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Protect your home from the summer storm season with safety film. Shield against wind, hail, and flying debris while maintaining clear views.

Summer Storm Season 2025: Why Safety Film is Your Best Defense Against Nature’s Fury

By Residential Window Film, Security Film

Summer 2025 has already proven to be one of the most intense storm seasons on record, with meteorologists warning that the worst may still be ahead. From devastating hurricanes along the coast to unprecedented hailstorms in the heartland, this summer’s weather patterns are testing every aspect of home protection.

You can’t control the weather, but you can control how well your home withstands it. Safety film has emerged as the most effective and affordable way to protect your windows – and, by extension, your family and belongings – from the destructive forces that summer storms unleash.

This Summer’s Storm Reality Check

The storms hitting in 2025 aren’t your typical summer weather. We’re seeing hurricanes that maintain strength further inland than ever before, hailstones the size of softballs in areas that rarely saw hail, and microbursts with winds exceeding 100 mph appearing with little warning.

Traditional weather patterns have shifted, meaning regions that considered themselves “safe” from severe weather are now facing storm threats they’ve never experienced.

What makes these storms particularly dangerous for homeowners is the debris factor. High winds turn everyday objects into missiles – tree branches, roof tiles, patio furniture, and construction materials become projectiles capable of shattering windows instantly. Once windows fail, the real damage begins as wind and rain enter your home, potentially causing tens of thousands of dollars in interior damage within minutes.

The speed at which these storms develop has also changed the game. Many homeowners don’t have time for traditional storm preparations like boarding up windows or installing shutters. By the time weather alerts are issued, it’s often too late for anything except taking shelter and hoping your home can withstand whatever nature throws at it.

How Safety Film Protects During Summer Storms

Safety film works by holding your windows together even when they’re hit by debris traveling at high speeds. Think of it like a clear, super-strong bandage that keeps glass intact rather than letting it explode into dangerous shards. When a tree branch or piece of debris strikes a protected window, the glass may crack, but it stays in place, maintaining the barrier that keeps wind and rain outside where they belong.

The strength of modern safety film is genuinely impressive. These films can withstand impacts from objects traveling over 100 mph – the kind of speeds that storm debris reaches during severe weather events. Testing facilities use everything from lumber to simulated hailstones to verify that safety film can handle real-world storm conditions, not just laboratory scenarios.

Installation quality becomes critical during storm season because there’s no room for failure when your home’s protection is on the line. Professional installation ensures that the film bonds completely with your glass and frames, creating a protective barrier that won’t fail when you need it most. DIY installation might seem tempting, but storms don’t give second chances to inadequate protection.

The Hail Problem Nobody Talks About

Hail damage has become one of summer’s most expensive weather-related problems, with some storms causing billions in property damage in a single afternoon. What’s particularly frustrating about hail damage is how random it can be – one house gets destroyed while the neighbor’s remains untouched, simply based on the storm’s exact path.

Safety film provides excellent hail protection because it distributes impact energy across the entire window surface rather than allowing it to concentrate at the point of impact. Hailstones that would normally punch right through glass are stopped by properly installed safety film, keeping both the projectile and glass fragments out of your home.

The size of hailstones we’re seeing in 2025 has made traditional protective measures inadequate. Awnings and shutters that might deflect smaller hail can be damaged or destroyed by the softball-sized stones that are becoming more common. Safety film works regardless of hail size because it’s designed to handle impacts rather than deflect them.

Hurricane Season and Coastal Protection

For coastal residents, hurricane season has become an annual test of home protection systems. The 2025 season has already featured storms with unprecedented intensity, and traditional protection methods are struggling to keep up. Plywood boarding, while better than nothing, requires advance notice and significant physical effort to install properly.

Safety film provides year-round hurricane protection that doesn’t require last-minute installation or storage of bulky materials. When hurricane warnings are issued, film-protected homes are already prepared, allowing families to focus on evacuation decisions rather than scrambling to protect their property.

