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 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.
OK, maybe not ‘outer space’ as in 3,2, 1 blast off!…but Window Film Depot did successfully launch the installation of 3M night vision window film on over 700 window panels at the Vandenberg Air Force facility in Lompoc, Ca.
NASA Building 840
Square Feet = 3,420
Panels = 780
Window Film Solution:
3M Night Vision 25
UV Light rejected – 99%
Glare Reduction – 72%
Solar Heat Reduction – 59%
Total Solar Energy Rejected – 66%
Window Film Depot tinted our office building of 710 windows within schedule and all while the building was occupied.
Everyone was amazed at how quick and clean the work was performed.
The offices that were once overheating with midday sun are now comfortable with no glare. The tint gave the exterior of the building a more consistent, modern facade.
Thank you Chris and Scott for doing a remarkable job on our building.
Susan Thompson
Construction Coordinator
Analex / QinetiQ North America
Window Film Depot provides security film installation services for corporate, retail and residential customers across North America. Our ability to scope, propose, and deliver window film solutions to our clients is unparalleled in the window film installation services business. We are straight shooters who deliver on promises made. We have the experience and proven track record to help you make a confident decision on how best to protect you’re most important assets.
For more information on how we can help you decide if window film is right for your property, please call 1-866-933-3456 or use the contact form below.
So, Mr Building Engineer, you’ve installed the timers on the lights, replaced the air filters, upgraded the HVAC system and changed out the light-bulbs….What now – your energy costs are still out of control? How about a money saving ’face-lift’ from Window Film Depot with high performance solar window films?
Conservation of energy is the ‘other side of the coin’ in today’s debate around energy independence. For all the talk about solar, hydro, bio, and other ‘clean-tech’ solutions in the pipeline, one thing needs to be remembered. If we don’t conserve, we won’t win the battle, or the war.
Solar control window film is a proven solution for engineers, facility managers and building owners who work hard to drive building operating costs down through lower energy usage.
Building owners know that managing energy costs downward is critical to a profitable operation – and press their engineers for solutions that impact the bottom line.
Mr Building Owner, do us both a favor, on the next hot and sunny day, stand in front of one of your west facing windows and count to 20. Then, as you wipe the sweat from your brow, consider the benefits of solar control window films for a minute….and call the head engineer in for a meeting.
First, look at the performance. Solar films will block up to 75% of the heat gain streaming through windows. Low-E, (low emissivity), films provide dual purpose solutions by not only rejecting heat coming in, but also keep warm air in, acting as an insulator.
Second, solar film is easy to have installed. Solar films are installed on existing glass as a retro-fit in the matter of days, if not weeks for larger projects. Crews work off hours and on weekends to ensure a smooth and non-disruptive project.
Third, window film is a great investment that addresses multiple issues. Installed properly, solar window film will last form 20-30 years before needing replacement. For most buildings, the payback in energy savings alone is between 2 and 4 years. Ancillary benefits like improved tenant comfort, UV protection, glare control, added privacy and security make window film a ‘green solution’ with multiple value propositions.
Make sense? The next steps are easy. Window Film Depot provides national sales and installation services of solar, security and designer window films.
Call Window Film Depot today for our free assessment of your portfolio of properties. 866-933-3456 or use the contact form below to get the ball rolling.
Window Film Boston-Los Angeles-Orange County -New York-Tampa-Seattle -Atlanta- Window Film Solutions
It goes without saying business & home owners need to consider energy-saving steps to lower their bills and with that in mind, did you know windows are one of the great energy wasters of any house or commercial property? Between 18%-25% of the total heat loss is from traditional double glazed sealed windows.
New technology, however, has resulted in more efficient energy saving windows that can significantly cut down on heat loss.
Heat loss is not the only concern with windows – they can also let in heat during summer weather, thus increasing the cost of running an air conditioner.
Modern windows use special materials to treat the window glass. Low emission coatings are applied to the inside surface which reduce heat loss through the glass. The windows are constructed of two layers of glass with an inert gas in between them. This gas – usually argon – reduces heat loss even more.
