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Solar Window Film

Mar 17
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Making Schools Safer With Window Film Blog title

Making Schools Safer With Window Film

By Building Security, Education, Safety & Security Films, Solar Window Film, Window Film No Comments

The tragic shootings at Sandy Hook in 2012 left a nation shocked and grieving. Not only were there 26 victims whose families would be forever altered, but most of the violence took place at an elementary school in a relatively small, quiet, peaceful Connecticut town.

Sandy Hook was not the first nor the last school shooting. And though the nation has tried to deal with the threat of violence on public school grounds, the massacre in Newton elevated the issue to a new level. As a result, the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission issued a 277-page report in 2015 and the Federal Commission on School Safety has continued to issue recommendations and guidelines for school districts across the country.

When it comes to school safety, there is no perfect solution. No building can be made 100% threat-proof.

But we can implement strategies, response plans, and deterrents that can make a difference should the worst happen. In fact, the Federal Commission on School Safety and the Sandy Hook Advisory Commission report both recommended safety window film as deterrents in schools. Safety window film, security window film, and hybrid safety-security window film are three such deterrents.

 

How window film can make schools safer

Today’s contemporary safety window films offer a baseline level of protection for vulnerable buildings, offices, and classrooms. Most are designed to reduce shatter when the glass is broken or penetrated. Safety film layered on the interior offers a first line of defense, and school administrators can opt to include a second layer of protection on the exterior. 

One of the original functions of window film—tinting—continues to be a feature of many modern safety-security window films, though with a newly evolved purpose: privacy. Today’s highrises, office complexes, and exposed building facades often have a shaded, or tinted window film application throughout as a way to ensure privacy. This tinting also very likely reduces the solar load on a building.

As it turns out, the privacy benefit that comes with shading and tinting in window film also has a particular safety benefit: windows that are shaded or darkened on the exterior make it more difficult for shooters to target individuals within a classroom, office, or building. This benefit can serve as a major deterrent to a single-minded individual who means to do harm with a firearm.

No deterrent can stop all threats. But safety and security window film can help significantly deter the impact of a threat emanating from outside the classroom or office. NGS offers a unique building hardening program ideal for school districts, offering:

  • Zoned survey approach that mirrors the Federal Commission on School Safety
  • Free surveys delivered with area maps and photos numbered to match zone and area
  • Free proprietary software to tailor the scope and price of each building to match a budget or grant
  • Nationwide government and education contracting vehicles to streamline requisition
  • Government contracting vehicles that are Edgar-compliant to streamline requisition

Available Funding For Building Hardening

Every public school district in America has a budget, and every public school has a list of things they need. Many times administrators have to choose between salaries, supplies, safety, and security. It’s an incredibly tough spot to be in, and budget allocations will continue to be a source of wrangling, dispute, argument, and controversy.

Thankfully, there is money out there for cash-strapped school districts. They’re called grants, and you might qualify! Here’s a list of potential grants that could help you harden your buildings: 

NGS has a team of consultants who are dedicated to just this issue: locating and procuring grant money for the specific purpose of making your school safer. As teachers, principals, and administrators well know, the universe of grants can be more difficult to navigate than you can imagine, and even when you do lock onto a particular grant that suits your needs, the proposal process can be an entirely separate, even more complex process.

Schedule a complimentary glass hardening assessment for your school or district with NGS. We can also help show you the grant money, so you can procure the safety, security, and hybrid window film products that make your school districts safer for future generations.

Photo by Max Fischer from Pexels

Mar 17
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The Climate Crisis, National Security, and Solar Window Film

The Climate Crisis, National Security, and Solar Window Film

By Solar Window Film, Window Film No Comments

On January 27, 2021, President Joe Biden issued an executive order on “tackling the climate crisis at home and abroad.” The very first section of the order seeks to put “the climate crisis at the center of United States foreign policy and national security.”

The final addendum is particularly interesting: “national security.” Since when is the climate crisis—a massive, globe-encompassing problem—a matter of national security?

But when you think about it, the matter becomes clear. As extreme weather events continue to significantly increase every year, there is an immediate impact on U.S. infrastructure, including military bases and coastal installations. Beyond American shores, extreme weather can lead to mass refugee movements, which can lead to conflicts over scarce resources. These conflicts can and often do have a direct impact on U.S. national security.

