Winter Sun

December 2nd, 2011
The International Window Film Association (IWFA) is dispelling the myth that consumers only have to worry about sun damage in the summer. The association distributed a press release explaining why window film is a strong alternative, especially in the winter, to new windows.

“People in northern states may not know that because of the low angle of the winter sun, more ultraviolet rays may come through a window into the living space than in the summer in Florida,” says Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “Easily installed window film blocks up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays, and reduces solar heat gain to save consumers on cooling costs in warmer months as well.”

According to the IWFA’s press release, the government home improvement energy tax credit is expected to end on December 31, 2011 and consumers are eligible for up to a $500 home improvement energy tax credit for the installation of window film.

“With unrestricted access to your home’s interior, the winter sun’s in-line position with windows can literally make a home’s furniture, drapes and artwork a faded memory,” says Smith. “Now is the time to invest in window film. The purchase provides returns year-round by protecting furnishings from fading, creates a consistent home temperature and keeps you and your belongings safe from UV exposure.”

Today’s Window Films

April 1st, 2011

The most compelling benefits of solar window film is its ability to reduce a building’s: energy consumption, energy costs, and Carbon Footprint. The energy savings is so great it allows for a Federal Window Film Tax Credit and LEED points.

Solar window film rejects heat producing infrared rays, maintaining the temperature of a building or residence. Unlike older forms of tint, solar window film offers a clear, natural view. Films eliminating unwanted forms of visible light can actually enhance the view.

It is these attributes that make solar window film one of the best kept secrets in building energy efficiency. National Window Film’s vision is to be the best in the New York Region at providing our community with the resources to enhance any building.

Being the best means excellent quality, value, and service. We love what we do, and in doing what we love, we hope to create a more sustainable world.

Is Sun Exposure Through Glass Dangerous?

January 19th, 2011

We all know it by now: the sun rays are dangerous and we should wear sunscreen every day to avoid premature aging, sunburn and cancer. But what about when we’re just sitting next to a window? Is the sun exposure we’re getting that way all year round dangerous for our health and skin as well?

Sun exposure through glass doesn’t cause sunburn
You’ll be happy to know that you won’t run the risk of getting sunburned are just near a window. That’s because sunburns are caused by UVB rays and these cannot penetrate through glass (unless the window is open, of course!). However, while this is good news, it doesn’t mean that sun exposure through glass is completely harmless. Quite the opposite actually.

Sun exposure through glass can cause premature aging and improve the risk of cancer
Sitting next to a window may not cause sunburn, but the sun exposure you’re getting that way is still dangerous. UVB rays may not be able to penetrate glass, but UVA rays will get through it and these not only improve the risk of developing skin cancer, but are also responsible for premature aging. And did you know that one side of your face is more at risk than the other? In fact, the side of your face that is nearest the window at your house/office is more exposed to the sun ray and can age more quickly than the rest of your face!

How to prevent damage caused by sun exposure through glass
There are a couple of ways to protect your skin from the damage inflicted to it by sun exposure through glass. One solution is window tinting: you can apply a protective UV film to your windows which will reduce UVA penetration by about 99%. However, there is one more simple solution and I’m sure you all know what that is. Yep, always apply a good broad-spectrum sunscreen (or at least a moisturizer with SPF in winter) on all exposed areas of your body.

US HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES PASSES LEGISLATION TO PROMOTE ENERGY RETROFIT PROGRAM – Bill Includes Home Star Rebate for Window Film

May 7th, 2010

National Window Film, Inc. applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passage of residential energy efficiency retrofit legislation that provides rebates to consumers who purchase and install specified energy saving measures, including window film products. The House bill (H.R. 5019) creates the Home Star Retrofit Rebate Program which provides two opportunities – the Silver Star path and the Gold Star path – to facilitate energy efficiencies in homes. H.R. 5019 passed the House by a vote of 246-161.

“Congressional passage of Home Star program legislation is a major victory for the window film industry and consumers who wish to lower their home energy bills,” said Bruce Kennedy, president of National Window Film. Darrell Smith, IWFA (International Window Film Association) executive director, added, “This skillfully crafted bill recognizes the importance of highly-efficient window film, while embracing fiscally responsible and environmentally friendly home improvement solutions. I commend Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (CA), Energy and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Ed Markey (MA), and Representatives Rick Boucher (VA) and Tom Perriello (VA) for their dedication to the window film industry and the Home Star program.”

Under H.R. 5019, homeowners would be eligible to receive a rebate totaling up to 50 percent of an energy efficiency project, not to exceed $3,000 per home (Silver Star). The Gold Star path provides homeowners with rebates of $3,000 who reduce home energy consumption by 20 percent, with additional rewards of $1,000 for each 5 percent improvement up to $8,000 or 50 percent of the total retrofit cost. Certain window film qualifies under the Silver Star and Gold Star paths, with Silver Star rebates totaling $500 for window film installed on at least 8 exterior windows, doors or skylights, or 75 percent of the total exterior square footage of glass in the home.

Window Film Can Provide Added Security to Glass

May 4th, 2010

Security window bars, retractable gates, roller blinds, or retractable shutters are different ways of providing home security. If security window bars are used, care must be taken to ensure they have the proper break-out mechanism so that residents can escape in case of fire. Escape ladders can be used for exiting your home from an upper floor through a window or off a balcony. You want to lock out intruders, yet be able to get yourself out if needed.

