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Dec 13 2024
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home window film

Home Window Film: A Guide to Elevating Comfort and Privacy

By Residential Window Film

Home window film, a thin, transparent layer applied to your windows, offers a myriad of benefits that can significantly enhance your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. While often associated with commercial buildings, window film is equally beneficial for residential properties. Let’s delve into the reasons why you should consider this innovative solution for your home.

Privacy, Please:

One of the most significant advantages of home window film is its ability to provide privacy without sacrificing natural light. By reducing visibility into your home, you can enjoy a sense of seclusion and security. Imagine relaxing in your living room without feeling exposed to the outside world. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or hosting a gathering, window film ensures your privacy remains intact.

Harnessing the Sun’s Power:

While sunlight can brighten up your home, excessive heat and glare can be a nuisance. Window film acts as a barrier, blocking harmful UV rays and reducing heat gain during the summer months. This not only helps to keep your home cooler but also protects your furniture, flooring, and artwork from fading and damage.

Winter Warmth:

As the temperature drops, window film can help retain heat, reducing energy consumption and lowering heating costs. By minimizing heat loss through your windows, you can create a cozy and energy-efficient living space.

Aesthetics and Curb Appeal:

Window film can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. With a wide range of options available, you can choose a film that complements your home’s style, whether it’s a sleek, modern look or a more traditional aesthetic. Additionally, window film can help to reduce glare, making your windows appear less reflective and more inviting.

Easy Installation and Long-lasting Results:

One of the greatest benefits of window film is its ease of installation. Professional installers can apply the film quickly and efficiently, minimizing disruption to your daily routine. Once installed, window film is durable and requires minimal maintenance.

Real-World Benefits:

  1. Reduced Energy Costs: By regulating temperature and reducing the need for excessive heating and cooling, window film can help you save money on your energy bills.
  2. Improved Comfort: A more comfortable indoor environment with reduced glare and heat gain.
  3. Enhanced Security: While home window film won’t deter a determined burglar, it can deter opportunistic thieves by making it more difficult to see inside your home.
  4. UV Protection: Safeguard your skin, eyes, and furniture from harmful UV rays.

By making a wise investment in home window film, you can elevate your home’s comfort, security, and style.

We hope that this article provided some useful information about how residential window films are perfect for this winter season. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation for your home, contact us by calling (801) 810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be glad to explain these innovative and functional window films available and help you get exactly the right film to fit your needs in the Ogden area and other cities across Utah.

Nov 22 2024
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Why window film helps improve energy efficiency in winter by reducing heat loss, enhancing insulation, and minimizing drafts, while also blocking UV rays and protecting furnishings.

Six Reasons Why Window Film is Perfect for Winter

By Commercial Window Film

Window film has many benefits, but have you ever thought about what its job is in the winter? Does window film just get to take a break for three plus months? The short answer is no, but keep reading for the long answer! Here are six reasons why window film is the perfect solution for your commercial building in the winter.

How Window Film Works in the Winter

Window film is often associated with keeping buildings cooler in the summer, but it can also play a significant role in improving your building’s energy efficiency and comfort during the colder months. In winter, the function of window film shifts from blocking out heat to providing insulation and reducing heat loss. By understanding how window film works in winter, building owners can take advantage of its year-round benefits.

Reducing Heat Loss

One of the primary ways window film benefits buildings during the winter is by reducing heat loss through windows. In cold weather, the interior of your building is often much warmer than the outside air. Windows, however, are typically the weakest point of insulation, allowing heat to escape, which can lead to increased energy costs as heating systems work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Standard windows, especially single-pane glass, are poor insulators. Heat can escape through the glass, and cold air can seep in. This leads to drafts, making rooms feel colder and causing the furnace or heater to run more frequently. Window film can help mitigate this problem by adding an extra layer of insulation. Many types of window film are designed to reflect heat back into the room, preventing it from escaping through the glass. This is especially true for low-emissivity (low-E) films, which have a thin metallic layer that reflects heat while still allowing visible light to pass through. Low-E films are particularly effective in winter, as they reduce heat loss without darkening the space or impacting natural daylight.

Enhancing Insulation

Commercial window film acts as a supplemental layer of insulation, improving the overall thermal performance of the windows. It works by reducing heat transfer from the inside of the building to the colder outside environment. This extra layer of protection can significantly improve the overall comfort during the winter, especially in spaces with large or single-pane windows. The film traps air between the window and the film layer, acting as a buffer to reduce heat movement.

In buildings with multiple windows or large glass areas, window film can make a noticeable difference in keeping the temperature consistent across the entire space. This reduces cold spots near windows and minimizes the need for supplemental heating, ultimately leading to lower energy consumption and lower heating bills.

UV Protection

While window film is most commonly known for blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays during the summer, it also provides important UV protection in the winter months. UV rays can penetrate through windows, even on cloudy or cold days. Over time, exposure to UV radiation can cause fading of fabrics, wood furniture, flooring, and artwork. Window films with UV-blocking properties help preserve the color and integrity of interior surfaces by blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays, regardless of the season.

