Patric Fransko, Author at Shaded Glass

Nov 11 2024

Home Tint: Your Year-Round Comfort Solution

By Patric Fransko Residential Window Film

The Sun’s Glare and Harsh Light Don’t Stand a Chance ☀️

As the winter season approaches, many homeowners and business owners face a common challenge: the relentless glare and harsh light that streams through their windows. While the sun’s warmth is welcomed during colder months, excessive sunlight can lead to discomfort, eye strain, and increased energy costs. But despite these issues, there is a solution to assist in reducing those pesky UV rays.

The Culprits Behind Winter Glare 🌨️

Lower Sun Angle: The sun’s lower position in the winter sky causes direct sunlight to enter windows at sharper angles, intensifying glare.
Leafless Trees: The absence of leaves on trees exposes windows to direct sunlight, exacerbating the problem.
Snow Reflection: Snow acts like a giant mirror, reflecting sunlight back into your home and increasing the overall brightness.

The Solution: Home Tint 🪟

Home window film is a versatile solution that can effectively address these winter challenges. By applying a thin, virtually transparent film to your windows, you can significantly reduce glare, heat gain, and UV rays. This helps to create a more comfortable and energy-efficient living or working environment, and is much more cost-effective than replacing drafty windows.

Key Benefits of Home Window Tint ✨

Glare Reduction: Diminishes harsh sunlight, reducing eye strain and improving visual comfort.
Heat Control: Helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling.
UV Protection: Shields your furnishings, floors, and artwork from harmful UV rays, preventing fading and damage.
Enhanced Privacy: Provides privacy without sacrificing natural light.
Aesthetic Appeal: Enhances the appearance of your home or business.

By investing in home tint, you can enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient space throughout the year. Whether you’re seeking relief from winter glare or simply want to improve your home’s overall ambiance, window film is a smart and stylish solution.

We hope this article served to shed some light on how home window tint can be used to reduce glare and improve home comfort in the winter. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact us today by calling (801) 810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Ogden, St. George & Salt Lake City, UT and cover the surrounding areas.

Oct 26 2024

Love0

3 Construction Trends for 2024: Window Films Take Center Stage

By Patric Fransko Commercial Window Film

Let’s face it, construction trends can sometimes feel like a revolving door. Remember those pastel, floral accent walls of the 90s? Thankfully, some trends have staying power, and window film is one of them. As we head into 2024, sustainability, energy efficiency, and minimal disruption reign supreme. Here’s how window film becomes your secret weapon for conquering these trends with a little smart thinking and a whole lot of shine (not the greasy kind, thankfully).

1. Energy Efficiency: Slash Costs While Saving the Planet (Double Win!)

Remember “peak energy use”? It’s still a thing, folks. A whopping 20% of US energy goes towards powering commercial buildings. 😳 Yikes. But fear not, because here’s where window film swoops in like a superhero. Think of it as a magic shield that deflects heat from the sun, reducing the strain on your HVAC system. Translation: a more comfortable space for everyone in the office, and significant energy savings. Happy CFO, happy planet – that’s a win-win in our book.

Bonus points for the clever crew: Window film is a retrofit dream. No need for messy demolition or construction delays. Just a quick, clean installation, and you’re good to go. Imagine the bragging rights at the next industry mixer – “I boosted energy efficiency without disrupting a single spreadsheet!”

2. Improved Spaces, Zero Disruption: The Renovation Rockstar

The commercial real estate game is fierce, and tenants demand top-notch spaces without the construction headache. Enter window film, the ultimate renovation rockstar! Unlike full-blown window replacements, window film can be installed outside of regular business hours, minimizing disruption to your tenant’s workflow. Think of it as a lunchtime makeover – a quick refresh that delivers big results. Suddenly, that south-facing office with the afternoon glare becomes a haven of cool comfort, all thanks to a clever film application.

3. Sustainability? We Speak Fluent Green.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore, it’s a driving force in construction. Here’s where window film shines (literally, with its UV-blocking properties). By retrofitting existing windows instead of replacing them entirely, window film significantly reduces waste and avoids the landfill impact of a full-blown window replacement. So, you can breathe easy knowing your project is good for business and the environment.

