Blog | Page 7 of 15 | Window Film Depot

CoolVu: The Solar Window Film That Tints When You Need It

In the world of window film and tinting solutions, the concept of solar window film carries many different meanings depending on its context. From blocking the sun’s heat and UV rays to reducing glare and energy costs, solar window film delivers value in a number of ways.

However, one emerging solution that represents the next generation of solar window film technology is CoolVu Transitional Film. As the name implies, CoolVu transitions from a clear to a darker tinted state when exposed to the sun’s UV radiation. By effectively adapting to the amount of sunlight coming through glass windows and doors, CoolVu window film provides concentrated levels of sun control, only when you need it.

How Does CoolVu Solar Window Film Work?

CoolVu solar window film uses a proprietary method to create a stable photochromic reaction that provides for clear glass when needed and tinted glass when wanted. In essence, photochromic transitions are chemical reactions that are triggered by exposure to the sun’s UV rays. So while CoolVu remains unphased by interior lighting, it can only be triggered when exposed to natural sunlight.

Moreover, CoolVu stays clear on cloudy or rainy days, allowing for maximum natural light under overcast weather conditions. At nighttime, CoolVu is nearly invisible, maintaining the natural appearance of your glass windows and doors while permitting unobstructed views to the outside world.

Quickly becoming one of the most popular solar window tint solutions on the market, CoolVu delivers a host of benefits.

Sunscreen for Your Windows

CoolVu window film selectively filters solar energy, blocking out 99% of the sun’s UV radiation. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, even through standard glass windows and doors, has been shown to lead to skin cancer and vision problems over time. Solar window tint films like CoolVu are considered by both the American Skin Cancer Association and dermatologists as sufficient protection from UV exposure.

In addition to creating a safer, more enjoyable environment for building occupants, the UV protection of CoolVu window film helps extend the life of your furnishings, wall coverings, curtains, paintings, and hardwoods. Compared to conventional window tints, CoolVu solar window film prolongs the lifespan of your furnishings while keeping their colors vibrant.

Heat Reduction That Delivers Lasting Energy Savings

CoolVu films are engineered using advanced ceramic coatings that serve as compelling heat blockers against the sun. These coatings are spectrally-selective to block over 80% of the infrared heat gain through glass, effectively minimizing hot spots and AC overuse.

With CoolVu solar window film installed, homeowners and businesses no longer have to worry about dramatic temperature imbalances that put undue stress on AC systems and occupants alike. With the energy savings of CoolVu films, most installations pay for themselves within 3-5 years. Learn more about the energy saving benefits of window film by checking out our case studies page.

Solar Window Film with Glare Control

Commonly referred to in the industry as “photochromic window film” for its patented molecular structure, CoolVu seamlessly transitions from a lighter state to a darker state in less than 5 minutes. In addition to its UV protection and heat reducing benefits, CoolVu solar window film also provides anti-glare properties during intense morning and evening sun, or when exposed to the low lying nature of the sun during winter months.

How Much Does CoolVu Solar Window Film Cost?

Unlike sun blocking window film from 3M, CoolVu solar film is a premium product that can only be installed by certified professionals. CoolVu film can cost between $12-18 per square foot and includes either basic or extended warranties depending on the installation type.

CoolVu solar window film can also be used for a number of different applications, ranging from commercial building exteriors, retail storefronts, restaurants, homes, and even automobiles. As such, the cost of CoolVu Transitional Window Film varies depending on the project.

Want to Learn More About CoolVu?

Interested in learning more about CoolVu Transitional Window Film products and installation services? You can learn more about CoolVu by visiting the official website, or to get a quote for CoolVu from Window Film Depot, you can get started by contacting us online or by calling 1-866-933-3456.

