Nov 26
0
Picture of skyscrapers with interior and exterior window film

The Truth About Tint – Is It Better to Apply Exterior or Interior Window Film?

By | window film | No Comments

Have you been lying awake each night worrying about whether you should apply your building’s commercial window tinting on the exterior or the interior of your windows? If you’re like most commercial building managers, the answer to this is a resounding “yes!”… or maybe that’s simply what we window film experts worry about at night. (You worry about this too, right? Please tell us it’s not just us!)

Either way, this most recent article from the commercial building window tinting experts at NGS will help you figure out the truth about your best tinting scenario, so you can finally decide whether you should apply your film on the exterior or the interior of your building’s windows.

Let’s get straight to it.

1. Exterior Applications Offer More Heat Rejection Than Interior Applications

Okay, quick physics lesson here. There are two main types of window film: reflective and tinted. Reflective reflects sunlight and heat; tinted absorbs and redistributes sunlight and heat.

Reflective films are great at blocking heat and light at the lowest cost, but they often contain metal (not great in our WiFi- and cellular signal-filled world), and their nighttime reflectiveness can disrupt your views from inside your building. Tinted films used to be dark so they could absorb more light, but new technological advancements mean that you can now get non-metallized, 5G-friendly “tinted” films that are crystal clear with gorgeous views in the day- or night time.

Now that you understand how the absorption factor works with commercial building window “tinting,” it should be easy to understand why exterior films often outperform interior films.

Think about it: since your interior-applied film has to draw light and heat through your building’s glass before redistributing most of it back outside (because the film is on the inside of the glass), that means your film is allowing light and heat into your window glass for at least a little bit of time.

However, if your exterior window film absorbs the light and heat and redistributes it out before the light and heat have penetrated your glass… well, clearly, that makes for better heat rejection.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so let’s use a graphic to sum up our physics lesson today:

Graphic showing details of interior versus exterior window film

Perfectly clear now, right? However, it’s smart to remember that there are a lot of benefits to interior-applied films too.

2. Exterior Applications Are More Flexible and Less Disruptive Than Interior Applications

You know what’s time-consuming and disruptive? A laborious glass film installation process. If you have strange interior surfaces like atriums, skylights, or conservatory roofs, it’ll take longer to perform an interior commercial window tinting installation than if you decided to install that film on the exterior instead.

Plus, an exterior application of window tinting in office buildings can be less disruptive for tenants, and exterior applications can also be handy if various areas of your building require security clearance or third-party privacy certifications (e.g. HIPAA) for contractors to gain access to.

3. Exterior Applications Can Help You Keep Your Windows Cleaner Than Interior Applications

No one ever sees this one coming, but it’s true! Exterior film applications often contain a hydrophobic coating that helps protect them from the elements, and that hydrophobic coating can help repel dirty, streaky water marks from your windows.

For exterior applications of crystal-clear commercial building window tinting solutions like the 3M Prestige Series, this means you’ll be able enjoy your building’s jaw-dropping views more clearly, 24/7, in every season.

Which Application Is Best for You?

Of course, simply knowing how exterior-applied commercial office window tinting can outperform interior applications won’t answer all your questions. You may still find yourself lying awake at night wondering which application is best for me?! (Please, don’t tell us it’s just us with these nighttime worries!)

If deciding on a window film application method were a no-brainer for your business, you wouldn’t still be reading this blog – you’d already have made the choice to hire the national window tint experts at NGS long ago, which means you’d already have your perfect film by now.

So, what’s the right answer? Well… that depends.

To help you, we’ve put together a short answer and a long answer. (Or, rather, we have two short answers, but one has a slightly longer follow-up process.)

The short answer is that exterior film is probably a better choice for you if you have tricky interior installation areas, super busy or government tenants (or round-the-clock mission critical operations), and/or you have an interest in reducing your heat gain more than an interior film can.

The longer answer (or follow up) is that both exterior and interior film applications may suit your needs for different areas of your building, because both application methods have their own benefits. To get a more complete answer on this, you may want to set up a consultation with NGS, the undisputed experts and #1 Commercial Window Film Company in the U.S.

 

Ready to learn more about the various types of window films? NGS has got you covered.

