Home Window Tinting

It's that time of year again, it's starting to warm up, and the sun is staying out longer. There are many reasons to have film added to your homes windows, but the number one concern we hear from our customers is heat. In spite of our best efforts…air conditioning, blinds, curtains, it still might not be enough! This is where home window tinting can help.

Home window tinting can lower your overall utility cost by blocking up to 50% of the heat entering through your homes windows, and since the film is absorbing that heat you can leave the blinds open longer. Think about it, why have windows in the first place if the blinds are closed, and the curtains are drawn all day, we might as well build windowless homes. That'd be super-efficient, but not very attractive. Adding a 3M solar control window film to your homes windows will allow you to open the curtains and enjoy your natural light and views again.

Other benefits of home window tinting are less fading, and less glare. We spend so much time choosing furniture, flooring, and window coverings, it would be a shame to allow all of those costly items to deteriorate quickly. Adding a 3M solar control window film to your homes windows will drastically slow down the fading and damage caused by UV Rays. Think of what the sun’s rays can do to your skin? They cause the same damage to your home and furnishings, only much quicker.

Home window tinting can also drastically reduce the glare in your home. If you have glare issues and trouble seeing your computer screen, or worse yet your television, our 3M solar control window films can help with that too.

There are many reason to add 3M window film to your home. It's a no brainer, call Solar Vision Inc. 303-862-6376 today for a free estimate, and learn how you can cool off your home, protect your furniture, and reduce glare.

3M Prestige 50 window film application in Morrison, CO.

We're Hiring! Office Assitant Position Available

Solar Vision Inc. is one of Colorado’s leading window film dealers, and 3M’s #1 Window Film Dealer in the state. We are looking to add a professional, motivated, and resourceful person to our team! The right candidate is a self-starter with good communication, and customer service skills.

Along with hourly pay, Solar Vision Inc. offers some of the best benefits in the window film industry including paid time off, holiday pay, 401K, and medical benefits.

Job Purpose:

Assist in the daily operations for Solar Vision Inc. including job scheduling, inventory management, facility organization, and etc.

Pay: $13-$15 per hour, we will train the right candidate

Location: 6025 E. 76th Ave, Unit H

Commerce City, CO 80022

Reports To: Office Manager

Duties:

•    Answer company phone calls, and reply to company emails.
•  Act as consultant to customers regarding window film products and services.
•  Order and organize window film, samples, and other supplies from distributer.
•  Fill out and complete basic warranty and invoice forms.
•  Collect payment from customers.
•  Handle customer inquiries and deliver excellent customer service.
•  Coordinate and ensure cleanliness and organizational proficiency of Solar Vision Inc. office and warehouse facility.
•  Act as assistant to Solar Vision Inc. Owners, and Office Manager
•  Follow up with clients via email, phone, and thank you notes
•  Inventory window film, and other installation and office supplies
•  Receive glass, and freight
•  Quote small jobs over the phone, and make site visits when necessary
•  Prepare paperwork, and job details for daily window film installations

Skills/Qualifications:

•  1-3 years of office/warehouse assistant experience preferable
•  Proficient with Microsoft Office and all of its programs
•  Ability to multitask
•  Must need little supervision.
•  Must be a self-starter.
•  Must have great communication skills
•  Must be able to lift 20 pounds
•  Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle

Education: High School or Equivalent

Please email your resume to info@coloradosolarvision.com

3M™ Dusted Crystal

You probably didn't noticed but 3M™'s Dusted Crystal Window Film is all over town as it's one of the most versatile window films on the market. Using 3M™ Dusted Crystal alone can give your windows an etched look for a fraction of the cost of sand blasted glass, but aside from that, did you know you can print, and custom cut 3M™ Dusted Crystal too?

Call Solar Vision Inc. today @ 303-862-6376 if you're looking to upgrade and customize your glass using 3M™ Dusted Crystal Window Film, or any of our 3M™ Window Film products.

