winter months? We wrote this article to explain why glare is worse at this time of the year and how these innovative films can help.

It may seem counterintuitive, but it’s not your imagination, the sun’s light and glare actually appear brighter in the Winter. The reason is that from October through Spring, the sun is much lower in the sky and that presents itself as an irritating glare that you might not notice as much at other times of the year. This lower angle of the sun’s rays hitting your windows results in a corresponding lower angle light passed through into the space.

The combination of a brighter sun and the lower angle of the rays result in excessive glare that make a space less comfortable and make seeing a computer or television screen more difficult. Furthermore, when you combine this lower angle and brighter sun with reflection off water or snow, the resulting glare can be even worse. Finally, the leaves on tress that provide a barrier to glare in the warmer months are missing giving the sun an unobstructed path to your windows.

So, How Does Glare Reducing Window Film Help?

For these reasons, Winter is the best time to consider retrofitting your existing windows with a glare reducing window film. Much like a quality pair of sunglasses, window films can significantly reduce the glare and increase visibility and comfort without negatively impacting your views. In fact, when the glare is reduced, your eyes can actually relax and result in an enhanced view and a more comfortable home.

In addition, significant glare problems are often accompanied by the issue of faded floors, furniture and furnishings. The increased sun exposure brings in excessive UV and light which both are major contributors to fading. A great added benefit of  window film is that it also will typically reduce 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays and a portion of the visible light.

If you would like more information or have any questions about glare reducing window film, contact 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 these solutions in your Springfield, Missouri area space.

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.

Oct 12
0
Improve Facility Operations With Commercial Window Films - Commercial Window Film and Tint in Springfield, Missouri

Improve Facility Operations With Commercial Window Films

By | Commercial

This past year has really changed the way that commercial spaces are being utilized. In light of these changes, it is imperative that building managers take steps to operate the facility more efficiently and make their space stand out from the crowd. FacilitiesNet had an article that discussed how commercial window films could improve facility operations, and we wanted to summarize the findings below.

3 Ways Commercial Window Films Improve Facility Operations

  • Reduces Energy Costs: When window film is installed, the stress on the HVAC system is greatly reduced. Film keeps the cool air inside during summer months and limits heat loss during the winter months. These benefits can ultimately result in lower utility bills for facility managers.
  • Improves Safety Measures: Windows and doors are any building’s main point of entry, even for those who are uninvited. Safety window films can help reduce property loss and damage in the event of a burglary attempt by making it far more difficult for criminals to penetrate the building through glass doors and windows. Also, in the unlikely and unfortunate event of a natural disaster or extreme weather event, safety and security window film will help minimize damage to property and occupants.
  • Increases Productivity for Occupants and Preserve Furnishings: Window film lets in natural daylight, but blocks 99% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, and up to 82% of the sun’s heat. Sun beaming in through the windows can be harmful to the building’s occupants and damage the furnishings. Window film can solve these problems, making it easier for employees to get their jobs done comfortably while protecting their skin and the interior furnishings.

We hope that you found this information enlightening and useful. If you would like to see the source article at FacilitiesNet, click Here

If you are interested in learning more about commercial window film, 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.

Sep 01
0
School Security Vulnerabilities - Window Retrofit Targets Weakness - Safety and Security Window Film in Springfield, Missouri

School Security Vulnerabilities – Window Retrofit Targets Weakness

By | Commercial

As children across the country begin heading back to school full time, a mainstay of the news has become school safety and what can be done to protect students and staff. While a great deal of the safety is focused on COVID related modifications, many of the upgrades being discussed and implemented across the country also have to do with school security vulnerabilities as it relates to student safety.

It is very unfortunate that physical school security has become a primary topic of conversation, but it is part of the reality of the world in 2022. It sometimes is difficult to discuss school security and student safety strategies without appearing to have an agenda or be trying to sell something. While we are sensitive to this, we also feel that it is important to share information that can have a positive impact on potential incidents in the future. This article is designed to illuminate the topic of glass being one of the greatest school safety vulnerabilities.

School Security Vulnerabilities - Window Retrofit Addresses Weakness 2Liz Crawford wrote a piece recently titled “Is Your Child’s School Safe? Examining The Top 3 School Safety Vulnerabilities“. In this article, she noted glass as being one of the top three 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 also 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,”.

School Safety Vulnerabilities - Window Retrofit Addresses Weakness 3While it is true that we see this specification in schools regularly, there is good news. This school safety vulnerability can be addressed by retrofitting existing tempered 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 that slows the entry down. The goal is by slowing the entry down that will be giving school officials and local authorities time to respond to the threat.

If you would like more information or have any questions about how security window films can help address school security vulnerabilities, 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.

Aug 24
0
Energy Efficiency Addressed With Window Film - Experts Weigh In - Commercial Window Film & Tint in the Springfield, Missouri area

Energy Efficiency Addressed With Window Film – Experts Weigh In

By | Commercial
Energy Efficiency Claims and Real Information From The Experts

When it comes to commercial buildings, statistics and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR are alluded to quite frequently. And some of this information can be quite overwhelming. When you hear some of these energy efficiency facts, how do you decide to take action within your own building?

Here, we explain how high-performance, low-e window film can address the energy efficiency statistics and claims that exist in our industry.

