LOW-E Windows

You’ve probably heard of Low-E windows. This is not a new technology, and for the most part is code enforced throughout Colorado. Meaning if you were to build a home, remodel a home, or just replace your windows, many counties in Colorado are going to require windows with a U-Value/Factor. So just what is U-Factor? Well an Engineer would tell you:

U-FACTOR (THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE). The coefficient of heat transmission (air to air) through a building component or assembly, equal to the time rate of heat flow per unit area and unit temperature difference between the warm side and cold side air films (Btu/h · ft2 · °F) [W/(m2 · K)]

Low-E glass helps retain heat in the winter.

Or as I would say, the amount of heat finding the cool air via your glass in the winter, and just the opposite in the summer. Remember the cookie smell example in your middle school science class? When baking cookies the warm air will continue to permeate a room or your whole house as that warm air finds the cooler air, which is why your house smells so good when you bake cookies!

With heating and cooling, the exact same thing is happening, in the winter, the heat in your home will try to move through your glass to find the cooler air. This is where Low-E/U -Factor windows come into play. They add protection to your glass, making it more difficult for that warm air to escape through your windows. Generally when we think of Low-E, we think of retaining heat, but the same is true with cool air. In the summer the U-Factor, can help retain your cool air as well.

Adding Window Film will reject optimal amounts of solar heat, and UV Rays.

While society is moving in a direction to make all windows Low-E, we aren’t quite there yet, and don’t all have Low-E Glass. Because there are some windows still lacking in this area there are options to add this to your homes windows, without replacing the glass. A few film manufacturers have U-Value rated film. However some of these films tend to be a super reflective, and not very attractive. Most of these films will not make it past your convenance. There are a couple options that will, but unfortunately due to the warranty issues with Low-E window film, along with their low availability Solar Vision Inc. does not market or sell these products.

Luckily most of us already have U-Value added to our glass. And while this thermal insulation is great, building codes for solar heat gain are still relatively low, meaning while your Low-E glass is helping insulate your home, it doesn’t reject as much heat as we’d like. Which means Window Film is still very much needed, especially in Colorado where our homes can heat up quick even in the winter due to our powerful sun rays. Also, Low-E windows do not block 99% of UV rays either, which is another benefit of window film. Long story short, adding a solar window film to your Low-E windows might create the perfect window.

Adding Window Film to your Low-E windows eliminate 99% of UV-Rays and can lower your solar heat gain.

Call Solar Vision Inc. today for details and pricing on our solar control window film products. And visit our understanding window film data blog to familiarize yourself with all the glass specifications. This is really helpful information if you’re in the market for window film, or new windows.

Call Solar Vision Inc. 303-862-6376

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Call Solar Vision Inc. 303-862-6376 〰️

Distraction Bands...Can you see them?

Well hopefully you can! Distraction bands are a great way to enjoy an open office plan without having to worry about your Co-Workers walking into the glass. I know it sounds silly, but it really isn’t. While the occasional walking into glass and spilling your drink is funny, once in a while it can result in a serious injury which is not. People have experienced broken noses, and knocked out teeth from something as simple as walking into glass.

Adding some distraction bands is a simple way to solve the problem. They can be a small band of frosted film, or something with a little more depth like the Distraction Bands featured below. Regardless, it’s an addition to your office that should not be avoided.

Distraction Bands are an easy addition with the use of Window Film! Ensure you are working with a qualified reputable dealer. While they look like a simple application, they can be anything but. The bands need to line up straight, and with the narrowness of the design, it takes a skilled eye to install correctly.

Call Solar Vision Inc. today at 303-862-6376!

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Call Solar Vision Inc. today at 303-862-6376! 〰️

How to Remove Window Film?

Just don’t! Call a professional window film company to do it for you!

Removing Window Film can be Tough!

There could be various reasons for removing window film. Most commonly it’s to get rid of an outdated bronze, or silver reflective film and replace it with something more modern. Decorative Film also gets removed frequently as styles and spaces change.

While window film at times can be simple to remove, most of the time it’s a pretty strenuous task. This is due to the adhesive bonding the film to the glass. There are two types of these adhesives, there is a chemical dry adhesive, and a pressure sensitive adhesive. Both adhesives work well at keeping your film in place on the glass for years to come, however the chemical dry adhesive is going to be way tougher to remove than the pressure sensitive one. This is something important to keep in mind if you are installing film in a high traffic area where it might need to be replaced periodically, or if you think you might change your mind about the film install a few years down the road.

Now for the removal…It requires some blades, and a lot of elbow grease. Sometimes the windows will need to be scraped two to three time to ensure all the film and glue are removed. On top of that there are factors that could make it a pretty delicate situation, like scratchy glass. If the glass is prone to scratching, a steamer will need to be used to sweat the film off the glass, then you’ll need to use your hands for removal which takes much longer than scraping a blade across the glass.

