by Daystar | Jun 26, 2018 | Home Windows, Window Coverings, Window Film, Window Film Technology, Window Tint, Window Tinting, Window Treatments, Windows
Lack of sleep has been labeled a national epidemic in North America. While the average recommended sleep each night is 9 hours, Americans are getting 7 on average. It may not seem like much of a difference, but it’s impacting our general health.
From our cognitive function to diabetes and obesity, we are losing and gaining all the wrong things.
There is a lot of speculation as to why this is happening. Some blame technology and social media. Others say its restlessness caused by a lack of exercise.
But what about people who can’t help it, such as those who work the night shift or have irregular schedules? It’s hard to get good sleep when the sun is up.
Thankfully, there’s a solution for that problem: blackout windows.
How Can Blackout Windows Help You Sleep?
The human body has a natural inclination to sleep when its environment grows dark. As the sun goes down and we turn out the lights, our brain is triggered to produce melatonin.
However, it’s a delicate process. The brain isn’t easily fooled. Even with your eyes closed, it can sense light, and when it does its melatonin production suddenly shuts off.
We try to snooze through it, but our body doesn’t respond as well. Melatonin is key to our rest cycle, and without it, our sleep becomes light or restless. That’s why doctors encourage us to turn off electronics and sleep in total darkness when possible.
Blackout windows help us to achieve that blissful, melatonin-inducing sleep haven by giving you the ability to control the amount of light that streams into a room.
Finally, you can sleep when you want to no matter where the sun may be.
Other Benefits Of Blackout Window Solutions
The great thing about blackout window solutions is that they do more than create the perfect snoozing spot. They also have additional benefits.
By using the right blackout window methods, you can prevent your furniture from fading, save on your energy bill, and even optimize your home privacy without disrupting the perfect window view.
But how? It’s actually pretty simple. You apply window tinting films to your glass.
The level of tint you select in a window film will determine what percentage of UV rays are blocked from passing through your window pane. Depending on which one you choose, you can block up to 99% of these harmful rays!
How UV Rays Harm Your Furniture And Belongings
Just like basking in the sun can lead to tanner skin, it also has an effect on the color of your furniture and other belongings.
When exposed to UV rays, many inanimate objects suffer damages. You lose years of beauty in the things that make your house feel like home due to the harsh nature of UV light. Furniture, photographs, curtains, and paintings fade while wood dries and cracks.
How UV Rays Increase Your Energy Bill
Likewise, UV rays also impact your energy bill. Spikes caused by the warmth brought in by the sun’s light heat up your home, forcing your air conditioning or HVAC system to work harder than it should.
By filtering out UV rays, you can save quite a few bucks a month. In fact, studies have shown that using a tinted window film can reduce your energy bill by up to ten percent!
It’s a benefit that makes the cost of materials and installation worthwhile. Tinted window films help preserve your belongings and reduce your energy bill for an average of 10 to 15 years before they need replacement.
Plus, you don’t have to lose a scenic view to achieve these kinds of results. Window tinting varies in its opaqueness, allowing you to still see through your windows as you please while still serving its UV defense and tinting function.
How To Blackout Windows
So how do you achieve the ultimate sleeping den? By using a combination of window tinting film and blackout blinds or curtains, you can take control over the amount of light that comes through your windows.
The great part about this combination is you don’t have to choose “all or nothing.” By combining window tinting film with blackout curtains, you can adjust the level of light that comes into the room.
Want to turn day into night? Shut your window and close the blinds or curtains. You’ll find the combination achieves an impenetrable darkness that will make sleeping for hours on end easy.
Prefer a little natural lighting? Drawback your curtains or blinds and let a little bit of sunlight in. The amount of light that comes through your window will be determined by the opacity of your window tint.
However, if you’re really looking for some fresh air and bright sunlight, you can always open the window itself.
With these three options, you have full control over your room’s illumination.
Types Of Window Tinting Film
Note that tinting isn’t the only type of window film on the market today. There are multiple types designed for residential and commercial use, including:
These options offer a host of different benefits, from protecting your residence from a break-in to transforming your window’s glass into an advertising billboard or decorative canvas.