The wind speeds we’re seeing in 2025 hurricanes are pushing the limits of what traditional building materials can handle. Safety film helps by keeping windows intact longer, maintaining the building envelope that prevents catastrophic pressure changes inside homes. Once windows fail during a hurricane, the entire roof system becomes vulnerable to uplift forces that can destroy homes completely.

Beyond Storms: Year-Round Summer Benefits

While storm protection is the primary reason most people consider safety film during summer, the year-round benefits make it valuable even during calm weather. Summer’s intense UV rays can cause significant damage to furniture, flooring, and artwork, but safety film blocks 99% of harmful UV radiation while maintaining clear visibility.

The heat rejection properties of safety film also provide comfort and energy savings during hot summer months. Safety film reduces solar heat gain, cutting cooling costs by 15-30% and paying dividends all summer.

Privacy benefits become particularly valuable during summer when outdoor activities increase and neighbors spend more time outside. Safety film can provide daytime privacy without blocking natural light, allowing you to enjoy your home’s interior without feeling exposed to external observation.

Installation Timing for Maximum Protection

Summer storm season makes timing critical for safety film installation. The ideal time for installation is before storm season begins, but even mid-season installation provides immediate protection that could save thousands in storm damage. Professional installers can typically complete most homes in a single day, providing instant protection against whatever storms may develop.

Weather conditions affect installation quality, so working with experienced installers who understand how temperature and humidity impact film performance becomes essential. Summer’s heat and humidity can actually help with the installation process, but only when handled by professionals who know how to use these conditions to their advantage.

Emergency installation services have become more common as storm patterns have become less predictable. Some safety film companies now offer rapid response installation for customers facing imminent storm threats, though availability depends on advance notice and installer capacity.

Cost vs. Risk in Summer 2025

The financial equation for safety film has shifted dramatically as storm damage costs have increased. A typical safety film installation costs a fraction of what storm damage repairs run, and insurance deductibles alone often exceed film installation costs. Many homeowners are discovering that safety film pays for itself in the first storm it prevents damage from.

Insurance companies are beginning to recognize safety film’s value, with some offering premium discounts for homes with certified protection. These discounts acknowledge that film-protected homes file fewer claims and experience less severe damage when storms do cause problems.

The peace of mind factor has become invaluable for many homeowners who’ve experienced storm damage or watched neighbors deal with the aftermath of severe weather. Knowing your home is protected allows you to focus on family safety rather than property concerns when storms threaten.

Choosing the Right Protection Level

Not all safety films provide the same level of protection, and summer storm conditions demand films specifically designed for severe weather applications. Basic films might provide some protection, but storm-rated films are engineered to handle the extreme conditions that summer weather can deliver.

Thickness and adhesive quality become critical factors when storm protection is the goal. Professional-grade films use advanced adhesive systems that bond permanently with glass surfaces. This ensures the protection remains effective throughout multiple storm events and years of weather exposure.

Testing certifications help identify films that will perform when needed. Look for films tested to recognized standards for impact resistance and wind load performance; this ensures your investment provides real protection, not just marketing promises.

The Technology Behind Modern Protection

Today’s safety films use advanced materials that would have been impossible to produce just a few years ago. Multiple layers work together to provide impact resistance, UV protection, and optical clarity in a single product that’s thin enough to be virtually invisible once installed.

The adhesive technology has improved dramatically, creating bonds that become stronger over time rather than degrading. This ensures that protection improves as the film cures, providing maximum performance when storms test your home’s defenses.

Quality control in manufacturing has reached levels that ensure consistent performance across entire production runs. This means that properly installed safety film will perform as expected, providing reliable protection that justifies the investment in home security.

Making the Summer Protection Decision

Summer 2025’s storm patterns have made safety film installation a priority for homeowners who understand the risks and want comprehensive protection. The combination of increasing storm intensity, unpredictable weather patterns, and rising repair costs has created conditions where protection is both more necessary and more valuable than ever before.

The decision timeline has compressed due to weather unpredictability, making it important to act while installation is still possible rather than waiting for threatening weather. When storms are forecast, professional installers book up quickly, so install early to ensure availability and proper timing.

