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February 2012: Window
Film and Safety
Customers who have experienced broken
windows from accidents or vandalism, have noted
how the glass has stayed in place due to the
window film. They have also mentioned that this
most likely saved them from some terrible
situation where a person could have been severely
injured from flying or falling glass. What a nice
testimony for standard window films.
Solar Control Films offers a full line of safety
and security films, but we always mention the
safety advantages of our standard film lines.
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January 2012: Storm doors = Hot doors
Many homeowners use storm doors as a means
to bring more light into their homes. The large
glass panel is an excellent way to do this, but,
can also bring in an extreme amount of heat
depending on the doors relation to the sun's path.
We have measured winter temperatures between the
storm door and interior door at over 280 degrees,
enough to easily burn your hand as you touch the
door knob.
Window film offers a variety of options for just
such a case. From reflective to nearly clear, with
energy rejection ratings from 38% to 78%, we have
what you need. Now a word of caution. Not all
storm doors can have window film installed to the
surface. If the door has decorative metal beading,
etching, beveled glass or frosting, it is not
recommended to install film on these surfaces as
it will potentially cause the glass to crack. The
only exception would be if the door is not exposed
to direct sunlight.
If you have any questions, please give us a call
and we will be happy to help you.
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December 2011: Solstice and No Leaves
During the Winter months, the sun slips in
to a low trajectory across the sky and our leaves
typically have all fallen from the trees. What
this means for most people is that Winter is here,
it's cold and the sun is glaring through the
window more often than in the Summer months.
No matter the season, window film can be an asset
to you year round.
Call for a FREE estimate today.
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November 2011: So Many Choices
They say "variety is the spice of life".
Those words hold true when it comes to the many
choices of windowf film out on the market today.
The question then becomes, "Which films is right
for my needs?"
First you have to determine what your objective
is. Do you want to reduce heat, glare, visibility,
UV, etc.? Next, what do you want it to look like?
Film can range from dark to clear, reflective to
neutral, forsty to opaque. These are the questions
we ask you when evaluating which film will best
suit your needs.
One of the last questions asked is typically about
the warranty. A manufacturer who handles
warranties directly and has an excellent
performance record should be your target. Not the
cheapest brand. Like any purchase you make, you
want to make the wisest choice that gives you the
most for your money and is backed by a solid
warranty. With Llumar and Vista window film, you
get just that.
Call us today for a FREE estiamte.
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October 2011: Window film as Insulation?
Vista™ heat control window film evenly
distributes heat by eliminating hot and cold spots
to improve the comfort of your home all year long.
Most homeowners fail to realize:
- Windows play a vital role in the home's energy
efficiency allowing solar heat to enter in the
summer months and home heat to escape in the
cold months.
- Windows typically account for 15 to 30% of the
total heating load and may account for more than
50% during the summertime cooling load.
- The most cost effective way to cut home energy
loss is to upgrade existing windows with the
installation of Vista heat control window film.
Traditional heat control window films contain
micro-thin layers of metal, which act as infra-red
(heat) reflectors/absorbers and visible light
filters. These layers are so thin that they are
transparent, and as a result they can effectively
block heat without blocking your view.
Vista window film not only provides heat control
for a more comfortable home, it also reduces
annoying glare from the sun's rays. Daylight can
cast so much harsh glare on your TV that it
strains your eyes and interferes with your viewing
enjoyment. But you don't have to close the
curtains and shades to enjoy TV during the day.
Vista heat control window film is a quick,
affordable solution to the problem of distracting
glare. More than just tinting, Vista window film
is an advanced, multilayer technology that lets in
natural light while dramatically reducing glare.
It even improves the insulation capabilities of
your windows.
So go ahead: turn on your electronics, open the
curtains, and enjoy the views!
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September 2011: Storm doors - Solar Ovens
"My front door knob is so hot I burnt my
hand trying to open it." We have heard this
statement over and over again for many years.
People have covered the interior konb with socks,
oven mits, rubber and duct tape, in order to open
the door without being burnt. Temperatures between
the storm door glass and the front door, depending
on door composition, can get "cookie baking " hot.
We have measured temperatures in the winter time
at over 280 degrees!
With a large window film offering, the right film
can dramatcially reduce the temperature and
prevent excessive heat build up. Window film can
reduce up to 44% of the heat and still remain
fairly clear, or, you can go for 78% with a higher
reflective field.