This quick BLOG is in no way a “how to” on removing window film, and more of an informative bulletin on how hard it can be, and why it can sometimes be just as labor intensive as applying the film, or even more.

If you want to play it safe, and not mess up your glass or injure your wrist, consider hiring a professional window film company to do your removal. It will save you some time and your sanity.

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

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

A Tale of Two Window Film Businesses!

Prepping Window for Decorative Film

Security Film being applied at Coors Field.

Exterior Window Film Application Denver, CO

Window Film, and Graphic Installations have come a long way. From an afterthought to what can be considered a crucial element in many construction plans.

The reason I titled this a Tale of Two Window Film Businesses, is because window film companies are ran in two different models. Model 1 is a more comprehensive model, it’s a developed company that includes Employees, or what I like to call a team made up of Installers, Estimators, Sales, and Support Staff. Model 2 falls into the old way of doing things, which is where one company acts as the Sales Agent, and coordinates the project, but hires another company, or person to do the actual installation.

Both models can be quite successful in business, and it’s obvious which one is more “cost effective”. However, when we formed Solar Vision Inc. we opted for Model 1. While Model 1 comes with a lot of additional cost like Employee Benefits, and Payroll taxes, as Owners, Heath and I felt it was still the better option. This way of doing business would provide more opportunity for growth, and create meaningful Employment for people who chose to work at Solar Vision Inc.

Also as a Model 1 company, we can deliver better customer service, as there is no middle man. From pricing, contracts, scheduling to installation, it’s all handled through Solar Vision, not a third party. While service, and convenience are of the utmost importance, so is safety. Since our Installation Team are not Sub-Contracted out to another company, our customers can rest assured that our Installers are covered under our commercial, and workman’s comp insurance.

As a Model 1 business, we can’t always be the cheapest, but we do feel despite the additional cost, we can be of the most value to our customers, and in many cases still offer competitive pricing, and superior service.

Next time you choose a window film company, consider what type of company you’ll be working with, is it Model 1, or Model 2? It could make a huge difference in the accuracy, and timely completion of your project. -Shelley Meador

"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.

Open Field Supervisor Position

Job Description

Solar Vision Inc. is the number #1 3M Window Film Dealer in Colorado! We are currently looking to fulfill an open Field Supervisor position to handle onsite coordination of residential and commercial projects. Along with onsite installations, this position also requires a motivating, and innovative individual to assist in internal training programs for less experienced installers.

As a Field Supervisor at Solar Vision Inc. you'll generally be on larger or more difficult installations that require your expertise. This is not a sub-contract, per square foot, or commission work position. Our compensation is guaranteed whether you're installing, mentoring less experienced installers, conducting in-house training, or participating in leadership meetings.

Solar Visions' work is vast and year round, we specialize in difficult decorative and security film installations. We value quality over quantity, and look forward to finding the right Field Supervisor to continue to fulfill our installation standards. We provide all tools, vehicles, and materials needed to complete quality installations.

Solar Vision Inc. provides all full time Employees with 401K, Paid Time Off, Health Insurance, Company Cell Phone, Company Credit Card, Uniforms, and Paid Holidays.

Solar Vision Inc. stands by our Core Values.

1) Reliable

2) Quality

3) Ethical

4) Positive

5) Resourceful

If you fit these values, and have at least 5-7 years experience in flat glass film installations, you're gonna fit right in at Solar Vision, and we can't wait to hear from you!

Skills and Qualifications for this Position:

• 5-7 years of flat glass window tinting experience

• Knowledge of different types of window films and their applications

• Must be experienced in silicone attachment

• 2 years experience in onsite coordination of medium to large commercial window film installs

• Must need little supervision

• Must have great communication skills

• Must have valid drivers license and good driving record

We look forward to hearing from you! If you're currently living outside of Colorado, we'll also consider assisting with relocation expenses.

Please visit the about page on our website to learn more about the Solar Vision team.

http://www.coloradosolarvision.com/about/

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $50,000.00 to $60,000.00 /year

Even though some of the faces have changed, we’re still a group of hardworking individuals who have been able to grow this business together over the years while having fun. We look forward to adding more faces to our team.

3M Daylight Redirecting Film

It was approximately 6 years ago that I gave my first Day Lighting Presentation for an Architectural firm in Aspen, CO (rough life, I know). The presentation was in an effort to promote 3M’s Daylight Redirecting Film, their newest product at that time. While the original product came with a few hiccups, over the years 3M was able to develop it into a simple adhesive application for clerestory glass (upper windows) . Reception for this new product was great, at every Architectural Event, Daylight Redirecting Film samples and brochures flew off the table. It was a cutting edge application that we thought would be all over architectural specifications in the coming years, however we were wrong.