Nov 26
0
Hotel room with window tinting

The Benefits of Tinting Your Hotel’s Windows

By | Hospitality, window film | No Comments

First off, let’s start by clarifying a common misunderstanding. You see, commercial window tinting doesn’t necessarily mean “darkening” your windows anymore. In modern usage, the term “window tint” is frequently used to describe any type of window film, whether or not it “tints” your windows. This means that, even if you choose a “tinted” film for your hotel, you can still maintain your exhilarating views of the soaring Rocky Mountains or the vast, wild Pacific Ocean.

But crystal-clear views are only one of the many benefits hotels can experience when they explore the possibilities commercial window tinting solutions offer, so let’s get into the details.

How exactly does window tinting film benefit your hotel? Let us count the ways….

1. Effective Temperature Control

If there’s one thing we all know about hotels, it’s that the guests always want their room to be a different temperature than it currently is. These days, even crystal clear window “tinting” film like the 3M Prestige Series can keep sunny guest rooms cool and comfortable in hot climates. Energy-saving Low E films like 3M Thinsulate can adjust with the seasons, keeping rooms cozy in the winter and cool in the summer. Those are only two of the many options available to you.

Cut down on costs (and reduce the number of calls your Front Desk gets about rooms that are “too hot”) with outstanding temperature control from the wide range of solar control and energy-saving window tinting films on the market today.

2. Increased Privacy in All Areas

Of course, your guests expect full privacy in their rooms, even when they have the drapes wide open, and with today’s hotel window tinting advances, you can provide that privacy 24/7. But what about the rest of your hotel? Do guests feel comfortable in your pool and fitness areas, your dining areas, and your event areas?

With privacy window film options that range from mirrored one-way privacy window film to frosted privacy window film and beyond, you can ensure that guests and their visitors feel comfortable and private in every area of your facility.

3. Engaging, Unique Tint Décor

Commercial building window tinting doesn’t always have to cover every inch of your glass. Unlike solar films, energy-efficient films, or even privacy films, decorative film like 3M Fasara can be fashioned from a nearly unlimited selection of designs, patterns, and textures – and then cut and applied in any shape or form you want.

This freedom can add affordable, space-saving visual appeal to any area of your hotel, including your room dividers and in-suite bathrooms, your conference rooms and ballrooms, and even your pool changing rooms and your business areas.

Boost Your Hotel’s Opportunities with the Right Commercial Window Tinting

When traveling, everyone wants a comfortable, relaxing, private place to stay – yet it’s surprising how few modern hotels meet those basic guest needs. By providing your guests with a stable room temperature, private areas throughout your hotel, and a visually appealing environment, your hotel can pull ahead of your competition.

Once you add on the variety of your amenities and the quality service levels from your staff, your hotel can achieve the unbeatable guest-service combination that can keep you booked at capacity night after night.

 

Discover how you can transform your hotel with just a few simple, fast upgrades from NGS, the #1 Commercial Film Company in the U.S. and one of the national leaders in hotel glass film décor and energy efficiency.  

 

Nov 26
0
Shopping mall with innovative window film tinting

Innovative Retail Window Tinting

By | retail, Signs, window film | No Comments

Right now is the season for shopping, and that means your potential customers are on the lookout this very minute for great deals, exciting gift ideas, and a reason to treat themselves to something special. Of course, your retail location is perfectly poised to offer all those benefits to shoppers… but first, you have to get those potential customers in your door.

Here’s an idea to attract those holiday shoppers: use innovative, commercial decorative window film! Not sure what we’re talking about? Well, rest assured ‘cause the film, tinting, and graphics experts at NGS have got you covered.

These are the top 5 retail window tinting innovations that your store can use to boost business this holiday season and beyond.

1. Smart Film

If this is your first time hearing about smart film, you’re in for a treat! Smart film can be applied directly to your glass storefront or internal glass displays to intrigue potential customers. Why is it an eye catcher? Because it uses cutting-edge technology to switch your glass from clear to opaque with the tap of a button, allowing you to provide tantalizingly brief glimpses into your location.

2. View Control Films

Want to get your customers talking about your store? Hire an interior commercial décor package contractor to install innovative View Control film on your displays. Then sit back and watch as shoppers circle your displays to see your glass’s transparency change depending on their viewing angle. This high-tech retail glass film option is so cool it’ll make your store the next hottest destination.

