Interior Window Film vs. Exterior Window Film

Exterior Prestige 20 on Statehouse Restaurant in Commerce City, CO

In a recent Sales Meeting we had a discussion about creating some marketing material we could send out to customers weighing the options of our Interior Prestige Window Films vs. our Exterior Prestige Window Films. We wanted to have a simple answer or solution for our customers that would make it easy for them to decide which film product they wanted. However when weighing the pro’s and con’s it was easy to see that Exterior Film will almost always be the answer.

While I love our Interior Window Films, and a 20%-43% heat reduction is nothing to balk at, it’s difficult to convince someone that this is a better option than an exterior product that will provide a 59% heat reduction, because it isn’t. If heat, and wanting to reduce your solar heat gain are the main issue for you, than an exterior film will almost always be the way to go.

Now that I have you hooked on the idea of an exterior film, what would be some reasons to go interior. Well there are a few. Exterior Window Films are applied outside in the elements. In Colorado this means we have approximately 6-7 months to complete these installations. And the conditions need to be good. Think of a nice Colorado day with low wind and no rain or snow. That’s what we need. Check out our Exterior Window Film brochure for more detailed information on the requirements we need for a clean installation.

Other reasons could be French Paned windows, or Wood Framed Windows. These are not good candidates for exterior window films. The intricacies of these windows require a clean indoor climate to attain IWFA visual quality standards.

3M Exterior 40 application in Aspen, CO

There is also cost and warranty. Exterior Window Film is more expensive than interior, this is due to the cost of the materials, and the additional time needed to install these films safely and correctly. Exterior Window Film warranties are for 10 years, vs. an Interior Film Warranty which can be up to a Lifetime for residential customers.

Many times heat may not be a huge issue, but fading is. In that case, one of our interior films will work great for you. All window films reduce 99% of the UV Rays whether they’re dark and reflective, virtually clear, or on the outside, you’ll get fade protection regardless of the product you choose.

Well there you have it. This is wordy, I know, but I feel we have need to be forthright with our customers, and if you want heat reduction, exterior is probably the way you want to go.

If you have any questions about our Window Film Products and services, please don’t hesitate to call or email us at info@coloradosolarvision.com or 303-862-6376.

You can also visit our Solar Control Window Film page to access data, and warranty information.

Solar Heat Reductions are not absolute. These are estimates based off of a standard clear double paned window with an approximate solar heat gain coefficient of .70 prior to having window film applied.

Alex working hard applying Exterior Prestige to a home in the Denver Metro area.

3M Exterior 40 going on Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Co

Exterior Prestige 40 on home in Commerce City, CO

New Windows $$$$ vs. Window Film $

Home in Reunion neighborhood of Commerce City, with 3M Night Vision 25 applied to all of the homes windows. 99% UV rejection, Solar Heat Reduction of 29% solar heat reduction, and 72% glare reduction.

At a certain point in your homes lifespan you might need new windows. When or how that happens is a different story dependent on the quality of windows your home got in the first place, and regardless of that, the need for a complete window replacement is something that will take no less than 15 years to become an issue even worth looking into, and why is this, well for one it’s incredibly expensive! And the other reason is because you can have window film installed for a fraction of the cost.

I know this because I need new windows. I know….the horror! How could a window film dealer throw in the towel and buy new windows. Well here’s the story, our house is about 20 years old, and our windows are busted up! The glass itself performs well, because well, we have window film, but outside that our frames are a mess, and it’s hard to even open and shut or lock our windows.

When Heath (my husband) and I moved into our home about 8 years ago, the seals on the entire west side of our house were blown, the glass sliding doors were super scratched from the previous Owners dogs, and now we’re noticing Low-E failure on a few of the windows. We’ve been avoiding fixing the issue for years because of the cost, but after 8 years we’ve decided to finally throw in the towel and purchase new windows.