Though UV radiation may feel less intense in winter, the long-term effects of exposure are still a concern. Window film provides year-round protection against UV damage, reducing the need for expensive repairs and replacements due to fading or degradation.

Maintaining Comfort and Reducing Drafts

Another significant benefit of window film in winter is its ability to reduce drafts and enhance comfort inside of buildings. Air infiltration around windows is a common problem in many offices and warehouses, especially in older buildings or those with inefficient window seals. In winter, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of your building can cause cold air to leak through gaps or cracks around windows, leading to drafts.

By applying window film to the windows, you can improve the overall seal of the window and reduce the infiltration of cold air. Although window film itself does not physically seal gaps, it works in tandem with weatherproofing measures (like caulking or weatherstripping) to help create a more comfortable environment. This makes it easier to maintain a stable, warm indoor temperature without relying heavily on space heaters or additional heating systems.

Energy Savings

In addition to increasing comfort and reducing drafts, window film can contribute to significant energy savings during the winter. By minimizing heat loss, window film can help your heating system operate more efficiently, reducing the amount of energy required to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can lead to lower heating bills over time, especially in buildings with large windows or older glass.

Energy-efficient window films are a cost-effective way to upgrade the insulation properties of your windows without the need for costly window replacements. By keeping the heat inside during winter, window film essentially helps “retain” your building’s heat, making it warmer while using less energy.

Looking for a partner in energy and cost saving window films? Give us a call!

We hope that this article provided some useful information about how commercial solar control window films are perfect for this winter season. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your commercial space, contact us by calling (801) 810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be glad to explain these innovative and functional window films available and help you get exactly the right film to fit your needs in the Orem, Ogden, St. George, and Salt Lake City, Utah areas.

Nov 11 2024
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Home Tint

Home Tint: Your Year-Round Comfort Solution

By Residential Window Film

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

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

The Culprits Behind Winter Glare 🌨️

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

The Solution: Home Tint 🪟

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

Key Benefits of Home Window Tint ✨

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

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

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

Oct 26 2024
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Construction Trends

3 Construction Trends for 2024: Window Films Take Center Stage

By Commercial Window Film

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

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

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

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

2. Improved Spaces, Zero Disruption: The Renovation Rockstar

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

3. Sustainability? We Speak Fluent Green.

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

The Takeaway:

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

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

Oct 11 2024
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Energy Bills

🍂 Beat the Chill & Save on Energy Bills

By Residential Window Film

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

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

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

Modern Solutions for Classic Problems

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

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

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

Double Duty Savings: Year-Round Comfort and Cost Reduction

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

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

Unleash the Power of Window Film

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

Your Partner in Energy-Efficient Homes

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

Learn more about our residential window films by clicking HERE

Ready to Upgrade Your Windows? Contact Us Today!

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

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

Sep 30 2024
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Enhancing Natural Light

Enhancing Natural Light Throughout Your Home

By Residential Window Film

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Sep 30 2024
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Fall Home

Window Film: A Great Fall Home Improvement Project

By Residential Window Film

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

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

6 Reasons Why Window Film is a Great Fall Home Improvement Project

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

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

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

Aug 07 2024
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Energy Efficient

Can Commercial Buildings Benefit from Window Film?

By Commercial Window Film

You may have heard of window film, but do you know how much it can help at your commercial building? These innovative films retrofit to existing windows, which avoids the cost and disruption of replacing inefficient windows.

Adding window film to your commercial facility will give you energy and cost savings that can have a real impact. Let’s talk specifically about how they work and what they can do for you.

How Solar Control Window Films Conserve Energy

You might be imagining that window films reduce heat simply by tinting the window a dark color and blocking light, but that’s not the only way a window film can work. Modern solar control window films actually decrease a building’s heat gain through various technologies embedded in the film that absorb or deflect solar radiation. And they can even do this without noticeably darkening the glass.

When solar radiation hits untreated windows, some is reflected off, but most penetrates through the window and enters the internal spaces. Window films act to reflect or absorb a significant portion of that radiation at the glass surface, keeping it out of your space and maintaining a more temperature-controlled interior. 

Solar Control Window Films Save Money And Conserve Energy - Commercial Window Tinting and FilmThis results in a number of significant benefits:

Looking for a partner in energy and cost saving window films? Give us a call!

We hope that this article provided some useful information about commercial solar control window films. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your commercial space, contact us by calling (801) 810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be glad to explain these innovative and functional window films available and help you get exactly the right film to fit your needs in the areas surrounding Orem, Ogden, St. George & Salt Lake City.

Dec 15 2023
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Retail Window Film Improves Comfort at Apple Store - Window Tint and Window Film Services in Farmington, Ogden, Orem and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Retail Window Film Improves Comfort at Apple Store

By Commercial Window Film

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

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

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

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

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

Decorative Film vs Custom Glass – 5 Great Window Film Benefits

By Decorative Film

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

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

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