To prevent the sun from over-heating the sun during the summer, glass can be treated with window film that reduces interior temperatures.
There are many components to energy saving windows that can help cut down on your heating and cooling costs. Please visit Window Film Depot’s Green Energy Savings section to find more about rebates and tips.
Window Film Depot provides security film installation services for corporate, retail and residential customers across North America. Our ability to scope, propose, and deliver window film solutions to our clients is unparalleled in the window film installation services business. We are straight shooters who deliver on promises made. We have the experience and proven track record to help you make a confident decision on how best to protect you’re most important assets.
For more information on how we can help you decide if window film is right for your property, please call 1-866-933-3456 and ask for Jeff or you can e-mail me using the form below.
Chris Sullivan, Window Film Depot’s West Coast Market Manager, was contacted by Jones Lang LaSalle to help asses a serious problem Northern Trust Bank in Newport Beach was having with heat and glare. Jones Lang LaSalle is Northern Trust’s property management company. They have successfully used Window Film Depot on other projects like the new World of Coke building in downtown Atlanta. “When I first walked the property,” Chris states “three things immediately popped into my mind – I can’t believe they don’t have Film yet, this is not going to be easy, and it’s going to look so much better when we’re done!”
This property has over 3,500 square feet of glass and most of it faces South and West. In the always sunny climate of Newport Beach this presents an enormous problem with heat gain and glare. For years the bank has relied on drapes to block the sun. These drapes do very little to block the heat and look unsightly from the exterior. They also block the view and when closed the occupants need to rely on artificial lighting inside which consumes more energy.
After assessing the property and seeing the issues first hand Chris recommended 2 Film Types from 3M for the application. On the lower panels in the Front entrance 3M Prestige 70 was recommended because they need to keep the glass clear but still wanted the solar control benefits of Window Film. 3M Prestige Films use a nano-technology that allows it to be optically clear on the glass while blocking up to 66% of the sun’s solar energy. 3M P-18 was selected for the rest of glass because the exposure to the sun demanded a Film that was going to aggressively reduce sunlight and heat. With 78% Glare Reduction and 72% Heat Reduction, the P-18 was perfect for the job.
Scott Sullivan was the installation manager and worked after hours around the banks schedule and completed the installation in 8 days. Scott said, “There were some challenging areas and it wasn’t easy, but I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and dog-on-it I’m dangerous with a squeegee…”
George Arnell, Jones Lang LaSalle’s Northern Trust Facilities Manager, flew in from Texas to observe the installation once it was complete. He said, “Window Film Depot did an excellent job on this very difficult installation. The staff thinks the Window Film has made a huge difference. They can work without straining their eyes to see their computers, and the offices on the west side have noticed it’s much cooler and more comfortable now.”
We are looking forward to seeing the difference in the energy savings from next years hot summer months with the 3M Window Film to the previous year’s months without the Film. With this amount of glass facing South and West the building could yield 30 – 40% in energy savings! That’s an estimated payback of 3.5 years.
See the finished results and notice the aesthetic improvement the installation has brought to the building…
Whether you are a Facilities Manger looking to improve aesthetics of a building, or a building owner looking to “Go Green” and reduce energy consumption and cost; Window Film Depot has serviced Orange County’s top commercial clients from Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach to the FDA building in Irvine. We can provide free energy audits and forecast the savings you can expect from installing our High Performance Window Films. For window film projects in Southern California, e-mail Chris Sullivan @Chris@windowfilmdepot.com. For service in all 50 states, call Window Film Depot Corporate @ 866-933-3456 or use the contact form below:
Window film Los Angeles, Window Film Orange County, Window Film San Diego, Window Film Palm Springs
Window Film Depot helps Facility Managers make windows and glass safer by providing window film solutions that combat rising energy costs allowing for transmission of natural light, thus preserving views for occupants to see out. Office buildings, schools, banks, museums, libraries, hospitals, retail stores, restaurants all aid from enhanced viewing from inside or outside of the establishment.
Ask yourself, how many times have you driven by a place of business and peaked in to see if was crowded?
