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According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Summer 2021 is expected to be a hot one. We recently came across an article in USA Today that detailed 5 ways to cool your home without central air. The article discussed things like using dehumidifiers, fans and other portable AC units, but they also discussed how house window films retrofitted to your existing windows can help. We wanted to take a moment to summarize what they said about these innovative films and expand on how they can help you have a comfortable home this Summer.

The article mentions that according to the U.S. Department Of Energy, over one third of all sunlight that enters the home is transferred into heat. Therefore, any strategy to help keep your home cooler in the Summer needs to include a way to block this heat. This is where home window films retrofitted to your existing glass come in.

As the USA Today article explains, “A discreet window tint defends you from the sun by absorbing light shining in. Here at Reviewed, we tested window tints in our lab, and we were surprised by how much direct sunlight they block out. As a plus, the tinted film works as another layer of insulation come wintertime.”

The best part about home window film in 2021 is that modern innovation has enabled a tremendous amount of heat to be be blocked without significantly changing the appearance of the window. So, you don’t have to go dark with your windows to achieve substantial heat rejection. Moreover, as mentioned above, these film can be applied directly onto your existing windows to improve their performance at a fraction of the cost of replacement windows. Finally, these films can be applied strategically in your home to address the heat issue in the rooms most impacted by the sun.

We hope that this article gave you some ideas on how house window films might be able to improve the comfort of your home this Summer. 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.

In an article by the Department of Energy website Energy.Gov entitled Energy Efficient Window Attachments, they discuss the window film energy saving benefits as well as the benefits of several other window covering technologies. They highlight window films in the list and have very positive things to say about the energy saving benefits these films provide.

As the article states:

“Window films help block against solar heat gain and protect against glare and ultraviolet exposure…They can be useful for homeowners who don’t want to block views with other window treatments, but who have issues with glare and solar heat gain. They can also be a good choice on windows that are difficult to fit with other window treatments, or in places where artwork, furniture, or carpeting could be faded by UV exposure.”

The article goes on to discuss how different window films are the first window attachment to be rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This rating allows you to compare the performance figures of differing films on an apples to apples basis. Regarding these labels, the article states that film “includes the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible transmittance (VT) of the window film, both numbers between 0 and 1. The lower the SHGC, the better the film is at blocking heat gain. The higher the VT, the more potential for daylighting.

It’s nice to see window films recognized by a third party rating source for their energy saving abilities. Moreover, it is even more satisfying to see the recognition coming from The Department of Energy as they discuss their role in energy efficient design.

To see the entire article, click HERE.

If you have any questions about this article or how you can experience window film energy saving benefits in your home or commercial space, contact us by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to answer any questions and provide you with a free, no obligation quote to implement this innovative technology into your existing windows.

Saving on energy usage in buildings has become a major focus and will continue to be for some time. One strategy that is often used in new construction is daylighting. According to the Whole Building Design Guide, “Daylighting is the controlled admission of natural light, direct sunlight, and diffused-skylight into a building to reduce electric lighting and saving energy.” That is great for new construction, but what about for existing facilities? Can this strategy be retrofitted into existing spaces with minimal disruption? A recent article on Buildings.com written by Janelle Penny looked into this and we have summarized the tips and strategies she outlined below. First, the article starts by discussing some of the challenges by saying “Increasing the use of natural light in an existing building can be difficult—you can’t exactly cut new windows into the side of an occupied building without disrupting operations and incurring major costs, and some spaces are simply too far from the windows to benefit.” It then goes on to explain why you want to maximize daylighting when possible. “The benefits of daylighting are well-documented. In addition to reducing your need for artificial light, thus lowering your energy costs, the use of natural light has been associated with reduced eye strain, improved mood and lower fatigue for occupants.”

