THE BENEFITS OF SECURITY WINDOW FILM

Personal Safety

When float glass is broken (normal window glass), it breaks into sharp shards that are dangerous to anyone in the vicinity. This is particularly hazardous if the window is broken by human impact. Toughened (tempered) glass can produce showers of small glass pellets that can cause serious injury; especially in the event of a car crash (because most automotive side glass is tempered). The building codes of some countries specify requirements for personal safety in architectural glass and glazing. Certain films with correct certification can be used to upgrade existing glass and glazing to meet the safety standards specified in the building codes.

Protection of glazing during earthquakes

In many parts of the world, earthquake activity is an ever-present fact of life. Ground motion during seismic activity causes building movement, which in turn causes glass breakage and glass fall-out, endangering people below, and again exposing a building’s contents to weather damage and theft during looting sprees. Safety and security films have proven their worth in protecting people and property during seismic activity, by helping retain window glass in its frame, thus prevent injury by falling glass.

Increased protection from bomb and blast hazards

Explosions cause widespread damage, and in an urban environment (often containing lots of glass), the risk of injury is increased. In the event of an explosion in an urban area, flying glass is often the biggest cause of injury/trauma. However, certain specially designed films, when applied correctly, can contain these shards of glass, protecting the internal environment, and in some cases, retaining the pane of glass in the window frame. People sourcing films for this purpose should choose a product from a manufacturer that can produce results for General Services Administration (GSA) blast ratings, and check with the manufacturer that the installer has sufficient experience and knowledge to offer such products.

Protection from hurricanes and windborne debris

Safety films can be used as an additional protection against flying glass when glazing is broken by windborne debris. By helping to prevent windows from shattering, or retaining shattered glazing in its frame, these films help maintain the “weather seal” of a building. This helps reduce damage from water and high winds. If the seal can be maintained, roofs are less likely to be blown off, and it is more likely that a building can be saved.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR STATE’S VEHICLE WINDOW TINT LAWS

State by State Car Tint Regulations

Everyone knows the benefits of getting the windows on their vehicles tinted; increased privacy, reducing the heat inside the vehicle to prolong the life of leather interior, blocking out harmful UV rays that have been shown to cause skin cancer, or your motivation may be purely aesthetic perhaps because you feel it improves the appearance of the car.However some car owners fail to consider the tint laws of the resident state that may restrict the types of window tint, or the regulations on how dark the front, back, and side windows can respectively be.

Each window may have a different VLT law (Visible Light Transmittance) & reflectivity law. For instance, some states have had laws on the books regarding window tint for vehicles since as early as 1983 (Iowa), while others were late adopters and have passed window tint legislation as recently as 2007 (Maine). Most tint shops will know their local tint laws. Always double check your state tint law before choosing which film is right for you.

Thankfully, the wonderful team researchers over at the International Window Film Association (IWFA) have put together a rather comprehensive chart of the laws and regulations regarding automotive window tint state by state. The charts for both United States and Canada window tint laws is the result of independent research, using several sources of public state documents. Now please bear in mind that this chart is in NO WAY a legal document, nor is it the be all end all compilation of definitive window tint laws. Again, you should ALWAYS check the laws in your state from a reliable source like a government organization before proceeding with having your vehicle tinted. Ignorance of the law has never been a viable defense for not following it. Almost all states publish their laws online.

So make sure you are well informed by viewing the United States chart here and the chart for Canada here.
 


Solar Control Films, Inc. Resources

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    NATIONAL HOME EYE SAFETY MONTH

    NATIONAL HOME EYE SAFETY MONTH: PROTECT YOUR FAMILY’S EYES!

    As part of National Home Eye Safety Month, the International Window Film Association (IWFA) suggests consumers have professionally installed window film applied to all of the windows in their homes to protect their family’s eyes from the damage caused by UV rays.

    According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), nearly half of all eye injuries occur at home. While many of these injuries occur when an ambitious homeowner takes on home improvement projects without donning protective eyewear, there’s a less obvious, but no less dangerous, threat to eye safety in the home: the cumulative effects of the sun’s UV rays that enter through windows.