Custom Design using 3M™ Dusted Crystal

Denver Skyline printed on 3M™ Dusted Crystal

White Out Window Film

White Out Window Film can be used instead of Black Out Window Film to completely block out the view.  The film does let in some light.  In this case the film is used to block a door that is no longer used as an entrance.  The white would still be an attractive backdrop for displays and would help gain product display area.  The white out also eliminates glare in the space.  In homes, this film is often used in door sidelights.

White Out Window Film:

• Blocks 99% of vision
• Let's in some light
• Reduces glare and fading of furnishings
• Rejects 99% of UV rays
• Is easy to clean like any other window after 30 days
• Is attractive
• Adds privacy

New Technology in Window Film

New technology in window film makes for a bright future in the business of window film.  Presently, energy saving films and decorative films are hot and that market is continuing to grow as well as new advancements in these films.  Four films have been developed and their use is becoming more present in buildings.  By 2020, it is predicted that these films will be used on a large scale.  (www.technicalwindowfilms.co.uk/window-tinting-news/future-window-films/) The four films are:

• Photochromic film which darkens when exposed to light like transition eyeglasses.
• Smart glass or electrochromatic changes from a clear glass to a frosted glass or a colored glass with an electrical current.  The current is controlled by a switch, a computer, or even a cell phone.  This can add privacy to an office, conference room, etc.  Another example is film applied in a lobby that is controlled by a computer to change to a darker film when the light is bright and then lighter or clear when it gets dark.
• Photovoltaic film converts daylight into electricity.
• Daylighting or Daylight redirecting film allows more light in at the top of the glass and directs it into the room reducing the need for electric lighting.  Presently, a metal shelf can be used for this, but the film is much more attractive and easy to clean.

Solar Vision, Inc is keeping well informed about these new technologies to bring its customers the best available product.

AIA Conference at Keystone

Shelley and Heath, Solar Vision owners spent last weekend at a AIA Conference at Keystone.  They were able to talk to architects about Solar Vision's products and services.  It was a great weekend for Solar Vision, Inc. and 3M.  They were able to help the architects learn more about the many advantages of window film at the AIA Conference. Solar Vision is proud and excited to be a part of the massive development happening in Colorado right now.  There are many opportunities for growth in energy saving (green) window film and in decorative and artistic applications of film.

Rock and Roll Marathon 2015

Shelley and Yvette were off and running in the Rock and Roll Marathon 2015 in Denver last weekend.  Way to go ladies!

Light Pollution in the Mountains

Window Film can reduce light pollution in the Mountains.  Excessive light in rural and mountain areas have far ranging affects on flora and fauna as well as animals, reptiles, insects and birds.  According to Winslow Briggs's book, Ecological Consequences of Artificial Night Lighting, exposure to artificial light can prevent trees from adjusting to seasonal changes.  This affects the wildlife that use the trees as their natural habitat.  Light confuses birds in their migratory habits.  Frogs stop calling their mates.  Some animals will stay hidden longer and that reduces the time they have to hunt for food.  There are many studies that prove the affects of light pollution. (www.nationalgeographic.com) Though light pollution in the mountains may affect the environment, it is also the easiest one to solve.  All that needs to be done is be aware of it and do things to turn off and/or turn down the light that is being put out by our living spaces.

More and more people are moving to the mountains, because they love being in nature and because of the spectacular views.  One might think, one home on the side of the mountain won't  harm anything.  Flood lights or lights left on all night may be on to show the beauty of the home or because one feels safer if they can see outside, but these lights may disturb wildlife.  Homes are also being built with lots of glass, because of the views and trends in architecture. This extra light also affects the natural environment.

Some solutions are:

• Don't have on more light at night than you need.
• Window film on the windows can reduce the light from the windows by 45%-50%
• Put other coverings on windows as well, i.e. shades, drapes, etc.
• Use low wattage lighting outside
• Have motion sensor lighting outside
• Have shades that slope down on outside lighting

Solar Vision's experts will help you choose the film that will emit the least amount of light and still meet your needs for enhanced beauty, energy savings, safety, and protection from UV rays.