6 Daylighting Tips and Strategies for Existing Buildings

1. Make sure your ceiling and walls are reflective enough – You want the light coming in to be able to be reflected. The article states that you should “target a relatively high reflectivity on the ceiling—85% or greater” and “On the walls, we’re looking for a mid-level reflectivity of about 60%.”
2. Do your own daylighting audit – The article explains that you will need to do an audit of the space to determine if daylighting is a viable option.
3. Taper light levels depending on how much light is coming into the space – The article suggests to “Zone your lighting appropriately so you can scale back the artificial lighting in spaces that are receiving adequate natural light.”
4. Consider occupant needs – The article notes that some people may prefer more light on their workspaces than standards for light levels require and this should be taken into account.
5. Try window films – Here is where we come in. We can utilize properly specified window films to cut heat and glare and enable the window blinds or shades to be left open allowing for more natural light in the space without the drawbacks. The article also mentions speciality window films that can be used to “bounce daylighting deeper into a space”.
6. Mimic natural light in spaces that can’t get any daylight – The article mentions that “subterranean spaces and core areas far from windows will never be able to get enough natural light despite your best efforts.” The suggestion was to invest in “dynamic skylights that change color, temperature and light intensity depending on the time of day. These can help employees reap some of the benefits of natural light in spaces where real daylight never reaches.”

The benefits of daylighting on your energy usage and occupant comfort and welfare warrant taking a closer look at ways you can retrofit these technologies into your existing space. If you would like to discuss this topic further, 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 a daylighting window film solution in your Orem, Utah area facility.

We wanted to summarize some information contained in an article that appeared in Healthcare Facilities Today related to how a window film retrofit upgrade to existing glass can enhance comfort and help save energy in nearly any space. The article written by Steve DeBusk entitled Window Film Can Balance Comfort, Energy Savings discusses some primary sources of savings. While this article was written specifically about using these films in hospitals and medical buildings, the benefits can be realized not only in medical facilities, but nearly any residential or commercial space.

The article begins by saying that “the right type of window film offers several energy-saving benefits: enhanced and prolonged performance of HVAC and lighting systems, increased window insulating power, and decreased plug load. Window film also improves the indoor environment by reducing hot and cold spots, making near-window indoor temperatures more tolerable, reducing glare, and lessening exposure to UV rays.” Let’s take a look at each on of these points individually.

Improved Comfort: As mentioned above, a properly specified window film can help reduce both hot and cold spots in a building. Rather than have areas of a building that are too hot or too cold, you can strategically use window films to even out the temperature and increase comfort. In addition, window films can be used to reduce glare and eye strain while allowing pleasant light to stream into the space. This makes a space more pleasant by maintaining views while eliminating the irritating elements of natural lighting.

HVAC Savings: This point was made by stating “proper maintenance and load reduction strategies may extend the life of existing systems. If you’ve identified HVAC as an opportunity to save energy, start by reducing heating and cooling loads. You may also prolong capital investments in HVAC upgrades or replacements.” There are several ways to reduce the load on an HVAC system, but a logical place to start is by controlling the transmission of heat through the windows. Window films can be used to help reduce the heat passing through the glass and allowing the HVAC to not have to work as hard to keep the space at the desired temperature.

Lighting Savings: Having uncontrolled light streaming through the windows can bring some unwanted aspects. This causes many people to use blinds or shades. The article explains by stating while this “helps reduce the effects of solar heat gain, glare, and UV ray exposure, but covering the windows also sacrifices natural light and views. As a result, artificial lighting requirements may increase because it’s the only source of light.” By taking advantage of the natural light coming through the windows, the need to use lighting is decreased and that helps save on lighting costs.

We hope that this summary helped you understand how a window film retrofit upgrade can improve your space by making it more comfortable and help save energy costs. If you would like more information on these innovative films, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation of your commercial facility, contact us by calling 801-810-8468. We service Orem, Utah and the surrounding areas. We would be glad to explain the different types of window film and help you get exactly the right film to fit the needs of your space.

With so many people re-imagining commercial spaces post-pandemic, we wanted to share this summary of an article that first appeared on Buildings.com about several commercial window film benefits. While the open feeling and natural lighting that windows and glass walls create can make a space feel very inviting, these same features can have drawbacks. These window film benefits can help you address the drawbacks and maximize the positive attributes of your windows.

