Architectural Window Film Uses and Benefits

• Climate and Energy Control – Window film significantly reduces solar heat gain through windows allowing a space to maintain its internal temperature and eliminating hot spots. Hot spots are temperature inconstancies between one part of a building and another and are relatively common. The energy savings also results in reduced HVAC equipment wear and maintenance.
• Fade Mitigation – By blocking damaging ultraviolet rays streaming through the home or office windows, architectural window film protects valuable furnishings such as carpets, furniture, and artwork from fade damage.
• Reduce Glare – Annoying glare can also be controlled through the use of window film. Window films are a popular choice in many homes and office buildings where certain areas of the space are prone to strong glare from the sun making it uncomfortable to work or relax.
• Updated Aesthetics – Buildings with dated looking windows can benefit from window film. The installation of film is an inexpensive and easy way to improve the overall aesthetics of a building or residence.
• Cost Effective Decorative Options – Decorative window films allow easy retrofit of existing glass with an array of patterns to compliment any décor. With decorative film the distinctive look of etched glass can be achieved at a fraction of the cost of actual etched glass. The designer films also allow private, interior glass spaces to be created while still welcoming in light.
• Upgraded Safety & Security – Safety and security window film products protect a building’s occupants from the hazards of flying glass by holding glass shards in place in the event of a window breaking, preventing serious injuries. They can also improve building safety by increasing the intrusion resistance of a glass door or window.

If you would like to read this article in its entirety, click HERE.

If you would like more information on architectural window film, click HERE. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation of your commercial facility, contact us by calling (913) 384-2665 for Overland Park, Kansas, (816) 353-2665 for Independence, Missouri, and (816) 560-2665 for Lee’s Summit, Missouri. We service Independence, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Overland Park, Kansas and the surrounding areas. We would be glad to explain the different types of window film and help you get exactly the right film to fit the needs of your space.

3 Ways Commercial Window Films Improve Facility Operations

• Reduces Energy Costs: When window film is installed, the stress on the HVAC system is greatly reduced. Film keeps the cool air inside during summer months and limits heat loss during the winter months. These benefits can ultimately result in lower utility bills for facility managers.
• Improves Safety Measures: Windows and doors are any building’s main point of entry, even for those who are uninvited. Safety window films can help reduce property loss and damage in the event of a burglary attempt by making it far more difficult for criminals to penetrate the building through glass doors and windows. Also, in the unlikely and unfortunate event of a natural disaster or extreme weather event, safety and security window film will help minimize damage to property and occupants.
• Increases Productivity for Occupants and Preserve Furnishings: Window film lets in natural daylight, but blocks 99% of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, and up to 82% of the sun’s heat. Sun beaming in through the windows can be harmful to the building’s occupants and damage the furnishings. Window film can solve these problems, making it easier for employees to get their jobs done comfortably while protecting their skin and the interior furnishings.

We hope that you found this information enlightening and useful. If you would like to see the source article at FacilitiesNet, click Here

If you are interested in learning more about commercial window film, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to arrange for a free, no obligation consultation and quote, please contact Midwest Tinting by calling (913) 384-2665 for Overland Park, Kansas, (816) 353-2665 for Independence, Missouri, and (816) 560-2665 for Lee’s Summit, Missouri or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, Independence and Lee’s Summit, Missouri and cover the surrounding area.

A recent article at Builder Online even noted that: “Energy Commission creates a “loading order” that ranks products on energy efficiency by cost effectiveness. Window film is near the top of those products, beating even blown in ceiling insulation.”

So, with that in mind, we wanted to provide you with a couple of facts about window film and how it can improve nearly any home or commercial space.

5 Reasons Window Film Provides a Cost-Effective Energy Savings

Cut Cooling Costs By Up To 50%
According to the EPA Energy Star Buildings Manual in the United States, approximately half of a home’s utility bills are wasted by loss of heat and heat gain through untreated windows. Window films can significantly improve energy efficiency. With a thin, virtually invisible addition to existing windows, window films can help you save up to 50% on cooling costs.

Reduce Hot Spots and Cut Irritating Glare
Open your blinds, shades, or draperies and let the sunlight in. In addition to blocking heat, window film reduces glare by up to 87%, making it easier for you to watch television or work on a computer in comfort. Because window films are made with ultra-clear, distortion-free materials, you won’t even know it’s there.