The Takeaway:

Window film isn’t just a fad, it’s a versatile tool for the modern construction professional. The biggest construction trends are there, from boosting energy efficiency to creating comfortable workspaces without disrupting operations, window film offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution. So, the next time you’re brainstorming ways to elevate your construction projects, remember: window film might just be the secret weapon you’ve been looking for.

This article was written to illuminate how commercial window films can play a role with current construction trends. If you would like more information on commercial window films we offer, click HERE. If you have any questions about these innovative films, please contact us by calling (801) 810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Ogden, St. George and Salt Lake City, UT and service the entire surrounding areas.

Oct 11 2024

Love0

🍂 Beat the Chill & Save on Energy Bills

By Patric Fransko Residential Window Film

With summer’s farewell and the arrival of cooler temperatures, many homeowners are already dreading the prospect of skyrocketing energy bills. But fear not! This pre-winter period is the perfect time to invest in home improvements that can significantly boost your home’s energy efficiency. And if you can save money in the long run, why not go for it?

One of the most impactful ways to make your home more efficient is by enhancing the performance of your windows. This is especially true for older homes with single-pane or outdated double-pane windows that struggle to keep the heat in during winter and the cool air in during summer.

Have you ever experienced feeling a freezing winter draft coming through the window when you hold your hand up to the glass? Adding plastic to seal that off can help, but it is not aesthetic and is not a permanent solution.

Modern Solutions for Classic Problems

The good news is that you don’t have to replace your entire window system to reap the benefits of energy efficiency. There are innovative and cost-effective solutions available. We recently stumbled upon a fantastic article in the Times Square Chronicles that discusses different ways to increase your windows’ efficiency.

The article titled, How to Make Old Windows More Energy Efficient, delves into various methods, with a particular focus on the advantages of using home window film. Here’s a key excerpt:

“Window film is an energy-efficient layer that can be applied directly to your existing windows, significantly improving your home’s heating and cooling performance. Solar film options go beyond just temperature control – they block ultraviolet rays, protecting your rugs and furnishings from sun damage while also reducing your energy consumption.”

Double Duty Savings: Year-Round Comfort and Cost Reduction

Did you know that window film offers a two-pronged approach to energy savings? In the summer, it acts as a heat rejection shield, deflecting solar rays and keeping your home cooler. This translates to significant savings on your air conditioning costs. Conversely, some films are designed to retain heat in the winter months, minimizing heat loss and lowering your heating bills.

The result? A more comfortable living environment year-round, achieved without breaking the bank with your energy bills.

Unleash the Power of Window Film

To explore the full range of benefits detailed in the Times Square Chronicles article, you can visit their website by clicking HERE. We hope that this information will help you save money and improve your comfort!

Your Partner in Energy-Efficient Homes

We offer a wide variety of high-quality residential window films tailored to your specific needs. From heat rejection to UV protection and privacy enhancement, we have the perfect film solution for your home.

Learn more about our residential window films by clicking HERE

Ready to Upgrade Your Windows? Contact Us Today!

If you’re interested in a free, no-obligation consultation and quote, our friendly experts are here to help! We can answer any questions you may have and guide you towards the best window film solution for your home.

We are conveniently located in Ogden, St. George, Salt Lake City & Orem, UT, and proudly serve the surrounding areas.

Sep 30 2024

Love0

Enhancing Natural Light Throughout Your Home

By Patric Fransko Residential Window Film

Take a look around your home. Are there any areas where enhancing natural light would be helpful? What about that curtain-induced dark corner by the entryway? Or a ground-level window with broken blinds where you need privacy, but don’t know how to achieve that without bulky window coverings?

In 2024, there are SO many options for creating privacy without blocking valuable, mood-lifting sunlight. What are you waiting for? Let’s learn more about decorative window films so you and your home can benefit!

Let’s start with the front door. There are countless designs and styles for the entry to your home. If you’ve got a solid door without windows, or windows that are covered so no one can see in, open that up! Don’t be afraid to add glass to your front door.

Frosted film can cover windowpanes, which diffuses natural light, but makes it impossible for anyone to see in. Paying to have glass sandblasted or acid-etched is expensive, and permanent. However, window film can be changed according to current trends.