Climate change has also led to a major drain on the U.S. power grid, especially in the western states, where mass outages and rolling blackouts are more and more common each year. And these impacts actually make America—and its vast, interconnected, fully networked grid—more vulnerable to foreign infiltrators. Think Russia.

Finally, the global community’s response to the climate crisis—in the form of the Paris Agreement, the Group of Seven, and the Group of 20—forges alliances and sects among nations based on a particular government’s approach to climate change. Though not immediately obvious, these “lines in the sand” can lead to unforeseen conflict in the future.

So, there you have it. The climate absolutely impacts national security.

But what in tarnation does this have to do with window film? Let me explain.

Buildings for a Better Climate

When sun-control window films were first introduced way back in 1966, they were essentially little more than what we now view as “window tint.” Not to belittle that pioneering invention, but early solar window films refracted a bit of the sun’s powerful and multitudinous light spectrum, creating some shade and fostering a bit of interior cooling. And that was about it.

Leap forward into a new century and generations of engineering advancements, and you’ve entered into an entirely new era of sun- and solar-control window film. Today’s films offer powerful refracting technologies, which lead directly to interior cooling and, by extension, lower energy bills. After all, if your entire building is kept just a little cooler on the interior each and every hot summer day—even just a few degrees—the air conditioning systems don’t have to work as hard, or as often. And that means they don’t pull as much power from the energy grid.

On the flip side, during cold winter months, modern solar window film acts as an insulator. A proper application of an advanced sun control window film throughout a building actually creates a thin insulating layer that helps to hold heat in and keep cold out. Again, this insulating effect eases the burden on the building’s HVAC systems. Which means a lower energy bill.

The link between window film and national security

So you still may be wondering. Okay, window films lower energy costs. But how in the world do they impact national security?

Massive highrises. Sprawling office parks. Huge government complexes, all spread throughout the gargantuan piece of real estate known as the lower 48. And all this infrastructure has a nearly incalculable impact on the power grid.

So, when a winter deep freeze creeps into its fourth week, or a scalding summer drought stretches over two months, all those buildings continue to run their HVAC systems ever harder. Eventually, all this power consumption overwhelms the grid, leading to rolling blackouts and mass outages. And from that point, the vulnerabilities in the places we work, live, and conduct business emerge at exponential rates.

A commitment to greener buildings

Inherent in the Biden climate plan is a commitment to smarter, greener construction, development, and infrastructure improvement. Such a commitment means leaning more and more on resources like solar, wind, and lithium-ion.

There’s been a revolution in green buildings over the past few decades. Rooftops are now looked at in entirely different ways than they were in the past, not to mention HVAC systems, insulation, and alternative energy sources. Sun control and solar control window films are very much a part of this ongoing green revolution, and window films like 3M™ Prestige give you the dual benefit of solar control and security. They also happen to make the nation more secure.

Learn more about how window film can help your building go green in our on-demand webinar: Sun Control Window Films.

Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash

Jan 29
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Tower with reflective, mirrored window film

The Many Benefits of Solar Window Film

By Solar Window Film No Comments

What good is the dawn

That grows into day?

The sunset at night

Or living this way?

For I have the warmth of the sun

Within me at night

– “The Warmth of the Sun,” The Beach Boys

When Brian Wilson asked “what good is the dawn that grows into day?”, he probably wasn’t thinking about solar control window film. But in an odd way, the question applies—literally—to this uniquely advanced method to create energy efficiency, comfort, privacy, and protection in contemporary office buildings, highrises, and commercial properties.

When you think about it, a highrise, a big office building, or a large commercial property is kind of like a gigantic solar panel. By simply applying the latest solar window film to all the glass and windows in a building, you’ve created an energy-efficient ecosystem, with the ability to absorb or reflect the sun’s heat and penetrating solar rays throughout the year.

A brief history of solar window film

The original patent for solar window film dates all the way back to 1966. Since then, window film in general and solar window film, in particular, has gone through a series of evolutions and engineering advancements. While the original films were little more than tint, modern solar window films now bring a whole new set of features to the table, benefitting contractors, architects, planners, building managers, occupants, and tenants.