The pricing on these window films varies depending upon the quantity, design, and material. The best way to estimate the price of a project is to ask pros like ourselves for a quote!
Asking is always free, so don’t hesitate to inquire. However, you may need to do a bit of research first in order to achieve an accurate service quote. A professional can guide you through this.
Get Window Tinting Services
If you’re a resident or commercial business looking for window tinting services, our team at Daystar Window Tinting are here to help. Whether you’re in the market for blackout windows, privacy tinting, or other window films, we can help you achieve the look, style, and function you desire.
Contact us for a quote today!
by Daystar | Dec 18, 2017 | Home Windows, Residential Window Film, Residential Window Tint, Window Film, Window Tint, Window Tinting, Windows
Last year the real estate market saw existing home sales at the highest volume in a decade. Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to add value to their investment as a result.
Some want to find ways to add to the comfort and enjoyment of their home. They may want to lower the impact of the rising energy costs per kilowatt hour.
Homeowners are increasingly looking to home window tinting to add to their privacy and temperature control. The benefits of window tinting include lower energy costs too.
But before you schedule that home window tinting appointment it’s important to know how to choose the best service and products. Follow this guide to make the most of your decision:
Not All Home Window Tinting is Equal
One of the best questions homeowners can ask when it comes to window tinting is how to go about finding the right products and service. Not everyone realizes there is a wide range of choices for their window tinting needs.
From the percentage of light that is allowed in, to the type of products you will use, each aspect of window tinting affects the results.
Decide on Your Goals
Every homeowner has different goals for their home window tinting project. These might include blocking out harmful UV rays to protect carpeting, furniture, and artwork in the home.
Anyone who has ever redesigned a room with many windows knows firsthand the damage the sun can do.
Your goals might include a lower energy bill. Or more privacy for your home.
Take into account the amount of light that could be reflected indoors, as well as the amount of tint you’d like to achieve to protect from the sun’s rays.
While some homeowners would like more shade, others are just hoping to protect their furnishings and possessions.
Make sure you are clear on your goals first. Window tinting isn’t a one size fits all approach.
Your trusted window tinting service and supplier can help you decide what is right for you.
UV Protection
The sun’s UV rays are strong enough to fade wooden floors and damage furniture. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that glass windows don’t protect against all UV rays.
Those UV rays are also helping to escalate energy bills for your home. The good news is that all quality window tinting products offer the same level of protection against UV rays.
You do not need to choose a darker window tint to achieve more UV protection. The darker window tints are for privacy, not UV protection.
Rest assured, with any of the best home window tinting products you will be getting the same level of UV protection, no matter the amount of tint.
Window Tinting Percentage
Even though all quality home window tinting products offer the same level of UV protection there are benefits for more shade. While you won’t get more UV protection you will get more privacy and comfort for your home.
Window tinting products are typically offered anywhere from 5% to 35%. 5% is the darkest product and 35% is the lightest.
The different levels of tint will achieve different levels of light in your rooms as well as different levels of reflected light and privacy. For homeowners looking to achieve optimum shade, 5% is a great choice.
Other homeowners who are looking to achieve UV blocking with maximum light will want to opt for something in the 35% range.
Color of Tint
In addition to the levels of tint and the various window tinting products color is also a consideration. Homeowners will want to work with their trusted professional and discuss color choices.
As with the percentage of tint, the color of the tint can affect the aesthetic value of the window tinting project.
Homeowners often choose between black tinting and chrome tint. These two colors offer different looks and reflection.
It is important to consider how things will look both indoors and out when it comes to window tinting. Your service provider can help you match a look to your architecture, design, and intentions.
Avoid Break-Ins
Did you know that window tinting can add security to your home? If intruders try to break a window, tinting can hold the shards in place and avoid a robbery.
If security is your goal make sure you tell your service. They will get you the right products for optimal security.
A Focus on Tinting
One rule of thumb that can help homeowners when it comes to window tinting is expertise. There are contractors and suppliers that add window tinting on as an ancillary service.