    Untreated windows protect the eyes from only about 25 percent of damaging UV rays. As the AAO states, continued exposure to UV light raises the risks of many issues for the eyes, from cataracts to cancer. And since the damage is more cumulative than a homeowner hurting his/her eye with flying debris or dust, most people do not take precautions against UV damage. Consumers and their family members rarely wear sunglasses inside, even when the sun is at its most glaring.

    Having window film professionally installed on a home’s windows can block up to 99 percent of UV rays from entering the home, protecting eyes from damage over time, while at the same time reducing glare and eliminating the need to squint when enjoying the view outside.

    It is paramount that homeowners take precautions to protect the eyes against UV rays in the home, says optometrist Dr. Charles Gold, of Broadway Vision Center at 170th of New York, New York. “Contrary to what many people think, glass itself does not provide ample protection from damaging UV rays.” Dr. Gold continued, “Bringing professionals in to install the right window film for your home is a proven way to reduce glare and the impact of UV rays on the eyes.”

    While extremely thin and virtually invisible to the eye, window film provides powerful protection without altering the look of a home.  Though it can be tinted in several shades, homeowners can also opt for clear film, which does not alter the view in any way.

    EXTREME WINTER WEATHER AND WINDOW FILM

    EXTREME WINTER WEATHER AND WINDOW FILM

    What can you do to make your home a safer haven against the buffeting winds and hurtling projectiles that can come with extreme weather? One proactive step is installing window film on all of your home’s windows. Professionally installed window film offers a host of safety benefits for your family members, (pets too), and can help protect them and the contents of your home when the weather goes bad.

    Window film is a thin sheet of window coating, professionally and permanently installed, that delivers a range of high value benefits, including protection from shattered glass fragments caused by flying debris. Window film provides a thin strengthening layer that holds many shards of shattered glass together, providing another layer of protection for your family.

    Homeowners need to be aware of the risks posed by extreme weather. Professionally installed window film provides a shatterproof barrier of protection that can help reduce the family’s injuries in the event of broken windows.

    The efficacy is proven, and the industry has submitted itself to rigorous third party testing to certify its products.  Window films adhere to many safety standards, including human impact, glass fragment protection, burglary intrusion, bomb blast and fire safety.

    Moreover, it can provide this protection without changing the view to the outside.  When clear window film is installed, there is also no visible aesthetic change to the window, although window film is available in many shades, from virtually clear to medium or dark.

    Perhaps you have already begun your fall preparations – taking in deck furniture, cleaning the gutters, and checking that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operable. Now’s the time to add that protective layer to your windows so you can be sure that when the storms come, your house has an extra layer of protection, no matter what the weather throws at it.

    HOW WINDOW FILM CAN LESSEN THE STRAIN ON AC SYSTEMS

    HOW WINDOW FILM CAN LESSEN THE STRAIN ON AC SYSTEMS

    Because the price of everything seems to rise on an almost daily basis, more and more people are looking for practical ways to make everything last as long as possible. This is especially true when it comes to the more expensive home and office appliances such as air-conditioning units. While many people seem to sit back and expect to replace their air-conditioning units every few years, others look for ways in which they can reduce as much strain as possible on them.

    Install Window Tinting in Your Home or Office

    This is probably one of the fastest and simplest methods of reducing unnecessary strain on your air-conditioning units. Because it is possible to install both residential window tinting as well as commercial window tinting almost anywhere, this is usually one of the first steps people take in order to make their air-conditioning unit last as long as possible. Window tinting is able to block a lot of sun from getting into buildings, so by installing commercial window tinting or residential window tinting, you will be able to increase the lifespan of your air-conditioning unit substantially because it will now not have to work as hard at keeping your home or office cool.

    Plant Shade-Providing Trees near Windows Which Receive Direct Sunlight

    Another option for reducing strain on air-conditioning units is to plant trees close to sunward-facing windows. While they should not be planted too close to building in case their roots damage the foundations, they should be planted in such a way that when they grow bigger, they provide shade for the building by preventing the direct sunlight from entering the building. The ideal types of trees to plant are those which do not shed their leaves, because of the fact that they can clog up the outside air-conditioning unit filters and also cause gutters to get blocked.