Let’s examine the primary benefits of solar control window film, including:

  • Cost savings through energy efficiency
  • Occupant comfort
  • Fade protection
  • Privacy and aesthetics
  • Glare reduction

Current multi-function window films like those in the 3M™ Safety & Security Window Film Solar Safety Series also include features like blast and intrusion protection.

Cost savings through energy efficiency

Solar control window film creates energy efficiency —and savings on heating and cooling costs —by managing the transmission of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, far- and near-infrared (IR), and visible light from the sun. By turning away the sun’s powerful rays, building managers and property owners can eliminate hotspots within a building, and insulate windows and glass from heat loss.

Of the solar heat entering a building, more than half is infrared light, yet over 40% is in the visible light range. Conventional window films lower both to provide good sun control performance. However, there are “wavelength-selective” films now available that are designed to block specific regions of the solar light spectrum, from infrared to ultraviolet. These films can be virtually clear, rejecting a very high percentage of IR while still allowing a very high percentage of natural daylight into the interior of the building.

By the numbers

In fact, modern solar control window films deliver up to 99.9% rejection of UV rays up to 97% infrared energy rejection.

Windows account for a major portion of cooling loads in any building. Across buildings in the U.S., 42% of the entire cooling load for residential buildings and 28% of the entire cooling load for commercial buildings are due to windows.*

Solar control window films save up to:

  • 19 kWh/ft2 on a single pane
  • 12 kWh/ft2 on a double pane

One final number: solar control window films can become carbon negative in as short as 6 months.

Occupant comfort

While energy savings is certainly important, another major benefit and factor in purchasing decisions for solar window films is occupant comfort. Solar control window films can reduce temperatures, hot and cold spots, as well as UV radiation (one of the leading causes of skin cancer).

Simply put, solar window films allow the sunny side of your building to be cooler. That means people are more comfortable, as one side of the building becomes overheated while the other is too cool.

The second most common concern in terms of occupant comfort that relates to windows is glare. And the most common approach to dealing with glare is by installing blinds or drapes.

However, blinds and drapes more often than not completely eliminate natural light, or create a patchwork dappling on the interior that can be distracting or aesthetically displeasing. And it’s safe to say blinds and drapes do next to nothing in terms of enhancing the insulative qualities of windows, not to mention windows’ energy efficiency.

Solar window films can also be used to address glare. Rather than obstructing the view, the right window film can optimize the transmission of light through a window best suited for each unique situation. A building with virtually clear solar window film can transmit as little as 9% of the visible light, should that best fit the room or interior space. 

Fade protection

One big concern for business owners and managers of commercial properties is the fading that can occur when objects are placed in the path of direct sunlight within the interior of a building. As a general rule, ultraviolet light is responsible for approximately 40% of the fading, visible light about 25% and solar heat about 25%. The remaining 10% can be attributed to humidity, pollutants, interior lights, dye anchorage, and more. 

Solar window films will typically reject 99% of the UV radiation, and depending on the film chosen, it can reject as much as 79% of solar heat, as well as 91% of visible light. Clearly, installing window film has a significant impact on the rate at which fading occurs.

Interior furnishings and property are particularly vulnerable to UV light, visible light, and solar heat that penetrates a building’s windows and glass. And though solar window film can’t stop fading altogether, it can be very effective in mitigating and delaying fading, prolonging the life of furnishings and property.

Privacy and aesthetics

Think of your building as a massive shell. Some shells look distinct and polished, some blend into the surrounding environment, some stick out like a sore thumb. The choice you make in solar window film has a great impact on the exterior look, aesthetic appeal, and privacy of the building itself. Fortunately, there are an abundance of designs, patterns, and privacy levels you can choose from in solar window film to deliver the aesthetic appeal and privacy level you want for both occupants and passersby.

Another part of the aesthetic equation includes reflectivity and transmission. Older, outdated window films often harshly reflected light, which created a real disruption for people traveling near or around the building. With modern solar window films, reflectivity can be entirely eliminated, and decorative touches like frosting or shading can offer a unique look and a specific level of privacy. In fact, the latest multi-optical layer film technologies such as those found in the 

3M™ Sun Control Window Film Prestige Series have no metals and thus are 5G safe — as well as non-corrosive and non-reflective.

