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.

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.

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.

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.

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