Or they sell products without the experience to install them. Choose a supplier and service with a focus on the window tinting industry.
Differences in Installation
Once homeowners decide the type of window tinting they would like to install it is also important to consider the installation.
While the percentage tint can affect your home improvement goals, so can the installation. The right installation will allow for energy savings, home security, home protection, and privacy,
The wrong home tinting installation won’t give you all that you need. Plus, you may just get headaches down the road.
Installation should include professional window cleaning, the best products, and experienced installation. If not, you may be risking dirt and debris causing air bubbles in your window tinting in the future.
A professional service, focused on window tinting, with experience makes the difference.
Trust the Experts
Once you know the benefits of home window tinting it is important to trust the experts. For the best selection of window tinting products and service, Daystar Window Tinting is a perfect choice.
A family-owned business with expertise in window tinting that extends back to 1976, Daystar Window Tinting helps businesses and homeowners get the most from their window tinting projects.
We will help you find the right solution for your home or business. A trusted leader, Daystar tinting works with clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Combining the right products and installation will allow you to achieve Green goals and expect the most from your tinting project.
by Daystar | Aug 10, 2017 | Commercial Window Film, Commercial Window Tinting, Office Windows, Window Film, Window Film Technology, Window Tint, Window Tinting, Windows
Windows are a great way to brighten up the atmosphere in your workplace.
Windows bring light into your work environment. Evidence shows that natural light makes employees more productive. This is especially important in the winter, as it’s often already dark by the time the work day ends.
That said, there are some aspects of windows that can be disruptive in a workplace. For instance, they can create a glare, or disturb privacy.
Installing an office window film can be a great way to let natural light in while limiting these drawbacks. Let’s look at some of the benefits of benefits of adding film to your office windows.
Ensure Privacy
While windows give you the ability to look outside, they also give people on the outside the ability to see into your workplace. This is more than a minor annoyance. Depending on the type of information your company works with, it can be a potential breach of private information.
For instance, let’s say your office works with medical records, financial records, or human resources. In these types of industries, employees will regularly work with sensitive customer information. It is your company’s responsibility to keep this information secure.
Covering your windows is an important measure to protect this information. By using office window film, you’ll give your clients confidence that their information is kept safe.
You can also use film to protect the privacy of an office’s interior windows that look out into a common space. This way, you can work and hold meetings with minimal distractions.
Increase Security
Most robberies and break-ins are crimes of opportunity. Someone will walk by a building, and see something through their window that catches their interest. Most offices have expensive equipment, like computers and other electronics, that will catch a potential thief’s attention.
By covering your windows with office window film, you’ll eliminate this form of temptation. This will help protect your office from potential burglaries.
If you would still like to be able to look out while preventing others from looking in, you can choose tinted window film. This way, you will be able to see the outside, while still maintaining your privacy.
Improve Safety
Robbery is not the potential danger to your business. Weather conditions, natural disasters, and other accidents can cause glass windows to break.
Windows that are covered with film are less prone to shattering than uncovered windows. This will prevent glass shards from flying into the building, which will protect both people and property.
Also, if you’ve ever broken a plate in your kitchen, you know how difficult it is to clean up the glass. Weeks later, you’ll still be stepping on pieces of glass.
So, imagine how much of a mess a shattered window would make in your office. It’s even worse if several windows break in the same building. It’s best to prevent this from happening in the first place, by protecting your windows with film.
Eliminate Glare
The average office worker spends 7 hours a day on their computer. Glare from the sun can make it difficult for your employees to see their screens. It can also cause additional strain on their eyes.
With office window film, you can significantly cut down on glare, while still allowing natural light in. This will make it easier for your employees to focus on their work, and thus improve productivity.
Office Window Film Lowers Energy Costs
One great feature of office window film is that, over time, it will pay for itself. This is because installing window film will save you on your monthly energy bill. Depending on the size of your building or your climate, energy costs may be one of your businesses biggest expenses.
When the sun shines into your office, it increases the temperature. This means that your air conditioning system will have to work harder to regulate the temperature.
Placing a film on your windows will block heat from coming into the building. This will help your air conditioning to operate more efficiently.
