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Kaylynn Mower

Dec 14 2023
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Five Primary Benefits of Using Decorative Film Versus Custom Glass - Decorative Window Film in Orem, UT

Decorative Film vs Custom Glass – 5 Great Window Film Benefits

By Decorative Film

Decorative film and decorative glass are popular in both commercial and home settings. The main reason is how versatile they can make a space. You can add elements of privacy, decor or branding without making a space feel enclosed. It is easy to see why these products are being used more frequently as commercial and home spaces are being reimagined. With that said, is there a benefit to using either decorative film or a custom glass panel? In our opinion, decorative window film is a superior option and this article gives 5 reasons we feel that to be the case.

5 Primary Benefits of Decorative Film vs Custom Glass
Decorative Film vs Custom Glass – 5 Primary Benefits of Window Film - 2
  1. Retrofittable to Existing Glass – You can avoid the excessive cost of removing your existing glass and replacing it with a custom glass panel as decorative film can be applied to the existing glass panel in most cases.
  2. Cost – Even basic custom glass panels can get costly. However, decorative glass films allow you to implement much more intricate and involved designs at a fraction of what having a custom piece of glass would cost.
  3. Reversible – If the needs of a space change and you would like to remove the decorative element, the decorative film can simply be removed. With a custom glass panel, you would need to order a new piece of glass and have it installed.
  4. Nearly Unlimited Options – Unlike actual custom glass, designs using decorative glass film are limited nearly by only your imagination. Through the use of potter cut film or custom printing, your dreams can truly become reality.
  5. Easier to Clean – When the actual glass panel is customized to give a frosted or sand blasted look, it creates a rough surface in the glass. This surface attracts dust, oil from people’s hand, etc and begins to look dirty over time. As the dirt becomes embedded in the surface, it becomes harder to remove it completely and keep the decorative panel looking clean. On the other hand, designs utilizing decorative glass films are easily cleaned so that they continue to look as good as the day they were installed.

We hope that this brief article gave you some compelling reasons why a decorative film might be a better option that custom glass panels. If you would like more information on these innovative and versatile films, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation of your project, contact us today at 801-810-8468. We are located in Orem, Utah and service the surrounding area.

Nov 08 2023
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Reduce Home Energy Usage With These 4 Easy Tips - Home Window Tinting in Orem, UT

Reduce Home Energy Usage With These 4 Easy Tips

By Residential Window Film

The news is often filled with reports that home energy prices are expected to rise significantly this coming year and how to reduce home energy usage. With these costs going up, it’s in everyone’s best interest to reduce the amount of energy we use. Not only do you reduce your carbon footprint and energy waste, you are also setting yourself up to save money on your utility bills. With that in mind, here are some of the most useful and practical ways you can save money and reduce energy usage.

4 Easy Ways To Reduce Home Energy Usage
  • Switch to LEDs – LED bulbs require an initial investment that puts some people off, but they’re a far more efficient and inexpensive solution long term. Not only do they last longer (some LEDs work for more than twenty years!), but they reduce the amount of energy you consume by up to 90% compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. Plus, rather than burning out in a sudden flash, LEDs experience a more gradual decline that makes them easier to live with when they need replacement. Just by swapping out one bulb for an LED model, you’ll reduce your energy bill for that light source by 30-80 dollars over the course of the bulb’s life.z
  • Have Home Window Film Installed – This is where we come in, Did you know that modern window films are retrofitted to your existing windows and come in a variety of energy-conserving styles that reduce your energy usage by putting barriers between your home and the outside world? Professionally installed window films block nearly 80% of the sun’s heat, which can really help lower the interior temperature and the amount of air conditioning you need. In addition, during the winter, some low-e window film options help create an insulating layer on your windows to trap your home’s heat inside the house and reduce your heating bill.As a side benefit, most home window films block 99% or more of the sun’s UV rays which can help reduce the impact of cancer causing rays that damage skin as well as fade furnishings and flooring. Go with a pro who can make sure that the films are installed correctly and get you the best possible return on investment by choosing the right film for your application.
  • Switch to Time-Based Electricity Rates – To cut down on peaking power usage, some utility companies encourage customers to use electricity during off-peak hours. The energy company saves money during high-use hours and the customer receives those savings through rebates or lowered electricity rates. By using energy when others aren’t, you reduce consumption needs during busy times and help keep energy usage balanced for everyone.These programs are especially useful for people with electric or hybrid cars that recharge overnight, but it’s just as easy for people who can easily do things like run dishwashers overnight rather than during the day, for example. Also, technology like home window film mentioned above helps reduce energy usage from the sun’s heat during the peak hours you are trying to limit your consumption.
  • Kill “Energy Vampires” – Did you know that appliances leech energy even when they’re powered down? Large appliances like fridges, desktop computers, and especially televisions can be draining power even when they’re off, to the extent that as much as 20% of your electric bill can come down to this “vampire power” usage. Turns out that every appliance that stays plugged in is pulling electricity, and most appliances continuously use energy even when “off” to perform updates, connect to servers, and record data. To reduce your energy leaks, be sure to unplug all your devices that you can when you’re not using them. This is easier if you’re using a power strip that allows you to quickly flick off appliances without reaching down and physically unplugging them.