When our Salesman came to the appointment he broke out his BTU meter (a device that measures heat), and heat lamp to show us how well his glass performed over ours, but sadly to his dismay, our glass performed better because we had Night Vision 15 applied to it. He was not expecting this, and really didn’t know which direction to go with his sales pitch. I reminded him that our windows have film and perform incredibly well, but what we needed was a clean slate. I told him I also didn’t need to see a heat lamp, what I needed to see were numbers like the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of the glass, the U-Value, Light Transparency, and UV reduction. Unfortunately he didn’t have this on him, but I was able to google it and pull that info. Apparently many people don’t ask for the specifications, all he has to do is a heat lamp presentation vs. their standard glass. His presentation is probably pretty impressive most of the time, because standard builder glass that many Home Owners have, does not perform well, and lets in tons of heat and all the UV.

So why am I telling this story while trying to sell film. Well, because not everyone has the busted up window issues that we are dealing with. If your window frames, and seals are in good shape, but your actual glass underperforms, you’d be spending way too much money to have new windows installed when you can simply upgrade them with a solar control window film. If a customer called with my exact house asking to have the west side filmed, our approximate estimate would be around $3500.00 vs. new windows which are $15,000.00!!! That’s a 1/4 of the cost. It’s a no brainer really.

Half of the west side of my house located in the Reunion neighborhood of Commerce City. Currently has 3M Night Vision 15 applied, which rejects 99% of the UV, reduces solar heat up to 43%, and an 81% glare reduction. I’ll update post when my new windows are installed.

If your windows are really old, or single paned, or have terrible frames, our films can’t fix that. But if you are only dealing with performance issues, window film will actually perform better than most high performing glass, at a much lower cost. I know when my new windows go in, they’ll still be getting some film. The new glass only blocks about 50%, of UV, and I want 99% UV reduction. I also want to further reduce the amount of solar heat coming into my home past the abilities of the new glass, and of course with west facing windows, I’ll need some glare control. In general most windows, even new high performing ones can further benefit from the application of a solar control film. Believe me, we’ve applied film to beautiful brand new glass for many Home Owners as well, where the glass alone just wasn’t cutting it, especially when it came to UV rejection, and fading of floors and furnishings.

If you are looking to upgrade your windows, call us at 303-862-6376 or email info@coloradosolarvision.com . - Shelley Meador

Looking at Window Film Data

Have you ever been asked to look at data you aren’t familiar with, and to decipher it yourself? If not, you probably will soon if you’re shopping for window film. We in the Window Film Industry have a tendency to hand over product cards with tons of data, but not much insight on what it all means.

When shopping for window film, you’ll be handed a window film card, generally with an enclosed sample, and all the pertinent info about that product on it. But what does it mean to you, and what data or numbers should you be most concerned with? Well that all depends on what you’re buying solar control film for. Is it fading, one-way visibility, or just plain heat. This data can help you figure out which film product will work best for your needs.

The technical data above is for 3M’s Interior Prestige Window Film Products, and since most of us are looking to add film to double paned clear glass, we’re going to use those numbers in our examples below.

The First Number you’ll notice on Prestige or any window film card for that matter is a number following the name of the product. This number roughly represents the amount of visible light transmitted, and this is generally true for most window film manufacturer’s products.

Product Name = Visible Light Transmitted (The higher the VLT, the lighter the film). If you want to add a film that will not change the look of your glass, you’ll want to choose a window film with a high VLT, and probably not anything with a VLT under 45%.

• Prestige 70: 62% VLT

• Prestige 50: 45% VLT

Now that we know why a film is called Prestige 70 or Night Vision 15, we can easily decipher which film products will change the appearance of our glass. If you don’t want to darken your glass, this will limit you to films with a VLT of 45% or higher. If you don’t mind darkening your windows, you’ll have an even wider variety of options.

Once you’ve settled on how dark or light you want your window film, you’ll be able to utilize the technical data to find the perfect window film for you. Below are explanations of what all the acronyms and data mean.

Visible Light Reflected Interior: This is the amount of reflection the application of window film will add to the interior side of your glass.