Protect Your Office Furniture
Increasing the temperature isn’t the only effect of sunlight on your office. The harmful UV rays will cause your furniture to fade, giving it an unattractive look.
When you cover your windows, you’ll protect your furniture from sun damage. This will extend the life of your furniture, and save your company even more money.
Elevate Your Decor
Window film comes in many varieties. You can choose from different patterns, colors, and styles. This will give your office a unique look that will make it stand out.
Decorative window film is an inexpensive way to add beauty to your office environment. Or, you might want to choose a frosted film, for a more sophisticated look. Not to mention, frosted windows are easier to maintain, as they don’t reveal smudges as easily.
For personalized touch, you can choose a branded window film. This is a great way to reinforce your company’s image in a conference room or waiting area. You can even combine privacy and branding, by adding your company’s logo to a frosted window film.
Also, keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to cover the entire window with the office film. Covering part of the window can create an interesting look, while still allowing visibility.
Change Your Look at a Reasonable Cost
One of the best features of window film is its low cost. Installing film is much less costly and time-consuming than the renovation project of having windows tinted.
Additionally, window film is less of a long term commitment than tinting is. If you have window film installed, and then change your mind, it is easy to have removed.
Or, if you would like to switch the window film out for something different, you can do that as well. This way, you could try out a new look without having to feel committed to it.
If you’re ready to get office window film for your place of business, contact us. Our team of experts will work with you to find the best option for your workplace.
by Daystar | Jun 2, 2017 | Energy Efficiency, Residential Window Film, Residential Window Tint, Window Film, Window Film Technology, Window Tint, Window Tinting, Windows
Energy efficiency and green living are popular these days and for good reason. Living green and increasing your green footprint both saves money and helps protect the environment.
After all, we get one Earth, and we’re quickly doing irreparable damage to our planet. Of NASA’s 134-year record keeping, all but one of the hottest 16 years have occurred since 2000.
That alone is enough incentive for most people to invest in green living. Though if you’re still not convinced, even just installing window tints saves money.
Green Footprint Dos and Don’ts
Whether for financial or planet saving reasons, investing in growing your green footprint is something that could benefit any homeowner.
If you’re ready to make your green footprint a priority, check out our guide on the dos and don’ts of building a green, energy efficient home.
Do: Energy Efficient Windows and Tints
Many homes, even newer homes, don’t have the luxury of energy efficient windows. It’s usually because somewhere along the line someone wanted to save a few extra dollars.
So why bother with adding energy efficient windows or tints? Because the superior seals and tints on the windows keep in heat and air conditioning.
Tints especially are easy to install and lower your energy costs.
When you heat and cool your home with non-energy efficient windows, you’re also heating and cooling the outside. Obviously, this wastes money and energy.
What’s more, those of us with electric heating systems can’t moderate how efficient our heating usage is.
Electricity coming from the provider is only as efficient as the provider makes it. This makes windows that retain heat even more important.
Don’t: Sub-Par Insulation
Many people overlook their home’s insulation, thinking that the bare minimum will be enough to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
While it’s true the bare minimum will work just fine, it will severely limit your ability to increase your green footprint and make your home energy efficient.
Think of it this way. Installing those energy efficient windows won’t be any help if all of your heat and air conditioning is escaping through your walls.
It’s very important to plan for quality insulation when you’re building your home. New home builders should consider their other energy efficient appliances and take care to insulate for maximum effectiveness.
Installing an energy efficient furnace and windows? Poor insulate could almost negate the cost savings of both.
Do: Utilize Technology
Smart home technology is quickly becoming very popular for those looking to increase their green footprint. Simply put, technology is once again saving us money.
Smart thermostats especially are excellent for moderating how much your HVAC system runs. While regular thermostats can have schedules, smart thermostats do so much more.
For instance, certain brands of smart thermostats have sensors that detect movement in certain rooms and only trigger the system when movement is detected.
If the temperature in a room is too high or low when you enter, the HVAC system will turn on or off until the temperature is correct. However, if you’re not in the room, the HVAC system stays off.