Don’t let this summer’s storms catch your home unprotected. Safety film provides the comprehensive protection that modern weather demands, keeping your family safe and your property secure regardless of what nature delivers. The investment in protection today prevents the much larger costs and disruptions that storm damage creates tomorrow.

If you have questions about these films, contact us at (801) 810-8468. We are located in Salt Lake City, Utah and cover the entire surrounding areas.

Deter Active Shooter Situations With Security Window Film - Safety & Security Window Film Services in Salt Lake City, Utah

Deter Active Shooter Situations With Security Window Film

By Security Film

Security window film can help to deter active shooter situations. This is possible because these films can make it more difficult for an active shooter to gain entry into a building, and can also help to slow down the shooter, giving people more time to contact authorities, evacuate or take shelter.

Security window film is a transparent film that is applied to glass. It is designed to increase the strength and durability of the glass, making it more difficult to break. Security window film can also help to hold broken glass in place, reducing the risk of injury.

In the event of an active shooter, security window film can help to:
  • Make it more difficult for the shooter to gain entry. The film can make it more difficult to break the glass, and can also help to slow down the shooter if they do manage to break the glass.
  • Slow down the shooter. If the shooter does manage to gain entry, the film can help to slow them down, giving people more time to evacuate or take shelter.
  • Protect people from flying glass. If the glass does break, the film can help to hold the glass in place, reducing the risk of injury.

Security window film is not a foolproof way to prevent active shooter attacks, but it can be a valuable tool in deterring and slowing down shooters, and can help to protect people from injury.

Here are some of the benefits of using security window film to deter active shooter situations:
  • It can make it more difficult for the shooter to gain entry. The film can make it more difficult to break the glass, and can also help to slow down the shooter if they do manage to break the glass.
  • It can slow down the shooter. If the shooter does manage to gain entry, the film can help to slow them down, giving people more time to evacuate or take shelter.
  • It can protect people from flying glass. If the glass does break, the film can help to hold the glass in place, reducing the risk of injury.
  • It can deter shooters from targeting a particular location. If a location is known to have security window film, it may deter shooters from targeting that location.

If you are considering using security window film to deter active shooter situations, be sure to do your research to find the right type of film for your needs. There are many different types of security window film available, each with its own unique benefits. We can help guide you through the process.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing security window film to deter active shooter
  • The level of security you need. How much security do you need? Do you live in a high-crime area? Do you have valuables that you need to protect?
  • The size and type of windows you have. Not all security window film is created equal. Some films are better suited for certain types of windows than others.
  • Your budget. Security window film can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. You will need to decide how much you are able to spend on security window film.

If you would like more information or have any questions about how window film can deter active shooters and improve school security and student safety, please contact us by calling (801) 810-8468 or email us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to provide you with a free property assessment and estimate for your Orem, OgdenSt. George, and Salt Lake City, Utah  area school.

School security student safety window film solutions (1)

Improve School Security & Student Safety With Window Films

By Security Film

With this school year closing in on Spring Break, many districts are looking into facility security upgrades to improve school security and enhance student safety. Many of the upgrades being discussed and implemented across the country have to do with school security and student safety. It is an unfortunate thing that school safety has become a mainstay in the news. It becomes difficult to discuss school security and student safety strategies without appearing to have an agenda or be trying to sell something.

While we want to be sensitive to this, we also feel that it is important to share information that can have a positive impact on these incidents in the future. This article is designed to illuminate the topic of glass being one of the greatest school safety vulnerabilities.

A recent article in Campus Safety Magazine called 9 Ways to Improve Safety on an Open Campus discusses a variety of different tactics to improve school security and enhance student safety. Of the various things they discussed, they mention “Apply security glazing film to all first-floor doors and window glass. Start with door glass first and continue until all first-floor glass is secure.

Liz Crawford wrote another article titled “Is Your Child’s School Safe? Examining The Top 3 School Safety Vulnerabilities“. She noted glass as being one of the top 3 vulnerabilities because of the extensive use of tempered glass in schools. She, along with Craig Gundry, Vice President with Critical Intervention Services, discussed and said “Another common security vulnerability in schools is extensive use of tempered glass glazing. Tempered glass shatters into small pieces and Gundry believes one gunshot into the glass will make it easy for a gunman to enter the building. Critical Intervention Services estimates a gunman can get into a school in roughly nine seconds if confronted with tempered glass.”