3. Color Changing Film

Nothing turns heads quite like 3M DICHROIC film, which constantly changes the color of your store’s glass and windows to create an endlessly mesmerizing, beautiful display. You’ve never seen anything quite like this before – and neither have your potential customers. Your store will be the talk of the town.

4. Graphic Film

You already know that retail signage displays are extremely effective at getting customers to recognize your location and your brand (we can help with that), but you may not know how much you can do with creative interior signage too. Using “stick-anywhere” solutions like 3M Envision or 3M Controltac, you can attract shoppers into key areas of your store with glass film that also sticks on your floors, your walls, your ceilings – and anywhere else you need it.

5. Decorative Interior Film

Suggest a feeling of ultra-modern luxury and space with carefully placed decorative interior film solutions that help divide up your store, without making any areas seem cramped. Using a combination of unique 3M Fasara designs and highly reflective 3M Mirror Film, the nation’s best decorative window film installation companies can help you deliver the satisfying shopping experience your customers crave.

It Takes More Than Outdoor Retail Signage to Get Shoppers in Your Store

Outdoor retail signage is important for when your existing customers are looking for your nearest location, but when you want to attract the attention of new, potential customers, you’ll need to give them a reason to look up from their smartphones.

Catch — and keep — their attention with:

  • A smart-film-powered peek-a-boo unveiling of your store’s displays
  • Now-you-see-it-now-you-don’t transformational display cases
  • A shimmering, shifting all-hours color display on your building
  • Surprising graphics locations, which entice shoppers into every nook and cranny of your store
  • Luxurious, ultra-modern interior film décor that leaves ample space for your inventory

That’s Only the Beginning…

Think you (or your customers) have seen it all? Think again. When you work with a nationally respected glass film company specializing in retail solutions, you’ll gain insight into the vision of a retail glass film expert who knows what it takes to make your store stand out.

As the #1 Commercial Window Film Company in the U.S. and one of the nation’s top retail signage companies, NGS can help you discover your full range of options for eye-catching, gorgeous storefronts, displays, and interiors that will get the whole city talking.

 

View the NGS retail gallery, so you can start planning your store’s redesign.

 

Nov 26
0
hurricane cyclone showing the impossibility of hurricane proof buildings and windows

Hurricane Proof Buildings and Windows – Fact vs. Fiction

By | Damage reduction window film, safety & security Films, Storm Mitigation | No Comments

Disclaimer: There is no such thing as “stormproof windows,” “hurricane-proof windows,” “hurricane-proof buildings,” or “hurricane-proof window film.” If you find yourself in the path of a hurricane, please evacuate the area and stay away from windows.

 

You may have heard that the Florida Attorney General’s office is calling window film “a scam” when used to protect against hurricanes or windstorms – but is it? Hurricane season is here, so it’s time to get to the bottom of this question.

When it comes to window film, let’s start separating fact from fiction.

Here are a few statements you may have heard:

In the state of Florida, it is illegal to sell or market window film solutions as “hurricane, windstorm, or impact-resistant.”

This is a fact. Florida HB 849 (2011) makes it a violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act to “advertise, sell, offer, provide, distribute or market any product as hurricane, windstorm or impact-resistant” unless it is in compliance with the provisions for product approval in the Florida Building Code.

Since the Florida Building Commission only approves products that are part of a complete window system and assembly, the retrofit solution of window film does NOT meet the criteria for building code compliance. According to the state of Florida, window film is NOT a form of hurricane window protection.

Window films can make your building or windows “hurricane-proof.”

This is fiction. Florida is correct. Though high-quality commercial window film strengthens your building’s glass windows, doors, and architectural features against a range of safety and security events, it does not make your glass unbreakable. Nothing can make glass unbreakable.

In fact, there’s actually no way to make your building truly 100% hurricane-proof because hurricanes are unpredictable, often resulting in roof destruction, uprooted trees, and flood or fire damage. However, many building managers turn to security film solutions such as 3M shatter resistant film to reduce the damage from many of the side effects of hurricanes.

Window films can help protect your property from dangerous weather conditions.

This is a fact. According to a statement made by the International Window Film Association, which is an educational organization, “Safety/security window films applied to glass are tested to the same break-safe standards required of tempered glass, heat-strengthened glass, and laminated glass. Window film manufacturers have copies of the actual laboratory test reports validating that their products do, in fact, meet specific impact testing.”