Four Commercial Window Film Benefits

 

 

1. Less Glare and Lower Energy Bills – Window film can be applied to existing glass surfaces to reduce glare and help block heat from entering a space. Less heat means less work for the HVAC system which can result in lower energy bills.
2. Customized Films To Meet Performance and Design Requirements – Modern window films can literally give you the best of both worlds. It once was true that getting high performance out of a window film meant dealing with a more reflective glass surface from the outside during the day and from the inside at night. This was often not the desired look or accepted design. That is no longer the case. You can achieve high levels of performance with films that are barely detectable on the glass and do not increase reflectivity on the inside or outside.
3. Decorative, Privacy and Branding – Current decorative window films come in many designs and finishes. From traditional white frosted film to gradients and intricate designs, there is nearly something for every taste. These films can be retrofitted to nearly any glass surface to add a decorative element, increase privacy or to integrate a company logo or branding. You are nearly only limited by your own imagination.
4. Personal Safety and Facility Security – Window films retrofitted to existing glass can help reduce injury possibility in the event of broken glass as well as increase the intrusion resistance and facility security. As the article states; “Window film buyers sometimes believe that window film can make glass shatterproof, a longstanding myth in the market. The truth is that window film can’t prevent glass from breaking, but it can hold glass fragments together when the glass is broken.That usually means that the broken glass also stays in place in the window rather than scattering everywhere, keeping wind and rain out of your facility during a storm and making it harder for an intruder to get into your building through the broken window.“

 

We hope that you found this article informative about commercial window film benefits. If you would like more information on these innovative films, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation of your commercial facility, contact us by calling 801-810-8468. We service Orem, Utah and the surrounding areas. We would be glad to explain the different types of window film and help you get exactly the right film to fit the needs of your space.

Do you like home improvement projects? If you answered yes, it may be time to consider the benefits a professionally installed window film retrofitted to your existing glass can offer. In this article, we wanted to explain some benefits of window films to a homeowner and why it is being used for home improvement projects all over the world.

Why Window Film Might Be One Of The Best Home Improvement Projects

• Wont Change Appearance of Your Glass – While this may not have been the case in the past, modern window films can offer all the tremendous benefits listed below without impacting the looks of your home.
• Lower Home Utility Bills – In hot weather, solar-control films can block up to 80 percent of the solar energy passing through windows. This can cut down on the cost of running your air conditioning by reducing the amount of time your unit needs to operate in order to keep the home comfortable. In addition, it can help reduce maintenance costs by lowering the strain on your equipment.
• Increased Protection For Furnishings – Visible light lies on the spectrum between ultraviolet, which damages furniture, and infrared, which beams heat. Treated windows will block 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays, thus greatly slowing the deterioration and fading of drapes, carpet and furniture.
• Improved Decor – Today’s window films also can inexpensively make clear glass look etched, frosted or even integrate a design for a cost effective decorative effect.
• Added Privacy – Window films can be used strategically around entryway windows and bathroom windows to add privacy without closing a space in as might be the case with other window treatments.

It should be noted that window films are not a fix for a deteriorating window. If your windows are in bad shape, leaking or poorly insulated, adding film won’t fix that. Deteriorating windows should be replaced. However, if your windows are in good shape, don’t go through the cost of replacing them just to improve energy efficiency, consider adding window film.

If you would like to learn more about how home window films can help with your upcoming home improvement projects, 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.

Decorative window films are an easy, cost effective way to add style and functionality to a commercial space or home, but are you aware of how incredibly versatile they are? There are uses for these innovative films in nearly any space, and they can instantly revitalize the look of boring glass panels. Here are just a few of our favorite uses!

 

Add Company Branding To An Office Space If your office has a large window or a glass wall, a custom decorative window film with your company name or logo is a classy, easy way to add a custom branded look to your office space. These films can be styled in nearly any font, color or logo design, so you can create a variety of looks to represent your brand – from a Japanese rice paper style to etched glass designs; there’s literally something for every office.

