Adding Solar Film to French Panes

Home in Avon, CO having 3M Prestige 70 applied

Having a Window Film company based in Colorado means there’s no shortage of French Paned windows. We have a vast array of home styles in Colorado from Swiss Chalet, and Mountain Modern in our High Country, to historical Bungalows and Four Squares in Denver. All of which can contain a variety of different French Pane types.

While French Panes may seem like a simple process, it can be anything but. Even though the panes are small, they are all like individual windows for film application. Each piece has to be individually cut and installed, much like a large window.

Since we’ve done our fair share of French Panes, and have learned what does and does not work, we’ve limited our film options to 3M Prestige 50, 60, or 70.

Example of Light Gap

3M Prestige Window Films work great on French Panes. They reduce heat, and fading without changing the look of the glass. Going with a dark film on French Panes can be a mistake as you run the risk of noticeable light gaps between the film and window frame.

When choosing a company to apply film to your French Paned windows, ensure you hire a company that has a lot of experience with this application. At Solar Vision Inc. our Film Installers have had plenty of practice, and new Installers are put through in-house training where they practice this application on demo windows.

Call Solar Vision Inc. 303-862-6376

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Call Solar Vision Inc. 303-862-6376 〰️

Home in Larkspur with 3M Prestige 70 application

Call Solar Vision Inc. today at 303-862-6376 or email info@coloradosolarvision.com to have film applied to your French Panes. A film application will reduce UV and Heat, protecting your home and frames from fading and damage.

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 Film Uses in Hotels

3M film uses in hotels are many.  Window film can provide energy savings, comfort, and added safety and security.  Architectural films can provide beauty and give the hotel a unique look.  The creative environment is limited only by one's imagination. Safety and Security is enhanced by using a safety and security film to prevent break-ins.  In vulnerable areas, the film will prevent intruders from breaking a glass to get in the building.  Often hotels are in places without a lot of people around, so this would give extra security to a building.  Another way 3M window film can add to security is that if there would be an event such as strong winds, hail, etc. which could break the glass, the glass would hold together and not allow shards of glass to fly and cause injury.  If a hotel is in an area where there is graffiti, anti-graffiti film can be applied to the glass protecting it from paint, acid, scratching.  The film acts as a sacrificial layer which takes the graffiti and can be removed. (solutions.3m.com)

Solar Control can be achieved through 3M Window film.  Glare can be greatly reduced.  Heating and air conditioning costs can be reduced with the application of one of 3M's variety of solar control films.  UV rays are reduced by most films by 99 % eliminating the harmful effects of the UV rays on carpeting, drapes, art, furniture and other furnishings.

Decorative Films can be used in the building to make updated creative environments.  Graphics on film can put any picture on a wall at any size.  Fasara films can be used to add privacy and beauty.  The films can be die-cut or custom printed. Di-Noc can be used to remake surfaces such as pine into teak or paint into marble. There are hundreds of surfaces to choose from.

Solar Vision's Mission Statement is to inspire a passion for and generate living and working environments that are comfortable, safe, energy efficient and innovative.  Let Solar Vision's staff inspire you.

Window Film Uses in Churches

Window film uses in churches add to their beauty, safety, and energy efficiency. There are few things more beautiful than a stained glass window.  The window creates a worshipful environment and help to set the tone in the church building.  Stained glass is very expensive and not all churches have the resources to have them.  Window film can be used in place of stained glass to give the church the atmosphere it wants.  Traditional art can be used or modern art can be used.  Any picture or any graphics can be imprinted on the film and put on the glass at a fraction of the cost of stained glass. The picture can be on one side or both sides.  A picture can be made so that one can see through the glass on one side and have the picture on the other.  Logos and murals can be put up on any flat surface of the church.  Some churches are mixing new art with the more traditional art.  New technology is used to create whatever look the artist imagines.

Bible versus can be used to remind people of messages the church wants to emphasize.

Privacy can be added where it is needed in the church using Fasara frosted film.  So many looks can be achieved through the use of Fasara films. Computer aided design techniques are used to plot and cut the film.(solutions.3m.com)

Solar control window film will cut down on energy costs and if there would be film breakage  because of something like a weather event, the film would hold the glass shards together and prevent injuries.  The film cuts down on glare and protects furnishings from harmful UV rays.

Unfortunately, sometimes churches are targeted by vandals.  Anti-graffiti film can be placed on signage or windows to prevent vandals from ruining the sign or glass.  Safety and security film can be put on glass to prevent break-ins.  Because some of the time no one is in the church, the church may be a target for robberies or vandals.  The films give an extra layer of protection.

The window film is used in retrofitting situations as well as new construction.  It is easy to clean.

Our Solar Vision mission is to inspire a passion for and generate living and working environments that are comfortable, safe, energy efficient and innovative.  If you have any design needs, comfort, and/or security needs in your church, please call Solar Vision.  Our staff will work with you to meet your needs.

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.

