Tuesday, January 21, 2014

How does Window Film Work?

How Does Window Film Work?

LLumar Window Film

 

The concept is simple. The results are amazing. 

What it is made of...

Window film is a sheet of strong polyester laminate treated in variety of ways to improve the look and performance of existing windows.
One side has a scratch-resistant coating and the other has an adhesive that bonds the film to the glass surface.

How it works...
Architectural window films work by controlling the passage of solar energy into room spaces, improving the insulating performance of windows, providing endless decorative opportunities, or substantially reducing the safety and security hazards associated with fragile, easily shattered glass.
Solar control window films for homes and commercial buildings help control the sun’s radiant energy, reducing the influx of heat, enhancing outward visibility by reducing harsh glare, and nearly eliminating the damaging and dangerous effects of ultraviolet light on our skin, eyes and interior furnishings.

Low-E Films
Low-e window film enhances the solar and insulating performance of a building’s windows, reducing excessive solar heat gain – reducing cooling loads and peak demand. They also provide year-round benefits, reducing heating costs by improving window insulating performance.

**The information provided above came from the LLumar website**

 HOMEOWNERS/COMMERCIAL

Window films should be purchased based on your priorities.  We offer both the LLumar and Vista lines of window films that can help reduce heat, cut glare, and cut out UV while ensuring that your room will not be too dark, unless that is what you wish for.

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION
Although big box stores carry DIY window films, you will be guaranteed to not only have your film last as long as your glass is functional, but you will NEVER see any peeling, bubbling, fading or discoloration (a warranty will cover this if for some reason you have an issue - when professionally installed).

WINTER SPECIAL
If you want to protect yourself now before it gets too hot in the summer, give us as call for a free estimate.
Any installs completed between Jan. 20, 2014 - March 31, 2014 will receive a 10% discount, up to $100.  (Discounts cannot be combined with any other offers).

Check out our website if you wish to learn more about us and then give us a call for your free on-site estimate!  623-255-TINT (8468) or 480-243-TINT (8468)

We service all of the Phoenix area and are licensed, bonded, and insured.  ROC 282086

Thursday, January 16, 2014

How to Purchase Window Blinds

How to Choose the Perfect Window Blinds for You!

Choosing blinds for your home can be a daunting experience.  With so many varieties available it can be confusing and overwhelming.  We hope the information below will help you narrow down your choices.  Our job is to educate you based on your priorities, however you will live with these blinds for a very long time and being satisfied with your decision is what we consider the most important aspect to us.

Step 1 - Priority
What is your priority? 
  • Heat protection
  • Privacy
  • Decorative
  • Simple
  • Modern


Step 2 - Functionality
What are you hoping to achieve with your blinds?  Below are the types of blinds we work with and what each of them can offer you.

Blinds 
  •  Aluminum
Offering a classic style that works well with any décor, these sleek, sophisticated blinds are resistant to corrosion, easy to maintain, and long lasting






  •  Soft wood (faux wood)


Softwood blinds have the look of real wood blinds and are available in a variety of whites and wood tones. Softwood blinds handle humidity like no other blind and require little maintenance. They are the perfect choice for your window whether you are looking for the traditional essence of real wood or the style of painted wood.

  •  Wood and Distressed Wood





 Wood blinds are natural and durable window coverings. The classic elegance of both paint and rich wood stains add the warmth and beauty of wood to any room.











  •  Vertical 
    The Ultimate Vertical Blind Collection offer a contemporary or traditional style that is perfect for large windows and sliding glass doors. Achieve excellent light control with a decorative selection of light filtering and room darkening louvers and fabrics.

    Vertical blinds are made with the best PVC and fabric materials. Resistant to moisture and corrosion, vertical blinds are easy to maintain, stay clean and are long lasting.

  •  Vinylux 
 Vinylux blinds are a simple horizontal blind utilizing 2" extruded PVC slats.  Ideal for matching or accenting our vertical blind program, Vinylux blinds are part of your total room solution.



Step 3 - Budget
You can get inexpensive window coverings from major box stores; however you do get what you pay for and generally the warranty is limited.  Depending on how many rooms and size of windows you are wishing to cover will depend on your budget.
If you find a reputable and professional company, such as ours, we will work with you on your budget.  Sometimes our customers break down what they want completed first, based on priority, and finish as they go. 

Step 4 - Call us for a FREE in-home estimate
We pride ourselves on being professional, prompt, and courteous.   We are here to help you narrow down your choice and provide the bet customer service -- NOT to push you into a purchase you will regret.  Call us today at 623-255-8468 or 480-243-8468 to schedule an estimate.

PICTURES OF BLINDS....  these are some examples, but there is a large variety of color choices to choose from.  See our website for more pictures!

Soft Woods Blinds

Vertical Blinds







Aluminum Blinds







Wood Blinds

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Energy Efficient Windows in Arizona

Are you looking to replace your windows because they are old or cloudy in between the panes?  These windows absolutely need replacement, BUT if you are looking to replace windows to make them more energy efficient than STOP before shelling out thousands of dollars when an inexpensive and simple solution can be used.

Window Films
There are a variety of window films on the market including: metalized, ceramic, Low-E, and SpectraSelect.

The type of film you choose depends on your overall objective and budget, but they will all help you cut down on your cooling expenses.

Windows account for 15% of your homes energy loss and an increase in your cooling and heating bills.  Window films can help cut from 50-85% of total solar heat rejection which can ultimately save you hundreds of dollars a year on cooling costs -- click here for a calculator to see your savings.

Dual-pane windows should have an exterior reflective film applied to ensure that not more than 49% of heat is absorbed - this will help keep your windows from breaking.

Single-pane windows can utilize any type of film as non-reflective and reflective are safe.

Looking to have Low-E glass?  Consider EnerLogic from Vista Window Films.  EnerLogic has a slight tint to the film, but cuts 70% of total solar heat and has a winter radiant heat protection of 48%.  Not only are those percentages amazing for a slightly tinted film, but furthermore EnerLogic has an emissivity rating of .07 (1.0 is a typical window), which means that the film works not only to block heat when the sun is directly shining on it, but also to block heat transfer when the sun is not shining on the window.  To see more information about EnerLogic, click here.

EnerLogic can take your single-pane window to a double-pane and a double-pane to a triple-pane at a 10th of the cost of replacement windows!

As always, we offer free on-site estimates and Veterans ALWAYS receive a 10% discount.

Call us today at 623-255-TINT for an estimate.  You can check out our website too and request an estimate via our contact page!!