3M Window Film Archives – Sunray® Window Films & Installations

Melting Siding? Learn What Causes It and How to Prevent It

Sunray® — Sat, 09 May 2020 13:38:23 +0000

As a homeowner, you try your best to keep energy costs low while still maintaining comfortable temperatures indoors. Heating and air conditioning are expensive, and many builders take these concerns to heart when selecting windows for new homes. Because winters can be bitterly cold in some parts of the country, Low-E (or low emissivity) windows have become increasingly popular.

Low-E windows help keep indoor temperatures stable by directing warmth or cool air back into your home. While these innovative windows are a blessing during the winter and summer seasons, the coating that makes them reflective can cause serious damage to your neighbor’s home as well as any foliage or patio furniture that may be nearby.

Low-E Glass Redirects Solar Energy

Low-E windows have an invisible coating that allows light in but keeps heat out. That sounds wonderful until you realize that the sun’s damaging rays are simply being redirected elsewhere. In many cases, especially in neighborhoods where houses are close together, that energy can take a toll on your neighbor’s vinyl siding. You see, as the earth rotates and the seasons change, so does the sun’s angle. In the spring and fall, we meet hundreds of Midwest homeowners who don’t understand why their siding is melting. Sadly, Low-E windows are often to blame. Those windows can warp vinyl siding and damage decks, grass, exterior furniture, and even friendships.

It’s a phenomenon that’s more common than you think, with the issue making local news across many parts of the country, particularly hitting home in Northeast Ohio. While the window and door manufacturers claim “there is no definitive cause of the phenomenon” homeowners are still left holding the bag paying for the damages and scratching their heads looking for a solution.

https://sunrayfilms.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/meltedvinylsiding.mp4

Exterior Prestige 40 Window Film to the Rescue

Fortunately, there is a remedy for melting siding and that is to reduce the reflection from your neighbor’s windows. The best way to minimize the reflectivity associated with Low-E windows is to install a window film covering on the outside of the windows, 3M^TM Exterior Prestige 40 window film. Vinyl siding begins to warp or melt at 160 degrees, and dark surfaces absorb even more heat. As you saw in the video, while the outside thermometer might not register temperatures in that range, reflected energy is often immeasurably high. Though most non-reflective window film reduces reflectivity to 20 percent, we don’t think that’s good enough. When applied to the outside of your windows, Exterior Prestige 40 reduces reflectivity to just 8 percent, minimizing UV damage.

The trick then becomes approaching your neighbor and pointing out the problem. A perverse yet effective solution we’ve seen quite a bit is offering to pay for your neighbors’ window film installation. Pointing out the benefits of the window film not only for you and your home but the inherent benefits they’ll reap minimizing sun damage to their furnishings and carpet. The benefits certainly outweigh the costs when facing potential vinyl siding replacement.

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How good is Exterior Prestige 40? So good, in fact, that we’ve even installed it at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Before your Low-E windows damage your neighbor’s property, give our knowledgeable experts a call. They’ll be happy to help!

Contact Sunray® Window Films today via email or at 800.295.8468.

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Save Energy With Window Film

Sunray® — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 14:05:52 +0000

US households spend an average of $117.65 every month on their energy bill, and roughly half of that bill is devoted to energy costs. Taking both of those statistics into account, it becomes clear that energy is a significant expense for many homes.

There are a number of things you can do to lower the amount of money you have to spend on energy regulation: caulking windows and doors, ensuring air isn’t escaping through your attic, and making sure you’re not regulating the temperature when no one’s home. There is another course of action most people do not even know about or consider and that is window film.

In this article, we’ll let you know how 3M™’s Sun Control Window Film Series can help you save money and answer a few of the most frequently asked questions we get. As well, we’ll help you decide which window film is right for you.

How Can Window Film Help You Save Money?

3M™ Window Film rejects up to 79% of the heat that would come through your window, which means your HVAC won’t need to work as hard in order to keep the air in your building cool.

Of course, the harder your HVAC has to work, the more often it’s going to need to be repaired or replaced. Reducing the amount of heat coming into your home leads to less expensive service calls.

That said, we still recommend regular HVAC maintenance calls, since these also help improve the unit’s lifespan and efficiency.