Exterior Prestige Window Film

Exterior Prestige Window Film is made using nanotechnology.  The film consists of over 200 thin layers and is the thickness of a piece of paper.  This technology allows the film to provide superior heat control and glare reduction while preserving exterior and interior window views.  The film contains no metals so it does not interfere with wireless signals.  It is used in areas that are difficult to film from the inside.  If there is furniture that is difficult to move or permanent fixtures that make it impossible or near impossible to put on a film from the inside, then Exterior Prestige Window Film is the solution. Exterior Prestige Window Film might also be used if there is a high likelihood of breakage of a particular type of glass. With the exterior film, the sun does not heat the glass. (solutions.3m.com) Exterior Prestige Window Film:

• has a strong scratch resistant coating
• not self-cleaning, but repels water
• has virtually no chance of glass breakage
• can be used on dual or triple pane glass
• has high heat rejection with high visible light transmission
• comes in Prestige 40, 70, and 90
• reduces air conditioning costs

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.

Solar Vision's TV Debut

Solar Vision's TV Debut will occur on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 10:00 A.M.  A video in the home of a Steve and Lisa Strother was made to appear on Colorado and Company. Heath, Ben, and Lucinda are on the video along with the home owner Lisa Strother.  Shelley will appear live on the show and be interviewed by the host.

Church Samples 3M Night Vision

The church members at Father Dyer Church in Breckenridge asked Solar Vision to apply samples of 3M Night Vision to make the church more comfortable and still maintain their gorgeous view of the mountains in the area.  Father Dyer Church is a historical landmark.  It is 133 years old and is an active Methodist Church.  3M Night Vision comes in 3 different shades.  The 3 samples were placed on the window and the people of the church will decide which one best meets their needs.  This is one of the ways Solar Vision consults with clients to help them choose the best window film to meet their needs.

3M Night Vision helps block the suns rays and reduces glare and heat.  Natural light still enters the room and the outside view can still be enjoyed.

3M Night Vision Provides:

• Reduced glare
• Reduced fading
• Rejection of 70% of heat
• Protection for skin from UV rays
• Energy conservation
• An aesthetic pleasing look
• Retention of beautiful views

As always 3M backs their window film with their lifetime warranty.

Energy Savings with Window Film

Energy savings can be obtained with the use of window film.  Window film reduces the amount of heat that enters a room.  Less energy is required to cool the room.  In the winter, the film acts as an extra insulation on the window, reducing heating costs. LEED credits can be obtain by using window film.  The number of points that are obtained, depend on the amount of energy saved.

The goal of this credit is:  Achieve increasing levels of energy performance above the baseline in the prerequisite standard to reduce environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use.  (www.3M.com/windowfilm)

There are 3 different methods for achieving this requirement.  Up to 10 credits can be obtained depending on the amount of energy savings. For specific information on the methods see the sustainable design information sheet in pdf form on the 3m web site:  multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/6636910/sustainable-design-information-sheet.pdf

Window film is a first tier technology that can have an approximate 3 year payback for buildings.  Window films are ranked in retro-fitted building envelopes as having the highest probability of success.  It ranks above replacement windows. Already existing materials are used decreasing the amount of waste. (https://promo.3m.com/assets/3MCAN/1202511082.pdf)

Window Film Reduces Light Pollution

Window film can aid in reducing light pollution.  In creating buildings that are environmentally and socially responsible, designers seek LEED credits.  LEED is a building certification program developed by the US Green Building Council. Credits are given for new building construction and major renovations. There are 9 possible points a building project can achieve through the use of window film.  One credit can be earned in the area of light pollution reduction. Light pollution is misused light or misdirected light.

 The light pollution creates:

• Sky Glow which is a hazy glow over urban areas caused by light escaping into the night sky.
• Glare shining into the eyes of pedestrians or drivers.
• Light Trespass which is light shining into a neighboring buildings.
• Light clutter such as in the area of Las Vegas casinos.

Light pollution effects all of us by:

• Consuming valuable natural resources.  Hundreds of millions of coal and oil are used.
• Polluting through the use of fossil fuels.
• Disrupting nocturnal wildlife.  One example is the baby sea turtles in Florida who move toward the artificial light on the beach instead of the natural light of the moon's glow that leads them out to sea.
• Affecting human health by disrupting circadian rhythms and melatonin production, depressing the immune system, and disrupting sleep patterns.
• Destroying the enjoyment of the view of the starry night sky. (www.starrynightlight.com)

Window film is not the cure for all those things, but it can play a part.

The goal of the credit for Light Pollution Reduction is:

Minimize light trespass from the building and site, reduce  sky-glow to increase night sky access, improve nighttime visibility through glare reduction, and reduce development impact on nocturnal environments.