Claim: Approximately one third of a building’s cooling costs can be attributed to solar heat gain through windows.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

Energy Efficiency Addressed With Window Film - Experts Weigh In - Commercial Window Film & TintHow Window Film Helps: If buildings don’t have a way to reduce solar heat gain coming in through window glass, then cooling systems may be used more often to keep tenants and occupants comfortable. Using window film to reduce solar heat gain can make a big impact on cooling costs by helping to even out hot and cold spots, regulating temperatures near windows to improve thermal comfort, and reducing cooling requirements. Newer low-e films are designed to be spectrally selective, reducing a large portion of the sun’s infrared heat while allowing visible light to pass through.

Claim: HVAC systems account for roughly 41% of total commercial building electrical usage – almost double that of any other building system.

Source: Alliant Energy

How Window Film Helps: Reducing heating and cooling loads can lessen HVAC energy usage – and high-performance, low-e window film may help you accomplish this. After installation, you may notice reduced HVAC usage thanks to more controlled interior temperatures throughout the building. Another bonus? When you reduce loads, you also reduce stress on the system. The more often it runs, the faster the equipment may need repairs or replacement. When it runs less often, you can prolong the life of your HVAC system.

Claim: Energy costs represent 30% of a typical building’s annual budget and is the single largest operating cost.

Source: BOMA-Kingsley Quarterly/ENERGY STAR

How Window Film Helps: Operating costs include energy usage for HVAC, lighting, plug load, etc. And low-e window film can positively impact all of these factors. For example, uncontrolled daylight through window glass often causes tenants and occupants to shut blinds and shades. This may reduce the amount of natural daylight coming into the space, and place a higher demand on your electric lighting system. At the end of the month, you may notice higher utility bills if lighting has been turned on more often.

Claim: 80% of workers have trouble concentrating if the office temperature is higher than normal; nearly two-thirds say typical tasks may take up to 25% longer in warmer conditions.

Source: Cornell University

How Window Film Helps: As mentioned above, low-e window film can reduce plug loads – and here’s how. Unprotected glass can cause year-round indoor temperature fluctuations: warm temperatures in summer months due to solar heat gain, and cool temperatures in winter months due to thermal heat loss. If tenants or occupants are uncomfortable, they may resort to space heaters and fans to keep working environments at reasonable temperatures. As a result, your electricity bills go up. Installing low-e film may remove hot and cold spots, reduce solar heat gain and thermal loss, and allow tenants and occupants to keep blinds and shades open. When they are more comfortable and have access to natural light and views to the outdoors, workers may be more productive.

Claim: Inefficient windows are to blame for 25% to 35% of wasted energy in commercial buildings.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

How Window Film Helps: The poor insulating characteristics of glass make windows one of the worst-performing components of your building envelope. Low-e window film can improve comfort levels and save energy by improving window insulating power by up to 92%. The right low-e window film provides single-pane windows with the same insulating performance as double-pane windows (and double-pane windows with the same insulating performance as triple-pane windows), significantly increasing the R-value of existing windows.This data was shared

Information Provided by Steve Debusk, Global Energy Solutions Manager from Eastman Chemical Company.

We hope this article enlightened you on some energy efficiency issues and how commercial window film can help. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Springfield Window Tinting today by calling (417) 823-8715 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Springfield, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

Jul 13
0
7 Reasons to Consider Commercial Decorative Glass Films - Decorative Window Film in Springfield, Missouri

Commercial Decorative Glass Films – 7 Reasons They Beat Custom Glass

By | Commercial

Considering a custom glass or decorative glass option for your commercial space? Whether aiming to add privacy, style or just looking for a change in decor, commercial decorative glass films are a cost effective solution.

These innovative films are very versatile and allow freedom in design. In addition, they can be customized to fulfill any requirement. Also, various films can be used to create the finished product, whether it is textured, patterned or colored film. Finally, they can be utilized to influence glass transparency as well as its light transmittance. Now, let’s take a look at some additional benefits.

7 Benefits of Commercial Decorative Glass Films for Your Space

Seven Reasons to Consider Commercial Decorative Glass Films

  • Nearly Unlimited Options – Custom glass panels are expensive and have limitations. Using stock or custom decorative films enable you to achieve nearly unlimited options at a fraction of the cost of custom glass.
  • Add Privacy – Decorative glass film can be used to add privacy to any space with a window or glass partition.
  • Improve The Appearance of Glass Panel – Decorative glass film transform plain glass into a integrated design element in the space.
  • Saves Money – Decorative glass film allows the desired look at a fraction of the cost of custom glass. In addition, they are easily removable if space needs or requirements ever change. In contrast, custom glass would require the panel to be changed out.
  • Integrate Branding Element – Decorative glass films enable the integration of company or product branding on windows or glass panels.
  • Creates Visual Break in Space – Decorative glass film allows you to create a visual break on a glass panel that stops the line of sight or registers a differentiation in spaces.
  • Ease of Maintenance – The texture of custom glass make it difficult to keep clean as oils and dirt become lodged in the textured surface. Decorative glass film can be wiped clean easily. This helps keep the design looking as great as the day it was installed.

If you would like more information on all of the terrific options available with commercial decorative glass films, click HERE. If you have questions or would like to discuss further, 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 implementing these films in Springfield, Missouri area spaces.