House in Larkspur, CO

Bryan's Larkspur, CO home is a visual, and livable masterpiece, everything is custom and well intentioned. After noticing some UV damage and fading to his floors and furniture, the home owner Bryan decided it was time to look at having film installed to his home to protect it from any further damage.

Bryan contacted Solar Vision Inc. on a Monday to inquire about pricing and installation. Time was of the essence because he and his wife would be heading out of town soon, and didn’t want their home to incur any further damage. By Monday afternoon Solar Vision Inc. had completed the estimate which was for 396 French Panes of glass along with some other very technical and complicated film applications. The job had to be completed by Thursday, and with two installers working on an out of town project, it was important that Solar Vision Inc. come together as a team to get the project completed the right way, and on time.

This meant our Owner Heath Meador would be rolling up his sleeves and getting back to doing what got him into this industry to begin with, which is installing film. Heath Meador is the Authority on film installation! Bryan could rest assured that he’d be receiving top notch service. But that didn’t mean Heath would not need help. Solar Vision Inc. Installer Tony Daigle assisted on this project, and even our Sales Manager David Draughon got in on the action by prepping windows, and assisting both installers with the application.

After three long days, the job was finished, and looked amazing. Now Bryan and his wife can be comfortable knowing there home is protected from fading and damage caused by the sun, and since they went with Prestige 70 the home and it’s windows will keep their aesthetic quality, and the view from these panes of glass will remain beautiful! 

3M Impact Protection Systems

By Anita Meador

3M Impact Protection Systems offer the highest level of protection.  This window system pairs 3M Ultra and Security Films with an adhesive or profile attachment system.  For added fragment retention, attachment systems are used with safety film installations. The system anchors the glazing system to the window frame. Safety film is installed on the interior surface of glass and then secured to the window frame by either the adhesive or profile attachment system.  

The adhesive system uses a silicone adhesive (similar to caulking). The safety film is first installed to the glass as a daylight installation and secured to the frame with a structural sealant the sealant is applied around all four edges of the film, overlapping the film and touching the frame to create a bond between the film and frame.

The profile attachment system also called a mechanical system anchors 8 Mil or thicker safety film to the window frame with a metal batten system. The safety film is installed to the glass, overlapping the window frame by approximately 1 inch. A metal batten system is placed over the overlapped film and screwed into the existing window frame, securely attaching the window film to the frame. The profile attachment system can be attached as a one-sided (top), two-sided or four-sided installation.

The level of protection desired determines whether or not an attachment system is required, as well as the type of method used. The type of frame and the aesthetic needs of the window are also considered.

The benefits are:

1.    The filmed window is bonded to the frame with either the adhesive or profile option.

2.    The attachment system offers the highest level of protection.

3.    It is strong enough to protect occupants against bomb blasts

4.    A tough window protection system is created that significantly works better than window film-only installations.

5.    A window still maintains a clear view.

A representative of Solar Vision, Inc, works with the client to best meet the needs of the client to help them meet their security goals at the most cost effective level.

This week on “Good Morning America”, there was a feature story about things people can do to prepare their homes prior to a big weather event.  Since this is the season for storms, a couple of things people could do to their homes are obtaining something like a big netted tarp to anchor over the house and attach to anchors in the ground saving the roofing and siding.  Another was to have windows that will not break.  They showed a man taking a bat to a window and the window cracked but did not break. 

I’m sure windows can be bought that won’t break.  Replacing windows with unbreakable windows would be very expensive.  A less expensive way to have windows that will not break would be to put security window film on the glass.  This can be done at a cost of approximately $8-$13 a square foot depending on the type of film and what other features are desired such as clarity and preservation of view.

Some people choose to use safety and security film in their homes for extra security and peace of mind.  If a person has an area that is especially vulnerable such as a window by a door where in the event the window was broken, an intruder could reach in and unlock the door.  Security film on that window would prevent the intruder from breaking through the glass.

A person might also opt for safety and security film if they are in a remote area or in a place where there are frequent break-ins.  Security film with attachments could be used in place of metal screening or gating of windows.  If a person is known or suspected to have valuables in the home, such as a gun collection, that home may be targeted and extra security may deter a robbery.  An elderly person living alone may also be seen as more vulnerable.  The added security of safety and security window film may help to keep that person safe and at the very least will give them added peace of mind.

Nothing can stop a determined intruder, but making the task more difficult will most likely make the person move to another location because the more time he spends the more likely he is to be apprehended.

Designers and Architects Use Window Film

To Achieve Desired Effects

Interior designers and architects use window film to create unique and serviceable effects in work and living environments.  Window film can make rooms and structures more visually appealing and more environmentally comfortable.  Solar Vision, Inc works closely with the 3M Company to make their newest innovations available to our clients.  Darker or brighter colors for fabric can be used for upholstery, carpet or wall coverings because of the protection the window film provide blocking the fading effects of the ultraviolet rays of the sun.  Amazing views may be available in your building but the windows had to be covered because of the heat or glare problems.  This is no longer a problem with window film.  Installing film on windows receiving direct sunlight gives the designer freedom to use any kind of fabric he or she chooses and they can optimize the natural beauty of the outdoor environment.

Glass or mirrored walled commercial buildings have had problems with temperature fluctuations because of solar gain, high air conditioning costs, and glare problems.  A glass wall building is beautiful and has a clean uniform look, but inside offices there are often problems with glare and heat depending on where the office is located in the building.  It is difficult for building engineers to maintain a temperature that is comfortable for all residents.  One office may be too hot while another is chilly because the air conditioning has been turned up.  Various window treatments are used in the offices which take away from the clean uniform look of the building.  Window film solves these problems and helps to maintain the beauty of the building.  Window film also gives the building a new updated look.

Research shows that the solar gain can be reduced by as much as 80% and the UV can be reduced by over 99%.  Solar Vision, Inc can do a study of this by comparing rooms with and without the window film.

Interior designers and architects can also use a wide-range of frost films to achieve an updated look in the building.  Natural light can be used within the building reducing the need for increased use of artificial light.  Almost any look that can be imagined can be achieved through the use of window film.

Solar Vision, Inc also installs 3M Di-Noc which takes the place of natural materials.  (See our article on 3M Di-Noc for further information or give us a call.

www.coloradosolarvision.com