Don't put yourself in harms way. Give us a call
and let us turn off your Solar Oven.
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August 2011: HOT ! HOT ! HOT !
Recenlty Virginia, and many parts of the
country, have seen a dramatic change in our
weather pattern. Areas that have normally been
modest in temperature are running 10 degrees or
more above normal. And for us, being in the 90's
for weeks on end is NOT normal.
In order to control the amount of radiant energy
in homes and businesses, many have turned to
window film as the first line of defense.
Depending on your film choice, window type and
orientation to the sun, window film can reject up
to 79% of the inbound energy making our
environment much more comfortable and easier to
cool.
Contact us today for a FREE evaluation.
540-580-0010
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July 2011: Made in Virginia
There are good reasons for buying products
made locally. It helps stabilize the local
economy, keeps local owned busines operating, and
provides jobs for those living in the community.
We believe that these values increase the
stability of a local market and provide better
services for our community.
Llumar and Vista series window films are
manufactured right here in Martinsville Virginia.
Starting out as Martin Processing, the
manufacturer has seen growth in not only the film
offerings, but in worldwide recognition as the
largest film manufacturer. Now know as Solutia
Performance films, the integrity of product has
continued to surpase all others in quality,
reliability and product performance.
We encourage all our customers to support local
business by purchasing products from Virginia.
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June 2011: Beat the Heat Wave !
Summer is here and the temperatures are
rising fast, filling your home with large amounts
of radiant energy which causes your HVAC system to
run harder.
As the Sun blasts through your windows, the energy
is absorbed by objects in the room. Furniture,
tile, fabrics, wood products and all the things
you decorate your home with become mini heaters.
Ask any person trained in survival techniques, and
they will tell you to get your back against a
large stone surface that has been exposed to the
Sun all day in order to stay warm at night. It
takes quiet a bit of time for the radiant energy
to disappear.
That same principle is at work in your home.
Window film technology can help reduce the amount
of energy transferring through your windows and
bring balance to your HVAC system. With a large
line of Vista and Llumar film products, Solar
Control Films will evaluate your home and help
determine what will be most effective. Give us a
call today for a free home estimate.
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May 2011: Comfort Zones
A nice feature of using window film in your
home or business, is having the option to do what
you want, where you want, creating "Comfor Zones". These zones
are the areas of your home or business that you
spend the most time. In your home it can be the
family room, kitchen and office, and at work it can
be your office, conference room and reception area.
Using window film to control the amount of light and
energy transmittance can add comfort to your
environment. Many experiecne problems viewing
screens of computers and televisions either from
direct frontal light intrusion or side glare. Window
film cna significantly reduce the amount of glare
coming in without hampering visibility.
Intense heat is another issue. Patio doors, large
glass panels, glass entry areas, all act like
thermal ovens. Window film offers manyh options for
heat reduction, and doesn't have to be dark to do
it. New technology has produced some very light
films with high energy ratings.
Give us a call today for more information and a FREE
estimate.
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April 2011: Important Environmental NEWS
Study confirms Solutia's Performance Films
products deliver positive impact for the
environment.
ST.
LOUIS, MARCH 21, 2011 – As part of an ongoing
commitment to sustainability, responsible use of
natural resources and the reduction of its carbon
footprint, the Performance Films division of
Solutia Inc. (NYSE: SOA) is pleased to announce
completion of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) by
Harmony Environmental, LLC, and review by an
independent third party. The results from the
recently completed study conclude that Solutia’s
Performance Films division delivers a positive
impact to the environment.
The assessment, consistent with International
Standards standards, was
completed at the end of 2010 and concluded that
the division’s solar-control architectural
window film products become carbon neutral in
less than two months after installation. With an
average service life of 15 years, this means
that these products are typically providing 14-
plus years of greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions
after accounting for the products’ total carbon
footprint.
For additional
information on the Performance Films Life Cycle
Assessment, please see www.Vista-films.com/LCA-whitepaper.
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March 2011: Building Codes and Window Film
Many people today are adding additions to
their homes or just making some changes to their
windows. One of the things they run in to is local
building codes. This typically effects windows that
are near doors, staircases or second story windows
at gardent tubs. The big problem is you don't find
out about the need for tempered glass until after
you have purchased and installed the window.