Solar window films can improve exterior aesthetics by providing a uniform, polished look to the building facade. Buildings with reflective-type window film look updated and contemporary. An updated facility also makes occupants and tenants visually aware of the efforts being made to maintain a high aesthetic level and current, modern look.

Here comes the sun

Solar window film offers so much more today than in its original 1966 inception. And if The Beach Boys were tapped to write a jingle for solar window film today, they’d have a plethora of themes to explore.

Take a deep dive into solar window film with NGS’ James Beale in this webinar.

* Source: “Buildings in the 21st Century,” US Department of Energy, International Green Building Summit, 2010.

 

Photo by Bruno Passos from Burst

Jan 19
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3M Window Film

More Than Window Tint

By Building Security, Safety & Security Films, Solar Window Film, Window Film No Comments

How 3M™ Safety and Security Window Film Protects People and Property

Imagine yourself in your office building. A typical Monday, when you meet with your team in the large conference room. 

The weather forecast didn’t call for anything unusual. But tornadoes don’t listen to meteorologists. In fact, there’s a twister headed directly for your building right now: you can see it approaching through the large glass window.

This scenario is extreme, but it does happen: extreme weather, earthquakes, and even explosions can lead to showers of shattered glass cascading on people and property inside your office, school, or highrise.

Add to this list of threatening scenarios intrusions, blasts and explosions, spontaneous glass breakage, and even graffiti, and you begin to see how safety and security window film can really help to protect both the people and the property within your building.

Advancements in window film engineering

When you think of window film, you probably think of shading, tint, and perhaps protection from the heat and cold. But did you know that advanced window films can also prevent dangerous shattering due to extreme weather, break-ins, and even explosions?

Films like 3M™ Safety and Security Window Film are engineered for a multitude of purposes, including protection from harmful UV rays, privacy, and energy efficiency. But these window films are also being applied to schools, hotels, retail stores and commercial, government, and medical buildings for another, invaluable reason: anti-shattering capabilities that hold glass together when catastrophic events, riots, or break-ins occur.

3M security films also come in dual-function options such as the new multi-optical layer, a high heat-rejection Prestige line. It is virtually clear but rejects almost 50% of the total solar energy while providing security benefits.

 3M™ Safety and security window films typically serve one or more of these purposes:

Let’s take a closer look at each of these categories to get a full sense of the benefits of these highly engineered, purpose-built window films.

Intrusion protection

One of the most common reasons for security film to be installed on a residence or commercial property is for intrusion protection. Windows and glass doors are among the weakest points on the building envelope and are often targeted as an entry point for criminals. Billions are lost due to property-related crimes in the U.S. alone, and unfortunately, fortified glass is often too expensive when considering security upgrades.  

Security window films and attachments are used to help deter intruders and would-be thieves from entering into a space, building, or property. With properly installed security window film, intruders will have a considerably more difficult time penetrating or breaking through the glass, adding precious minutes to the crime timeline—and giving police or security the chance to respond before a theft takes place.

Blast mitigation

In this day and age, the possibility of an explosion or blast near highrises, government and federal buildings, offices, shops, commercial properties, hotels, hospitals, and public spaces is unfortunately real. And if the worst actually does happen, broken glass shards from windows and doors are one of the leading causes of fatalities and property damage.

Some of the most advanced safety window films being developed today by 3M™ can actually mitigate the damage caused by glass shards resulting from an explosion or blast. Though it’s not possible to mitigate completely, these films can significantly reduce the penetration of glass shards into the interior of a building, which means a lower possibility of injury or fatality to people, and less damage to property.

Windstorm protection

Tornadoes. Hurricanes. Severe windstorms. Extreme weather events like these happen more and more frequently in the 21st century, and without question, they often have the force to break glass.

Fortunately, there are safety window films designed specifically for windstorm protection and mitigation. These films are engineered to keep shattered or compromised glass in the window frame should a severe windstorm or other extreme weather events occur. And when that shattered glass is kept within the frame, there is much less chance of injury or damage to people, patrons, and property.

Anti-graffiti

We’ve all seen it: unsightly graffiti or tagging on storefront windows, bus stop terminals, bathroom mirrors, and public buildings. Though not as severe as an explosion or hurricane, graffiti is a much more common occurrence and one that gives building owners and property managers constant headaches.

