One of the great things about the film business is the number of different problems that are solved through the application of our 3M high performance window films. Take last week for example….
Burlington, Vermont: WFD installed 3M Fasara decorative Film for a design-build client in need of glass protection. 1,400 4″ ‘frosted’ squares were installed on 1,200 linear feet of interior wall glass to help keep people from walking into the glass
New York, NY: 3M Scotchcal Film was installed by Window Film Depot in an office building on Wall Street covering 900 square feet of office glass in a pattern chosen by the client to preserve the natural light coming into the office, but provide the privacy required to conduct business without interruption.
Atlanta, Ga: Window Film Depot installed 1,500 square feet of 3M Affinity 15 solar film on the western exposure of a building suffering from unbearable heat gain and glare through single paned glass. Workers at the site were amazed at the advanced performance of our 3M film…and went back to work in a more comfortable environment.
Ft Lauderdale, Fl: Window Film Depot installed 3M NV25 Scotchshield Security Film with IPA attachment system to provide both visual and force protection security for a new office space. Not only will the film provide the client daytime privacy, but the multi-layered Scotchshield technology from 3M will help prevent ‘smash and grab’ crime.
Boston, Ma: Window Film Depot designs, creates and installs printed graphical film on 700 square feet of storefront in downtown Boston. The film has printed images of menu items from the new high end Italian eatery and will act as a billboard for the new restaurant as it prepares for it’s opening in September.
Davenport, Ia.; Window Film Depot installed 3M Scotchshield Security Film on windows for a major chemical company to help control glass failure if an industrial explosion occurs. The application will help lower insurance rates at the company and was recommended by the insurance company as a measure that was low investment / high return.
Seattle, Washington: Office Depot’s expansion includes renovating Circuit City stores and Window Film Depot provides the national account servicing to help make this happen. Window Film Depot removed over 1000 sq, ft of existing solar film, replaced glass that was damaged, applied solar and decorative film and logos – all within 24 hours of receiving the call to ‘get it done.”
Window Film Depot provides national installation services for window films for commercial clients. Our ability to solve problems for clients with our installed film solutions is truly unique. We have installation offices in major cities across the US and provide reach and experience unmatched in the window film industry.
Working Together: For a no-nonsense approach with delivery and reliability that is uncommon in any service industry, call Jeff @ 1-866-933-3456 to discuss solving your ‘glass problems’ creatively, efficiently and above expectations.
Unfortunatly, luck is not a strategy and hopes for things to change for the better are naive. This weekend’s failed bomb attack in Times Square is a stark reminder: implementing blast mitigation steps are a critical piece of defense needed to protect against the havoc extremists are planning for soft targets in populated areas around the US.
Reducing Glass Damage
One way to reduce collateral damage from bomb blast is to reduce injury from flying glass. 3M Scotchshield Security films are designed to hold glass in place when broken, much like the laminate in a broken windshield of a car. Installed on the interior surface of existing window and door glass, the clear film from 3M has a strong adhesive that bonds the patented “rip-stop / multi-layered’ polyester film to glass, ‘catching’ glass fragments in place, minimizing the damage caused by propelled glass shards into a building. This ‘fragment retention film’ is specified for many state and federal buildings and is available in varying levels of performance depending on application and film type.
Installed Film Solutions
Window Film Depot works with private business, security professionals and building safety consultants in determining the right security film installation on a custom basis. Often, thicker security films with attachment systems provide the best protection for people and property. Attachment systems are installed around the perimeter of the window anchoring the installed film to the frame of the window. The idea is to hold the broken window in place with a thick bead of structural caulking on all four sides of the window pane. This ‘wet glaze’ and film system improves the blast mitigation performance significantly and is the best way to ensure the maximum protection for vulnerable glass exposures.
Working with WFD
National installation services for 3M Security Window films. We take our responsibility very seriously to install the best window film and attachment systems from 3M at or above spec every time. Our vast experience working on GSA managed buildings, USACE sites and corporate facilities gives our customers the peace of mind that they are dealing with true professionals who understand how window film work and deliver on promises made.
For help in assessing how 3M Security Window film can help improve the physical security at your property, please call Jeff @ 866-933-3456 or e-mail Jeff@windowfilmdepot.com
3M™ DI-NOC™, the high-end vinyl Architectural Finishes series from 3M™….this vinyl can be installed on all sorts of surfaces, regardless of the curvature.
Uses range from home wall interiors to wood trim on escalators at local malls, retail stores, corporate offices and countless other locations.
3MTM DI-NOCTMfinishes simulate a variety of natural and synthetic finishes, including wood, granite, marble, stucco, and vinyl films.