Lessen the Detrimental Effects of UV Exposure
Most fabrics, furnishings and artwork can fade simply by allowing daylight to pass through an untreated window. Most window films will block up to 99.9% of all UVA and UVB rays, helping to protect the occupants of the space while also preserving the color of furnishings, fabrics and carpets.

Corrects Temperature Imbalances Across a Space
Window films can help eliminate hot and cold spots within a space by using film that reduces heat gain coming through the glass in hot areas. This will create a more balanced temperature across the space and reduce the load on the air conditioning system.

Cost Effective Alternative to Window Replacement
While damaged or deteriorating windows simply have to be replaced, window film provides an affordable alternative to replacement when your goal is to improve energy efficiency on otherwise sound windows. In fact, the cost for quick, professional installation is about one-tenth the cost of replacement windows!

If you would like to learn more about how window films as a cost-effective energy saving technology for home or commercial spaces, call us at (913) 384-2665 for Overland Park, Kansas, (816) 353-2665 for Independence, Missouri, and (816) 560-2665 for Lee’s Summit, Missouri or fill out a form HERE. We would be happy to arrange a free, no obligation consultation and discuss how you can implement a window film solution in your home. We are locations in Overland Park, Kansas, Independence and Lee’s Summit, Missouri and service the entire surrounding area.

Adding one of these window films to your commercial facility will give you energy and cost savings that can have a real impact. Let’s talk specifically about how they work and what they can do for you.

How Solar Control Window Films Conserve Energy

You might be imagining that window films reduce heat simply by tinting the window a dark color and blocking light, but that’s not the only way a window film can work. Modern solar control window films actually decrease a building’s heat gain through various technologies embedded in the film that absorb or deflect solar radiation….and they can even do this without noticeably darkening the glass.

When solar radiation hits untreated windows, some is reflected off, but most penetrates through the window and enters the internal spaces. Window films act to reflect or absorb a significant portion of that radiation at the glass surface, keeping it out of your space and maintaining a more temperature-controlled interior. 

This results in a number of significant benefits:

• Better Energy Efficiency – Window tend to be a problem area when looking to save energy. A recent article in the MIT News by Mary Beth Gallagher stated, “In the quest to make buildings more energy efficient, windows present a particularly difficult problem. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat that either escapes or enters windows accounts for roughly 30 percent of the energy used to heat and cool buildings. Researchers are developing a variety of window technologies that could prevent this massive loss of energy.“ Solar control window films retrofitted to existing glass are one of these technologies that can help.
• Easy Upgrade to Existing Windows – If you’ve ever looked at having your windows replaced, you probably got a headache just looking at the cost estimates. In addition, this process can be very disruptive to an office or commercial space. Adding window film to existing windows can give the energy savings new windows without the cost and expense of having them replaced.
• Less Waste – If you replaced all those windows, not only would it be expensive, but you’d also be putting all that wood, metal, and glass into a landfill. A window film can add many years to the life of existing windows, reducing your cost and the total landfill impact of the waste replacement would produce.
• Potential Rebates and Tax Credits – Because many state governments recognize the benefits of window films, you may be eligible for a rebate or tax credit if you install a film on your facility. You’ll want to check the regulations at the state and local level to see if there are any rebates available. Also, we are not accountants, so please check with your tax professional about any potential benefits on that front.

Looking for a partner in energy and cost saving window films? Give us a call!

We hope that this article provided some useful information about how commercial solar control window films. If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a free, no obligation consultation at your commercial space, contact us by calling Overland Park, Kansas (913) 384-2665, Independence, Missouri (816) 353-2665, Lee’s Summit, Missouri (816) 560-2665 or fill out a form HERE. We would be glad to explain these innovative and functional window films available and help you get exactly the right film to fit your needs in the Overland Park area.