Window Film Reduces Light Pollution

Window film can reduce light pollution.  Depending on the type of film, Visual Light Transmittance can be reduced by 45%-50%. According to Global Trends and Implications for Downtown Denver, a paper prepared by Progressive Urban Management Associates in 2006, 3 billion people lived in cities and by 2050 6 billion people will be living in cities.  The implications for energy consumption, transportation, food, and environmental protection caused by this rapid urban expansion makes the need for sustainability  critical.

The management of artificial light is one of the many areas urban planners must prepare for.

Light pollution causes:

• Sky glow which is the light surrounding the urban skies is caused by over illumination of commercial spaces and poorly planned street and building lights. The stars are difficult to see in urban areas.
• Light trespass is the light from a building shining into another building.  It may be difficult to sleep in an apartment building next to a building that has a lot of light during the night.
• Endangerment to wildlife who are confused by the light.  Nocturnal animals do not hunt or mate as they are meant to.  More animals are in danger of becoming extinct.
• Human health is being affected.  Vision, headaches, hypertension, and an increased chance of developing cancer are some of the health issues.  Sleep is disrupted by the light and melatonin is decreased. (physics.fau.edu/observatory/lightpol-environment.html)

There are things that city planners and all of us can do to decrease light pollution.  One of them is to apply window tint to windows that meets 45% inside to outside visible light transmittance and/or use window treatments.  On a beach in Florida, new construction is required to put in windows that meet the 45% requirement because sea turtles are confused by the light and go inland instead of going out to sea.  People that already have homes are helping to save the turtles by retrofitting their windows with window film to meet the requirement. (Thisbigcity.net)

Window film meets LEED Certification requirements in this area and is worth 1 point toward building certification.

Credit 7:  Light Pollution Reduction (1 point)

Intent: Eliminate light trespass from the building and site, improve night sky access and reduce development impact on nocturnal environment.

Denver is a city that is at the forefront of working to make sustainable urban environments.  Denver is also experiencing rapid urban growth.  The challenges in keeping up with all the facets of urban growth is being met by our city leaders and urban planners with great care.

Anti-Spy Window Film

Anti-Spy window film is blocks wifi and cell phone signals.  It is made up of aluminum and titanium sputter coated polyester in several layers. It has a scratch resistant coating.  According to the Standard Test Method for Measuring the Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of Planar Materials, it is 90-99% effective.  Natural light still enters the room. Businesses that have a lot of glass and use wireless devices are susceptible to being targeted by people who know how to get into their systems.

Anti-Spy window film can:

• Help prevent credit card fraud
• Eliminate the outside use of wireless internet connections
• Prevent corporate espionage
• Help stop eavesdropping by hackers
• Reduce the signal signature of a building

Wifi signals can go through walls, but most go through windows.  Architectural trends show that more and bigger windows are being put in offices all the time.  Along with that, the use of wireless signals has also increased and will continue to do so.  These things combined increase security risks.  Reflective window film reduces leakage.

To increase its effectiveness a metal strip can be placed around the gap between the film and the window frame.  No window film application can be done with no gap between the film and the frame though the gap is small.  1/8 inch is an acceptable application.

Solar Vision is experienced in applying this type of window film.

Trends in Commercial Architecture

Trends in commercial architecture include lots of glass. Glass walls are bigger than ever.  Glass walls create lots of opportunities to use natural light and open spaces.  Along with these glass walls, come new innovative uses in design using 3M Fasara frosted and decorative window films.  These films allow in light while adding just the amount of privacy wanted by the inhabitants.  The design elements are limited only by the imagination. (solutions.3m.com) Not only does the decorative films allow light and beauty in these spaces, they also add safety.  The film lets someone know the glass is there and will not be walked into.  In case a window is broken the fragments will hold together.

The glass with film is easy to care for.  It can be cleaned as any other glass after 30 days.  A plus is that finger prints do not readily show.

Frost Film Used for Privacy

Frost film used for privacy on these windows.  Sometimes blackout film is an option.  The frost film lets in natural light while the blackout film blocks all of the light.  These pictures show how the film looks from the inside and from the outside.  The client was very pleased  with the result.