Many window films will have a high interior reflection, some can even cause a mirror effect, especially at night. If you want to see out of your windows at night, you should probably stay away from window films like 3M Silver P18 series with high interior reflectivity, and opt for products with low interior reflectivity like 3M Night Vision series.

Visible Light Reflected Exterior is the amount of reflection the application of window film will add on the exterior side of your glass.

The higher this number the more reflective your glass will be. This is an important number to look at if you are wanting to add film for daytime privacy. Prestige 70 would not provide this for you, you’d need to look at a film with a VLR Exterior of at least 20%, like one of 3M’s Night Vision products.

• Prestige 70 VLR Interior: 13%

• Prestige 70 VLR Exterior: 15%

• Night Vision 15 VLR Interior: 11%

• Night Vision 15 VLR Exterior: 39%

SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient): The lower the number means the better the heat reduction performance.

• Prestige 70 on Double Paned Glass: 0.56

• Prestige 50 on Double Paned Glass: 0.53 (Prestige 50 blocks more heat than Prestige 70)

Solar Heat Reduction: This is the estimated reduction in heat transfer with the application of window film. The higher the number, the less heat transferred through your glass.

• Prestige 70: 21% heat reduction when added to basic clear double paned glass.

• Prestige 50: 25% heat reduction when added to basic clear double paned glass.

UV, Ultra Violet Light Rejected: All Window Films will reject 99.9% of the UV Light. This is because the UV inhibitors are the in the adhesive. UV is the main cause of fading.

Glare Reduction: The percentage of glare reduced with the application of a particular window film product. The higher this number, the better the film works at reducing glare. If you are looking to reduce glare in your home or office, you’ll probably need to look at a window film with a glare reduction value of at least 50%, like one of 3M’s Night Vision products to have any real benefit.

• Prestige 70: 22% Glare Reduction

• Prestige 50: 44%

• Night Vision 35: 60%

• Night Vision 15: 82%

While this doesn’t touch on every piece of data, and we’re only looking at a few different film types, you may still have questions. If so, give us a call @ 303-862-6376 or email us at info@coloradosolarvision.com. We’re here to answer your questions Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

All info provided in this BLOG is for educational purposes only, and does guarantee specific performance of glass after window film application. Numbers and estimated performance are based off provided 3M Technical data, tested using the application of 3M Solar Control Window Film on Double Paned Clear glass with an estimated SHGC of .70 prior to installation of noted window films.

"How Much Does Window Film Cost?

This question comes up a lot here at Solar Vision, and I’m sure other window film companies too. Aside from being asked by customers when they call, it’s usually one of the most popular searches when people click on our Google Ad. Unfortunately when a customer clicks on ours or any window film page, the answer is not clear at all, and most likely not available. Why is this? Why isn’t window film pricing transparent? The short answer is much like carpet or tile, there are so many variables that can change the price you’ll be quoted. However via this BLOG, I’d like to at least help you answer the question as to whether or not the average price of having film applied to your basic window is of value to you.

As a window film dealer, I’m biased. I think window film is a no-brainer. Why? Well, because it can be one of the most important home improvements you can make. Window Film is there to protect you, and your home from heat, glare, and UV Rays. This can save you on your energy bills, make your house cooler, and more comfortable, while reducing the fading of your furniture, flooring, and window coverings. With all these benefits why not look more seriously into window film?

Unlike other home improvements window film is inconspicuous. This might make it a more difficult purchase psychologically, because you don’t see or notice this passive system once in place. It’s not super fun like a new 72 inch TV with Dolby surround sound, or a new couch you just purchased at Room and Board. No one is going to really notice your new window film, like they would notice a new sofa, or 72 inch TV. Your Mother In Law probably won’t comment on your new window film. However, she might comment on how much more comfortable and cooler your house is.