We hope this article helped you with some ways you can reduce home energy usage beginning tomorrow. Our company specializes in helping homeowners improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their homes utilizing modern window film technology. If you have any questions or would like more information, please click HERE. If you have any questions, call us at (801) 810-TINT(8468) or email us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing a window film solution in your Orem, Ogden or Salt Lake City, Utah home.

Oct 25 2023
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Sun Faded Floor Protection Using a Home Window Film Retrofit - Home Window Tinting in Orem, UT

Sun Faded Floor Protection Using a Home Window Film Retrofit

By Residential Window Film

Furnishing a home can be expensive. Flooring, furniture and furnishings costs can add up quick. With so much invested,

Looking For a Solution to Sun Faded Floor Protection?

Furnishing a home can be expensive. Flooring, furniture and furnishings costs can add up quick. With so much invested, doesn’t it make sense to take steps to protect that investment from sun fading? While most of us love open and airy homes with lots of windows, the biggest threat to your floors and furnishings can be right outside those same windows, the sun. Sunlight is responsible for the primary causes of sun faded floor protection.

Sun Faded Floor Protection Using a Home Window Film RetrofitMost people do not want to sacrifice their views and the open feeling of their home to protect their furnishings from the sun, so what can be done? One of the best ways to attack the 3 primary causes of sun damage and fading is with a window film retrofitted to your existing windows. This article will examine exactly what causes the fading and damage to occur and how window film is a great solution to consider.

What Causes Fading and Sun Damage?

A common misconception is that UV rays are what cause sun faded floors and damage to furnishings. While UV is certainly the largest component, as the chart below illustrates, these rays only account for 40% of the causes of fading. Solar heat and visible lights 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. This article from Build Direct explains this from the angle of a flooring supplier.

The first thing this chart demonstrates is that you cannot “stop” fading completely unless the item you want to protect in a dark, climate controlled room. In real life, the most you can do is attack the primary contributors of fading in a significant enough way to slow down the fading process in a substantive way. By slowing the process, you extend the life of your floors, furniture and furnishings.

Protection from Sun Caused Fading Floors and Furnishings 5

Why Is A Window Film Retrofit To Your Existing Windows a Good Solution?

As mentioned above, most people do not want to darken their home with sun blocking curtains, blinds or drapes in an effort to stop fade damage from occurring. So, assuming the windows will not be covered the majority of the time, you need to attack the fade factors before they enter the home. The reason a window film retrofit is a great option is because it attacks all 3 primary contributors of fading. Most professionally installed window films will block 99%+ of the UV rays.

Sun Faded Floor Protection Using a Home Window Film Retrofit 3So, that removes almost 40% of the contributing factors of fading. In addition, many window films can significantly reduce the solar heat and visible light coming through the window. When you combine these factors, you can take a large slice out of the fade pie chart shown above. This protection can be accomplished while retaining the open feel of your home.

So, let’s do a quick calculation of a common home window film to show how much it can reduce fading versus a clear window. The window film being used in this scenario will block 99% of the UV rays, 68% of the visible light and 41% of solar heat. So, the fading math calculation would go as follows, (40% x 99%) + (25% x 68%) + (25% x 41%) = 66.85% Fade Reduction. As you can see, although window film will not 100% stop fading as we discussed above, by reducing the fade factors by 66.85%, you can substantially extend the life of your furniture, floors and furnishings.

We hope this brief article shed some light on what the factors of sun faded floors, rugs and furniture are and how retrofitting window film to your existing windows is one of your best options to address this issue. If you are interested in learning more, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free, no obligation assessment and estimate, call us at 801-810-8468 or email us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing a window film solution in your Orem, Utah home.

Oct 12 2023
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Home Improvement Project This Fall? 6 Reasons To Make It Window Film - Home Window Tint and Film in Orem, UT

Fall Home Improvement Project? 6 Ways Window Film Is Great!

By Residential Window Film

There’s no doubt that Summer is now a distant memory. Kids are fully engaged back in school and the cooler temperatures have started to arrive. As many people prepare to spend more time indoors, they often consider doing some projects around the house. Fall is a great time to take on a home improvement project.