Next, there is the kitchen. Do you have glass-front cabinets that showcase dishes that you’re not necessarily trying to put on display? Decorative window film to the rescue again!

According to this article by This Old House, “Glass-front kitchen cabinets look great but they can expose mismatched dinnerware or cluttered shelves. Frosted or patterned window film provides an elegant solution… Kitchens can get messy, so we recommend looking for durable and easy-to-clean film.”

Moving on to the bathroom- there are many uses for decorative window film in here! Not only can you add character to your exterior window with decorative films (think creatively here!), but you can also frost your shower door to create privacy while still letting in light. Your bathroom house plant will appreciate the extra light too!

In the article, This Old House brings up helpful hints. “When selecting a frosted film for your shower door, consider factors such as water resistance, opacity level, and how easy it is to clean. The right film can help prevent water spots and make cleaning easier by hiding water droplets and streaks.”

Let’s keep going. How about decorative window film in the home office? Not only will diffusing the natural light from exterior windows cut down on glare on your screens, but it also provides a relaxing, bright atmosphere, without using harsh overhead lighting.

How about solutions for glass-front cabinets again? If your office has a cluttered feel because your paperwork or books are exposed and are hard to straighten up daily, create a more organized feel by hiding it behind some decorative film. Your office will start to feel more cohesive pretty quickly!

And finally, of course decorative window film can benefit your bedroom. According to the article:

“Consider these factors when choosing privacy film for your home’s exterior windows:

Design compatibility: Choose patterns or textures that complement your home’s architectural style.
Durability: Look for films designed to withstand exposure to sunlight and weather conditions.
Light transmission: Select a film that lets in adequate natural light while obscuring the view from the outside.”

Decorative window films come in numerous textures, colors, designs, and opacities. From ornate designs to classic frosts, you can count on decorative window films to update your space, add light, and protect your privacy.

If you would like to see the options available, we’re here to help! If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your home or commercial space, contact us by calling (801) 810-8468 or fill out a form HERE.

We would be glad to go over these innovative and decorative window films available and help you get exactly the right film to fit your needs. Our locations are in Orem, Salt Lake City, St. George and Ogden, Utah and service the surrounding areas. Our team looks forward to serving any window film needs you may have!

Sep 30 2024

Love0

Window Film: A Great Fall Home Improvement Project

By Patric Fransko Residential Window Film

Fall is still flirting with summer weather. Though some areas around the country may still be experiencing August-like temperatures, others are cooling off and preparing for fall. And with winter not too far away, some people will start to spend more and more time indoors. That’s why now is a perfect time to take on a fall home improvement project!

In a Huffington Post article by Sam Cohen titled, “Build Superior Homes By Installing Window Films — Valid Reasons To Add Them To Your Windows“, we learn about what window film can do for you and your home in the coming seasons. It mentions some ways window film is a great choice for a home improvement project as the weather cools down. Some of the reasons are from the author, and some are our own thoughts.

6 Reasons Why Window Film is a Great Fall 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 enter your home. This is important because UV rays are the primary contributor to fading. As the window film blocks the UV rays, it also protects upholstery, furnishings, tapestries, flooring and art from discoloration and fading.
Enhance Security and Safety: Window films can also help hold glass together when a window is broken. Whether due to an attempted break-in, storm, or an accident, the window film can act as a barrier to entry and protect your family and pets from sharp 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 Cohen’s article by clicking HERE

We hope that you found this brief list informative, and that you might consider window film as your perfect home improvement project this season. If you would like to learn more about residential window films, click HERE. If you have any questions, contact us today by calling (319) 423-9663 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We service Orem, UT, and service the surrounding areas.

Dec 15 2023

Love0

Retail Window Film Improves Comfort at Apple Store

By Patric Fransko Commercial Window Film

Our team was recently called to an Apple Store in Farmington, Utah to help them with a window film issue they were having. It turns out the window film that had been applied in the past was failing and needed to be replaced. After consultation, we helped them decide on a retail window film that would allow clear visibility in while still blocking a nice amount of heat to increase comfort and reduce the store’s energy usage.