In practice, this means that, although window films are NOT part of a complete window system, like tempered glass, heat-strengthened glass, and laminated glass – and are, therefore, NOT approved for hurricane protection per the Florida Building Code — window films have been tested and shown to provide added protection against many storm-related events.

Considering the high average cost of hurricane-proof windows and window systems, building managers who supplement their safety plans with the added support of films often find that they can increase their building and tenants’ safety, cost-effectively, with products such as 3M window film. Hurricane protection isn’t complete with window films, of course, but it is stronger – and in a destructive natural weather event, every extra bit of safety matters.

Florida building managers must rely on steel storm shutters for adequate hurricane protection.

This is fiction. Since the Florida Attorney General’s office has deemed window films inadequate for truly hurricane proof windows, you may think that your only option for storm safety is those ugly, cumbersome storm shutters that require pre-storm installation by you or your building management staff. Thank goodness, storm shutters are only one of your many options for adequate hurricane protection.

Instead of troublesome storm shutters, many building managers choose to use thick polycarbonate panels to ensure that they have shatterproof windows for approved hurricane protection. Plus, in addition to storm safety, polycarbonate windows such as Riot Glass offer enhanced protection from thieves, smash-and-grab opportunists, and explosions – and they can provide additional security in an active shooter scenario.

How to Investigate Further

Though it may be difficult right now for you to determine what your best option is for protecting your building and windows against a hurricane, windstorm, explosion, or other destructive impact event, it’s important to understand that you have a wide range of safety solutions.

Explore all your options for storm, blast, and impact safety when you get in touch with NGS, the #1 Commercial Window Film Company in the U.S.

NGS’s team of nationally recognized experts can help you understand all your options for window film, polycarbonate storm protection, and other methods of strengthening your building’s envelope. And, once you’ve decided on the right safety solution for your buildings and tenants, NGS can also help you achieve the fastest, easiest installation you’ve ever experienced.

 

Start the conversation with NGS today, so you can get the facts – and only the facts – on how to hurricane-proof buildings and windows.

 

Nov 08
0
Add School Safety with Window Film

School Safety Easier to Obtain with GSA Schedule 84

By | Government, safety & security Films, Solutions, window film | No Comments

Installing safety and security window film on school campuses just got easier for school officials.

National Glazing Solutions LLC dba NGS Films and Graphics, 3M’s largest window film dealer in the United States, received a GSA Schedule 84 contract that will allow school districts to streamline the requisition process to install 3M™ Safety and Security Window Film without the lengthy bidding processes.

Schools districts across the nation are increasing security measures on their campuses due to the increased number of active shooter incidents. In 2018, there were 191 incidents – which is more incidents in one year than in the last four decades, according to the Center for Homeland Defense and Security. In response, the Federal Commission on School Safety released a report in December 2018 with recommendations on how schools can enhance their security – including hardening windows with security film.

Purchasing Vehicles: Enhance School Safety

GSA Schedule 84 is designed to serve as the government’s premier purchasing vehicle for law enforcement and security solutions for state, local and federal officials. To obtain a GSA Schedule 84 contract, NGS Films and Graphics went through a rigorous prequalification and vetting process.

“GSA Schedule 84 will allow school districts to procure 3M safety films at pre-negotiated, ‘best customer pricing’ without having to go through a hard bid process where the end result may be having to accept a vendor or material that is not in the district’s best interest,” said James Beale, managing partner. “The way GSA Contracts work is that the federal government has already gone through the vetting process with vendors. Now that we have the contract, we are able to work with local, state and federal governments while saving their purchasing departments time and resources.”

Offering More Than Film: School Safety Plans

NGS Films and Graphics has worked with thousands of school districts nationwide on installing 3M™ Safety and Security Window Film Ultra Series and attachment systems. However, the company does more than just install film. NGS Films and Graphics works one-on-one with school district officials to create a school safety assessment. The assessment mirrors the Federal School Safety Commission’s recommendations on layered zones. It can be used for grant applications as well as meeting state reporting requirements.

“We care deeply about our schools and children and we work hard to ensure schools are secure,” James said. “This GSA Schedule 84 is a contracting vehicle that makes it much easier for schools to work with us. We want every school to have safety and security film because we believe that 3M’s Ultra Series and attachment system, ultimately, can save lives.”

