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 11 2024

🍂 Beat the Chill & Save on Energy Bills

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

Enhancing Natural Light Throughout Your Home

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

Window Film: A Great Fall Home Improvement Project

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.

Nov 30 2023

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

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.

Nov 08 2023

Reduce Home Energy Usage With These 4 Easy Tips

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

Sun Faded Floor Protection Using a Home Window Film Retrofit

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.

Most 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.

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.

So, 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

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!

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

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

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.

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

Blogs - How To Upgrade Home Windows Without Replacing Them - Home Window Tinting in Orem, UT

1 Great Way To Upgrade Home Windows Without Replacement