Self-adhering, 3MTM DI-NOCTM architectural finishes are the perfect substitute to much more costlier natural and synthetic surface finishes.
Window Film Depot, Family owned and operated serves the residential, commercial and government markets in all 50 US States and beyond. We stock every film type for all client needs and have performed more turn-key window film installations for homeowners, property managers, retailers and building owners than any window film company in the US.
We specialize in ‘big buildings’ and multi-site retail storefront applications. We work with building engineers to help quantify energy savings, retail loss prevention officers to install ‘smash and grab’ prevention films and general contractors who need affordable reliability when deadlines approach.
If ever in need of window film sales or installation, call us toll-free 866-933-3456…let’s talk about what you need done and we’ll figure it out together. – Jeff Franson, President & CEO, Window Film Depot, Inc.
Do you remember as a child being asked by your mother if you were “born in a
barn?” There are plenty of reasons why this is important. The fact is that there
are small things, even simple things, to incorporate into your every day life to see
improvements in your energy usage without really having to do much of
anything.
In fact, all you really need to do is to insure that you get yourself into some habits
and within a month you will notice changes.
While switching one light off isn’t going to make a huge deal on your bill,
combining this with other features will show you some real signs of improvement
and quickly too.
To help you, here are some of the best habits that you can form to gain great energy saving benefits:
Appliance Use
Take a look at your appliances usage. There are certain appliances that
generate heat more so than others. The washer and dryer as well as your oven
are prime candidates. Therefore, whenever possible, use these during the cooler parts of the day such as the morning and in the evening, to keep your air conditioning from having to kick on. If it is already hot and you are using them, the air conditioning units have to work harder using more energy to do so and costing you more.
Light Bulbs & Lighting
Throughout your home or office you will find various lights on and off at all times of the day, right? Make it a habit to turn them off each time you leave a room. In addition, you will want to make sure that the smallest comfortable light is in use at all times, not necessarily the light that is going to fill the room.
In addition, as you go throughout your home or office building replacing bulbs (as they burn out of course) begin replacing them with compact fluorescent bulbs. These are becoming more and more readily available even at the supermarket and department stores. Although they will cost more to put them into your home or commercial building, they will benefit you. These light bulbs put out as much as four times as many lumens per watt. So, if you purchase a 25 watt fluorescent bulb, you are going to have as much light as if you were using a 100 watt bulb of the standard, incandescent bulb. Therefore, with lower wattage use, you will use less electricity and save money.
In addition, these light bulbs will last you almost ten times as long as a standard light bulb will. In some case, you won’t have to replace them for years! This is definitely worth the investment. Doing this slowly as the others die out will allow
it to be less of a cost shock.
HVAC/Exhaust
Benefit from an exhaust fan in your home kitchen or commercial cafeteria area to pull out the heat and humidity from the area as you are cooking. In the summer, their use is outstanding in these areas to keep your air conditioning working less.
In addition, the bathroom facilities require an exhaust system..with the humidity pulled out before causing the air conditioning to kick on.
Adding Window Film
3M Window Films control heat, sun glare and UV radiation. Enjoy lower energy costs, increased comfort through glare reduction and enhanced fade protection. Insure your most precious valuables from premature sun damage with 99% UV block.
M Window Films control heat, sun glare and UV radiation.Enjoy lower energy costs, increased comfort through glare reduction and enhanced fade protection. Insure your most precious valuables from premature sun damage with 99% UV block.
3M Window Film Depot recently completed phase one of work for a large energy services contractor, or ESCO, by completing an energy management solar film installation on existing windows on a building in the Northeast US. The installation is helping reduce energy consumption while lowering the buildings carbon footprint as part of a LEED certification process. 3M Window Films can help a building qualify for up to 9 points toward LEED certification which has been proven by real estate professional groups to increase the value of rent-able space for property managers and building owners.
Window Film 101
Installed on the interior surface of single or double paned glass, these thin solar films from 3M block 99% of the UV radiation, up to 90% of the IR energy and are available in both clear and tinted versions. Warranted for up to 15 years for commercial applications, these high tech solar control products from 3M help lower energy bills, improve tenant comfort and lower light pollution – easing eye strain from sun glare.
Window Film Depot Engineered Solutions
Window Film Depot provides assessment, building energy savings analysis and wholesale turn-key installation services as a primary contractor or subcontractor to firms working within existing buildings on energy reduction programs. 3M Window Films are a qualified retro-fit energy efficiency upgrade product that can help property owners realize substantial tax incentives as stipulated in the EPA Act of 2005. Together with mechanical upgrades, lighting and other carbon reducing improvements, real dollar energy savings of up 40-60% are achievable and are rewarded with tax deductions equal to up to $1.80 per square foot of building space.