Heat Reducing Window Film: Reduce Heat Gain, Glare, Hot Spots & AC Costs

Heat reducing window film, also known as “heat control” window film, has become one of the most financially sound investments for almost any application, and for a number of reasons. Not only does heat reducing window film help to minimize a building’s energy consumption due to sun-induced heat gain, but heat control film also helps dramatically improve occupant comfort while enhancing an interior’s ambiance.

Heat reducing film is engineered with treated micro-thin layers of film that are designed to block the sun’s ultraviolet and infrared rays. So while these sun control films effectively reduce heat gain, they also deflect UV rays that can discolor and fade interior furnishing and upholstery over time. Solar films can also exhibit daylight redirecting capabilities and can naturally luminate a room’s interior environment. For commercial office buildings, retailers and shopping centers, hospitals and healthcare centers, and everything in between, heat reducing window film can provide long-term ROI in more ways than one.

Proven ROI of Window Film to Reduce Heat and Glare

At Window Film Depot, we have helped a number of customers realize the ROI of window film to reduce heat gain and glare. Based on payback studies with sun control products from 3M, most customers can see a potential payback in less than three years. Below are several examples of the energy savings and ROI we’ve helped certain customers realize.

FDA Building based in Irvine, CA – Over 40% reduction in heat coming through windows, thereby reducing interior temperature by an average of 7 degrees (ROI: < 60 months)
Premier Business Centers in Newport Beach, CA – After installing an exterior weatherable, high density silver window film, estimated savings for building owners exceeds $19K per year in AC related cooling costs and interior comfort levels have improved employee morale
Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA – Solved the sun glare problem with a solar reduction of over 40% and kept management from having to install costly motorized sun shades (ROI: < 48 months)
BG Place Tower in Houston, TX – Reduced heat gain by 40% coming through windows, balancing temperatures reducing annoying “hot and cold” spots throughout the building (ROI: < 24 months)
Downtown Hilton in Atlanta, GA – Hilton engineers report that 3M window film effectively reduced heat gain through windows while improving guest comfort and allowing for window blinds to be removed in lower open areas (ROI: < 36 months)

While heat reducing window film offers proven ROI for energy savings, such installations also have clear benefits in improving occupant comfort. For commercial applications, this can have a considerable impact on the morale and productivity of employees.

Additional Benefits of Heat Reducing Window Film

While high heat rejection and summer energy savings is one of the most highly sought benefits of heat reducing film, customers can combine other features when investing in such window treatments. From the low-lying nature of the winter sun to the long sunny days of summer, the intense brightness and UV rays from the sun can pose a problem year round. Compared to traditional solutions like blinds and screens, heat control window film with glare-reduction properties can offer a more cost-effective and easy-to-maintain solution that doesn’t obstruct the view to the outdoors.

Low-E film, or insulation window film, is anothr unique treatment that’s ideally suited for moderating temperature in regions with seasonality. Considered both a window insulation film and heat block window film, Low-E films are designed to reduce solar heat gain in the summer and keep heat in during the winter so you can save on energy costs all year round. In turn, customers can take advantage of advanced window insulation performance, similar to upgrading to a double-pane or triple-pane window to help improve window and door glass efficiency.

Interested in learning more about heat reducing window film and installation? Contact us at Window Film Depot for more information or to request a quote for your project.

Energy efficient solution-Boston style!

Boston view through recent Window Film Depot installation. Window film effectively rejects the heat in these hot summer months and retain heat during winter down the road!

Frosted Window Film Solutions

Frosted and decorative window films are a cost effective way to create privacy, branding and ambiance without breaking the budget. These films are an economical privacy solution to your office glass partitions, walls and doors.

A 3M Milano custom pattern was installed on this conference room, keeping a clean, fresh look to this office while enhancing the desired privacy.

Window Film Depot offers over 60 designs from 3M Fasara Glass Finishes. These finishes create surfaces with the look of etched, treated or textured glass, without the inflated cost.