We recently read an article in the Huffington Post by Sam Cohen titled “Build Superior Homes By Installing Window Films — Valid Reasons To Add Them To Your Windows“, and we thought it would be great to summarize the article here. It mentions some reasons window film is a great choice for a Fall home improvement project. Some of the reasons are from Sam, and we added with some of our own.

6 Reasons Why Window Film Should Be Your Next Home Improvement Project?

    • Create a Comfortable Environment: After window film is installed on your home, it can create a more comfortable environment by reducing both hot and cold areas of your home that are often associated with proximity to windows.
    • Save Energy: Window film can not only improve the appearance of your home, it can also play a huge role in saving on energy costs. Depending on what type of window you have and the film you choose, significant savings on your energy costs are possible.
    • Protect Interior Furnishings from UV Damage: Window films can block 99% of the ultraviolet rays of the sun that enters your home. This is important because UV is the primary contributor to fading. As the window film blocks the UV rays, it also protects upholstery, furnishings, tapestries, paintings from discoloration and fading.
    • Enhance Security and Safety: Window films can also help hold glass together in the event of breaking a window. Whether due to an attempted break-in, storm or an accident, the window film can act as a barrier to entry and protection from injury from glass shards.
    • Reduce Glare: At this time of the year, the sun is lower in the sky and this often creates irritating glare and reflectivity issues that aren’t as prevalent in the Summer. Window film can help cut the glare reducing eye strain and allowing you to see things like television and computer screens more easily.
    • Improve Your Existing Windows: Rather than deal with the disruption of replacing your windows, window film retrofits to your existing glass to upgrade their performance. Also, professional installation can be done quickly with minimal disruption to the daily activities in your home.

You can read the remainder of Sam’s article by clicking HERE

We hope that you found this brief list informative and that you might consider window film as your next home improvement project. If you would like to learn more about home window films, click HERE. If you have any questions, contact Shaded Glass today by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Utah and service the surrounding suburbs.

Sep 28 2023
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House Window Tint - Useful Benefits as well as Pros and Cons - Home Window Tint in Orem, UT

House Window Tint – Useful Benefits as well as Pros and Cons

By Residential Window Film

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 the benefits of these innovative films and also shares some pros and cons of having them installed in your home.

4 Fast Facts And Benefits 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.

House Window Tint - Useful Benefits as well as Pros and Cons - Home Window Tint Information Quick List of The Pros and Cons of Using House Window Tint

Pros of House Window Tint:
  • Energy Savings: Windows treated with a window film can help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home in the summer, which can lead to lower energy bills.
  • Reduced UV Rays: Most window films can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, which can protect your furniture and belongings from fading, and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
  • Increased Privacy: Some window films can make it more difficult for people to see inside your home, which can be a benefit for privacy and security.
  • Improved Curb Appeal: Some window films can give your home a more modern and stylish look.
  • Reduced Glare: Tinted windows can reduce glare from the sun, which can make it easier to watch TV, use computers, and read.
  • Safety and Security: Windows with film installed can make it more difficult for burglars to break into your home, and they can also help to hold shattered glass together in the event of a break-in.
Cons of House Window Tint:
  • Cost: The cost of window tinting can vary depending on the type of tint you choose and the size of your windows. However, there are great choices at several price points to fit a variety of budgets.
  • Reduced Natural Light: Some types of window tint can reduce the amount of natural light that enters your home, which can make it darker inside. That being said, new technology allows you to get much of the benefit without significantly darkening the view.
  • Visibility Issues Looking Out at night: Traditional window tint can make it more difficult to see outside at night, especially if you choose a dark-colored tint. There are newer window film technologies designed to address this issue and allow better visibility out at night.
  • May Void Window Warranty: While it is true that some window manufacturers may void their warranty if you have window tint installed, there are substitute warranties to keep you covered in these situations.

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 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. 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 Orem, Utah area home.

Sep 14 2023
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How To Upgrade Home Windows Without Replacing Them - Home Window Tinting in Orem, UT

1 Great Way To Upgrade Home Windows Without Replacement

By Residential Window Film

Upgrade Home Windows Without Replacing Them

Did you know that Energy.Gov states that 30% of a home’s heating and cooling costs can be lost through windows that are not energy efficient? With home fuel costs going through the roof, you may be considering the purchase of energy-efficient replacement windows.

However, before you spend thousands of dollars, there is a way to upgrade home windows without replacing them.

When your goal is to improve energy efficiency, retrofitting energy-saving window film to your existing windows provides an affordable alternative to window replacement. Home window films can help windows that are otherwise in good shape, but just not as energy efficient as you would like.