    Ensure That Air-Conditioning Units are Serviced and Maintained Regularly

    One of the main causes of additional strain being placed on air-conditioning units is a lack of regular maintenance and upkeep. That’s why it is so important to clean or replace the filters in air-conditioning units approximately once a month. This will help ensure that the unit isn’t working harder than necessary to keep your buildings cool inside. These filters can usually be cleaned by either vacuuming them or brushing them gently after carefully removing them from the air-conditioning unit.

    Always Follow Manufacturers Instructions Regarding Use and Maintenance

    When it comes to reducing strain on air-conditioning units, another easy way to get as much use as possible out of your air-conditioning unit is to ensure that manufacturer’s instructions with regards to use and maintenance are adhered to. Failure to do this can result in the warranty of the unit becoming invalid and it will also reduce the lifespan of your air-conditioning unit substantially.

    ONE WAY FILM, MULTIPLE ADVANTAGES

    One way glass film has a lot of advantages, from helping protect your home or business from burglary or theft to reducing glare to increasing privacy. Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons consumers are turning to this option more and more often.

    Keep your home safe with one way glass film

    There are many things you can do to keep your home safer from burglary, including preventing outside eyes from seeing inside. When used on exterior windows, one way glass film allows you to see outside clearly but prevents others from seeing inside. Would-be thieves will have no idea when you’re home – or when your office is occupied – which makes them much less likely to attempt a break in.

    Ensure your privacy is maximized

    What do you do when you have a beautiful view out your bedroom or office window? Many people believe they have only two options: cover up the window – and the view – with heavy draperies to keep prying eyes out or keep the window in but give up privacy. One way glass film gives you a third option. You can see out crystal clear yet others can’t see in. Let the light shine in and brighten up your home, keep your view, and enjoy the location of your home or office – without feeling like you’re on display.

    See a significant savings on your utility bills

    It’s common for homeowners and business owners to not realize how much harder their air conditioners have to work to cool a space when the sun is streaming in the window. Using window films can significantly reduce your utility bills during the warmer days of the year. This simple product can save some people up to 50% off their cooling costs, depending on the size and type of windows in their home or office.

    Reduce glare on computer screens or televisions

    Anyone who’s worked in an office without films, or tried to watch TV in the middle of the afternoon in a sunny room, knows who aggravating glare can be. It can cause headaches, make it virtually impossible to see what’s on the screen or TV, and be a huge distraction. The good news is that two way films can significantly reduce or even eliminate this glare.

    Get rid of hot spots once and for all

    Most homes, whether new or old, have hot spots. This refers to areas of the home that are significantly warmer than other areas. For some, it may literally be a spot – one small section of the home – while for others it may be an entire room. Often these hot spots are caused by the patterns of sunshine into a home. Window films can help prevent it.

    Make your windows closer to shatterproof

    Finally, consider that when you add films to your windows, it increases their strength. While it won’t necessarily make them completely shatterproof, it will significantly increase their ability to withstand being cracked or broken.

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    LIGHTEN UP! WITH TRANSPARENT CAR TINT

    Solar Control Films Inc is launching a new series of very light window films that are virtually transparent yet still stop radiant heat (IR heat) and stop 99% of the harmful UV rays. You won’t know these films are even on your windows. Around the Globe, these films are put on the windshields to stop the heat & UV (where it’s legal). The Air Ceramic Crystal films come in visible light transmittance of 70, 80 and 86 which are the lightest shades in the car tint industry. The new film series include:

    Kool Ice 80%
    IR Cool Grey 86%
    IR Cool Grey 80%
    Ceramic Xtreme 70%
    Ceramic Xtreme 50%

    Lux 70%
    Classic 70%
    Crystal Clear 75%
    Museum 70%

    The Ceramic Xtreme 70 car tint will block over 49% of the total heat (TSER) and 88% of infrared heat. The IR Cool Grey 86 is the lightest film that Solar Control Films offers. These films have a pressure sensitive adhesive for the installation on the cars. We use a strong adhesive that will last. These films never fade purple and will enhance to the look of your windows and reduce part of the glare.

