We’re passionate about window films and all of the problems they can solve! That is why we devoted our business to helping people solve these problems with window film solutions! Unfortunately, there are some common misconceptions about window film we hear somewhat regularly. As a result, we decided to write an article to address five common misconceptions about architectural window films and explain the facts behind these innovative products.

Myth 1: Window Films Are Not Durable

While it is true that some of the earliest produced window films had short shelf lives, modern window film is incredibly durable. Manufacturers of professionally applied window film offer warranties that cover any problems that arise with the product. In many cases, the warranty is 10 or more years in a commercial setting and often lifetime for a residential warranty. There are documented cases of window films lasting 25 years while still looking great and performing. Contact us for a full explanation of the warranties on the products that we offer.

Myth 2: Window Film Will Discolor Over Time

If you have an impression that window films will fade or change color over time, you’re likely remembering an older type of window film. Modern films utilize color stable technologies that keep your film looking great without discoloration for many years to come. Plus, your warranty will typically cover any discoloration issue, but it is unlikely you will have any problems in this area.

Myth 3: Window Films Are A Band-Aid Solution

This point piggybacks off our first myth, however window films aren’t a short-term, quick fix solutions that don’t last. As we mentioned, architectural window film lasts for many years and make existing windows perform better much more cost effectively than replacement. Also, window film can often be installed with much less disruption to your home or commercial space than window replacement.

Myth 4: Window Films Will Darken Windows

While it is true that you can choose tinted films that darken your windows in order to reduce unwanted light or glare, all films don’t have to include a noticeable tint to perform. Modern window films can do a great job of reducing excessive heat while barely being noticeable on the glass. Also, lighter UV-filtering films can be used to protect your skin and furnishings from harmful UV rays without necessarily altering a noticeable amount of the light. Modern architectural window film is great for both commercial and residential spaces that want to retain the existing look of the glass while keeping their occupants cool and typically stopping 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays right at the glass.

Myth 5: Window Films Make Your Windows Shatter Proof

One thing we care a lot about is transparency (no pun intended), so we want to clear up the idea that a window film can 100% make your windows shatter proof. Window film can be great for holding damaged windows together after a shatter, which can reduce the risk of injury and maintain the envelope of the home or commercial space. However, please remember that a window film will not prevent your windows from breaking.

We hope that this article provided some useful information and cleared up any misconceptions you might have about architectural window films. 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 email 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. We are located in Orem, Utah and service the entire surrounding area. We look forward to serving any window film needs you may have.

April is often referred to as Earth Month with Earth Day officially occurring on April 22nd each year. To help celebrate this month, we want to share some information on how to modernize commercial spaces to save energy with innovative window films. We will summarize some things in a recent article entitled “Modernize Your Office Building with Innovative Window Film” in Construction Review Online.

The article states the following about all the ways window films can be used. “When it comes to modernizing the windows in an office building, does the advantages of window film outweigh the material and installation costs? Absolutely! Commercial window tint can be used on almost any glass surface and it offers a variety of different benefits. Not only does window film block the sun’s heat and offer protection from harmful UV rays, it also minimizes the glare on your devices, reduces energy costs, and protects furnishings.”

It then specifically discusses how window films can help improve how “green” a building is by saving energy usage. “Whether you’re modifying a commercial space or a residential building, window film is an excellent way of cutting down on energy costs. How would you do that? Window film is made specifically to help prevent heat penetration, which enables your indoor spaces to be much cooler. In addition, window tinting also lowers HVAC consumption because it reduces the amount of heat that enters your space. That helps keep the temperature much regulated than other areas with non-tinted windows. In the end, less air conditioning use also suggests cutting back a generous amount of energy use, letting you save a huge amount of money on your monthly energy bills.”

If you would like to read the entire article, click HERE.

We hope that this article was enlightening on how retrofitting a window film to existing windows into your space can help you be a part of Earth Month by reducing your energy consumption moving forward.

If you would like more information about the commercial window films we use to modernize commercial spaces, click HERE. If you have questions or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation and estimate, please contact us by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Utah and service the surrounding area.