Example of Double Hung Window

Okay, commercial over. Let’s go back to the price. Window Film is generally charged per square foot, it seems odd, but most of the time, your square foot price is all-encompassing. It includes the material, labor, tax, and all the other cost associated with running a business, those items coupled with the hopes of making a profit is accounted for in your total price. Without going into all the math, let’s just say on average you’re probably going to pay between $15-$20 per SQFT to have solar window film installed. Window film is going to run you between $200-$400 for a basic double hung window, dependent on product type. This is about the same price as quality window coverings, which will most likely fade and ruin over the course of a few years without window film. I digress…one more plug.

These numbers are not absolute by any means, and different companies may charge different prices dependent on their cost of material, labor, and whether or not they have overhead like rent, and insurance (I highly recommend using a company with insurance). However I hope this helps get you closer to making that phone call to have your windows tinted.

Please also keep in mind other factors, like french panes, these windows will cost much more than a standard double hung window, or architectural windows that are large, and may require special equipment to reach, like the ones pictured below. These are all variables that could add additional cost to your window film installation. There are also variables that can lower the cost, like total square footage. The more the merrier in the window tint world. This means the more windows you have filmed, the more likely your are to receive a square footage discount which will lower your per square foot price.

Much like carpet or tile, what you pay and what your neighbor pays can vary. That’s because window film is a custom project specific to your home or office.

Call Solar Vision today at 303-862-6376 to schedule your window film estimate. Or if you want a quick turn around on pricing, you can always email us with photos, and measurements of your glass at info@coloradosolarvision.com , and get an estimate back from Solar Vision within 24 hours.

Not sure which window film is best for your home? Click here to see our expert recommendations.

***Pricing is not absolute, many variables come into consideration for window film pricing. Many companies may even have project minimums. Solar Visions minimum price is $650.00. The pricing provided above is for educational purposes only and is not an estimate from Solar Vision Inc., or 3M.***

3M Prestige installation taking place. The 2nd top window from the left has 3M Prestige 50 on it. The 3M Prestige 50 window film is actually ENHANCING the view, not taking from it.

WINDOW FILM IN THE WINTER?

Definitely! The winter can be some of the most intense sunshine of the entire year. Especially for those south facing windows. Some homes with large picture windows can even become uncomfortably hot in the winter. Along with heat, the winter glare can be incredibly intense. Plus, UV rays don’t care about the temperature outside. They’ll cause just as bad, if not worse damage and fading to your homes furnishings and window coverings in the winter, as they do in the summer.

Depending on your situation you have many window film choices. If heat and glare are your main issue, then a traditional window film will work great. However if you’re also looking to retain the heat in your home while blocking the heat during those intense part of the days an insulating film might be what you need. An insulating window film like 3M Thinsulate will make your home more efficient 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Solar Control Window Film is a necessary upgrade for any home, any time of the year, and there is no better time than the winter time to make your home more comfortable year round.

3M Night Vision 25 applied to the windows at this home in Avon, CO. Great views of the slopes, less the glare, and UV Rays! A must

3M Prestige Window Film application in Vail, CO.

Window Film and Water

Most windows films are applied using a solution of soap and water. The adhesives of window film are on the film. To activate the adhesives they need to be completely soaked with water, making water one of the most important aspects of a good window film installation, well that, and a great Installer.

Because water is so important, Solar Vision Inc. has decided to partner with Culligan Water to ensure we are only using the best water on the market for our window film installations. Our in-shop water filtration system uses reverse osmosis, and softening to ensure the cleanest install possible. 

Water can be different all over town depending on the city you live in. Some cities have very hard water which can leave a haze on your glass, and make the install very difficult, by using purified Culligan water straight from our shop, our installs are consistent, no matter what part of Colorado you are from. 

A good film install starts with a great Installer, the best window film on the market, and Culligan Water. 

This little co-branded contraption is a pressurized water tank used for installing window film. 

Home Window Tinting

It's that time of year again, it's starting to warm up, and the sun is staying out longer. There are many reasons to have film added to your homes windows, but the number one concern we hear from our customers is heat. In spite of our best efforts…air conditioning, blinds, curtains, it still might not be enough! This is where home window tinting can help.