This is where Llumar Safety film comes in. We can
add a transparent layer of film to bring the glass
up to current building code at a fraction of the
cost for replacing the window. Once it is applied,
you receive a copy of the films performance and
testing data to present to the local building
official. It has been accepted in Roanoke City and
all surrounding areas.
Call us today for more information.
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February 2011: Go Beyond Your Windows
Many customers think that window film is
limited to the exterior glass of their home. Not so!
There is a whole world of decorative glass
enhancement films available that awaits you.
Perhaps you have an interior door with a center
glass panel and it goes in to another part of your
home. Add some privcacy with "Frosty" film. Or maybe
you have open view glass cabinetry in the kitchen
which shows all the dishes. Ready for a face lift?
Use decorative film to give it a fresh look. We have
even installed film on glass shower doors and
stalls. There is a wide range of options that only
needs the imagination to bring them to life. Give us
a call today with your project.
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January 2011: Reputation Is Everything!
Today it is very important to know who you
are dealing with and how well they perform their
task. Finding quality work from reputable companies
is a challenge for the consumer, particularly when
they are researching new services.
The best thing to do is first, ask around. Talk to
those who have used this type of service. Next, see
how well the ocmpany is known in your area. What do
they do to promote their business and how
professional are they. Then call and talk to the
company and see how much they know, how helpful they
are and what kind of phone manners do they have. We
hope you find Solar Control Films one of the
companies you are comfortable using and referring to
your friends.
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December 2010: Professional Installation
or "Do It Yourself"?
Many people are budgeting money these days and
rightfully so. Today's economics have changed and
many are evaluating whether it is cheaper to have
the professionals do the work or just do it
yourself. While installing window film yourself may
save a few dollars, you are limited to just a couple
of choices, no warranty and an end result you may
not be happy with.
Wny not take advantage of professionally installed
window film which comes with a warranty and no
hassles! Contact us today for a FREE estimate and
start benefitting now by saving money and
controlling your environment.
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November 2010: Home
Energy Audit - Why have one?
A Home
Performance Energy Audit is a comprehensive,
whole-house approach to identifying the primary
sources that are making your home energy usage
inefficient, uncomfortable and potentially
unhealthy.
Energy
Auditors will perform a thorough examination of
your home, assessing it’s overall performance
and energy efficiency. The auditor will complete
a series of tests, using a variety of diagnostic
devices, to accurately measure the performance
of your home. The tests will assist in revealing
any concealed energy leaks or unhealthy
conditions that are reducing the efficiency,
comfort and safety of your home.
Window film can be one of the systems used to
battle energy loss in your home. Contact us
today for a FREE estimate on window film
installation. For Energy Audits, visit www.gheava.com
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New Product Alert !
Enerlogic Series
Window Film
October 2010: Save Energy In Every Season
Did you know that your windows account for
about one-third of your annual heating and cooling
costs? They do. If you're serious about energy
efficiency - and saving money - your windows must be
well insulated. Until now, the best way to insulate
your windows for all season performance has been to
replace them with better windows. But that's both
expensive and intrusive.
Simply by having your windows covered with Enerlogic's
revolutionary , micro-thin coating, your window
glass can get up to 92% more insulating power!
Single-pane windows will get the annual insulating
power of double-pane windows, and double-pane
windows will get triple-pane insulating power. And
unlike neutral or reflective window films, Enerlogic saves
a significant amount of energy in winter as well as
in summer.
Call or email us today for more information on this
exciting new product!
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September 2010: Glare
People are spending more time at home with
family, work and entertainment. Two areas that have
a huge impact are watching TV and using the
computer. Glare intrusion from the outside of your
home can make this a very uncomfortable situation
and cause eye strain which can result in headaches.
Pulling down the blinds isn't always the answer
since this can trigger the "sleep mechanism" in your
body and reduce your ability to concentrate.
Window film can reduce the glare and keep you
productive, while bringing in natural light to keep
you going. Call today for a FREE estimate!
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August 2010: Vista "One Minute Challenge"
Are You
Letting Money Fly Out Of Your Windows?
In the average home, about 15% of
wall space is glass - which is a very poor
insulator.
The average home wastes $63 per month on energy...
Which means the average home loses $760 every
year!
SOURCE: U.S. Department of
Energy
"Energy costs represent 30% of a
typical commercial building's annual budget and is
the single largest operating cost. Solar heat gain
through windows contributes to one-third of a
building's cooling load."
SOURCE: BOMA-Kingsley
Quarterly/US EPA Energy Star
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