Some of the Benefits and Information About Home & Commercial Window Film

• More Energy Efficient Spaces – According to the EPA’s Assessment Of Energy Technologies and Research Opportunities, “Virtually the entire commercial cooling load comes from energy entering through the windows (i.e., solar heat gain). The bulk of residential cooling results from window heat gains although infiltration also has a significant role. Future cooling may be a larger share of total demand since U.S. regions with high population growth are largely in warmer climates.” The positive news is that a solar control film retrofitted to existing glass can significantly reduce the energy entering through the window.
• Improved Comfort by Reducing Heat and Glare – Open your blinds, shades, or draperies and let the sunlight in. In addition to blocking heat, architectural window film can reduce glare by up to 87%, making it easier for you to watch television or work on a computer. Because these innovative window films are made with ultra-clear, distortion-free materials, you won’t even know it’s there.
• Reduce Hot and Cold Spots Throughout the Space – Window films can help eliminate hot and cold spots within spaces. This is done by using film strategically to reduce heat gain coming through the glass in hot areas like the south and west exposures. By reducing the heat in these areas specifically, you can create a more balanced temperature across the space which can reduce the load on cooling system.
• Prevent Premature Fading of Furniture and Furnishings – Fading is caused by three primary factors; Visible light or glare, heat and UV rays. The great thing about architectural window films are that they attack all three of these areas. Window film will help reduce heat and glare as discussed above. In addition, most window films will block 99% of the sun’s UV rays from passing through. The combination of window film reducing heat, visible light and UV helps extend the life of furnishings by protecting them from sun fading.

If you think that 2022 is the year to resolve to have more energy efficient home and commercial spaces, you can contact us by calling (816) 353-2665 or fill out a form HERE. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, Independence & Lee’s Summit, Missouri and service the surrounding area.

Based on information from The Skin Cancer Foundation, with over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. That is why observing May as Skin Cancer Awareness Month is so important. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, the incidence of this disease reaching epidemic levels. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. By raising awareness of the dangers of unprotected exposure and encouraging sun-safe habits, we can change behaviors and save lives.

While fad diets and pop science tout “cancer preventing” super foods with difficult to pronounce names, protecting yourself from the most common type of cancer really comes down to blocking UV rays. Skin cancer affected more than 5.4 million people in the United States in a single year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all the other cancer types combined, and one in five Americans will develop it by the age of 70. Because this risk is so great, we wanted to offer some skin cancer prevention steps you can take to protect yourself while on the go, at home, and on the job.

You may wonder why we are sharing this information with you. What does window film have to do with skin cancer prevention? Actually, professionally installed window films are a given the Seal of Recommendation by The Skin Cancer Foundation as a safe and effective sun protection. They warn that ultraviolet radiation can travel through car and home windows, where it can contribute to the daily accumulation of sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer and photoaging. UV-blocking films can not only protect you against this exposure, but can offer other benefits as well. Harmful ultraviolet rays (UVR) are sneaky. Not only can they cause skin cancer and visible signs of aging, they’re also very good at finding you. They can bounce off water, off sand, and they can penetrate glass. Which means that even if you’re inside your car or house, if you’re sitting next to a window with sunlight streaming in, you’re at risk for UV damage. Window film is an increasingly effective solution, offering substantial indoor protection by blocking up to 99.9 percent of UVA radiation.

Vehicle UV Protection

Researcher Scott Fosko, MD in an American Academy of Dermatology news release said that over 50% of skin cancers manifest on the left side of the body. He continued by saying “Our initial findings confirm that there is a correlation between more time spent driving and a higher incidence of left-sided skin cancers, especially on sun-exposed areas in men,”

Researches attribute this split to our sun exposure while driving in the car. Given that AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that the average American spends 17,600 minutes driving each year, that’s a lot time for one half of your body to be receiving more UV radiation than the other.

To prevent skin cancer, always keep sunscreen in your car and apply before driving. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and reapplying every two hours. Sunscreen is critical, because at least 50% of UVA rays can pass through glass, and even though they aren’t as intense as UVB rays, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more common than UVB.

Another option is having a professionally installed window film installed. This is an even better way to filter the UV radiation that causes most types of skin cancer, because it filters all the time without the need for reapplying every two hours. In addition, many professionally installed window films are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. You can check out their article on using window film for sun protection by clicking HERE.

At-Home UV Protection

Speaking of windows, our homes are another place where we’re exposed to the sun’s rays. Untreated windows let in rays that wash out your furniture and damage your skin, so take precautions. Apply sunscreen if you’ll be sitting in a sunny area, and never bring a tanning bed or UV-based light into your home. If you have concerns about the UV impact in your house, you might even consider installing UV sensors

An easier solution is to have a window film installed to block out up to 99.9% of those damaging rays. Because films put a barrier between your home and the sun, they reflect heat from the exterior and trap it inside during the winter.