We removed the 500 square feet of old film completely and did a re-install and the store looks great. The best part is that the store will enjoy the benefits of the new film without most people even realizing there is something on the original glass.

Shaded Glass excels at helping everyone from store owners and building managers to homeowners choose the right window tint or window film to meet their particular needs and then expertly install it backed by a solid warranty.

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

Nov 30 2023

Love0

The Perfect Home Gift Might Be A Window Film Retrofit To Existing Glass - Home Window Tinting in the Orem, UT area.

Perfect Home Gift? – 3 Reasons to Consider Window Film

By Patric Fransko Residential Window Film

How is Window Film The Perfect Home Gift?

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 at this time of the year, 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 Ways That Window Film Makes The Perfect Home Gift

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.
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.
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 (801) 810-8468 or email us at info@shadedglass.com. 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 Orem, Ogden, Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah areas.

Aug 31 2023

Love0

Why Does Sunlight Fade Things? 1 Way To Preserve Furnishings.

By Patric Fransko Residential Window Film

Can You Fully Enjoy Your Windows as Preserve Furnishings at the Same Time?

Most people love the open an airy feeling that lots of windows can create. Unfortunately, this open feeling often come with undesirable elements. Primarily, faded flooring, furniture, artwork, etc. So, what can be done so you can let the sun shine in and still preserve furnishings? That is what this article is all about. We want you to understand what is causing the problem and then explore how a home window tint or film just might be the solution you are looking for.

The four primary causes of faded furnishings are:

Ultraviolet (UV) Rays (40%) – UV rays are the primary cause of fading in most materials. They can penetrate glass and damage the dyes and fibers in fabrics, carpets, and other materials.
Heat (25%) – Heat can also damage furnishings, especially fabrics and carpets. When heat is combined with UV rays, it can speed up the fading process.
Visible Light (25%) – Visible light can also cause fading, but to a lesser extent than UV rays. Visible light can break down the bonds in dyes and pigments, causing them to lose their color.
Pollutants (10%) – Pollutants in the air, such as ozone and nitrogen dioxide, can also cause fading. These pollutants can react with the dyes and pigments in materials, causing them to lose their color.

In addition to these 4 primary causes, there are other factors that can contribute to fading, such as:

The Type of Material – Some materials are more susceptible to fading than others. For example, fabrics with bright colors or delicate dyes are more likely to fade than fabrics with muted colors or durable dyes.
The Amount of Exposure to Sunlight – The more exposure to sunlight, the more likely a material is to fade.
The Environment – The environment can also affect the rate of fading. For example, materials are more likely to fade in hot, dry climates than in cool, humid climates.

How can a home window film help?

A properly selected window film attacks the three largest factors in fading. Nearly all modern window films will block 99% or more of the UV Rays. Then, depending on the window film technology chosen, they can reduce the visible light and heat elements as well. The combination of reducing these three largest fade factors results in a greater longevity of your furnishings even if exposed to sun through the windows. It should be noted that nothing can stop fading completely, other than keeping an item in a dark and temperature controlled room, window film can allow you to reduce these elements enough to be able to enjoy your windows and take a big step to preserve your furnishings.

Here are some additional tips for protecting your furnishings from fading:

Keep Furnishings Out of Direct Sunlight – While this is the best way to prevent fading, it is not always possible or desirable. When you cannot keep furnishings out of direct sunlight, that is when window film can be a great option.
Rotate Furnishings Regularly. This will help to prevent the same areas from being exposed to the sun’s rays all the time.
Clean Furnishings Regularly. This will help to remove dirt and dust, which can accelerate fading.

We hope this brief post shed some light on what the factors of faded floors, rugs and furniture are and how utilizing window film is one of your best options to preserve furnishings. If you would like to learn more about how home window films can help to preserve furnishings, click HERE. If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule a free, no obligation quotation, contact us today by calling (801) 810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com.

Aug 17 2023

Love0

Home Window Films Can Save Money On Cooling Your House

By Patric Fransko Residential Window Film

Can Home Window Films Help Save You Money On Cooling Your House?