    By blocking 99% of the ultraviolet rays, the skin of your family will be protected. It’s like adding sunscreen to your glass. Less fading will occur to the interior of your car. With extra UV inhibitors, the premium films over a life time warranty.

    Contact your solar control specialist to find out more information on the right film for you.

    Other films in the market that offer light films are the Crystalline Series of films and the Air 80 and Air 70. 3M Gold cards and 3M Blue Squeegee cards are popular tools used to install all the window films. Always check your windshield tint laws in the country and state that you live.

    how to care for your windows after film installation

    How To Care For Your Windows After Film Installation

    With proper maintenance, your new solar-blocking window film will look great for years to come. In the last decade, manufacturers have developed improved window tinting products that are more durable and are easier to maintain. Now, there’s no need to worry about the material fading, peeling or scuffing with normal use. By following a few simple guidelines, you can preserve the product’s original quality and energy-saving benefits.

    Why Cleaning Practices are Important

    In addition to protecting your tinted windows from damage, proper cleaning techniques will ensure that you aren’t voiding your factory warrantee. Most professionally installed products include at minimum a five-year warranty. Some brands offer a lifetime warranty against fading, peeling and bubbling. Today’s window films are attractive, effective, scratch-resistant and easy to maintain.

    Do’s and Don’ts

    Although films are more durable than they used to be, it’s important to avoid certain products that could gouge the material or fade the engineered tint. Never use ammonia on tinted windows unless the manufacturer recommends it. Over time, ammonia will produce significant fading that will decrease the sun-blocking performance of the film. Most commercial cleaning products designed for windows contain a high percentage of ammonia. Look for specially marked ammonia-free cleaning solutions that are advertised as safe for tinted windows. Some manufacturers suggest equal parts of isopropyl rubbing alcohol and distilled water.

    Never use squeegees, razor blades, metal items or abrasive scouring pads as they can scratch the film. Soft cotton diaper cloths and clean microfiber rags are preferred for all tinted surfaces. Make sure that the fabric is clean, especially if you’re using microfiber. Trapped particles can damage the film while you wipe away the dust and dirt.

    Other Tips

    Always follow cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. For example, EnerLogic recommends waiting two weeks after installation before cleaning its residential and commercial window film for the first time. In some cases, ammonia-based cleansers are safe to use, but you want to be sure before you apply them and risk damaging the newly installed product.

    How Automotive Tint can keep you safe

    How Automotive Tint Can Keep You Safe

    In a recent statistical study by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, sanctioned by the National Highway Safety Commission, motor vehicle accidents caused by glare accounted for over a 1/3 of the motor vehicle accidents reported nationwide. In some cases, those accidents resulted in death or permanent maiming of drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Consider the following:

      “I remember driving to drop my son off at day care. “says 35 year old Monica Ruiz of Dallas, (name changed to protect privacy), “After I dropped him off, I circled around the drive and turned right. The sun was so bright, even with my dark sunglasses on; it blinded me for about 7 seconds.” That’s all it took for  Ruiz to hit a 67 year old woman who had started to cross the street. It didn’t kill the woman, but caused broken bones and an extensive recovery time.

    Leroy Carter, a bright, up-and-coming law student, wasn’t so lucky. Carter, age 23, drove a delivery truck for a local contractor. One hot, bright Friday evening in 2011, he had a final delivery to make. Going westbound on  I35 W, according to onlookers, he signaled to change lanes, heading for an off ramp. As he drove around a bend, the sun  glared directly onto his windshield. It apparently blinded him to having a clear view to make a lane change. He hit two other vehicles and crashed into a construction barrier. He did not survive. Police reported the main contributing cause of the accident was sun glare.

    Don’t even think twice about not having automotive window tint installed. Whether you choose to do it yourself or, preferably, have a licensed tinting professional install an appropriate automotive tint, just make the choice to shade your windows. You don’t want to become another statistic. Automotive tinting saves lives. One day, it just might be yours.

    TINT & TAX DAY

    Tint & Tax Day

    Today is the final day to submit your taxes to Uncle Sam.

    Tint Shops, make sure you have the right products to fit your customer’s needs when they are looking to get their car tinted. Ceramic car tint blocks the heat & looks great. It matches up to factory glass very well.