One way window film can meet this requirement is to reduce the amount of light passing through a window from the inside to the outside by up to 85% while minimizing the reflection from the interior lights. Even at night an amazing view can be maintained.  (multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/6636910/sustainable-design-information-sheet.pdf)

To see if a project qualifies for this credit most of the internal light has to fall within the building.  Luminosity measurements are taken outdoors with all the lights off and are compared to the measurements with all the lights on. The credit is achieved if the outdoor illumination level does not increase more than 10 % with the lights on.  Window films with lower visible light transmission ratings will greatly reduce the light trespass from the buildings.

Our Solar Vision representative can help you find the right film that can meet your needs for reducing light trespassing.

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.

School Comfort and Window Film

School classrooms that are  comfortable are more conducive to learning.  The first consideration for window film is school safety. (See previous article)  Window film can be used in a number of ways to improve school comfort, make learning easier, and save energy as well. Comfort and Energy Savings

During my 34 years of teaching, I have been in a number of buildings.  All of those buildings have had hot spots.  There are rooms where the sunlight coming into the room is unbearable during certain parts of the day. It is distracting to be in a classroom that is overly hot. To keep those rooms at a temperature that is somewhat comfortable, the air conditioning has to be turned up. Many of the rooms in the school are then too cold and students need their sweaters or just shiver.  A hot room does not help students concentrate on their studies nor does a cold one. More schools are going to a year round schedule, so they have to deal with even more summer heat.  Solar Control Window film applied to classroom windows reduce the heat entering the room.  Not having to lower the thermostat, saves energy.  In winter, the film acts as an extra insulator on the window.  Savings is realized in the winter also.  The US Department of Energy says a third of a building's cooling comes from solar gain through the windows.  Window film will make the windows more efficient.  (http://solutions.3m.com/)

Window film also eliminates glare on whiteboards.  The film protects occupants from harmful UV rays which can cause skin cancer.  Some rooms may require a combination of window film and blinds.  When the blinds do not have to be closed, natural light enters the classroom.  Students learn better in natural light. Eyes get less tired.

We know that students learn better in natural light.  Attendance and behavior is also improved. (http://www.healthyschools.org/Daylight.pdf) Window film still allows natural light.  A new 3M Window Film is 3M Daylight Redirecting Film.  If you have just the right space, the film brings in more light at the top of the window and redirects it to the room.  This lessens the need for artificial light.

Mirrors or Perforated Graphics

I worked in some areas where we took data on the behavior of students.  Graphics or mirrors can be put on  the window to observe students undetected.  The graphics are made with tiny dots. On one side you see a picture.  On the other side you can see through.  A mirrored film can be put on a window and from the other side observations can be made.  This could work well when the dean's office has a window to the cafeteria.  The possibilities are endless in the school.

Smart or Switchable Film

A smart film can be turned on and off.  When it is on the film is frosted.  When it is off the window is clear.  Think of the many uses for offices like the principal's office. He/She can see what is going on when it is off and can have privacy when he needs it for conferences with parents, teachers, students, etc.

Sports Viewing Rooms

Black out film can be used in athletic viewing rooms to eliminate screen glare.  Solar Vision has installed this at a number of colleges and universities.

Anti-Bacterial

A film that is not a window film, but is an architectural film is Di-Noc.  Some Di-Noc contains silver which cuts down on the growth of bacteria.  In areas, such as the nurses office and preschool classrooms, the film applied to smooth walls may help reduce the spread of germs.

Solar Vision can do a study of how window film can save energy and help you plan ways to use window and architectural films in your school.  If you would like a study done, give us a call at 303-862-6376 or e-mail us at info@coloradosolarvision.com.

3M Exterior Prestige Window Film

3M Exterior Prestige window film was applied to these windows. The film applied to these windows was Exterior Prestige 40.  Exterior window film is put on glass when the windows inside are not as accessible as the outside.  A wall, bookcases, heavy or immovable furniture or any number of things may may make it difficult to put the film in the inside.  Skylights that are really high may be easier to have film applied to the outside via the roof.  Exterior window film may also reduce the risk of thermal stress on windows with multiple glass panels.  3M Exterior Prestige window film may be applied to both new buildings and retrofit projects. Advantages of 3M Exterior Prestige Window Film include:

• The film is non-reflective-less reflective than glass
• It has heat rejection with excellent visibility
• It comes in Prestige 40, Prestige 70, and Prestige 90.  The 90 lets in 99% of the normal light
• The film blocks 99.9% of UV rays and prevents fading and deterioration cause by UV rays.
• It reduces glare
• People in the inside are not exposed to the UV rays which can cause skin cancer
• It provides heat control so the inside is more comfortable and less air conditioning is used.
• The film does not interfere with cellular or wireless signals.
• The thickness of the film is less than a piece of paper
• After 30 days it can be cleaned, as any other window.

The film is less reflective than glass. Because of the lower reflection, retail displays are more visible and there is less distraction.  In the day or at night, potential customers see a beautiful window and whatever is displayed or lit up in the window. This can draw more people to a business and increase sales.

This window film is used in commercial as well as in residential buildings.  It is back by the 3M lifetime warranty.