Will I Have Problems With Glare?

Some window films ruin your view because of the way they reflect light. However, 3M™’s window films have significantly less reflectivity. Instead, they reject the light coming into a room.

Will It Affect My Cell Phone?

Low quality window films have caused issues with cell phone reception because of the metal used to create them. 3M™ only uses high quality materials and state-of-the-art techniques, which means you won’t have this concern when our film is installed.

What Types of Film Can I Get?

3M™ offers a variety of different products that are designed to help you increase the efficiency of your home or organization. Because Sunray Window Films is a 3M™ Authorized & Certified Window Film Dealer, we have a full suite of these products available.

All of the films in 3M™’s Sun Control Series reject the light, they just do so differently.

A few notable products in the series include the 3M™ Thinsulate™ 75 Low E Window Film, which is specifically designed to insulate your windows, and the 3M™ Prestige Window Film, which is designed to last longer than other films on the market.

If you want to decrease the amount of heat coming into your home but you also want to have as much natural light as possible, we recommend the 3M™ Sun Control Series Window Film. These are just a few of the many sun control products we offer, and you can find the full list on our 3M™ Sun Control Series Window Films page.

Interested in purchasing window films? Want to get it installed for your home or business? Please call us at 800.295.8468 to receive a free quote today!

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7 Reasons to Upgrade Your Building with Commercial Window Tinting

Sunray® — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 18:05:12 +0000

Owning a commercial building may be a long-term investment, but the initial purchase is just the first step. Keeping your building occupied, safe, and energy-efficient also plays a role in your bottom line. Windows make being indoors more pleasant, but non-tinted windows can lead to excess energy usage due to excessive solar heat levels in your facility. Here are the top seven reasons why commercial window tinting is an investment for your business this year.

#1 Reduce Energy Costs

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, then it’s time to think about reducing energy usage and save on large equipment maintenance expenses. Commercial window tinting lessens your building’s dependence on air conditioning and reduces the strain on your HVAC system, which can mean fewer repairs and a longer lifespan.

#2 Stabilize Temperatures

Buildings aren’t one-sided, which means part of the building will be in the shade while the other half is in the sun. These variables cause your HVAC system to kick in, but some offices can become too cold. Commercial window tinting stabilizes interior temperatures better, so your employees or tenants won’t go to war over the thermostat.

#3 Block Excess Heat and Glare

Stand next to a window on a sunny day, and you’ll find yourself sweating in no time. Put your desk and computer next to that same window, and you’ll spend more time out of the office than in it. Commercial window tinting solves both problems simultaneously by rejecting the sun’s rays and eliminating the glare they cause.

#4 Improve Indoor Comfort

Remember that sunny window we just mentioned? It may not fit as well as it should and could allow heat to escape in winter or enter in the summer. Commercial window tinting seals poor-fitting windows, so you can enjoy the view outside while remaining comfortable inside.

#5 Cost Effective Alternative to Window Replacement

It can take years to recoup the costs associated with replacing windows, whereas commercial window film provides insulation from the cold and heat while costing far less than installing double- or triple-paned glass.

#6 Protect Furnishings and Interior Surfaces

A solid pane of glass may look impermeable, but the sun’s ultraviolet rays can pass right through it, causing carpets, furnishings, and cubicle surfaces to fade over time. Commercial window tinting rejects UV rays and safeguards your interior.

#7 Improve Safety

Windows, as well as other glass surfaces, present a potential hazard when broken. Extreme weather, explosions, bomb blasts, and smash-and-grab crimes all put your building’s occupants at risk. Commercial window tinting prevents shards from scattering and makes the glass more durable, so the people who frequent your facility will be better protected should breakage occur.

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If you need help selecting the right window film for your building, give our industry experts a call. They’ll be happy to help!

Contact Sunray® Window Films today via email or at 800.295.8468.

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3M™ Thinsulate™ Window Film | Sunray® Window Films | 800.295.8468

Sunray® — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 20:05:02 +0000

Smarter windows. More comfortable you.