Gundry Aldo said, “One of the reasons tempered glass has historically been much more common in architectural design as well as indoor environments is because of the price. It is less than half the price typically of laminated glass,”. We unfortunately see this specification in schools regularly. There is good news though. This school safety vulnerability can be addressed by retrofitting existing school glass with a security window film. When someone tries to gain access through the glass of a protected door or window, the security window film would allow the glass to break, but it would maintain the glass in the frame. While this film / glass combination can eventually be penetrated to gain access, the objective is to create resistance. Slow the entry down.

The goal should be giving school officials and authorities time to respond. Window film offers a cost effective solution with minimal disruption to the facility.

If you would like more information or have any questions about how security window films can improve school security and student safety, please contact us by calling 801-810-8468 or email us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to provide you with a free property assessment and estimate on retrofitting security window film in your Orem, Utah area school.

School security vulnerabilities window film_1

School Security Vulnerabilities – Window Retrofit Targets Weakness

By Security Film

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

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

School Security Vulnerabilities - Window Retrofit Addresses Weakness 2Liz Crawford wrote a piece recently titled “Is Your Child’s School Safe? Examining The Top 3 School Safety Vulnerabilities“. In this article, she noted glass as being one of the top three vulnerabilities because of the extensive use of tempered glass in schools. She, along with Craig Gundry, Vice President with Critical Intervention Services, discussed and said “Another common security vulnerability in schools is extensive use of tempered glass glazing. Tempered glass shatters into small pieces and Gundry believes one gunshot into the glass will make it easy for a gunman to enter the building. Critical Intervention Services estimates a gunman can get into a school in roughly nine seconds if confronted with tempered glass.”

Gundry also said, “One of the reasons tempered glass has historically been much more common in architectural design as well as indoor environments is because of the price. It is less than half the price typically of laminated glass,”.

School Safety Vulnerabilities - Window Retrofit Addresses Weakness 3While it is true that we see this specification in schools regularly, there is good news. This school safety vulnerability can be addressed by retrofitting existing tempered school glass with a security window film. When someone tries to gain access through the glass of a protected door or window, the security window film would allow the glass to break, but it would maintain the glass in the frame. While this film / glass combination can eventually be penetrated to gain access, the objective is to create resistance that slows the entry down. The goal is by slowing the entry down that will be giving school officials and local authorities time to respond to the threat.

If you would like more information or have any questions about how security window films can help address school security vulnerabilities, please contact us by calling 801-810-8468 or email us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to provide you with a free property assessment and estimate on retrofitting security window film in your Orem, Utah area school.

Nescessary school safety measures

Necessary School Safety Measures Detailed by School Construction News

By Security Film

As we wrap up the school year across the country, many school look to upgrade facilities over the Summer break. While many upgrades relate to the health aspects of the school environment, there is also a lot of attention being paid to school safety and security vulnerabilities. To better inform you in this area, we wanted to share a quick summary of an article in School Construction News entitled “Window Film: A Necessary Safety Measure for Schools“. This article explains what a security window film can do and why is should be added to the necessary school safety measures.

The article begins by stating that “Safety and security window film is a tool that, when integrated with a well-planned system of security measures, can offer a school community both greater security and greater peace of mind. Safety and security film is a polyester-based product that, when professionally installed, strengthens a building’s windows, which in turn protects the building and its occupants.” But how exactly can it accomplish this? We summarize their findings below.