Anti-graffiti window films are designed to create a layer of protection over bus stand ads, transit stop banners, storefront and retail windows, school windows and glass, and even mirrors. When a vandal tries to scratch, gouge, acid etch, or tag the glass, they are in fact tagging a film that can easily be removed and replaced.  If the vandalism is removed sooner rather than later, this often discourages repeat offenses, and it also preserves the image of the shop or advertisement. 

An anti-graffiti window film is a sacrificial film layer applied over the glass, either on the interior or the exterior. Typical areas where anti-graffiti films are used are retail stores, schools, bathroom stalls and mirrors, advertisements and banners, mass transportation and metro transit stops.

Protection is paramount

When it comes to your commercial property, business, or building, the protection of your patrons, tenants, employees, and property is the highest priority. And though no building is totally impenetrable, modern safety and security window films go a long way in mitigating injury, damage, and even fatality, and also serve as a significant deterrence to intrusion, theft, and vandalism.

 

Learn more about how 3M™ window film can secure your commercial property in our AIA accredited webinar: Protect People and Property with 3M™ Safety and Security Window Film

Contact Us to request a quote on making your property more secure with NGS and 3M™ window film

Sep 26
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Skyscrapers with commercial window tinting

The Benefits of Commercial Window Tinting

By Smart Window Film, Solar Window Film, 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.

Jul 29
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Office building with solar window film

How Solar Window Film and Building Energy Modeling Work Together to Help You Beat the Heat

By Energy modeling, Solar Window Film, Window Film No Comments

As a planet, we recently broke a temperature record with the world’s hottest June ever recorded. June also marked the 414th consecutive month where temperatures exceeded the 20th Century average – and climate experts predict that July will follow suit and break its heat records as well.

In other words, it’s really hot and getting hotter. 

As a commercial building manager, you either have the option of adjusting your budget to allow for higher cooling costs this summer and beyond… or you can make a change that will keep costs down, as well as improve your long-term corporate sustainability. 

Let’s talk about energy-efficient options for your building, specifically about solar window film and building energy modeling. 

What Can Modern Solar Window Film Do?

The question should really be, “What can’t solar film do?” because these days, window film is pretty impressive stuff. 

As summers get hotter, many smart business owners are finding new ways to keep buildings and employees cool without increasing energy costs. This is where the advanced technology of solar window film really gets the opportunity to shine. (Excuse the pun.) 

Here’s a small sampling of what you can expect of modern solar film solutions: 

  • Daylight Redirecting Film
    3M Daylight Redirecting Film relies on cutting-edge micro-structured prisms to physically redirect the natural light of the sun into your building, so you can reduce heat gain and lower your electric lighting costs.
  • Spectrally Select Films (3M Prestige series)
    3M Prestige series solar films are less reflective than glass, due to the fact that there’s no metal in their construction. The patented construction allows these films to outperform interior applied silver films on dual-pane glass while allowing in more natural light and not impeding views. This unique construction also will not affect 5G signal, thus they are future proof!
  • Ceramic Film
    Ceramic window film, such as 3M Sun Control Window Film, provides crystal-clear views along with outstanding protection from solar heat gain and harmful UV rays that can fade and damage products inside your building. Ultra clear solar film IS possible!
  • Dual Reflective Film
    Dual Reflective Film is scientifically designed to give you the advantages of solar window film (reduced heat and glare) while preserving the aesthetic beauty of your building and its views, day and night.
  • Low Emissivity (Low E) Film
    Films like 3M Thinsulate offer performance that rivals a full window replacement, with much lower costs. This type of film provides a thermal layer that reduces both heating and cooling expenditures.

Remember, this list contains only a few of the many window film products that can help your business save money and increase employee productivity during the summertime heat. If you’re curious about the rest of your options, just ask the window film experts at NGS! 

Not Sure What Kind of Solar Film Solution Would Fit Your Needs Best? You’re Not Alone. 

Considering the technological advancements that film has achieved in the past few decades, very few individuals outside the glass film industry understand the subtle shadings (another pun!) between their options. 

That’s why NGS offers building energy modeling assessments. 

What Are Building Energy Modeling Assessments? 

Our technological world is pretty amazing. Building energy modeling is a comprehensive energy expenditure prediction tool run by a powerful computer modeling program. It’s built to help you understand how your energy costs would change with various solar window film solutions.