Smart thermostats also allow for automated on and off schedules where the system only runs when you’re home. This saves on heating and cooling costs when no one is around to reap the benefits.
As always, the less your HVAC system uses electric and gas, the less the impact on the environment.
Don’t: Use Non-Eco Friendly Materials
If you’re in the process of building your home already, stop and take stock of what you’re using for building materials. We bet you’ll find your materials aren’t eco-friendly.
The fact of the matter is, most contractors aren’t worried about your green footprint. They’re using materials that save them money in the long run.
Instead, they should use materials that save the environment. Everything from roofing materials to your insulation has an eco-friendly alternative.
Talk to your builder about utilizing as many eco-friendly materials as possible. First focus on the easy ones, like recycled lumber, granite, and concrete.
Next, move onto things that are harder to come by. These are your recycled roofing materials and insulation. It shouldn’t take too much work to have most of your home constructed from eco-friendly materials.
Do: Install an Energy Efficient Hot Water Heater
Your hot water accounts for an astounding 14-18 percent of your utility bills. In other words, every time you shower, do laundry or run the dishwasher, you’re using a lot of energy.
Installing an energy efficient hot water heater can help mitigate these costs. There are three types of hot water heaters you should know about.
The first, tankless water heaters, heat your hot water on demand instead of saving it in a reservoir. On-demand heating saves money and uses less natural gas, thus helping the environment.
The next kind, indirect hot water heaters, heat water by running it through a coil attached to your furnace. This saves energy by utilizing an existing source of heat to warm your water.
The last type of water heater is the greenest of all. Solar water heaters use the sun’s rays to heat your water. Using zero electric or gas, these hot water heaters really increase your green footprint.
Don’t: Build Large for the Sake of Large
Large homes have an appeal. It’s understandable to want the most space you can afford. However, building on land taxes the environment. Every extra square foot does a little more damage to our planet.
Empty space costs more in energy bills for heating and cooling and stresses the actual land you’ve built on.
Instead of building large, build what you need. Plan ahead and think of how much space is really needed. The land you don’t build on will turn into your beautiful back yard!
Investing in energy efficient technology and building practices save both money and the environment. With modern technology, saving the environment has never been so easy.
If you’re in the market to build an energy efficient home or improve your current home’s energy efficiency, get in contact with us.
Our team is well versed in the unique practice of installing window tint to help improves your home’s energy efficiency.
by Daystar | Apr 12, 2017 | Energy Efficiency, Home Windows, Residential Window Film, Residential Window Tint, Window Film, Window Film Technology, Window Tint, Window Tinting, Windows
You’ve invested plenty of time, pride, and money in your home. How you protect your assets (and your comfort) is equally important. Your stylish lounge suite, wooden floors, and drapes are exposed to sunlight for 16 hours each day. UV rays bleach, dry out and crack everything they touch, but today’s films can block out 99% of harmful rays. Window tinting has benefits far beyond the obvious.
Shatter Resistance
If you have pets and children, windows are a major safety hazard. Shattering glass causes 150,000 injuries every year. Window film prevents such injuries, but tints have come a long way since the Seventies. Today’s heavy adhesive weights and innovative materials are of a higher quality, preventing breakage and holding glass together in the unlikely event that their first safety mechanism fails. In this way, they’re the most stylish way to keep your weak entry points protected from burglary. To get through tinted glass, cutters need to be used.
Energy Efficiency
Windows cause most of the heat gain and loss in your home, and most global window installations have no power efficiency at all. You don’t need to replace your glass to become energy compliant, though, so fixing the problem doesn’t have to cost your entire annual budget. Window film can reduce cooling costs by 50%, reduce heat by 78%, and improve insulation by 30%. Low-emissivity films have a faint metallic coating that prevents heat from traveling between the inner and outer panes, keeping your interior temperatures consistent. Even basic heat shrink film has an effect on a lighter price and with easier installation. Government sites recommend Low-E films because they’re the most efficient.