NGS Films and Graphics also works with local, state and federal governments on a variety of other large-scale public projects, including international airports and other government-owned facilities.

Learn more about NGS Films and Graphics’ contracting vehicles and the GSA advantage.

Oct 14
0
Smart Film used in Dressed event in Georgia

The Varied Uses of Smart Film

By | Uncategorized | No Comments

Leading architect firm Hendricks taps NGS to spice up their runway model with Smart Window Film

NGS collaborated with architectural firm Hendrick, to enter Dressed – an event that gives “a unique opportunity to… architectural and design industry manufacturers to create one of a kind, wearable garments out of non-traditional materials for a runway extravaganza.”  NGS used Smart Window Film as part of the model’s shield… Bet you wouldn’t have thought of those uses of Smart Film. The outfit created by Hendrick and NGS won two awards:

  • Second place Overall
  • People’s Choice Award

Reach out to NGS today to discover even more of the wide variety of Smart Window Film uses!

Oct 07
0
Hurricane wind and waves crashing on a shore

Storm and Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Businesses

By | Storm Mitigation, window film | No Comments

Disclaimer: There is no such thing as “stormproof windows,” “hurricane-proof windows,” “hurricane-proof buildings,” or “hurricane-proof window film.” If you find yourself in the path of a hurricane, please evacuate the area and stay away from windows. Learn more about what window film can and can’t do for hurricanes in our: “Hurricane Proof Buildings and Windows – Fact vs. Fiction.”

 

You’ve been watching the forecasts, reading the news, and checking all the updates. You know what the path of the next hurricane is… and you know that it’s coming your way. It’s time to take action immediately, so you can protect your business. 

But then panic sets in: What do you protect first? What’s the most important thing to take care of? What’s the best way to prepare for the worst? 

Typically, experts suggest that when you’re preparing for storms, floods, hurricanes, and other dangerous weather events, that you focus on the safety of the three most critical parts of your business: your people, your assets, and your location. 

Protect the most important parts of your company using this hurricane preparedness list, and please continue your research into hurricane and storm safety by tapping into other free resources, such as FEMA. 

Protect Your People

If your employees are caught inside your location during a storm, hurricane, or other weather emergency, it’s up to you to keep them safe. Flying debris is one of the biggest direct causes of injury and death during a wind-related weather event, so your first safety priority should be to limit the risk that flying debris will impact your location. 

To help protect your people: 

  • Use hurricane shutters or impact-resistant polycarbonate, such as Riot Glass, to shatterproof windows and prevent flying debris from breaking your glass storefronts. Add more protection with 3M shatter-resistant film for windows, which uses powerful adhesive to prevent glass from shattering, even if it does get hit by debris.

(As an added bonus, shatter-resistant security window film such as 3M Ultra and solutions such as Riot Glass can also stop thieves, burglars, and post-storm looters in their tracks.)

  • Get on the phone with your contact lists. Explicitly inform employees, vendors, scheduled maintenance professionals, and clients expecting meetings that no one should come to your location until the storm danger is cleared. If you have online customers, let them know that their shipments may be delayed. 
  • Stock your store with an emergency supply kit that contains food and water, first aid equipment, and other survival essentials, so that you and your employees can wait out the storm if need be. 

Safeguard Your Assets

Every weather event, from hurricanes to flooding and from fires to blizzards, is likely to severely damage your business assets. In a hurricane, inventory is subject to water and mud damage, fixtures can wash away in a sea of sewage sludge, and electrical hazards can cause smoke or fire damage. 

Protect your assets by preparing in advance: 

  • Look carefully through your insurance records, as well as through the paperwork for your assets. Check to see how your assets are insured, get the facts on what you’re leasing versus what you own, and figure out what your responsibilities are regarding assets that you’re leasing. 
  • Document all your inventory and assets with photos and videos and make sure you have a secure duplicate backup of your inventory records, including asset valuations. 
  • Ensure you have a backup generator (and that you know how to use it), and keep it topped off with fuel, so you can rely on it when you need it. 

Secure Your Location

Of course, natural disasters are extremely unpredictable, so nothing is ever 100% hurricane proof – but when you use the right window security solutions, you can trust that you’ll have done your best to mitigate the worst of the storm. 