2 Ways Security Window Film Enhances School Safety and Security

  • Increases Intrusion Resistance of Glass – The article notes that “Windows and doors are the most vulnerable parts of a building. They are points of entry for people that may mean harm to the occupants. Glass is also an inviting target for vandals intent on mischief or worse. The main benefit of safety and security film is to provide an invisible shield that offers protection from broken glass and deters or delays unwanted entry.“Think of security window film as part of an overall system to prevent unwanted access to the facility.As the article states, “…use of safety window film alone will not prevent intrusion through glass. Instead, it increases the amount of time needed to break through and can deter the efforts of the potential intruder altogether after multiple unsuccessful attempts to enter through the filmed glass.” By slowing the intruder down, the facility has time to implement other safety measures including notifying local authorities. The goal of the window film is to slow down how quickly the intruder can gain access to the interior of the building.
  • Improved Privacy and Protection – The ability of a potential intruder to see into the school can arm them with information better kept hidden. The article mentions this by saying, “As most schools operate during daylight hours, an intruder can still see into classrooms — even if the blinds are drawn in some cases. Each window is essentially a map to the entire school. Potential intruders can easily see in and gather details of the entire school — the hallways, media center, office, cafeteria, etc. — which makes it easier to create a plan to gain entry and target victims.” Fortunately, security window film comes in various shades and reflectivity levels to help obscure the interior details of the building and the activities within during daylight hours.

If you would like more information about how security window film can be added to your school safety measures, contact us today by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Utah and service the entire surrounding area.

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Security Window Films Protect Your Facility And The Building Occupants

By Security Film

We’re passionate about the ways that window films can add value to nearly any space. From residences to commercial buildings, films bring energy efficiency, reduce glare, and add style for a cost-effective price. However, one of the lesser known benefits of window films is their security-enhancing features. Though they are installed on existing windows by professionals with minimum disruption, security window films pack some serious benefits that can enhance any security strategy your home or commercial facility has in place. In this article, we summarize 3 key benefits of security window films.

3 Key Benefits Provided by Security Window Films

Harder for Burglars Gain Entry – Windows and glass doors are some of the most common places for burglars to target. The website Alarms.org even reported that 95% of all home invasions involved a forceful entry, almost always breaking a window or kicking in a door. And with burglaries happening once every 23 seconds in the United States, it’s a serious business to protect your property from theft and damage. While the glass can still be broken, properly installed security window film will make it more difficult for the burglar to gain entry through the glass. We always recommend a layered approach to security. Combining an properly set up alarm system with a security window film will allow the alarm to sound while not allowing easy access. Often, by making it much harder to access the space through the glass will cause the burglar to flee in search of an easier target. Protecting your windows with a security film is an easy way to make it that much harder for a criminal to enter your property.

Reduce the Negative Effects from Blast Events – Another area of concern are blast events. This can take the form of either bomb attacks or unforeseen explosions. Whether it’s man-made act or an unfortunate accident, a blast turns the weakest point of a building (the glass windows) into dangerous projectiles hurtling through the air. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that lacerations from flying glass are a significant portion of all injuries from explosion incidents. However, a professionally installed protective security window film can create a barrier of protection. The film acts to hold the broken glass in place and reduce the risk of injury from flying shards.

Maintain Building Envelopes and Reduce Risk in Natural Disaster Situations – Though an explosion like we discussed is fortunately an uncommon occurrence, natural disasters can affect all of us. Shattered glass during a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake poses a huge risk to your safety, especially for those taking shelter inside. Just like we mentioned above regarding protection in the events of a blast event, security window films can provide a protective layer that keeps a building envelope intact and reduces flying glass shards. Having the majority of the glass remain attached to the film also makes it safer after the event when rescue and cleanup efforts begin.

We hope that this article gives you some insight into the key ways you can increase safety at your facility utilizing these films. If you have questions about security window films, contact us today by calling 801-810-8468  or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing these films into your Orem, Utah area space.

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School Security Upgrades Addressed By Campus Security Magazine

By Security Film

A recent article in Campus Security Magazine entitled “Now Is the Time to Improve Your Campus Security and Safety Infrastructure” discusses why, with recent federal funding, school security upgrades should be a priority. The article starts by saying, “If your school district, college or university has outdated infrastructure (and, let’s face it, what educational facility doesn’t?), there is no better time than now to make upgrades. That’s because a whole lot of federal funding has recently become available for these types of projects.”