In a recent issue of The Washington Post in their Home & Garden area they tackled the topic of how to prevent sun faded furnishings and floors. The main product they discussed in the article was window film. As a retrofit to your existing windows, window film can help control the three primary factors that cause fading; UV Rays, heat and visible light.

FADED OF THESE FLOORS AND FURNISHINGS WOULD WOULD BE A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. PROTECT THEM WITH WINDOW FILM.

In the article, they state:

“Having window film installed on the inside of your windows could be the solution. These films come with a wide variety of characteristics, enabling them to let certain wavelengths of light through while reflecting or absorbing other wavelengths.

Window film cannot totally prevent fading because other factors, such as humidity, account for about 5 percent of the problem. But depending on the window film you select, it can go a long way toward reducing the problem. All films block virtually all ultraviolet rays from the sun, which are responsible for about 45 percent of fading. Films also can block the rays that together cause about half of fading: visible light and infrared light, which causes heat.”

You can check out the entire article by clicking HERE.

It is important to fully understand what is causing the sun bleaching to occur to choose a product that will genuinely help prevent sun faded furnishings and floors in your home. You can learn more about how film combats this problem by checking out an article we wrote located HERE.

If you would like more information on the benefits of using an applied window film to combat fading, contact us by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to discuss the options with you and provide you with a free, no obligation quote of implementing a window film into your Orem, Utah area home.

With COVID fading into the rearview mirror and many people beginning to come back to the office, many commercial spaces designed before the pandemic are now being re-imagined for a post-COVID work environment. Spaces that worked great 2 years ago are now needing some tweaking. This is where decorative glass window film can help you cost effectively transform spaces for these new requirements / needs.

3 Ways Decorative Glass Window Film Can Transform a Commercial Space

• Create Defined Spaces Without Walls – Former large open office spaces now may need some definition without the need or want to begin building walls. Use of decorative films on existing glass panels can help retain an open feel while creating visual breaks and defining spaces.
• Integrate Company Branding or Decorative Elements – Custom decorative films can be utilized on both interior and exterior glass panels to integrate company branding or just add a decorative element to existing glass panels. This can help give the space a completely new feel cost effectively.
• Add Privacy Where Needed – It may be necessary to add some privacy to certain spaces or rooms or to conceal areas of the space from visitors. These films can easily be added to existing glass panels for complete privacy. There are even some films available that can block what is displayed on computer monitors or only become frosted on demand when the privacy is needed and remain clear at other times. If you have a privacy need, retrofitting a window film to the existing glass might just be the answer you are looking for.

If you are interested and would like more information about decorative glass window film and how it can be integrated into your commercial space, please contact us today by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Utah and service the surrounding area.

Even though the cooler outside temperatures are doing their best to hang on, the warmer days of Summer are on the way. Prices are up everywhere from the grocery store to your local gas pump, not to mention on your utility bills! An article in Forbes Magazine entitled “Six Tips To Save Energy, Reduce Bills And Keep Cool During Summer” discusses strategies that could be implemented to reduce utility bills and help save you some money this Summer.

We’ll summarize a few of the points below along with our commentary.

1. Reduce Electrical Consumption in Peak Load Hours – As the sun is highest and often hottest, electrical consumption to keep a home comfortable is at a peak. The point here is to reduce energy usage during these peak hours. Many utility companies charge a higher rate for consumption during peak hours, so anything you can do to reduce usage here can really pay off.
2. Install Internal and External Window Filming – The article states; “External window film prevents the heat of the sun from penetrating the window, while internal window film prevents heat from transferring to the space. Studies have shown that filming your windows results in a 60% heat reduction.” In addition, window film is at its most effective during peak times of the day as that is when it’s rejecting the sun’s heat the most. This merges nicely with the point above of reducing electrical consumption in peak load hours.
3. Use the Thermostat Properly – This point was that it is often more energy efficient to leave the thermostat on “Auto” vs using the “Fan On” setting. Proper use of the thermostat can save 40% in energy usage according to the article.