Here are other ways you can secure your location:

  • Turn off and unplug all electrical devices at your store. Severe storms have a tendency to break gas lines, and it just takes one small spark from an electric device turning on to ignite a location filled with natural gas. 
  • Anchor large furniture and fixtures to wall studs. This helps prevent additional damage caused by flooding and can help reassure you that your location is more secure when you’re able to return to it. 

Keep Your Business Hurricane Savvy

These tips will get you started securing your people, assets, and location from storm-related disaster, but there’s a lot more you can do to protect your retail location. There are many resources online that can help you create a hurricane storm preparedness list for businesses and stay storm-ready in other ways, but one of the best ways to protect your location is to prepare in advance. 

Become a “hurricane savvy” leader, starting today, by taking a few minutes every day to focus on storm and emergency safety procedures. Look around your location to identify large fixtures you need to secure or electric devices you’ll want to turn off. Pick up an emergency supply kit next time you’re driving back from a meeting. Ensure your contact lists are up to date. 

And, of course, start investigating window and glass safety options by looking into your options for 3M shatter-resistant film and shatterproof windows. While none of these options are stormproof or hurricane-proof, they will help you mitigate the damage that severe weather events can cause. 

For that last one, NGS has got you covered. 

As the nation’s #1 Commercial Window Film Company and the team behind some of today’s top window security innovations including TRI-SHIELD and Invisicade, NGS has the expertise to help you determine the best window and storm security solutions for your store. 

 

Check out additional tips for securing your business from a wide variety of modern dangers.  

Oct 07
0
Strong blowing wind showing hurricane window film

Storm and Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Offices

By | Damage reduction window film, Storm Mitigation, window film | No Comments

Disclaimer: There is no such thing as “stormproof windows,” “hurricane proof windows,” “hurricane proof buildings,” or “hurricane proof window film.” If you find yourself in the path of a hurricane, please evacuate the area and stay away from windows. Learn more about what window film can and can’t do for hurricanes in our blog: “Hurricane Proof Buildings and Windows – Fact vs. Fiction.”

 

Hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30, and leading weather forecasting service, AccuWeather, has predicted a near- to slightly-above-normal hurricane season for 2019. Hurricane Dorian was only one of the 12-14 storms weather experts are calling for; according to AccuWeather’s estimation, we could be in for another 3 major hurricanes before the season is through. 

It’s a stormy year ahead of us and that means it’s up to you to protect your commercial buildings from hurricanes and natural disasters – starting now. 

Not sure where to begin? With this brief checklist, you’ll be well on your way to mitigating storm impacts on your building. However, this storm preparedness checklist for offices should be only the first step in your preparation process. Once you’ve read this article, check out more in-depth emergency planning recommendations from trusted online sources like FEMA. 

Start Your Checklist with These 5 Storm and Hurricane Preparedness Activities

As a commercial building owner or manager, your top focus will be to ensure your tenants’ safety and continued business operations. Stay on top of your responsibilities when you start with these 5 top tasks: 

Secure your building’s windows

Flying debris is one of the biggest dangers during a hurricane, which is why you have a supply of hurricane shutters in the basement. But hurricane shutters are a hassle because they have to be installed just barely before the storm hits. Shatterproof windows such as Riot Glass are a better solution for hurricane window protection because they keep your tenants and building emergency-ready at all times. They also have the added benefit of keeping out thieves, burglars, and post-storm looters.

3M shatter-resistant film is another option for storm protection that you may want to consider. Though it’s important to understand that no window film can be classified as “hurricane proof,” shatter-resistant films use a powerful adhesive, strengthened plastic films, and window anchoring systems to keep your windows from shattering in dangerous situations. 

Plan for pre-storm emergency service

Windows aren’t the only things that break during a hurricane. To prepare for dangerous high winds, make sure you shut off pipes for gas and flammable liquids to protect your building and tenants’ assets if the pipes break. In addition, it’s a good idea to check for weak areas on the roof and ensure your fire safety equipment is up to date and properly functioning. While you’re at it, check your sump pump too. 

Call in the professionals

Hurricanes and natural disasters are destructive, so it’s unlikely your commercial building will escape a major storm scot-free. You may need to take care of flooding damage or fire damage, and you’ll usually have to handle some wind damage too, so it’s a smart idea to create your preferred list of maintenance and repair people in advance. That way you can be ready to mobilize your repairs instantly, so your tenants can get back on their feet fast.