Helping ESCO’s Meet Energy Savings Goals
Window Film Depot film installations help ESCO’s meet performance contracting goals by reducing heat loads through existing doors, atriums, skylights and window glass. Often solar heat gain reductions are substantial, leading to total energy savings of 10-15% for buildings with high glass-to -surface area ratios on a buildings envelope. 3M low -e films help retain winter heat and act as an ‘all season’ energy saver.
Unlike costly glass and window replacement, installation of solar management films is a quick, non-disruptive process that has typical ROI within 3-5 years. Often, custom sun control solutions can target problem areas of a building’s envelope that experience the most intense sun, like southern or western exposures on upper floors. Paybacks are determined based on a variety of factors including glass and film type, climate, building orientation, building age and energy cost / kwhr the client is currently paying.
Working Together with Window Film Depot
Window Film Depot services include building modeling, product sampling, and project managment & installation services. We utilize Department of Energy software to quantify energy savings for clients and install ‘proof of technology’ samples. Our installation services are available throughout the US and our installers and PM’s are 3M trained and certified.
For help on your project or to contract with Window Film Depot directly to analyze your portfolio of properties, please call Jeff Franson @ 1-866-933-3456 or e-mail me at jeff@windowfilmdepot.com
Having recently completed a contract for a US Government agency that took our company from Northern Maine to Guam while installing 3M Security Film on over 800 unique job sites, this ‘lessons learned’ posting can help prospective buyers and suppliers of ‘fragment retention films’ (FRF films) benefit from our experience.
Below are five areas to focus on to ensure a successful multi-site security window film installation project.
1. Have a Dynamic Work and Communication Plan: Even the best blueprints drawn up by world class architects ’evolve’ when real world challenges present themslves once the bullets start flying. The same holds true for multi-site installations of window films. As a contractor,work to build the necessary rapor (trust) and stay in constant communication with the client to ensure that when audibles do need to be called, you are able to do what’s necessary in the field to get the job done right. As the client, listen to your contractor and step in where you can help to remove obstacles to implementing the revised playbook.
2. Align your Organization and Partners: You may be ready for the ‘big time deal’ – but are your staff and vendor partners? Don’t assume your technicians will be as excited as you are to be in 40 cities in 80 days. Bring key performers into the early planning of the project in order to get their input and insights. ‘Buy-in’ at this stage is essential – and people respond well to collaborative work plans. Critical vendors and suppliers need to be part of the work plan for cash flow, product procurement and inventory challenges that lie ahead. Avoid surprises by honestly discussing your needs and concerns, like product availability and shipping deadlines.
3. Train up and ‘Tech up’ your Team:Installing fragment retention window films on 800 unique sites requires experienced PM’s and professional installers who can think on their feet and have the tools at their disposal necessary to succeed independently. For instance, field technicians need to be able adapt to a variety of different window and frame types while delivering the installation within GSA or USACE spec. This requires an investment in training on the latest application techniques provided by 3M distributors, like Energy Products Distribution. Communication is also key between site contacts, project managers and installers. Utilizing smart phones, PDA’s, digital cameras and real time video feeds can often help solve problems instantly – avoiding costly return trips and missed deadlines.
4. Control the Delivery: Sub-contractorscan play an important role on big projects, but need to be a supplement to the core installation team and not left alone to do the work that needs to be done by company employees. As a customer, make sure the company you are hiring is actually doing the work and not acting as a third party facilitator. Nothing can substitute for a boss’s ability to call out to ‘his guys’ and make sure the job gets done no matter what and at the highest standards of installation quality. Everyone knows that subs respond differently to challenges than employees will and when things get tough, which they inevitably will, you want “company guys” in the fox holes.
5. Have a Quality Assurance Plan: Don’t wait to the end of a project to discuss the quality review and QC plan. Be upfront about industry standards and expectations. Retro-fit window films are difficult to install and there are well documented guidelines from the International Window Film Association to help contractor and customer define acceptable installations. During the pre-execution stage, document expectations with digital images of samples. Pay special attention to cure times, anchoring caulk beads, edge contamination levels, light lines and acceptable layers of haze inherent in some thicker security films.
Always have a service plan in place to take care warranty issues and confirm that all documentation is filed with the film manufacturor to ensure comliance after the troops return from the field.