For more information on the benefits of window films for protecting your home, check out the Skin Cancer Foundation’s blog post on the topic.

UV Protection on the Job

While you’re on the job, you’re still being affected by damaging rays. If your business has a storefront, a window film will block those rays and protect your merchandise and furniture from becoming washed out, while also saving you energy costs.

If you’re lucky enough to sit by a window while you work, don’t forget to consider windows film or a broad-spectrum sunscreen reapplied regularly. If neither these options is feasible, try and situate your workspace where you won’t be sitting directly in the sun. If you work outside, sunscreen is especially important! The Skin Cancer Foundation found that 85% of melanomas and 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers come from exposure to UV radiation, so if you’re working full time outdoors, your risk will increase exponentially.

So, as we start in Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we hope you found this article informative and now understand how window films can play a part in your overall skin protection plan.

**Entering for a chance to win a free installation is easy. Just go to our Facebook page and like, share or comment on the Skin Cancer Awareness post that leads back to this article. Everyone that does this will be entered for a chance to win a free automotive window film installation. Winners will be chosen at the end of the month. Standard passenger vehicles only.**

Our company is proud to offer professionally installed window films to help protect your skin. We hope this article helped increase your skin cancer awareness. If you would like more information on the products or services we offer, call us at (816) 353-2665 for the Independence, Missouri Location, (913) 384-2665 for the Overland Park, Kansas Location, (816) 560-2665 for the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Location. You can also fill out the contact form HERE. We have been serving the greater Kansas City area since 1976 and would be happy to discuss your options and provide you with a free, no obligation assessment and quotation on your particular home.

Ways Window Films Modernize Commercial Buildings

 
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  • Aesthetics – Window film is a flexible, adaptable product that can be retrofitted to enhance the unique aesthetic appeal of any commercial building. While it doesn’t need to stand out, it can be used to enhance the style of a building exterior. There are also decorative glass films that add extra style to glass panels. You can achieve the look of etched glass or other custom glass options at a fraction of the cost of designer glass at a fraction of the cost.

   

  • Energy Savings – Per the International Window Film Association (IWFA), the return on investment is higher for commercial building owners when renovating with window film verses any other method. Up to 30% of any building’s cooling and heating load is lost through windows. Installing window film will reduce the stress on a facility’s HVAC system as it’s designed to keep heat out, even during the hottest of summer days.

   

  • UV Protection – Window film blocks up to 99 percent of UV rays, and reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s energy. Blocking UV rays helps reduce glare on computer screens, and protects and prolongs the life of furniture, carpets, artwork, draperies, and woodwork.

   

  • Security – Safety and security is an important benefit for commercial buildings. On the security side, professionally installed safety and security film can delay an intruder’s attempt to enter through the window. The film holds the glass together and prevents it from shattering, delaying the intruder’s entrance, and allowing local authorities to get to the scene in a timely manner.

   

  • Safety – On the safety front, in the event of a natural disaster, acts of terrorism or something similar, window film can manage how the glass panels break and limit the amount of dangerous flying glass shards.

If you would like to read the entire article, click HERE

If you would like to get more information on how commercial window films can modernize commercial buildings, click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free, no obligation assessment and quotation at your facility, contact us at any of our 3 locations in the Kansas City area by clicking HERE.

SEVEN BENEFITS OF COMMERCIAL DECORATIVE GLASS FILMS IN KANSAS CITY

• Nearly Unlimited Options – While custom glass panels can be expensive and have limitations, using stock and custom decorative films enable you to achieve a nearly unlimited number of options at a fraction of the price of custom glass.
• Add Privacy – Decorative glass films allow you to add privacy to any space with a window or glass partition.
• Improve The Appearance of Glass Panel – Decorative glass film can transform plain glass into a integrated design element in the space.
• Saves Money – Decorative glass film allows you to achieve the look that you want at a fraction of the cost of custom glass. It is also easily removable if you needs ever change, whereas custom glass would require the panel to be changed out again.
• Integrate Branding Element – Decorative glass films enable you to integrate company or product branding on windows or glass panels.
• Creates Visual Break in Space – Decorative glass film allows you to create a visual break on a piece of glass so that the eye registers a break in the line of sight.
• Ease of Maintenance – Often, the texture of custom glass makes it difficult to keep clean as oils and dirt become lodged in the textured surface. Decorative glass film can be wiped clean easily helping keep the design looking as great as it did the day it was installed.