 Many schools have already utilized state and federal funding for security window films, but this latest round of funding enables them to enhance the work that may have already been done. We know that windows and glass door are often a main security vulnerability in school facilities. In another article entitled “Is Your Child’s School Safe? Examining the Top 3 School Safety Vulnerabilities“, the article noted glass as being one of the top three vulnerabilities because of the extensive use of tempered glass in schools. The good news is that this school safety vulnerability can be addressed by retrofitting existing tempered school glass with a security window film. In addition, about $280 billion is currently available for K-12 and higher education infrastructure improvements.

The article goes on to state that This means that this money can be used for a wide variety of solutions that improve the long-term safety and health of students, faculty and staff..” and that “Schools and institutions of higher education would be foolish not to take advantage of these opportunities.”

Finally, in a District Administration Magazine article entitled “Building Blocks of a School Security Plan”, the article states “Make your building perimeter harder to penetrate. If you already have locks on your outside doors, the next item you should consider on your list is security film for your windows. After the doors, the next obvious place a person with bad intentions will try to enter the building is through your windows. Security film maintains the integrity of the window, even if the glass is broken. It helps to hold the glass in place, acting as a screen that is difficult to breach, even with a sledge hammer or baseball bat. I believe that simple is better. Make sure that your plan is based on principles such as distance or time. Ask yourself, Does this security device offer my community additional time by delaying the threat?

The evidence is clear that security window films can be an vital part of any school security program. If you would like more information or have any questions about window films being used for these school security upgrades, please contact us by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to provide you with a free property assessment and estimate on retrofitting security window film in your Orem, Utah area school.

School security vulnerabilities window retrofit addresses weakness

School Safety for Back to School – Is Your Orem, Utah Area School Safe?

By Security Film

With “Back to School” upon us, we wanted to share an article about school safety and how security window film can be part of an overall solution to keep kids safe. This article was in Business Insider and is titled “Here are the best ways to protect schools, workplaces, and ourselves from active shooters.

The article talks about a variety of ways to increase school safety, and they specifically mention security window film. The article states the following in the section on the use of technology to improve safety: “Protective and intrusion resistant doors and windows creating delays in an aggressor’s ability to gain entry. For pre-existing locations the addition of protective window film, improved locking mechanisms and/or frames as well as other reinforcement techniques can be effective.” The article discusses the use of “security in layers” as a way to improve school safety. It states, “Effective security requires a layered approach incorporating the use of personnel in primary and auxiliary security roles and employing multiple physical and physiological impediments deterring and delaying the entry of unapproved individuals. If deterring or preventing attacks is not achieved the alternate goal is the ability to delay the aggressors long enough to detect and stop them prior to reaching their target. Generally speaking the more effective layers used, the better the result.”

We want to briefly explain what protective security window film is and how it can be used to increase school safety. These films are designed to be used in conjunction with other measures to add am additional layer of security as part of the overall system. Security window films are not designed to be the solitary solution. So, what is it exactly? Security window film is typically a clear layer of polyester film that is applied to a building’s existing windows on the interior surface of the glass. The film comes in a variety of different thicknesses and can be installed in several different ways depending on the level of safety or security required. Once installed, this film will hold the glass fragments of the window together in the event of a break.

As it relates to school safety and security, this film will hold glass fragments together and reduce the potential of injury from broken or flying glass in a natural disaster, an act of terrorism or inadvertent breakage. In addition, and in the way the article was referring to, this film by keeping the glass intact will slow down or impede potential intruders from gaining access to the building and give authorities time to respond. Often, intruders are looking for the fastest and easiest point of access and because doors and gates have been fortified in recent years, the next easier access point would be through a window. That is why safety and security film should be considered as a way to fortify this vulnerability and add a layer of security.

To read the complete article in Business Insider, click HERE We hope this article has helped you better understand how security window film can be used to enhance school safety. Contact your school to find out what technologies they are implementing to keep your children and their students safer. If you, or your school district, have any questions, call us at (801) 810-TINT(8468) or fill out a form at here. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation consultation and discuss how you can implement a window film solution in your home.