3M Commercial Window Film Solutions – Atlanta – Boston – New York – Los Angeles – Florida
3M Renewable Energy Division (RED) reintroduced a series of new and improved 3M energy efficient products at this weeks 3M Dealer Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. Designed to lower energy costs by ‘managing light’ coming into a building envelope, 3M’s newest spectrally selective window films – Prestige Series – have set a new standard of energy management performance.
3M Prestige Spectrally Selective Window Coating
The patented 3M Prestige Series Films control the sun’s electromagnetic energy by selectively filtering the different bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. The film is designed to allow in ‘visible light’ while rejecting a high percentage of infrared. Infrared energy is the band of energy that people feel as heat, making us uncomfortable, unproductive and dismayed at escalating energy bills.
What’s the Big Deal?
By rejecting heat while allowing in visible light, 3M Prestige Films have created a whole new opportunity for building owners and energy consultants who demand high performance but also need to maintain a buildings existing aesthetic. High VLT or ’visible light transmittance ‘ window films like 3M Prestige reduce the need for additional lighting that’s often required with darker, ‘tinted’ window films.
24/7 Performance
Once installed, 3M Prestige Films are nearly invisible on glass. A 3M ‘ thin film’ advancement, these scratch resistant sheets are custom cut and applied on the interior surface of existing single or double paned windows and doors. The Prestige series employs a patented multi-layered optical film technology from 3M which contain no metals and, as a result, will not interfere with sensitive networks, cell or wi-fi signals.
Warranted for 15 years from 3M and installed by certified professionals like Window Film Depot, 3M Prestige Series Window Films represent ‘next level technology’ your energy management planners need to consider.
Want to Learn More?
For more information on 3M Prestige Series Window Films, their performance on your building or to have an installed sample with energy payback analysis completed on your building, please contact me at 866-933-3456. Jeff Franson, President and CEO, Window Film Depot, Inc.
3M Renewable Energy Division (3M RED) will be hosting its 3M Prestige Dealers in Phoenix this week at the annual 3M Dealer Conference. 3M dealers will take part in various training opportunities like an introduction to new field installation techniques and learning how to better utilize 3M corporate technical service’s like building energy audits for commercial clients.
Over 200 3M dealers are scheduled to attend the four day event.
Window Film Depot will be well represented as managers from all regional offices will be on hand to take part in the 3M dealer training and activities. It wasn’t hard getting our New England colleagues to commit – another 12 inches of snow last week makes it an easy trip for snowbirds looking for an escape.
Tee -0ff is 3PM on Thursday, so leave the snow shovel behind and bring your clubs…see you in Phoenix!
3M Window Films offer a graceful, yet pragmatic way for working out several intriguing prospects of finagling sun control and security issues for your home or business not only in the summer, but also during winter months as well. Decorative window film is also turning out to be a prevailing pick and with several options to select from, it’s easy to see why some favor privacy film and some admit window film is more of an energy efficient option. 3M Window film applications are inducing more and more smart interior designers & architects to utilize 3M Sun Control, Ultra Security and Fragment Retention films.
When security film is applied an unseen layer of security facilitates to hold glass in place when it attempts to shatter are made due to fierce storms, accidents, home invasion or illegal entries. 3M Safety & Security Film (Fragment Retention) can dramatically limit damage from high impact shattered glass, defending people and premises.
3M Privacy, Sun Control & Security Window Films offer:
Enhanced construction aesthetics and privacy
Solar protection for your dwelling
Ameliorated safety from glass
Protection for your piece of furniture from ultraviolet illumination
Energy efficient energy bills
Please continue to read our website pages and feel free to contact me with any questions about window film – Jeff Franson, Window Film Depot CEO
3M Ultra 400 series installed by Window Film Depot is the ideal window and glass film solution for high-traffic areas subject to potential smash & grab crimes, especially as we enter the upcoming holiday season. The main function of security window film is to hold glass intact as it is being compromised, while still providing a safety & security measure of protection so thieves cannot shatter your windows completely like in the Apple store smash & grab crime.
3M Safety and Security films also protect windows against bomb blasts, seismic consequences, constrained entry, and windborne dust, therefore preventing glass fragment injuries in the case of hurricanes, tropical storms and tornado winds.
3M Scotchshield Ultra Sun Control combined with Security adhesive window films are also available for controlling heat gain and defending against graffiti and theft. Invisible to the eye, safety and security films can be applied to many types of glass for solar and architectural solutions.
Window Film Depot installs the right 3M film solution to local and national retail stores, commercial office buildings, residential homes and property management portfolios. If you would like us to come out and provide an on-site estimate, please contact us today.