An energy assessment helps you see the real-life impact of various energy-efficient film solutions on a realistic 3D rendering of your building – and it also lets you mix and match film, so you can find the best, most cost-effective options for your needs before spending a penny on solar window film. 

Climate predictions state that we’ll be in for many more hot summers in the years to come, but with solar film and energy modeling from NGS, you’ll be prepared to beat the heat. 

Check out the case study on Sutter Health hospital in San Francisco to find out why energy service companies (ESCOs) entrust their energy modeling projects to NGS for the best results.

May 04
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Commercial Window Film

Improve Your Bottom Line with Commercial Window Film

By Commercial Property Owner, Solar Window Film, Window Film No Comments

The Surprising Method You Can Use to Manage Your Business Assets

You already know this, but we’re going to tell you again:

Improving your bottom line requires adequate asset management, so you can ensure that your buildings, fixtures, and equipment experience a long lifespan while losing as little value as possible.

Summer is coming on fast, so today we’ll be talking about how you can protect your merchandise and equipment from the sun while reducing the energy load on your building’s chillers.

Let’s get to it.

Your Asset Protection Options

Most managers think their only method for asset management is remodeling. A remodel project is great… except for its required construction downtime and prohibitively high costs. If possible, companies tend to avoid this expense if they have the option.

Most managers don’t realize that there is another way: Commercial Window Film.

Commercial window film is a low-cost solution that eliminates construction hassles and offers a significantly lower cost than remodeling. In fact, window film can increase the lifespan of your assets by protecting your merchandise and business from both thieves and sun damage. In addition, window film can reduce your lighting and HVAC costs too!

Here are some of the ways your business can increase the longevity of your assets at a fraction of the cost.

  • Reduce Fading, Cracking, and Peeling for Your Merchandise

Solar film is a great low-cost solution if your merchandise, equipment, or furniture needs protection from the damaging effects of the sun.

The sun is great, but depending on where you live, it can really do a number on your bottom line. Help curb sun-related depreciation of your assets with solar film that blocks up to 99% of UV rays, which fade your fabric and upholstery, peel your paint, and crack your plastic inventory.

  • Protect Your Goods from Wanna-Be Thieves and Taggers

Security and anti-graffiti film help increase your security and keep your windows looking beautiful – all at a fraction of the cost of glazing replacement and repair.

Security film offers your business protection from thieves by strengthening your glass against rocks, baseball bats, and other smash-and-grab tools. Anti-graffiti film protects your storefront from the costs of repairing graffiti and etching by providing a peel-off film that leaves your glass looking as good as new within minutes.

  • Harvest Daylight to Lower Your Lighting Costs

Reduce lighting costs the high-tech way with the surprisingly affordable prismatic film that brings beautiful sunlight deeper into your building for longer in the day.

Most building and retail managers have never heard of Daylight Redirecting Film from 3M – and that’s a shame. This innovative solution actually redirects sunlight toward the ceiling as it passes through your windows, which reduces your need for electric, artificial lighting. Studies show that better, more comfortable lighting also significantly increases employee productivity and customer satisfaction, which helps build a fast ROI along with your cost savings for years to come.

  • Optimize Your HVAC Costs in Summer and Winter

Keep heating and cooling costs manageable and predictable year-round with film that blocks heat in the summer and cold in the winter.

Thermal films are a fantastic option for businesses or building managers that want to cut down on their ongoing costs of heating and cooling. Whether your buildings have uncomfortable hot spots in the summer or you’re looking to increase your sustainability measures year-round, thermal films can help you keep your operating costs under control.

Help Ensure Your Business’s Future with Smart Asset Management

We think it was Benjamin Franklin who famously said that “A penny saved is a penny earned.” That’s never been truer than it is now. The pace of modern business is moving faster than ever before, and new disruptors hit the market all the time. The best way for you to stay ahead of the curve is to reduce your ongoing asset costs so you can save your money and reinvest it into competitive, business-building strategies.

And one of the smartest ways to do so is to control your costs by properly managing your assets.

Instead of spending your time and money on remodeling, you may find a smarter, more cost-effective solution by investigating the many benefits and options you have available with commercial window film.

Contact NGS Films and Graphics to learn more about your options for commercial window film. Call us at (866) 925-2083.