Privacy and Beauty
You don’t need to invest in decorative glass to create a mood and improve your décor. Window tinting stretch far beyond the practical, bringing style and class to your showers and outside windows through treatments that can change with your whims. Frosted, textured, and gradient tints add elegance to cabinet doors and glass tabletops. Frosting your exterior windows keeps prying eyes out without darkening your home. If you have cluttered cabinetry, a decorative tint will neaten the room or add a dash of color.
Most of your furniture will outlast its lifespan if protected against the sun. Those expensive paintings on your wall need to be shielded even more. Almost half of heat damage is caused by UVA and UVB rays, with the rest coming from infrared radiation and visible light. That means even chilly, cloudy days are no insurance against destruction. Today’s windows aren’t designed to minimize this. They keep UV rays out and heat in without protecting against other harmful elements of the sun. There are few methods of protection quite as good at shielding from heat damage as modern films. They can keep 99.9% of harmful rays out, even reducing glare to prevent eye strain.
The Environment and Your Pocket
Window tinting is remarkably budget-friendly, but its effects on your pocket extend to rebates and tax credits, too. California, Florida, and other states give you rebates per square foot, which will save you a pretty penny. Some families can even access coverage for weatherization assistance. You might be able to participate in the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program, too, so tinting your windows has never been more affordable.
Window tinting is one of the most economical ways to enhance your living areas. Today’s innovative materials and production techniques have made tints as exquisite as they are useful, playing an important role in your décor while they keep your home eco-friendly.
by Daystar | Mar 24, 2017 | Window Coverings, Window Film, Window Tint, Window Tinting, Window Treatments, Windows
When decorating your home, one of the big design choices you’ll need to make is how to block the sun and preserve privacy. There are several routes you can take when it comes to window treatments. The traditional route is to use blinds and curtains to accessorize the room, keep the heat of the sun out, and prevent the neighbors from peering in. An alternative option is to use window tinting film, an ingenious invention that is applied directly to the window pane. To help you choose the best option for your home, read on to learn more about the differences between these types of products.
What is window tinting?
You’re probably familiar with the idea of tinting the windows in a vehicle. Home window tinting is essentially the same concept; a specialized film is applied directly to the glass of your windows. This film blocks the rays of the sun, protects your furniture, and helps regulate the interior temperature of your home. Window films are easy to install and remove and come in both basic and decorative design options.
Which is the right choice?
Deciding between window tinting and traditional window treatments requires you to consider your situation and preferences. There are several areas in which window tint differs dramatically from blinds or curtains, so be sure to weigh the options carefully.
Cost
Window film is usually more cost effective than purchasing window treatments such as blinds or curtains. The film itself is relatively inexpensive compared to traditional treatments. Also, professional installation costs are comparable to what you would pay to have a professional install window treatments. You can even install some window films yourself. If saving energy is a primary concern for you and your windows are structurally sound, window film gives you a lot of bang for your buck. Window film is certainly more affordable than replacing your current windows with low-E types.
Visibility
If you’re lucky enough to have a fantastic view, it would be a shame to obscure it with drapery. Window tint allows you to block the harsh rays of the sun without blocking your view. It stays in place 24/7, so no more opening and closing blinds throughout the course of the day.
Versatility
Some people love to redecorate their homes every few years. If you opt for traditional blinds or drapes, you may find yourself shelling out extra money to update them when you decide to paint or install new furniture. Although window tint is often available in decorative patterns, many homeowners choose a basic design that can hardly be noticed once installed. This means it will match with any furnishings, wall colors, or carpets you choose for your room. If you’re going for a modern or minimalist look, window tints are perfect because you can skip curtains altogether. Not to mention, there is actually no reason you must choose one or the other. If you fall in love with lightweight, gauzy curtains, you can use window tint to help block more light.
Damage free
Installing traditional window treatments requires you to drill holes into your walls or window casing. If you decide to change your window treatments later, you may be left with unsightly holes. Window film doesn’t require any holes or other permanent damage.
The bottom line
Window tint is a great way to block the light and create privacy for your home. It’s affordable, versatile, and matches any style you choose. Choosing window film can help you reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home while also protecting furniture and artwork from the damaging rays of the sun.
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