Whatever your climate, 3M™ Thinsulate 70 & 40 can help you and you family be comfortable all year long. Our unique low-e window film helps retain warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer by increasing your windows’ insulation value. A single-pane performs close to a double-pane, a double-pane performs close to a triple-pane.

Historic registered buildings, newer office towers, and every sort of building in between can be improved by the addition of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Climate Control Window Film. It enhances sustainability, comfort, and helps provide fade protection, while remaining virtually invisible, with a neutral appearance that will not dramatically change the look of your windows – inside or out.

Improve Your Windows’ Ability To Provide Insulation And Reduce Heating And Cooling Bills

No matter how well your windows fit, there is always the potential for heat loss as well as sky high cooling bills. You can keep necessary warmth from escaping in winter and reduce your reliance on expensive air conditioning in summer by installing low emissivity, or “Low E,” 3M™ Thinsulate™ Climate Control Window Film in your home, commercial building, or government facility. The sun’s unwanted rays are also deflected, so your home or office will stay more comfortable naturally, resulting in lower utility bills.

Enjoy An Unimpeded View And Increase Your Property Value

Part of your home’s value is based on the view that comes with it. But who wants drapes or blinds blocking that picturesque landscape? 3M™ Thinsulate™ Climate Control Window Film is virtually invisible, so you can take in the sights effortlessly. It also protects your carpet and furnishings from sun damage, saving you money on costly replacements.

Nearly 40% of heating loss in commercial buildings is due to window

If the temperature in your office building fluctuates with the seasons, you may be considering double- or even triple-pane glass. Not only is it expensive to replace windows, but the installation process is laborious and invasive. By applying 3M™ Thinsulate™ Climate Control Window Film to your windows, you can increase their insulation value almost as much as if you added another pane of glass—but for far less money.

Call the specialists at Sunray® today to learn more about the insulation benefits of installing 3M™ Thinsulate Climate Control Film in your home or commercial building.

800-295-8468

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Extreme Temperatures – Cool Your Home With Window Film

Sunray® — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 21:35:05 +0000

With all this warm dry weather we have been experiencing this past summer, the use of #windowfilm is more important than ever! Sunray installs window film on the interior, but in severe cases we install a specific window film on the outside to reduce the amount of heat gain coming into the home.

Energy savings for you by reducing cooling costs up to 30%

Fade reduction that block up to 99% of harmful UV rays to reduce fading of furnishings and carpet
Improve comfort and maintain temperature consistency from one room to another
Glare reduction


For more information on this product or any of our window film services, please call Sunray at 800.295.8468 or visit www.sunrayfilms.com

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Protect People & Property – Cleveland Ohio

Sunray® — Fri, 08 May 2015 21:02:50 +0000

Helping Keep Outside Dangers Outside

Sunray installed 3M Safety & Security Window Film Ultra S800 to the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland. Here are all the benefits:

Mitigates hazards from shattered glass due to natural and human causes
Increases security and provides added protection against smash and grab burglaries
Provides protection to people and property from flying glass in wind storms and seismic activity
Increases ant-spall protection for laminated glass
Can be combined with 3M Impact Protection attachment systems for an additional safety & security
Helps extend the life of furnishings by significantly reducing harmful UV rays, the largest cause of fading

When weather or criminals try and do their worst, protect people and property with Sunray® Window Films

800-295-8468

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Safety & Security Window Film – Schools – Ohio

Sunray® — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 18:14:46 +0000

Helping keep outside dangers outside

Provide Increased Security Efforts In Schools Against Armed Aggressors

Protect yourself from tornadoes, terrorism, violent weather, & unwanted perpetrators

There’s no denying the aesthetic value glass windows and doors give a commercial building. But is glass really the best defense for your students, teachers and personal property when danger looms outside. After the tragedy in Newtown Connecticut at Sandy Hook Elementary School, many schools are looking for added protection with increased security and added precaution.

3MUltra S800 Safety Window Film specified for Schools will help hold your glass in place during tornadoes, severe winds, earthquakes, even bomb blasts from terrorist explosions. It helps maintain the integrity of a building’s outer shell to keep wind, rain and flying shattered glass shards from wreaking havoc inside the building. It also helps reduce damage and injury from indoor incidents like children running into or throwing things at glass doors or windows.