Reports from JLL and other agencies have shown that office retail space may continue to rise until 2018: Average Office Rents Might Keep Rising Until 2018

With this information, utilizing the space you are either renting, or own makes a lot of sense. The client here chose to install White Matte, creating desired privacy for the individual corners and spaces, at a fraction of the cost of permanent frosted glass.

Showcase your corporate identity or logo by incorporating it into your frost or decorative film. This company uses both a color and a frosted logo identifying their name on several doorways for their office. While actual glass etching is more permanent, window film allows for a change or update to your logo with relative ease by replacing the film.

Another way to decorate your office without breaking the bank is with decorative patterns as illustrated with this Window Film Depot install.

Let us assist you in finding your frosted, decorative film solutions today. Call Window Film Depot at 866-933-3456.

Graffiti Shield: Affordable protection against vandalism

Window Film Depot is pleased to introduce our new product line of anti- graffiti films, Graffiti Shield. Any surface that can be scratched or etched would benefit with these films including glass, metal surfaces, mirrors, and buildings.

Graffiti Shield is beneficial for:

- Educational Facilities
- Retail Stores
- Restaurants
- Airports
- Mass Transit Systems (trains, buses, etc.)
- High Rise Commercial
- Residential Buildings
- Hospitals
- Government Facilities
- Arenas
- Malls, and much more

Surface protection with Graffiti Shield to protect against graffiti tagging and damage, aging and corrosion, normal wear and tear, discoloration or to update the aesthetic appearance without breaking the bank. Glass Shield, Metal Shield, Mirror Shield and Custom Shield are engineered to protect these prospective surfaces effectively and economically.

Glass Shield takes the standard anti-graffiti window film a step further. In addition to protecting the glass from scratches, etching, spray paint, this film protects from acid etching, which is even more damaging to glass surfaces. The exterior coating of the film is specially coated to be acid resistant, allowing the acid to bead up to wiped off easily, without damage to the glass.

We’ve all seen graffiti etching on elevators or bathroom stalls and how it can make the office building or establishment appear run down and un-kept. At a fraction of the cost to replace an elevator or any metal surface, Metal Shield can be applied quickly and easily protecting the surface beneath it from further damage. The film layer gives the surface a new, clean appearance covering any existing damage. The film replicates the appearance of the original surface and with the proprietary adhesive, the film is not easily removed or detected by the general public.

What about the bathroom mirrors that have been vandalized, leaving the bathroom appearing unsavory? Mirror Shield is a thick opaque mirror film that virtually disappears on the existing mirror, covering vandalism and corrosion. This anti-graffiti film is also acid resistant, durable, long lasting and cost effective in comparison to replacing the mirror.

Graffiti Shield also offers Custom Shield which is designed specific to your needs including metal clad buildings, powder coated surfaces, window frames, train and bus interiors and the list goes on. Additionally, custom printing can be added to any of the Graffiti Shield films to display a message, logo or theme.

To learn more contact Window Film Depot at 866-933-3456 to speak with one of our sales professionals. -email: jeff@windowfilmdepot.com

Energy Savings with Sun Control Window Film

Are you looking to save money on your energy bills and enhance comfort in your retail store while maintaining the exterior integrity of your store front? Window films can offer you an affordable solution.

The 3M Sun Control Window Film Prestige Series is designed to accomplish all of this and more.

Floyd's Barbershop — Prestige 70 installed on this retail storefront, allowing visibility in, UV rays out.

How Does it Work?

3M Prestige allows for the natural light to come in and offer high visible light transmission while the infrared rejection (up to 97%) provides significant savings and enhanced comfort. Up to 60% of the heat is rejected adding up to lower utility bills and higher energy savings. This also creates a more comfortable environment in temperature and significantly reduces glare on your computer screen. Additionally, UV reduction assists in the protection of your merchandise and furnishings from fading.

Which Film is Right for My Business?

When comparing similar shades of film, you want to look at the number you see associated with the name, such as the 3M Prestige series which is available in 20, 40, 50, 60 or 70. The smaller the number, the darker the film will be. Therefore, the PR70 is the clearest in the Prestige series and will allow up to 69% of visible light to be transmitted while rejecting the UV rays.