New Hire at Solar Vision

Jude, Brad's son, tried out for the job. Shelley hired him on the spot. Who wouldn't want to hire him. He's a go-getter like his daddy. They were waiting for someone to pick up glass from the shop. Jude likes to help with anything he can, especially with his Dad.

Solar Control for Apartment Living

Solar Control for apartment living can be achieved through the use of a variety of solar control window films.  I have seen a number of apartments that get a lot of sun have all kinds of things in their windows to make it more comfortable.  I've seen cardboard, newspaper, sheets, and even a mattress.  Rental  property owners may ignore this or pose fines, but ultimately it affects the value of the property.  Solar control window films can greatly reduce the amount of sun and glare coming into a room.  Because it eliminates 99% of the UV rays, furnishings are not damaged.  It has the added protection of reducing the risk of skin cancer. Apartments usually are fitted with single layered glass.  Applying window film will give the window the effect of being double layered glass.  This would result in energy savings.  If a rental property company is energy conscious, it could advertise as making these changes to help save energy.  Solar control window film is especially valuable in those areas that get direct sunlight especially in the loft apartments on the top floors.

Window film is an relatively inexpensive way to make apartment living more comfortable.  Window film is easy to clean.  It is cleaned as any other window after 30 days.

3M Night Vision 15

3M Night Vision 15 was applied to windows in this home in Arrowhead.  3M Night Vision 15 is used when the clients want a darker film that lets in the least amount of light.  The views from this gorgeous mountain home are still maintained.  The film helps the occupants to be more comfortable in their home and blinds or other coverings may not be needed.  This depends on the amount of light entering the home and the desires of the owners.  In some cases, blinds may still be needed during certain times of the day. (solutions.3m.com) Night Vision 15 is the darkest of the Night Vision Series.  Its low reflectivity leaves the view from the home more clearer than ever.  This is wonderful especially in homes which are purchased because of the spectacular views in mountain homes.

3M Night Vision:

• Is easy to maintain
• Can be cleaned as any other window after 30 days
• Does not inhibit wifi or other electronic signals
• Gives daytime privacy, with the ability to see out at night
• Rejects up to 71% of heat
• Reduces glare
• Reduces fading of furnishings and eliminates 99% of harmful UV Rays
• Lets in 35% of light into the home
• Has an abrasion resistant coating for added durability
• Is covered by 3M warranties

Chalkboard Film

Chalkboard film can be used to make any flat surface into a chalkboard.  Film can also be used to make a flat surface into a whiteboard.  The film is less expensive than a traditional chalkboard. It is removable. It can be cleaned in the same way any chalkboard would be cleaned. This architectural film can make a fun space for children.

On shows like "Restaurant Impossible", the decorators are using the chalkboard look a lot to put menus or logos on the wall.

3M Film Uses in Hotels

3M film uses in hotels are many.  Window film can provide energy savings, comfort, and added safety and security.  Architectural films can provide beauty and give the hotel a unique look.  The creative environment is limited only by one's imagination. Safety and Security is enhanced by using a safety and security film to prevent break-ins.  In vulnerable areas, the film will prevent intruders from breaking a glass to get in the building.  Often hotels are in places without a lot of people around, so this would give extra security to a building.  Another way 3M window film can add to security is that if there would be an event such as strong winds, hail, etc. which could break the glass, the glass would hold together and not allow shards of glass to fly and cause injury.  If a hotel is in an area where there is graffiti, anti-graffiti film can be applied to the glass protecting it from paint, acid, scratching.  The film acts as a sacrificial layer which takes the graffiti and can be removed. (solutions.3m.com)

Solar Control can be achieved through 3M Window film.  Glare can be greatly reduced.  Heating and air conditioning costs can be reduced with the application of one of 3M's variety of solar control films.  UV rays are reduced by most films by 99 % eliminating the harmful effects of the UV rays on carpeting, drapes, art, furniture and other furnishings.