 
If you would like more information on all of the terrific options available with these innovative decorative glass films, call one of our three Kansas City area locations listed below. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing a decorative glass film solution in your commercial space.

• Window Films Can Save Money on Energy Costs – The extra sun that Summer brings also often brings high utility bills because your air conditioning system is working overtime. Through the use of modern window films, you can dramatically reduce the amount of the suns visible light and solar heat entering your home or commercial space with the high performance materials and properties. Rejecting heat off the glass, rather that being absorbed, cuts the total solar heat accumulation in the room; saving your AC unit from working overtime to cool the space. Even if you have Low-E windows, window films can help dramatically improve the heat rejecting performance of these units. In addition, window films can be the perfect way to upgrade older windows if replacement is not an option that is being considered.If your AC system is working less, you are using less energy and your utility bills will reflect that savings. In addition, although not specifically a utility bill, your AC unit working less throughout the Summer can extend the service life of that unit and reduce maintenance costs. So, window film can actually save both on the energy cost of running the AC and the maintenance costs associated with the usage of your AC.
• Window Films Can Make Your Home or Commercial Space More Comfortable – The longer days of Summer can also bring about things that make homes and commercial spaces less comfortable. Specifically, many spaces deal with excessive glare and hot spots at this time of the year. Whether it is for watching TV, using a computer or just kicking back with your favorite book, glare can make a room an uncomfortable place to be. By using window films strategically, you can reduce the glare in rooms where that is an issue.Additionally, does your space suffer from hot and cold spots at this time of the year because one side is in sun most of the day while the other side is in the shade? You can use window film on the side with excessive sun to reduce the heat entering in that area and equalize temperature throughout the space.
• Window Films Can Preserve Furnishings and Health – The extra sun that Summer brings can also bring about fading issues with flooring and furniture. Most windows offer no protection from the UV rays pouring through that account for a full 40% of the factors that cause fading. With modern window films, even the lightest shades block 99+% of the UV rays from entering through the windows. By eliminating this major cause of fading, you have taken a major step to extend the life of your flooring and furnishings. Also, The Skin Cancer Foundation has warned that this UV entering windows can also be detrimental to your health. In an article, they state,”While it’s understood that taking sun safety precautions is important outside, few people realize they can sustain sun damage indoors, too. While both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from the sun can harm the skin and lead to skin cancers, UVB is effectively blocked by glass. However, at least 50 percent of UVA rays can pass through windows. Window film is an increasingly effective solution, offering substantial indoor protection by blocking up to 99.9 percent of UVA radiation.” The use of window film can help block these harmful UV rays and preserve your health in this area.You can read the entire article from The Skin Cancer Foundation by clicking HERE.

If you would like more information about these innovative window films and how they can be retrofitted onto your home’s existing windows to Beat the Heat, call one of our three Kansas City area locations listed below. We would be happy to provide a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing a window film solution in your home or commercial space.

• Energy Conservation: Up to 30% of any building’s cooling and heating load is through windows. Installing window film reduces the stress on a facility’s HVAC system. Many films block up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat, helping to cut cooling costs.
• Safety and Security: Windows and doors are the most vulnerable parts of any building. When professionally installed safety film is added, the glass doesn’t shatter, delaying the intruder’s entrance, and allowing local authorities to get to the scene in a timely matter. It also reduces the impact of a nearby blast or natural disaster, by holding the glass together and preventing dangerous shards of glass from flying about.
• Health and Comfort: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends solar control window film to protect healthy skin and prevent premature aging.
• Green Benefits: Nearly 75% of windows are not energy efficient, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Window film installation costs a fraction of new window replacement, and accomplishes many of the same goals, as well as going a long way in reducing a building’s carbon footprint.

Read the full article in Facility Executive.
If you would like to get more information about using window films to improve your facility, please contact Midwest Tinting today by calling (913)-384-2665 for a free, no obligation consultation and estimate of implementing window film solution in your facility.