Feb 06
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Window film project

The Anatomy of a Window Film Project – What to Expect from Start to Finish

By Commercial Property Owner, Installation Services & Programs, Retail, Safety & Security Films, Smart Window Film, Solar Window Film, Storm Mitigation Window Film, Window Film No Comments

Ah, the New Year! Filled with new business plans and strategies, everything in this season revolves around improvement. It’s the time when you look back at the previous year and figure out how things can be even better.

One great way to improve is to save money on energy costs. Being the savvy business owner you are, you undoubtedly already know that window film can provide cost savings for your building, but you aren’t exactly sure how a window film project works.

To give you a better idea of what to expect in your company’s window film project, NGS Films and Graphics is here with a breakdown of every stage in the process. Let’s get to it.

  1. Consultation

The process starts with a conversation about what you want your project to achieve. This conversation will usually include a walkthrough of your space, and we’ll ask questions like:

  • What’s the desired effect of this project?
  • Do you want to lower your building’s heating and cooling costs?
  • Do you need better security?
  • Are you looking to improve the aesthetic appeal of your building or workspace?

If you’re not sure what you want, NGS’s window film professionals can help you find the proper solution for your building’s unique needs by giving you an accurate, real-life view of the beneficial effects of different films on different parts of your building. We do this using building modeling and energy modeling.

  • Building modeling creates a 3D image of your entire structure so you can view a “before” and “after” image.
  • Energy modeling calculates your cost savings over time for various energy-efficient upgrades, such as Low E film, daylight redirecting film, and solar film.

Since we want to ensure that your project turns out perfectly, this consultation will probably be the longest part of your window film project.

  1. Selection and Production

After the consultation, you’ll have all the information you need about the different types of film that make sense for your project, and how you’ll benefit when they’re applied to your building’s interiors or exteriors.

Since NGS Films and Graphics has access to industry-leading manufacturers and offers the best-in-class film solutions on the market, this means you’ll have a lot of options to choose from. You’ll need to narrow down your options to get your perfect solution.

If no off-the-shelf solution works for your specific needs, you can always have NGS design unique, customized film that meets your criteria, such as displaying your brand and graphics or matching the design of your building and workspaces. If you’d like, you can also choose different films for different floors or sides of your building, so you can maximize your efficiency and impact.

After this stage, NGS handles all the details for you so you can get back to focusing on your business. All you’ll need to do is look forward to your soon-to-be-finished film, graphics, or signage project.

  1. Coordination

For this part of the project, hiring the best in the business will demonstrate the critical difference between a success and a disaster. That’s because this phase relies heavily on effective project management; only a small handful of window film consultants are also effective project managers.

To enjoy a hassle-free project, you’ll need a window film company that plans and manages all aspects of your project so you don’t have to juggle multiple schedules for work crews. A well-coordinated project finishes on time and on budget – which is what you can expect from NGS.

  1. Installation

This is when the workers actually show up and begin working on your building. It’s okay if you thought this was the only stage to a window film project; many people don’t realize all the work that happens behind the scenes before film ever touches their windows.

During installation, window film is typically applied one floor at a time, starting from the bottom and working toward the top, or vice versa. The length of time needed for a given installation will vary according to many factors such as the type of film, the conditions for installation, the weather, coordination of schedules with other work crews on-site, and, of course, your personal preferences.

  1. Satisfaction

This is the best stage. It’s when you get to relax and fully enjoy the advantages of your upgrades and improvements. All that’s needed now is for you to sit back and watch your benefits take effect.

On most window film projects, your staff will be able to tell the difference almost immediately and your wallet will feel the difference within a few short months. Plus, since this stage lasts for years and years, you know you’ll have time to enjoy it.

Plan for Your Project’s Success

The most important part of the whole window film process is that you choose the right company to execute each stage without disrupting your business’s daily functions.

Sadly, not all window film consultants have the capability or interest in working around your schedule and your needs. NGS Films and Graphics does, which is just one of the many reasons we’ve been named the #1 Commercial Window Film Company in the nation.

We look forward to serving you.

 

Contact NGS at (866) 925-2083 to discover all the options available to help your business realize maximum cost savings and energy efficiency in the New Year.