Decorative Films can be used in the building to make updated creative environments.  Graphics on film can put any picture on a wall at any size.  Fasara films can be used to add privacy and beauty.  The films can be die-cut or custom printed. Di-Noc can be used to remake surfaces such as pine into teak or paint into marble. There are hundreds of surfaces to choose from.

Solar Vision's Mission Statement is to inspire a passion for and generate living and working environments that are comfortable, safe, energy efficient and innovative.  Let Solar Vision's staff inspire you.

Window Film Uses in Churches

Window film uses in churches add to their beauty, safety, and energy efficiency. There are few things more beautiful than a stained glass window.  The window creates a worshipful environment and help to set the tone in the church building.  Stained glass is very expensive and not all churches have the resources to have them.  Window film can be used in place of stained glass to give the church the atmosphere it wants.  Traditional art can be used or modern art can be used.  Any picture or any graphics can be imprinted on the film and put on the glass at a fraction of the cost of stained glass. The picture can be on one side or both sides.  A picture can be made so that one can see through the glass on one side and have the picture on the other.  Logos and murals can be put up on any flat surface of the church.  Some churches are mixing new art with the more traditional art.  New technology is used to create whatever look the artist imagines.

Bible versus can be used to remind people of messages the church wants to emphasize.

Privacy can be added where it is needed in the church using Fasara frosted film.  So many looks can be achieved through the use of Fasara films. Computer aided design techniques are used to plot and cut the film.(solutions.3m.com)

Solar control window film will cut down on energy costs and if there would be film breakage  because of something like a weather event, the film would hold the glass shards together and prevent injuries.  The film cuts down on glare and protects furnishings from harmful UV rays.

Unfortunately, sometimes churches are targeted by vandals.  Anti-graffiti film can be placed on signage or windows to prevent vandals from ruining the sign or glass.  Safety and security film can be put on glass to prevent break-ins.  Because some of the time no one is in the church, the church may be a target for robberies or vandals.  The films give an extra layer of protection.

The window film is used in retrofitting situations as well as new construction.  It is easy to clean.

Our Solar Vision mission is to inspire a passion for and generate living and working environments that are comfortable, safe, energy efficient and innovative.  If you have any design needs, comfort, and/or security needs in your church, please call Solar Vision.  Our staff will work with you to meet your needs.

3M Prestige 60

3M Prestige 60 was applied to this home.  The film was applied to the bottom window and the top window had not been applied yet.  This is a picture that represents well how the view of a window is maintained.  3M Prestige 60 is the ultimate in window film technology.  It consists of over 200 layers and is as thin as paper.  The technology used is called nanotechnology.  The folds cannot even be seen using a microscope.  These folds bend and catch light to create a film that produces the effects out clients want. (solutions.3m.com) 3M Prestige 60:

• Reduces the amount of energy used to cool a home
• Eliminates over 99% of UV rays which damages furnishings and is a cause for skin cancer
• Is less reflective than class, so it enhances views
• Is nonmetallic and does not interfere with cell phone or wifi signals
• Increases personal safety by  holding together shards of glass in the event of something that would cause the glass to shatter

3M Prestige 60 is covered by the 3M Lifetime Warranty.

Exterior Prestige Window Film

Exterior Prestige Window Film is made using nanotechnology.  The film consists of over 200 thin layers and is the thickness of a piece of paper.  This technology allows the film to provide superior heat control and glare reduction while preserving exterior and interior window views.  The film contains no metals so it does not interfere with wireless signals.  It is used in areas that are difficult to film from the inside.  If there is furniture that is difficult to move or permanent fixtures that make it impossible or near impossible to put on a film from the inside, then Exterior Prestige Window Film is the solution. Exterior Prestige Window Film might also be used if there is a high likelihood of breakage of a particular type of glass. With the exterior film, the sun does not heat the glass. (solutions.3m.com) Exterior Prestige Window Film:

• has a strong scratch resistant coating
• not self-cleaning, but repels water
• has virtually no chance of glass breakage
• can be used on dual or triple pane glass
• has high heat rejection with high visible light transmission
• comes in Prestige 40, 70, and 90
• reduces air conditioning costs