What happened? Why isn’t Daylight Redirecting Film on every school, recreation center, box store, and building of any kind receiving direct sunlight? Why haven’t these revolutionary technologies caught on? In my opinion, rough timing. Unfortunately the debut of products like Daylight Redirecting Film were overshadowed by tragic events that brought security film to the forefront. This was good and bad. While it’s been good for business and has added a layer of safety and security to many projects, it’s halted the original driving force of our industry which is energy reduction, and efficiency.

90% of the Architectural Presentations I’ve given in the past 5 years have been on Safety and Security Film. I hope that in the coming years this will start leaning towards energy efficiency again. Security films have brought a new found popularity to the window film industry. My hope is that we can use this popularity as a way to bring more attention to the energy efficient window film products that 3M and other manufacturers have developed over the years.

While it’s been 6 years, our excitement for these products hasn’t changed. Solar Vision Inc. just completed another Daylight Redirecting Film project at a bank here in Denver, and the outcome is amazing. 3M Daylight Redirecting Film is a product that reaches beyond my expectations of what window film can do.

At Solar Vision , we believe that almost every business and building can benefit from 3M Daylight Redirecting Film. Along with utilizing the sun, a natural resource to provide interior lighting, it is also the only window film product on the market that can eliminate glare, without eliminating the light. Check out the video below to learn more about 3M Daylight Redirecting Film, and call Solar Vision Inc. 303-862-6376 to learn more about all the energy efficient window film options we offer.

-Shelley Meador

3M Daylight Redirecting Film at work, moving the light upwards and into the building. 3M Daylight Redirecting Film has a frosted look leaving your clerestory glass (upper windows) quite attractive while utilizing light in the most efficient manner.

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.

SOLAR VISION CUSTOM GRAPHICS

Solar Vision had the opportunity to work with a company called Blueprint here in Denver. If you haven’t heard of Blueprint, they are a super cool online company that will help you learn to make anything. Think of Pinterest, but without the Pinterest Fail.

Their in house Artist created some awesome designs for their meeting room glass, turning this blank canvas into inspirational graphics that highlight all the artistry they can teach their customers to do.

It wasn’t an easy application, but luckily at Solar Vision, our Graphics Coordinator Alex can create, produce, and install your work. Keeping everything in house from design and production to application, ensures a picture-perfect finish.

Custom Graphic cut from 3M Dusted Crystal

3M Prestige 70

3M Prestige 70 window film is the perfect solution for heat and UV reduction. You can hardly tell it’s even there, but you can feel it! If you’re looking to protect your home, or building without changing the appearance, 3M Prestige 70 might be just what you are looking for.

• 3M Prestige 70

• 69% Visible Light Transmission

• 50% Solar Energy Rejected

• 99% UV rejection

The window on the right has 3M Prestige 70 applied to it, the window on the left doesn’t.

What are Your Processes?

This New Year's Eve our family opted for a quiet movie marathon over crowds, and parties. We each chose 1 movie, and perused Amazon to decide what movies we'd watch. The 11 year old went with "School of Rock", an oldie but goodie that never disappoints. The husband rented "The Mountain Between Us". Perhaps he should of read a couple of reviews, because what we thought would be a harrowing disaster movie turned into a love story that made little sense. I decided to go with a free movie and stumbled across one I'd been meaning to see for many years, "Temple Grandin". We definitely saved the best for last! 

The movie got me thinking of a time our company, Solar Vision Inc., worked indirectly with Dr. Grandin at Colorado State University. We were asked by the Contractor to produce some window graphics for their newly remodeled Animal Sciences building. One of the graphics they asked for was one of Dr. Temple Grandin's cattle handling designs. When we were working on the graphic about 3 years ago, I'd heard of Temple Grandin but honestly did not fully understand the depth of the importance behind her work.  After watching the movie, and doing some internet research on Dr. Temple Grandin, I have a renewed respect for processes in life and in business. 

Dr. Temple Grandin at a relatively young age took a well-established process and made it much better. Her process for cattle handling in the beef industry changed the way we process food, by making it more efficient and humane. What if she didn't have autism, would that process have ever been developed? What if she'd taken "no" for an answer? She was different, she was female, what did she know? 

Think of all the times you might have dismissed an idea, or process that could make your business or life better because maybe the person suggesting the idea didn't know anything about your trade, or they were too young, or just didn't see things the way you did. Have you missed an important opportunity? 

Processes are what can make or break a business or industry. If something isn't working in your business process, can you fix it? If not, can you put your ego aside and let someone else have a look? 

I thoroughly enjoyed "Temple Grandin", and I've enjoyed learning more about her afterword. The Business Owner in me found myself focusing on the processes and efficiency of what her mind created, however the human in me found myself intrigued with what the mind is capable of, and how sometimes to easily we dismiss people who don't fit our mold, or make us uncomfortable. Without the beautiful minds of individuals on the autism spectrum, I can only imagine a world with less innovation, technology, and creativity. 