3M Ultra S800 Window Film also helps deter unwanted perpetrators by eliminating their most crucial weapon…time. Criminals rely on quick and easy access for a successful break-in. A door or window that slows them down is one that will probably make them go away.

Thicker is not necessarily better

The general rule is the thicker the film, the stronger the film. But that’s not always the case. What’s crucial is impact- and tear-resistance. And 3M’s got the best.

3M’s patented micro-layered polyester technology outperforms all other films of similar thickness. That’s because our micro-layered technology makes the film and glass more flexible, so they absorb some of the impacts and are more likely to stay in the window frame without breaking. And even if the glass does break, the window film helps hold the glass together, significantly reducing the chance of injury from flying shards. Several years ago, the General Services Administration (GSA) mandated a universal standard for measuring the level of blast protection. The GSA developed criteria for the evaluation of acceptable levels of protection for the glass fragment hazard. This criterion is part of the comprehensive security criteria (GSA Security Criteria, Final Working Version, January 1997) developed by the GSA which includes physical security, electronic security, and many other criteria for blast considerations. The GSA has indicated a preference, but not a requirement, for open-air high explosive testing rather than shock tube testing. This is because current shock tube testing methods cannot adequately emulate air blast waveforms from real explosions and tend to be over-energetic at the same peak blast pressure level versus real explosions.

3M Impact Protection Adhesive improves the overall performance of 3M safety and security window films. This unique window protection system combines the toughness of 3M’s patented micro-layer safety film with 3M’s world-class expertise in an adhesive’s to help shield against impact energy from severe weather, terrorist activity, earthquakes, bomb blasts or forced entry events. The 3M Impact Protection System also helps protect against personal injury against flying glass.

Tested and re-tested

3M™ Safety & Security Window Film is one of the most vigorously tested fragment retention films out there. Windstorms, bomb blasts, armed aggressors, flying objects…we’ve thrown everything we can think of at it to make sure it not only meets but exceeds industry standards for impact- and tear-resistance. And a proprietary, scratch-resistant coating keeps the film looking good year after year. No special maintenance is needed-simply clean your windows as you normally would.

Call us today!

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3M Daylight Redirecting Window Film Wins Award

Sunray® — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 22:09:45 +0000

Announcing 3M™ Daylight Redirecting Film as the winner of Architectural Record “Record Products 2014” Facades Winner.

The article: http://archrecord.construction.com/products/productreports/2014/Facades-slideshow.asp?slide=8

Have an issue with blinding light within your facility? Sunray® can redirect that light and save you energy!!!

Call 800.295.8468

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Looking for an AIA Approved CEU credit for 2014?

Sunray® — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 19:58:56 +0000

Do you need an AIA CEU credit before the 2014 season is over? Contact Sunray® to schedule a Lunch & Learn with an overview of Solar Control Window Films, Safety Films, or Glazing Surface Films @ 1.800.295.8468 or take CEU courses here on 3M window films.

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Professional Commercial Window Tinting – Cleveland Ohio

Sunray® — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 21:57:40 +0000

Looking for Commerical Window Tinting in Cleveland Ohio?

Sunray® is an Authorized 3M™ Window Film Dealer in Northeast Ohio. Sunray® Window Films has been in business serving customers nationally since 1994. Sunray® has an outstanding track record of job completion as well as customer satisfaction from some of the largest buildings in the USA. We specialize in giving commercial window tinting prices to any potential customer looking for 3M™ Window Film in all 50 states.

Sunray® Commercial Window Tinting has the best way to improving your building energy efficiency!

Sunray® Commercial Window Tinting

Sunray® Professional Window Tinting increase comfort, let the good light in, keep costly and harmful UV rays out and protect against destruction and break-ins.

Sunray Installer

#3mwindowfilm saves energy, they provide a great return on investment and so much more.

Comfort: reduce glare and minimize solar hot spots and equals temperature
Energy savings: save up to one ton of air conditioning for every 100 square feet of glass exposed to the sun
Fade Reduction: provides 99.9% ultraviolet protection from fading furnishings
LEED: Earn LEED credits, accreditation, sustainable design

Call 440-975-0800 or Toll Free 1-800-295-8468

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