Home window tinting can lower your overall utility cost by blocking up to 50% of the heat entering through your homes windows, and since the film is absorbing that heat you can leave the blinds open longer. Think about it, why have windows in the first place if the blinds are closed, and the curtains are drawn all day, we might as well build windowless homes. That'd be super-efficient, but not very attractive. Adding a 3M solar control window film to your homes windows will allow you to open the curtains and enjoy your natural light and views again.

Other benefits of home window tinting are less fading, and less glare. We spend so much time choosing furniture, flooring, and window coverings, it would be a shame to allow all of those costly items to deteriorate quickly. Adding a 3M solar control window film to your homes windows will drastically slow down the fading and damage caused by UV Rays. Think of what the sun’s rays can do to your skin? They cause the same damage to your home and furnishings, only much quicker.

Home window tinting can also drastically reduce the glare in your home. If you have glare issues and trouble seeing your computer screen, or worse yet your television, our 3M solar control window films can help with that too.

There are many reason to add 3M window film to your home. It's a no brainer, call Solar Vision Inc. 303-862-6376 today for a free estimate, and learn how you can cool off your home, protect your furniture, and reduce glare.

3M Prestige 50 window film application in Morrison, CO.

New Technology in Window Film

New technology in window film makes for a bright future in the business of window film.  Presently, energy saving films and decorative films are hot and that market is continuing to grow as well as new advancements in these films.  Four films have been developed and their use is becoming more present in buildings.  By 2020, it is predicted that these films will be used on a large scale.  (www.technicalwindowfilms.co.uk/window-tinting-news/future-window-films/) The four films are:

• Photochromic film which darkens when exposed to light like transition eyeglasses.
• Smart glass or electrochromatic changes from a clear glass to a frosted glass or a colored glass with an electrical current.  The current is controlled by a switch, a computer, or even a cell phone.  This can add privacy to an office, conference room, etc.  Another example is film applied in a lobby that is controlled by a computer to change to a darker film when the light is bright and then lighter or clear when it gets dark.
• Photovoltaic film converts daylight into electricity.
• Daylighting or Daylight redirecting film allows more light in at the top of the glass and directs it into the room reducing the need for electric lighting.  Presently, a metal shelf can be used for this, but the film is much more attractive and easy to clean.

Solar Vision, Inc is keeping well informed about these new technologies to bring its customers the best available product.

Light Pollution in the Mountains

Window Film can reduce light pollution in the Mountains.  Excessive light in rural and mountain areas have far ranging affects on flora and fauna as well as animals, reptiles, insects and birds.  According to Winslow Briggs's book, Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting, exposure to artificial light can prevent trees from adjusting to seasonal changes.  This affects the wildlife that use the trees as their natural habitat.  Light confuses birds in their migratory habits.  Frogs stop calling their mates.  Some animals will stay hidden longer and that reduces the time they have to hunt for food.  There are many studies that prove the affects of light pollution. (www.nationalgeographic.com) Though light pollution in the mountains may affect the environment, it is also the easiest one to solve.  All that needs to be done is be aware of it and do things to turn off and/or turn down the light that is being put out by our living spaces.

More and more people are moving to the mountains, because they love being in nature and because of the spectacular views.  One might think, one home on the side of the mountain won't  harm anything.  Flood lights or lights left on all night may be on to show the beauty of the home or because one feels safer if they can see outside, but these lights may disturb wildlife.  Homes are also being built with lots of glass, because of the views and trends in architecture. This extra light also affects the natural environment.

Some solutions are:

• Don't have on more light at night than you need.
• Window film on the windows can reduce the light from the windows by 45%-50%
• Put other coverings on windows as well, i.e. shades, drapes, etc.
• Use low wattage lighting outside
• Have motion sensor lighting outside
• Have shades that slope down on outside lighting

Solar Vision's experts will help you choose the film that will emit the least amount of light and still meet your needs for enhanced beauty, energy savings, safety, and protection from UV rays.