Have you noticed the size of your utility bills lately? The warm Summer weather is something many of us look forward to all year long, but it can also bring higher energy bills as we use our air conditioning to keep our home cooler and comfortable. With that in mind, we wanted to share some ways that home window films can help save you on home energy costs this Summer season and beyond.

We discuss how window film can reduce the load on your air conditioning system which saves you money on utility bills and also on HVAC system maintenance.

The first thing we want to explain is how home window films work to reduce the load on your air conditioning system. The simple explanation is that window film installed on your existing windows reduces the amount of the sun’s heat coming into your home by passing through the glass.

On a hot Summer day, this excessive heat pass through might have your air conditioning system struggling to keep up with the demand and keep your home’s interior comfortable.

Unfortunately, this demand for air conditioning is also happening all throughout your area at the same time. This spike in demand for energy allows the utility company to charge a premium on the energy you use during this peak period.

Now, the good news. Home window film is very effective at reducing the heat making its way into your home through the windows through absorption or reflection.

By stopping a great deal of the heat at the glass, your air conditioning will not having to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. By the HVAC not having to work as hard, you will not use as much energy

In addition, as a result of reducing the heat entering the home, the home’s air conditioning system will not need to run constantly to keep up with demand. As mentioned, this not only saves you money on energy costs, but will also save you system maintenance costs from excessive wear and tear. The air conditioning unit consists of numerous components that each have an effective service life.

The longer, and harder, a unit is forced to run, the faster these parts wear out and need replacing. Furthermore, as parts degrade they often do not work as efficiently as they did when new. The resulting system inefficiency translates into higher energy usage to get the same results in home cooling.

Our hope is that this brief article shed some light on how home window films can help save on home energy costs and system maintenance this Summer and for many years to come. If you would like more information about home window films and how they can be implemented into your house, click HERE.

If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule a free, no obligation quotation, contact us today by calling (801) 810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We service the Orem, Ogden, St. George and Salt Lake City areas of Utah.

Jul 20 2023

Love0

Did You Know Retrofitting Window Film Offers 4 Interesting Benefits?

By Patric Fransko Commercial Window Film, Residential Window Film

Window films and window tint are an innovative technology that offers benefits many are unaware of. While many people have become aware of the solar control benefits of retrofitting window film to existing glass surfaces, we wanted to share four additional interesting advantages available for homes and offices.

4 Interesting Benefits Of Retrofitting Window Film To Your Home or Office

Added Privacy – Often the usage of space changes over time. An example might be how many people are turning spare bedrooms and other home spaces into offices in recent days.. When this occurs, a window that may have been a good fit for the rooms previous use lacks privacy for the new objective. Window films can be retrofitted to add the desired privacy to your existing windows. The best part is that this film is removable if the space were to ever need to be reverted back to the previous use.
Reduced energy costs: Window film can help to reduce your energy costs by blocking out solar heat and UV rays. This can help to keep your home or office cooler in the summer, which can lead to lower cooling bills.
Improved Security – Clear window films can be retrofitted to your existing windows to helps keep the envelope of the space intact. Windows can be broken for a variety of reasons. From a burglary attempt or act of vandalism to a breakage from natural occurrences such as storms. Window films will keep the broken glass intact which makes it more difficult for someone to gain access to the space or weather to pass through the opening.
Increased Safety – As mentioned above, window film can help retain broken glass in place. This will help increase the safety of the space by reducing the risk of injury from broken glass falling or flying out of the window opening.

In addition to these benefits, window film can also help to reduce glare, improve interior lighting, and protect your furniture from fading. If you are looking for a way to improve the energy efficiency, security, and comfort of your home or office, retrofitting window film is a great option.

Here are a couple additional benefits of window film:

Improved comfort: Window film can help to create a more comfortable environment in your home or office by reducing glare and keeping out hot or cold air.
Enhanced curb appeal: Window film can add a touch of style to your home or office, and can even help to increase its value.

Window film is a relatively easy and affordable way to improve the energy efficiency, security, privacy and comfort of your home or office.

We hope that you found these additional benefits of retrofitting home window film to your existing home windows interesting. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Shaded Glass by calling 801-810-8468 or email us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Utah and cover the surrounding area.