Educate your tenants

You may assume everyone in your building understands what to do to mitigate storm damage, but you know what they say about assumptions… 

It’s a good idea to remind tenants to turn off electric devices, backup their data, and stay home. While you’re at it, make sure your tenants understand your building’s emergency escape routes. (A good way to reinforce this information is to use reflective, waterproof wayfinding signage throughout your building, which tells tenants and their customers where building safe zones are located.) 

Check over your records

Not 100% sure what your responsibilities are before, during, and after a natural disaster? Double-check all your paperwork to make sure you’re meeting your obligations. Look over insurance policies and contracts – and while you’re at it, take care of some common-sense emergency precautions, such as cutting down trees that are too close to your building; setting up sandbags; and moving portable outdoor features, like planters and benches, inside.

Start Here for Better Natural Disaster and Hurricane Protection 

While there’s no such thing as “hurricane proof buildings” or “stormproof buildings,” you can certainly make your commercial building as hurricane resistant as possible. As you saw in the checklist above, most items focused on getting your building and tenants back to work as fast as possible after a storm hits. 

Only one item on the list helped you actually prevent damage from occurring in the first place: securing your building’s windows. 

Few commercial building managers realize the wide range of benefits that effective glass film installation can provide, including everything from storm mitigation with anti-theft capabilities to increased energy efficiency to happier tenants with more lucrative contracts for you. 

But to get all these benefits, you’ll need to work with an experienced, nationally recognized window film installer with a focus on security window film and storm-mitigation solutions.

NGS has got you covered. 

As a national leader in security window film and shatterproof windows, NGS, the #1 Commercial Window Film Company in the U.S., can help you choose the best storm safety solutions for your needs and budget. We can also take care of all the details and install your solutions in record time, with no interruption to your tenants. 

 

Access the guide, so you can learn more about protecting your commercial building and your tenants. 

Sep 26
0
Skyscrapers with commercial window tinting

The Benefits of Commercial Window Tinting

By | window film | No Comments

Commercial window film or, as it’s commonly known, “commercial window tinting,” can bring benefits to many types of businesses. Hotels, hospitals, banks, retail stores, schools, government services, and many other organizations can maximize energy-efficiency, cost-savings, employee productivity, and security – all with the help of commercial building window tinting.

From aesthetics to security to sustainability, here’s a quick list of what you can expect from commercial-grade window tint.

Aesthetics

We’ve all seen the buildings with decrepit window tinting that’s cracked, bubbled, mismatched, and a hideously ugly color. There are many ways that old window film can make your building look dreadful, but these bad installation jobs are just that: bad installations from inexperienced window film companies.

When you choose an experienced, national leader for commercial window film installation, you have many options for beautifying your building. Modern window film technology can provide:

Security

It can take as little as 60 seconds for a thief to smash and grab your assets, but if this happens to you, it can take hours, days, or even weeks to sort through the resulting chaos.

Modern commercial window films offer a wide range of security-enhancing benefits, including:

Sustainability

All businesses are striving for sustainability in today’s world. Energy-efficient window film is an easy-to-maintain, low-cost solution that can lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Although not all of the available sustainable options are technically “window tinting,” they are all advanced, modern solutions that any organization can use to boost their bottom line. These include:

  • Thermal window films or known as LOW E films that regulate your indoor temperatures to reduce overall heating and cooling costs (many businesses buy 3M Thinsulate window film to achieve this aim)
  • Cutting-edge solar films that offer clear, tint-free views, day or night, while maximizing employee productivity and reducing lighting costs
  • Attractive eco-wraps, also known as architectural film, which refresh building interiors and exteriors without resulting in the waste of a remodeling project

Get the Most from Your Commercial Window Tinting

Aesthetics, security, and sustainability are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of commercial window tinting – and since the window film industry is always changing, there’s always more to learn about your options for commercial-grade window film.

Get the facts and tap into all the benefits your organization deserves when you work with the #1 Commercial Window Film Company in the US: NGS.

Specializing in nationwide service, available at a moment’s notice and around the clock, NGS helps you take care of every aspect of your commercial window tinting installation, no matter how big the job.

Check out the gallery to learn more about your options for commercial window tinting and get ideas for your project.