Add Privacy At Home Or In The Office These films are wonderful for adding privacy to. any room where you’d rather not have spectators. For example, and entryway, bathroom or an office conference room. While you may like the open and airy feeling of a modern office space, you likely do not want the feeling of being in a fish bowl during the meeting. Decorative window film options allow you to retain the open feel while adding the desired privacy. In a home setting, the narrow windows on either side of your front door are a great way to add light to your entryway, it can be uncomfortable to think that anyone on your doorstep can see straight in. A privacy film on these sidelights allows the light to get in while obscuring the view. You get more privacy without sacrificing on sunlight, and the variety of colors and textures makes it easy to find a style that looks beautiful with your home.

Reduce Skylight Glare Here is one area you may not have thought of. Skylights are a beautiful accent that add a ton of character, but they’re a little less lovely when they allow glare directly into a space while trying to work or first thing in the morning. If you would like to tone down this harsh light coming through skylights, a decorative window film can cut the glare while still giving the open-to-the-sky feeling that you love. These films look great, and they’re far less costly than installing difficult skylight window screens or blinds.

Hide Glass-Front Cabinet Contents Glass cabinets are justifiably fashionable for their fresh style, but if your cupboards or office cabinets aren’t well sorted, you may be a little embarrassed that everyone can see the disorganized contents. After all, if you wanted to show the world what is inside, you would’ve installed open face shelves instead of cabinets. A decorative glass film hides the mess but keeps the custom feel of a glass fronted cabinet, and you can pick a texture or color that matches the décor of the space. With decorative window films, the options are nearly only limited by your own imagination.

If you would like to see the options available, we’re here to help! If you have questions or would like to schedule a free, no obligation assessment and quotation at your home or facility, contact us today by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. Our main office is located in Orem, Utah and we service the surrounding area.

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 2021. 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.

Liz 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,”.

 

While 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 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, Ogden and Salt Lake City, Utah area school.

Are you aware that your skin is susceptible to UV damage from the sun when you are inside? A recent article in Business Insider called “You can get sun damage through a window — here’s how to protect yourself indoors” by Madeline Kennedy discusses this. With Summer just kicking off, we wanted to share some information from the article about how to prevent skin damage when spending time near windows.

Many people think because they do not get a sunburn while inside and behind glass that skin damage isn’t occurring. The reality is that you will not get sunburned indoors or in your vehicle behind the windows because most types of glass block UVB rays. UVB is the type of light that causes sunburns and tans. However, glass does not block UVA rays. These rays are the type that cause skin damage, wrinkles and even some types of cancer.

As Madeline writes in the article, “Most of us know to wear sunscreen when we’re outside in the sun, but you may need to take the same precautions when driving for long periods or sitting next to a sunny window at home.” This is exactly right. Most people are educated enough to understand the need for sunscreen when outdoors, but do not give it a second thought when near a window.

This article goes on to share a quote from R. Sonia Batra, MD, a dermatologist in Santa Monica, California. “People often have a false sense of security in their cars or behind windows since the UVB rays that cause a quicker sunburn are blocked…However, the UVA rays that penetrate glass actually reach a deeper layer of skin and still cause sun damage, discoloration, and wrinkles.”

Madeline also shares “If you are just sitting in a room lit by sunlight, you are not likely to get sun damage, but if you are positioned next to a window getting direct sunlight for many hours of the day, you may want to take precautions. Batra also shares, “I usually recommend a mineral-based, physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and at least an SPF of 30. Mineral sunscreens may be preferable to chemical sunscreen because they are less likely to irritate your skin.”

Batra goes on to share that, “You can also add a clear protective film to your window that filters out UVA rays“, Batra says. Studies show that UV protective films can reduce UVA transmission by more than 99 per cent. Protect yourself with a broad-spectrum sunscreen or use a window film if you plan to spend a lot of time by a window.

You can read the entire Business Insider article by clicking HERE. The Skin Cancer Foundation also weighs in with the benefits of window films in tow articles on their website entitled “Not All UV Rays Stay Outside: How Window Film Can Help Protect You” and “A Surprising Danger in Planes, Trains and Automobiles“.

We hope that this article opened your eyes to the potential for skin damage when at home or in the office. Many of us are so diligent about protecting our skin but overlook these places where we could be taking in hours of dangerous exposure without even realizing it. If you would like to learn more, 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.