Aug 03
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The Big Picture: Corporate Sustainability and Window Film

By Commercial Property Owner, Safety & Security Films, Smart Window Film, Solar Window Film, Window Film No Comments

The Big Picture: Corporate Sustainability and Window Film

It’s hot outside – and it’s getting hotter every day. Whether you’re an environmentalist or you think climate change is nonsense, today’s post is worth a read – because sustainability is about a lot more than the planet. It’s also about your profits.

It’s time we all acknowledged the elephant in the room. Let’s talk about corporate sustainability.

What Exactly Is Corporate Sustainability?

Though the term “sustainable” has become a stand-in for “environmentally friendly,” corporate sustainability rests on a trio of intertwined practices, often referred to as “people, planet, and profits.” Companies considered “sustainable,” must take action to support:

  1. Global Societies

The rise of globalization has increased competition worldwide, and has consequently provided economic advantages for formerly isolated countries with a low cost of living and low wages.

Today’s booming businesses have unprecedented freedom to keep their margins consistent by sourcing from an ever-widening network of providers – but the pre-modern labor policies in many developing nations can mean that inexpensive supplies and materials come at a devastating human cost.

Companies intent on sustainability perform due diligence on their suppliers and goods to ensure that what they’re buying was produced in a safe, healthy manner that didn’t take part in:

  • Child labor
  • Forced labor
  • Discrimination

Take Action: Start sustainability practices by choosing products, suppliers, and vendors committed to their workers. Although it may be impossible for you to personally investigate every link in your lengthy supply chain, responsible vendors will be able to report on their own supply chains and sustainability practices in depth.

  1. Planet Earth

You already know that sustainability ties into environmental responsibility, so we won’t belabor the point. In essence, protecting the planet’s scarce resources means you must:

  • Reduce waste
  • Limit your energy usage (your “carbon footprint”)
  • Take an environmentally precautionary approach when considering business changes or expansions

Take Action: Reducing your carbon footprint is usually the easiest place to begin your journey toward sustainability. These days, you have options for a wide range of attractive and affordable energy-saving enhancements for your company, including newer, all-season solar and Low E films or Daylight Redirecting Films that reduce the amount of energy you need to heat, cool, and even light your building, retail location, or office space.

  1. The Bottom Line

Many companies become so focused on their obligation to protect the earth and its people that they feel as if it’s not noble to focus on their own profits. That viewpoint couldn’t be further from the truth. Your profits matter for your own long-term sustainability as a company – as well as the long-term sustainability of your employees and their families.

It’s important to protect your bottom line.

Take Action: Sustainability in one area doesn’t overcome a lack of sustainability in other areas. It’s wrong to overlook human rights abuses in pursuit of a quick buck – and it’s also wrong to overlook your business profits in pursuit of the most expensive eco-friendly product on the market. Find affordable solutions.

Commit to Corporate Sustainability in Your Company

It doesn’t matter if you have 2 employees or 2,000, corporate sustainability is always a smart thing to focus on when you want to ensure long-term growth. Start small to succeed big over time.

Follow this framework as you plan your sustainability initiatives:

  • Determine your sustainability objectives and preferred outcomes
  • Set goals (short and long term)
  • Implement changes
  • Reflect on your results
  • Adjust your goals and strategies as needed

Repeat this process until you have achieved your objectives.

Start Today

Take your first (or next!) step on the path to sustainability when you support worldwide communities, Earth preservation, and your overall profits – all at once!

NGS Films and Graphics can help you increase your sustainability through a wide-range of responsibly sourced, environmentally friendly window films that can be installed at a fraction of the price of new windows. Some of today’s high-tech solutions include:

  • “Low E” films (low emissivity) that reduce up to 42% of the heat loss associated with windows
  • Daylight Redirecting Films that redirect direct sunlight toward your ceilings to reduce your light energy costs by up to 52% while increasing employee productivity
  • Solar control films that reduce heat-causing infrared by up to 97%, cut down on harmful UV rays by 99%, and significantly cut your cooling costs

Modern window films are nearly invisible and can result in positive ROI in as little as six months. Some sustainable window-film consultants even offer free energy modeling for your workplace so can predict your savings in advance.

 

Learn more about your wide range of energy-efficient options and run your free energy-modeling analysis. Contact NGS Films and Graphics at (866) 925-2083.