If you windows are damaged or deteriorating, they will need to be replaced. Assuming that window film is a viable option, the cost for quick, professional installation of energy saving window film is about 1/5th the cost of replacement windows!

2 Ways Residential Films Help Save Energy
  • 1 Great Way To Upgrade Home Windows Without ReplacementEnergy-saving window film can also lower your home’s cooling costs by reducing the heat coming through the windows in warmer months.
  • Specific Low-E window films can help retain interior heat in the cooler months.

In these two ways, home window film helps reduce house energy consumption, which saves money and also helps the environment. In addition, retrofitting window film is much less disruptive than window replacement and is better for the environment than the landfill impact of removal of the existing units.

Additional Ways Window Film Can Upgrade Home Windows
  • UV Protection: Window films can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, which can help to protect your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading. UV rays can also contribute to skin cancer, so window films can also provide a layer of protection for your family.
  • Added Privacy: Window films can be used to create daytime privacy without blocking out all of the natural light. This can be a great option for homes with young children or pets, or for homes that are located near busy streets.
  • Additional Security: Window films can make your windows more difficult to break through, which can deter burglars.

Choosing a home window film to upgrade your windows without replacing brings benefits all the way around.

You can find out more information about home window films by clicking HERE

If you are interested in learning how window films can upgrade home windows, please contact us today by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com for a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing window film. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about window film, the installation process and the products that we use to upgrade your Orem, Utah area home.

May 26 2023
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Retail office window films benefits

Retail & Office Window Films Offer Many Significant Benefits

By Commercial Window Film
Retail office window films benefits

With retail and office spaces continue being re-imagined, we wanted to share the variety of benefits of commercial and office window films. In addition, we wanted to share some specific examples of how these innovative films are being used.

Benefits of Retail and Office Window Films

    • Increased privacy – Window film can be used to create privacy in offices, conference rooms, and other areas where confidentiality is important. Frosted or patterned films can be used to diffuse light and obscure the view from the outside, while still allowing natural light to enter the space.
    • Reduced glare – Window film can help to reduce glare from the sun, which can make it difficult to see computer screens and other work materials. This can lead to increased productivity and comfort for employees.
    • Improved energy efficiency – Window film can help to keep offices cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by blocking out heat and UV rays. This can lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable environment for employees.
    • Enhanced security – Window film can help to deter unwelcome access, break-ins and vandalism by making it more difficult for criminals to gain access inside the building. This can provide peace of mind for employees and property owners.
    • Improved aesthetics – Window film can be used to add color, style, and branding to an office space. This can create a more inviting and professional environment for employees and customers.

In addition to these benefits, commercial window film offers a cost-effective way to improve the comfort, productivity, and security of an office space.
Here are some specific examples of how commercial window film can be used to transform a space:

  • A law firm might use window film to create privacy in its conference rooms, where sensitive client information is discussed.
  • An office space might use window film to reduce glare from computer screens and other work materials, which can help to improve employee productivity.
  • A retail store might use window film to enhance its branding and create a more inviting atmosphere for customers.
  • A hospital might use window film to improve security and protect patients’ privacy.
  • Commercial window film is a versatile and effective way to improve the look, feel, and functionality of an office space. If you are looking for a way to make your office more comfortable, productive, and secure, window film is a great option to consider.

If you have any questions about these innovative window films or would like to schedule a free, no obligation assessment and quotation at your retail or office facility, contact Kansas Window Tinting today by calling 801-810-8468 or email us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Utah and cover the surrounding area.

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May 10 2023
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Skin_Cancer_Prevention_Steps_to_Protect_You_1

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – Protect Your Skin!

By Uncategorized

We want to kick off May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month, talking about protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Protecting your skin from the sun is a serious matter. While 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.

Vehicle UV Protection

Skin Cancer Prevention Steps to Protect You

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that over 50% of skin cancers manifest on the left side of the body. 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

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month - Protect Your Skin! - Home and Commercial Window Tint & Film in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and Des Moines, Iowa.

Speaking 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

While 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.

We hope you found this article on skin cancer prevention steps informative as we begin Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Our company is proud to offer professionally installed window films for your home and office to help protect your skin.

If you would like more information about our home window films, you can contact us by calling 801-810-8468 or email us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Utah and cover the surrounding area.

May 10 2023
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Spring home improvement window tint film

2023 Spring Home Improvement? Window Tint Is A Great Choice

By Residential Window Film

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

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

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

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

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

With so many benefits to offer, window tint is a great Spring home improvement project. If you would like more information about our home window films, you can contact us by calling 801-810-8468 or email us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Utah and cover the surrounding area.