Solar Control for Apartment Living

Solar Control for apartment living can be achieved through the use of a variety of solar control window films.  I have seen a number of apartments that get a lot of sun have all kinds of things in their windows to make it more comfortable.  I've seen cardboard, newspaper, sheets, and even a mattress.  Rental  property owners may ignore this or pose fines, but ultimately it affects the value of the property.  Solar control window films can greatly reduce the amount of sun and glare coming into a room.  Because it eliminates 99% of the UV rays, furnishings are not damaged.  It has the added protection of reducing the risk of skin cancer. Apartments usually are fitted with single layered glass.  Applying window film will give the window the effect of being double layered glass.  This would result in energy savings.  If a rental property company is energy conscious, it could advertise as making these changes to help save energy.  Solar control window film is especially valuable in those areas that get direct sunlight especially in the loft apartments on the top floors.

Window film is an relatively inexpensive way to make apartment living more comfortable.  Window film is easy to clean.  It is cleaned as any other window after 30 days.

3M Night Vision 15

3M Night Vision 15 was applied to windows in this home in Arrowhead.  3M Night Vision 15 is used when the clients want a darker film that lets in the least amount of light.  The views from this gorgeous mountain home are still maintained.  The film helps the occupants to be more comfortable in their home and blinds or other coverings may not be needed.  This depends on the amount of light entering the home and the desires of the owners.  In some cases, blinds may still be needed during certain times of the day. (solutions.3m.com) Night Vision 15 is the darkest of the Night Vision Series.  Its low reflectivity leaves the view from the home more clearer than ever.  This is wonderful especially in homes which are purchased because of the spectacular views in mountain homes.

3M Night Vision:

• Is easy to maintain
• Can be cleaned as any other window after 30 days
• Does not inhibit wifi or other electronic signals
• Gives daytime privacy, with the ability to see out at night
• Rejects up to 71% of heat
• Reduces glare
• Reduces fading of furnishings and eliminates 99% of harmful UV Rays
• Lets in 35% of light into the home
• Has an abrasion resistant coating for added durability
• Is covered by 3M warranties

3M Prestige 60

3M Prestige 60 was applied to this home.  The film was applied to the bottom window and the top window had not been applied yet.  This is a picture that represents well how the view of a window is maintained.  3M Prestige 60 is the ultimate in window film technology.  It consists of over 200 layers and is as thin as paper.  The technology used is called nanotechnology.  The folds cannot even be seen using a microscope.  These folds bend and catch light to create a film that produces the effects out clients want. (solutions.3m.com) 3M Prestige 60:

• Reduces the amount of energy used to cool a home
• Eliminates over 99% of UV rays which damages furnishings and is a cause for skin cancer
• Is less reflective than class, so it enhances views
• Is nonmetallic and does not interfere with cell phone or wifi signals
• Increases personal safety by  holding together shards of glass in the event of something that would cause the glass to shatter

3M Prestige 60 is covered by the 3M Lifetime Warranty.

Colorado and Company

Shelley did a fantastic job talking about Solar Vision and 3M Window Film on Colorado and Company. Heath and Ben did the installation on the video and Lucinda did the sales. A special thanks to Lisa and Steve Strother who let us film in their home and to Lisa who was interviewed.Shelley demonstrated with a heat source in a box and glass with 3M Prestige window film applied, other window film, and glass with no film. She showed how well the 3M Prestige window film performs.

Reunion Colorado Garden Show

Shelley and Lucinda were at the Reunion Colorado Garden Show on Saturday talking to new potential clients in the Reunion neighborhood.