It is great to see a global publication recognizing window films as a cost effective, energy saving retrofit. With modern window film technology, you can achieve great heat rejection without even noticeably changing the appearance of existing windows. By reducing the heat entering your space, you save energy and reduce utility bills because your HVAC system does not need to work as hard to keep up with demand. Depending on the type of windows installed at your facility, it is possible to see the energy savings realized pay for the window film installation over time.

You can check out the complete Six Tips To Save Energy, Reduce Bills And Keep Cool During Summer article in Forbes by clicking HERE.

If you would like to learn more how modern window films retrofitted to existing windows can help reduce utility bills, save energy and keep you cool this Summer, contact us by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing an energy saving window film solution in your home or commercial space. We are located in Orem, Utah and service the surrounding area.

Commercial real estate is in a state of change as we enter a post COVID era. As commercial spaces are being re-imagined for new work needs, improving those spaces in a variety of ways is a goal to consider. With this in mind, we wanted to share this summary of an article from Facility Executive Magazine on 5 ways that window films can be used to improve your facility. The article hits on several of the key ways that building owners and commercial property managers integrate window films to create improved commercial spaces.

5 Ways Window Films Offer Improved Commercial Spaces

1. Energy Conservation: Up to 30% of any building’s cooling and heating load is through windows. Installing window film reduces the stress on a facility’s HVAC system. Many films block up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat, helping to cut cooling costs.
2. Safety and Security: Windows and doors are the most vulnerable parts of any building. They are easy points of entry for people who may mean harm to the occupants, the building itself, or its contents. When professionally installed safety film is added, the glass doesn’t shatter, delaying the intruder’s entrance, and allowing local authorities to get to the scene in a timely matter.
3. Health and Comfort: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends solar control window film to protect healthy skin and prevent premature aging. Window film lets natural daylight in, but blocks up to 99% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, and up to 80% of the sun’s heat protecting the building’s occupants and preventing interior furnishings from fading. Employees are also more productive and comfortable thanks to window film reducing solar glare, not only on their computer screens but throughout the entire building.
4. Green Benefits: Nearly 75% of windows are not energy efficient, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Window film installation costs a fraction of new window replacement, and accomplishes many of the same goals, as well as going a long way in reducing a building’s carbon footprint.
5. Aesthetics: Window film can improve the aesthetics of any commercial building. By improving the look of dated windows with film, the whole building will appear as though it had a modern facelift. Many manufacturers also offer decorative films that can add style, privacy and create a unique interior design. With certain styles of decorative films, facility executives can even achieve the look of etched glass at a fraction of the cost.

You can find the entire article HERE.

We hope that you found this summary informative and that it helps you in your goal of improved commercial spaces in 2022. If you would like more information on commercial window films, 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, Utah and service the surrounding area.

With many schools beginning to relax safety and health procedures as it pertains to COVID,  school administrators must still focus on school security and student safety as a result of tragic events of the past several years. As a result, most districts are discussing what steps can be taken to avoid unauthorized access on campus and to keep these incidents from occurring in the future. The ability to restrict access to the school is at the forefront of any security discussion.

An article in District Administration Magazine entitled “Building Blocks of a School Security Plan” discussed particular strategies that can be implemented to improve the school security and student safety. One of the items mentioned in the article was utilizing security window film to make it harder for someone to forcefully enter the facility.

As 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?”

One of the best things about a security window film is that, when installed professionally, it can be hard to detect that anything is even on the glass. A typical person looking to gain unauthorized access to the facility does not expect the delayed entry that security window film produces. That serves to buy school authorities on-site and local police departments more time to respond. This technology has been used for many years to thwart smash and grab burglary attempts in retail store settings. In these situations, every extra moment counts and security window film delivers additional time for authorities to respond.

If you have any questions or would like more information on how security window film can enhance school security and student safety, Contact Us today by calling 801-810-8468 or emailing us at info@shadedglass.com. We are located in Orem, Utah and service the surrounding area.