PR50 on Chipotle Doors — PR50 installed to allow the light in but the heat out!

The Prestige Series window films do not contain metal, meaning the film will not corrode over time. Additionally, this will help prevent interference with wireless and cellular signals that we all use on a daily basis.

Window film is not a one-size fits all and our knowledgeable sales professionals are ready to assist you in making the right choice for you.

*****Booking appointments now for summer 2017 installations!*****
Contact Window Film Depot today at 866-933-3456 to schedule an appointment.

-email: jeff@windowfilmdepot.com

Security at Your School with DefenseLite

DefenseLite offers window protection and security for your schools, for your children. DefenseLite provides premium glass protection with advance polycarbonate mounted systems for optimal “clear” forced entry protection. The polycarbonate panels are custom fit and bonded to existing glazing systems to prevent entry into space.

Why choose DefenseLite?

250 x stronger than glass alone
- Designed to STOP entry into a space

Reduces street noise
- Improves interior environment / sound quality

Insulates existing glazing
- Significant energy savings value

Silicon sealed
- Eliminates moisture & fogging

UV protected and scratch resistant
- 7 Year Manufacturer Warranty

Anti – graffiti / SR coating available
- Sacrificial coating mitigates vandalism

Call us today to find out more: 888-689-5502

Window Film Depot Recognized by 3M for Excellence

Window Film Depot Wins 3M ‘Dealer of the Year Award’ for 3rd Time

San Diego, Ca. 03-27-2011

3M Company has named Window Film Depot, a “Dealer of the Year” (SE) for the third time at its recent Renewable Energy National Conference in San Diego. Specializing in energy window films installation for buildings and retail storefronts, Window Film Depot President Jeff Franson was presented the award along with his father, Steve Franson, Vice President of Sales, at the annual business conference.

We’re very excited to win this award from 3M. Our family owned and operated Company works very hard to deliver exceptional service and value for our customers. It’s nice to be recognized for the hard work our employees and partners put in each day. The fact that we are also part of the conservation answer for society makes the award all that more important to us.

3M’s Renewable Energy business is the fastest growing global division for the $27 billion dollar Company. Innovators of popular products like Post-it-Notes and Scotch tape, 3M’s window film conservation products provide next generation answers to today’s energy challenges.

Window Film Depot is one of 3M’s 300 professional dealers across the US and was awarded the prestigious award based on sales volume customer approval rankings and overall business performance.

To contact Window Film Depot for your project needs, please call 877-236-3456 or e-mail Jeff@windowfilmdepot.com

Window Film Depot Receives Top Award from 3M

At a recent dealer meeting hosted by Energy Products Distribution in Baltimore, Window Film Depot was named 3M’s “National Dealer of the Year” for 2016. This is the third time in ten years the family owned company has received 3M’s highest award for sales and overall business performance.

Window Film Depot sells and installs innovative products from 3M’s Commercial Solutions Division across the United States. The company specializes in the sales and professional installation of solar window films designed to lower energy consumption and security window films intended to make glass safer in buildings. Over 3,500 unique properties have benefited from the company’s products and services over the past twelve months.

3M is a global innovation company that never stops inventing. Over the years, its innovations have improved daily life for hundreds of millions of people all over the world. 3M has made buildings safer and more energy efficient and made consumer electronics lighter, less energy-intensive and less harmful to the environment.

3M is one of the most trusted brands in the world and is highly ranked by Fortune Magazine as one of “The World’s Most Admired Companies.” Recently, 3M overcame Google as the number one place for millennials to work at when entering the global workforce, according to the National Society of High School Scholars.

Window Film Depot is headquartered in Marietta, Ga. and has regional offices throughout the United States. For more information, please contact Jeff Franson, CEO @ 404-313-1291 or Jeff@windowfilmdepot.com