Solar Control Films LLC
              Roanoke VA

540.580.0010
Roanoke, VA


Vista Window Film
Clear, sharp, vivid describes the performance you will find in Vista widnow film. Add in 99.9% UV blocking ability and you have a wonderful performance window film.


Llumar Window Film
A vast palette of colors and finiishes makes Llumar window film one of the most versatile films on the market today.


Llumar Window Film
EnerLogic low-e glaas insulation technology revolutinizes window film.


International Window Film
                      Association
The International Window Film Asociation helps set industry standards for window film and film installation with the consumer in mind.


Product Qualities
  • UV Protection
  • Heat Rejection
  • Glare Reduction
  • Safety & Security
  • National Warranty




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News
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