Heat entering through a window is normally 10 to 20 times greater than through walls, increasing the strain on HVAC systems causing higher energy bills. This also adversely affects proper heating & cooling in the winter, especially for buildings with windows directly (southern exposure) facing the sun causing areas of uneven warmth or unfavorable hot spots for employees and customers.
Did you knowWindow Film Depothelps conserve energy and decrease your company’s carbon levels in compliance with environmental standards. Our film solutions lead to less energyconsumption, thus lower building operating costs, stable and comfortable interior temperatures reducing heating costs in the winter, less extreme air conditioning usage during hot summer months and cutting usage by 30-40%.
Window Film Depot also provides free energy audits which help to forecast the savings you can expect from installing our 3M high performance window films, as the most frequent basis for window film installation is for energy savings because windows have such a large impact on the energy efficiency of buildings and homes.
Other Film Solutions for Facility Managers to consider
3M Security Window Film is optically clear, tinted or reflective layers of polyester film applied to the interior surface of existing glass. Security enhancements to glass become more cost-effective and actually improve energy performance.
With crimes like home invasions smash & grabs, terrorism & natural disasters and electronic eavesdropping on the rise, security window films are a necessity to protect your possessions & loved ones.
Vandals can’t see it, so they don’t know that it’s there protecting your merchandise, computers and other valuables. Constructed from layers of polyester film bonded by special adhesives and impregnated with ultraviolet inhibitors, this is the ultimate in privacy and security.
Choose Window Film Depot for 3M film and installation. We willperform an energy audit of based on building needs; address all concerns, review energy consumption and spending, as well as anticipated return on investment. Typical ROI is 3-4 years in energy savings alone.
For more information on the best use of 3M Window Films for your portfolio, contact Jeff @ Window Film Depot or use the contact form below.
Not exactly, but we do install window film all the way from from Los Angeles to the big city buildings of New York and on down to the south with offices in Atlanta and Miami.
Window Film Depot recently landed the starring role as “Premier Window Film Installation Experts” at a lower Manhattan structure in the revitalized area.
What do you call a six-story building with a 25-yard lap pool on the top floor? For the clients of Turett Architects in New York City, the answer is “home.” Window Film Depot recently completed work in this fabulous TriBeCa space installing 160 sq. ft. of Milano frosted film on the windows for privacy.
Next, we applied security film with UltraFlex over the frosting for protection; the final stage will involve applying 1,000 sq. ft. of 3M Prestige 70 on the east-facing windows and also inside homes, installing treatments for two huge skylights, thus providing a solution for solar control and fade protection.
Here are just a few of the benefits of adding Prestige 70 to windows:
• Substantial heat rejection provides energy savings and enhanced comfort, combined with a clear film
If you are a glass contractor, facility manager, interior designer or architectural firm in need of glass protection due to solar sun control, theft prevention or energy savings, please allow Window Film Depot to be your preferred partner.
WFD – When you want it done right the first time – no matter your building type, size or location. Call us at 1-866-933-3456 or use the form below to initiate a free on-site assessment.
Jones Lang LaSalle is Northern Trust’s property management company. They have successfully used Window Film Depot on other projects like the new World of Coke building in downtown Atlanta. “When I first walked the property,” Chris states “three things immediately popped into my mind – I can’t believe they don’t have Film yet, this is not going to be easy, and it’s going to look so much better when we’re done!”
3M Prestige Films use a nano-technology that allows it to be optically clear on the glass while blocking up to 66% of the sun’s solar energy. 3M P-18 was selected for the rest of glass because the exposure to the sun demanded a Film that was going to aggressively reduce sunlight and heat. With 78% Glare Reduction and 72% Heat Reduction, the P-18 was perfect for the job.
Whether you are a Facilities Manger looking to improve aesthetics of a building, or a building owner looking to “Go Green” and reduce energy consumption and cost; Window Film Depot has serviced Orange County’s top commercial clients from Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach to the FDA building in Irvine. 
We can provide free energy audits and forecast the savings you can expect from installing our High Performance Window Films. For window film projects in Southern California, e-mail Chris Sullivan @ 