Security window bars and the other products mentioned can help you to have peace of mind. You will know that intruders or other damaging forces, such as flying debris, can’t enter your windows. These protective bars don’t have to be unappealing to the eye either; you can find many designer window bars that will coordinate with the look of your home. You may also want to install matching security gates and security screen doors. You can find contractors to assist you, or install your products yourself.

Security windows are an important aspect of protecting your family and your home. Whether from humans or nature, we live with destructive forces. Window security film or laminates can stabilize your window glass. If breakage occurs the window security film will virtually eliminate flying glass, harm to occupants or your home’s interior.

There are a number of different types of window security films available. Depending on your needs, you can get films which offer greater or lesser resistance to outside forces. Some are intended to prevent the destructive impact of sunlight on your home’s carpeting, drapes, and furnishings. Others are stronger and protect against the powerful forces of nature of attempts by intruders to gain entry. If you live in an area with powerful winds, or even hurricanes, you can stop worrying about breaking windows.

Window security film is unobtrusive. It can make your home safer and help protect your home’s value in the event of hurricanes, explosions, or attempts to enter by intruders. Wouldn’t it be great to weather the storm knowing your home was safe from flying glass or entry from the windows? How about keeping your home safe from storm damage or break-ins through your windows? Window security laminates can give you that peace of mind.

Effective window protection is a fundamental component of protecting any structure and its contents from weather, sunlight, or physical force of any kind, whether from storms, flying debris, or human force. Window security laminates are available in various types, depending upon the application you desire. The thinner laminates, or films, can provide solar control, protecting the interior of you home from UV rays, reducing fading and sun damage to fine furniture, artwork or carpets. You can also use laminates on your windows for purely decorative purposes. Some laminates are designed to deal with graffiti on windows or display cases. At the other end of the spectrum some products are so tough that they resist breakage from flying storm debris. And these products can deter theft, because it is very difficult to puncture through the window, even with repeated blows from a hammer. The glass will splinter, but the laminate will hold it together. Get started on protecting your home with these easy options today!

Tax Credit for Window Film

April 22nd, 2010

A provision in the recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 (ARRA) has significantly changed the existing tax credit opportunity for window films installed in residential structures. Under the new policy, qualifying credit has effectively tripled from 10% to 30% of film cost with a maximum total credit of $1,500, up from the previous cap of $500. The new policy goes into effect retroactively from January 1, 2009 through to December 31st of 2010.

The ARRA also makes product compliance standards for the tax credit more stringent. Please review the 3M Qualifying Products Certification Statements that outline which films, when installed with different window/frame types, qualify for climate zones defined by the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. These new standards went into effect February 17, 2009.

Money in Your Pocket
A tax credit directly reduces your income tax, unlike a deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax. The credit then directly increases the tax refund you receive or decreases the amount you have to pay. Homeowners can receive a 30% credit on the costs of window film, up to $1500. Installation charges do not apply.

Making it Simple
Complete IRS form 5695 and file 2009 Income Tax Returns by April 15, 2010. Forms are downloadable at www.energystar.gov, along with a list of other available energy efficiency tax credits. Maintain copies of the dealer invoice and the manufacturer’s certification statement for your records.

Two Ways to Save Money
Energy efficiency can lower your federal tax bill and your monthly energy bill. Heat gained through windows makes up to 40% of your summer utility bill. Solar control window film reduces heat gain by 80%, which helps lower energy consumption. One study showed an average summer cooling cost savings of $200.

Other Benefits of Window Film
In addition to money savings, window film can increase indoor comfort, reduce fading of your home furnishings, and protect your family against harmful UV rays. Window film is also energy efficient. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, and cleanest way to extend our world’s energy supplies.

Residential Window Film

April 14th, 2010

Generally speaking, more and more residents are turning to window tinting for their homes. Where else is the best place to find ultimate relaxation then in your home. But if certain areas of your home are uncomfortable because of the excessive heat due to direct sunlight, can you still consider it as relaxing?
Modern houses consist of large glass windows and doors, which allows the natural sunlight to pass through during the daytime. This is an economical solution that allows homeowners to conserve energy due to lessened usage of electric lights. But sometimes, the natural light becomes irritating due to the excessive sunlight, glare and at times, excessive heat. The easiest solution is to block the sunlight, by means of blinds or curtains. But with window tinting installation, the amount of light and heat absorbed by the window is lessened, thus making the use of curtains and blinds now optional.
There are different kinds of window tinting that you can choose for your home. For homeowners who want privacy, window tinting comes in different shades and different levels of tint strength. While for some who are looking for window films that have different designs and styles for their windows, these homeowners can make use of frosted films. Reflective film can also be a good choice, although privacy is not guaranteed during the night without the use of curtains as an additional window covering. If you want to enhance your security, try security films.
When it comes to window tinting, National Window Film has the experts.
There are many advantages that window tinting can bring to your home. By installing window film on all of your glass windows and doors, protects you and your property from the dangers that UV rays can cause. If you want to save on electric bills, window film can help a lot since window film reduces heat by up to 78%. Too much exposure to the sun can also result in the fading of upholsteries, paintings, carpets and furniture. Appliances such as LCD monitors are also prone to damage if exposed to too much direct sunlight. Through window tinting, you and your possessions will now be protected.
Window film is also a great idea for your bathroom. With the different colors and styles that frosted films offer, this kind of film is perfect for your glass shower door and windows. Aside from blocking sunlight, window tinting can also provide instant decor and style to your home