As the daughter of someone who works with special needs children, I assumed that I had a good understanding of the subject. However I was very wrong! Watching the movie helped me better understand how someone with a different mind from me sees the world. It's rare that a movie can be enlightening, educational, and pull on your heart strings at the same time. If you have some free time, I highly encourage watching "Temple Grandin". 

Temple Grandin window graphic on display at the CSU Animal Sciences Building. 

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.

3M™ Dusted Crystal

You probably didn't noticed but 3M™'s Dusted Crystal Window Film is all over town as it's one of the most versatile window films on the market. Using 3M™ Dusted Crystal alone can give your windows an etched look for a fraction of the cost of sand blasted glass, but aside from that, did you know you can print, and custom cut 3M™ Dusted Crystal too?

Call Solar Vision Inc. today @ 303-862-6376 if you're looking to upgrade and customize your glass using 3M™ Dusted Crystal Window Film, or any of our 3M™ Window Film products.

Custom Design using 3M™ Dusted Crystal

Denver Skyline printed on 3M™ Dusted Crystal

AIA Conference at Keystone

Shelley and Heath, Solar Vision owners spent last weekend at a AIA Conference at Keystone.  They were able to talk to architects about Solar Vision's products and services.  It was a great weekend for Solar Vision, Inc. and 3M.  They were able to help the architects learn more about the many advantages of window film at the AIA Conference. Solar Vision is proud and excited to be a part of the massive development happening in Colorado right now.  There are many opportunities for growth in energy saving (green) window film and in decorative and artistic applications of film.

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.

Window Film Reduces Light Pollution

Window film can reduce light pollution.  Depending on the type of film, Visual Light Transmittance can be reduced by 45%-50%. According to Global Trends and Implications for Downtown Denver, a paper prepared by Progressive Urban Management Associates in 2006, 3 billion people lived in cities and by 2050 6 billion people will be living in cities.  The implications for energy consumption, transportation, food, and environmental protection caused by this rapid urban expansion makes the need for sustainability  critical.

The management of artificial light is one of the many areas urban planners must prepare for.

Light pollution causes:

• Sky glow which is the light surrounding the urban skies is caused by over illumination of commercial spaces and poorly planned street and building lights. The stars are difficult to see in urban areas.
• Light trespass is the light from a building shining into another building.  It may be difficult to sleep in an apartment building next to a building that has a lot of light during the night.
• Endangerment to wildlife who are confused by the light.  Nocturnal animals do not hunt or mate as they are meant to.  More animals are in danger of becoming extinct.
• Human health is being affected.  Vision, headaches, hypertension, and an increased chance of developing cancer are some of the health issues.  Sleep is disrupted by the light and melatonin is decreased. (physics.fau.edu/observatory/lightpol-environment.html)

There are things that city planners and all of us can do to decrease light pollution.  One of them is to apply window tint to windows that meets 45% inside to outside visible light transmittance and/or use window treatments.  On a beach in Florida, new construction is required to put in windows that meet the 45% requirement because sea turtles are confused by the light and go inland instead of going out to sea.  People that already have homes are helping to save the turtles by retrofitting their windows with window film to meet the requirement. (Thisbigcity.net)

Window film meets LEED Certification requirements in this area and is worth 1 point toward building certification.

Credit 7:  Light Pollution Reduction (1 point)

Intent: Eliminate light trespass from the building and site, improve night sky access and reduce development impact on nocturnal environment.

Denver is a city that is at the forefront of working to make sustainable urban environments.  Denver is also experiencing rapid urban growth.  The challenges in keeping up with all the facets of urban growth is being met by our city leaders and urban planners with great care.

Anti-Spy Window Film

Anti-Spy window film is blocks wifi and cell phone signals.  It is made up of aluminum and titanium sputter coated polyester in several layers. It has a scratch resistant coating.  According to the Standard Test Method for Measuring the Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of Planar Materials, it is 90-99% effective.  Natural light still enters the room. Businesses that have a lot of glass and use wireless devices are susceptible to being targeted by people who know how to get into their systems.

Anti-Spy window film can:

• Help prevent credit card fraud
• Eliminate the outside use of wireless internet connections
• Prevent corporate espionage
• Help stop eavesdropping by hackers
• Reduce the signal signature of a building

Wifi signals can go through walls, but most go through windows.  Architectural trends show that more and bigger windows are being put in offices all the time.  Along with that, the use of wireless signals has also increased and will continue to do so.  These things combined increase security risks.  Reflective window film reduces leakage.

To increase its effectiveness a metal strip can be placed around the gap between the film and the window frame.  No window film application can be done with no gap between the film and the frame though the gap is small.  1/8 inch is an acceptable application.

Solar Vision is experienced in applying this type of window film.