3M Residential Warranty

3M has a residential limited lifetime quality promise.  The warranty applies to the purchaser as long as he/she lives and owns the home.  It can not be transferred to the next owner. The warranty for the 3M Sun Control Window Film promises to:

• Keep its solar reflective properties without cracking, crazing, or peeling
• Keep its adhesion properties without blistering, bubbling, or delaminating from the glass
• Keep its appearance without discoloration

If the product is found to be defective under the warranty, 3M will:

• Replace the quantity of film that is defective
• Provide removal and reapplication with the labor being free of charge

The 3M residential warranty is also for glass failure due to thermal shock fracture or seal failure for up to $500 per window.  The glass failure would need to be a result of the application of 3M Sun Control Film as long as the film is applied to the recommended types of glass and the glass failure is reported to the Seller within the specified time from the start of the installation.  See specific warranty for these time frames.

Glass failure covered by this warranty must be reviewed by the Seller prior to repair, and only covers film and glass replacement.

A claim is made to the dealer from whom the film was purchased or to 3M.

The warranty is void if the product has been given improper care such as the use of abrasives to clean the window.  The care recommendations are sent to the purchaser and is also at the bottom of the warranty information.  The care instructions are also in a previous Solar Vision blog and/or is easily found on the Internet.  (solutions.3m.com)

In comparing other window film warranties to the 3M residential warranties, most are similar to each other.  As far as I could find, none surpass the 3M warranty.  3M has a reputation of standing behind their products.  You can trust the 3M brand.

3M Window Film Saves Art Studio

3M Window Film saves art studio located on an Iowa historical farm.  When straight line winds hit the farm house, the windows in the art studio located in the southeast corner of the home cracked.  The windows, however, held together because of the window film.  If the rain had gotten in the house, precious art work which could not be replaced and expensive art supplies would have been lost.  The window also stayed in place for a period of time until the window could be replaced.  Injury and damage due to flying shards of glass was eliminated. The owner is an artist and interior decorator.  She knew that her antiques, furnishings and artwork was being protected everyday from the harmful effects of UV Rays by the window film applied to all windows of the house.  The film also reduced glare and provided privacy.  The windows did not have to be covered with drapes.  The beautiful landscape of this home was not diminished by blinds or other window coverings.  She was also able to use less energy in cooling her home. The window film provides extra insulation to the windows. For example, if you have single-paned window, the film would make the window perform like a double-paned window.

The owner is so thankful she had the window film applied to her windows.  The loss due the weather event would have been great.  Insurance can't replace property with sentimental value or creative property.

3M Fasara Decorative/Privacy Film Application

3M Fasara Decorative/Privacy Film adds privacy to this work space.  It is a good way to reduce distractions in the workplace. The 3M Fasara Film also lets in natural light reducing the need for extra lighthing.  See the difference the film makes to these windows.

Fasara Film comes in 59 different designs.  They take the place of textured, sandblasted, etched, cut or other decorative glass for a fraction of the cost of decorative glass.  The film provides privacy and adds beauty to a room.  It can be customized by adding extra light or design.

Benefits of Using the 3M Fasara Decorative/Privacy Film Include:

• It is relatively inexpensive compared to decorative glass.
• There is a large variety of styles to choose from.
• After 30 days, it can be cleaned just like you would any other window.
• If styles change, it can be removed and left clear or replaced with another style of film.
• If there is an event which causes the window to break, the pieces will hold together. Injuries from flying glass will be prevented.
• The application is durable, fast, and beautiful.
• 3M and Solar Vision stands behind their product with a 5 year warranty for thermal shock damage.

How Can the 3M Fasara Window Film Be Used:

3M Fasara Decorative/Privacy Film can be used in offices, conference rooms, and lobbies. Retail stores, restaurants,and hospitality venues can use the decorative film.  These glass finishes can be used on partitions, showers, verandas and homes.  The film can be customized to give just the right amount of privacy, light, and decorative value.  The film can be computer cut for precision. The Fasara glass finishes are primarily an interior film, but 2 of the films can be used on the exterior. A beautiful  space  gives a favorable impression to workers and clients.  The addition of the light that is allowed into the room instead of a solid partition adds to worker productivity.