What to Expect This Summer

Ivan and Julian out on a job site. Hopefully they can ditch these mask soon!

Wow! 2021 is already off to a crazy start. Business is up, but product delays are up too, and Labor is down. What does this mean to our customers? Hopefully nothing. Our plan is to be prepared to offer you our same services regardless of the crazy impacts the economy and supply chain have produced this year.

In the window film industry we’ve been lucky enough to not have too many material delays, and while procuring additional team members hasn’t been easy, we’re doing our best to complete as many projects as possible, while meeting our quality standard guidelines.

The most important thing to keep in mind as a customer is timing. Really think about when you would like your project to be completed. Window Film Installations will probably start booking about 4 weeks out come mid summer.

If you’re hoping to get your windows done to cool off your home or office before the summer ends, there are ways to speed up the process. You can start by getting a virtual estimate. Many window film companies can get a virtual estimate back to you within 24 hours. All you need to do is send over pictures, and window sizes, and a company like Solar Vision can get a price back to you quite quickly. If you have difficult to reach windows, are looking to add exterior film, or have French Panes, a site visit may still be required, however that can be worked out after you’ve received an estimate and are ready to move forward. See our Guide to Measuring your windows bulletin for information on what to send over.

Once you’ve received an estimate and are good on the pricing, it’s best to go ahead and get yourself on the installation schedule. We’ll send you samples to review, and if you are not quite sure which film you’d like at the time of scheduling, you’ll have a little bit of time to decide once you’re on the schedule.

If you want an in-home estimate, no problem. We’ll always try to get to your home or office for an estimate no more than a week out, with ASAP being the goal. There are a few of us here at Solar Vision that conduct onsite estimates, and we work together to ensure a timely site visit for our customers.

Window Film is in higher demand than ever, and we are super excited about that. However we want to ensure that this high demand doesn’t result in inferior customer service or quality. We’ll be working hard this summer, and year round to ensure our customers will continuously receive the exceptional Solar Vision Inc. service we are accustomed to providing.

Contact Solar Vision Inc. @ 303-862-6376 or at info@coloradosolarvision.com

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.

Why Exterior Film?

One of the questions we get the most as a window film company is “does it go on the outside or inside”? Our answer is “both”! Generally window film is applied to the interior portion of your glass. This is great for durability, and access, and while interior window films perform great, sometimes they’re just not enough, and that’s where exterior film comes into play.

Exterior window film can be a great option for a couple of reasons. The number one is performance! Exterior film reduces the heat in its tracks. The heat is absorbed prior to even hitting your glass. Since the heat is absorbed on the first surface, this significantly reduces if not eliminates any potential glass breakage, while absorbing a drastic amount of heat. Another great use for exterior film is access. Skylights, and other hard to reach windows might not be accessible from the interior.

At Solar Vision Inc., our favorite product is 3M Exterior Prestige Window Film. 3M Exterior Window Films offer great performance, and come with up to a 15 year warranty. 3M Exterior Prestige Window Film is designed to last, and will keep your home or building cool, and comfortable for years to come.

Click here for 3M Exterior Prestige Technical Details!

3M Prestige Exterior 40 (PR40X) applied to first floor windows at this apartment complex to reduce heat in gym area.

3M PR40X can enhance the look of your home or building.

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.