Having spent 33 years with 3M in numerous positions including National Sales Manager for 3M Window Films the author now runs his own show as Vista, Huper Optik, Armorcoat, Geoshield and FormulaOne Window Film
Dealer in the USA. One door closes and another one opens. No more red tape (Scotch or otherwise!) "Whosoever wishes to know about the world must learn about it in its
particular details. Knowledge is not intelligence. In searching for the truth be ready for the unexpected. Change alone is unchanging. The same road goes both up and down. The beginning of a circle
is also its end. Not I, but the world says it: all is one. And yet everything comes in season." Heraklietos of Ephesos
The Florida Fairgrounds was the home for the Tampa Home Show- Spring Edition!
Still we booked appointments and actually sold a complete home installation on the show floor! I'd love to say that this is typical for us; but I'd be fibbing!
Glare reduced by 86% as you can easily see the missing pane!
Facing due west, this Pulmonary Center gets hit with direct Sun all afternoon. Patients and staff have had to suffer with the intense glare and heat.
Advanced Film Solutions installed our VISTA Ultimate 14. This film knocks the glare down by 85% and it is completely safe for their IG Units. Less reflective from the interior than standard films; their evening views are never impeded.
Why suffer with glare and sky-rocketing electric bills?
Look I love to compete and frankly in these tough economic times any edge a competitor can get is usually par for the course.
If you are a true believer in brand and have absolutely no clue how window films actually work in blocking solar heat gain this video would appear to be quite impressive- - doesn't it?
After all this is a 3M demo of their prestige film. It certainly appears that this film is blocking an enormous amount of BTU's!
The person doing the demo is low key in his approach matter of factly stating the wonderful properties of this film. This misleading demo is being performed in homes across the USA and in Home Depot stores. We will certainly see this same illusion demo performed at this weekend's home show!
So why would I take exception to this seemingly straight forward demonstration:
That BTU Meter is not reading the entire solar spectrum but rather a very narrow wavelength between 900-1000 NM
The 3M films coincidentally works their best between this very narrow wavelength.
The IR Lamp is shooting IR heat at- -YOU GUESSED IT- that very same extremely narrow wavelength
So let's get this straight.
If you didn't know any better you might actually think having this film installed on your glass would drop that heat coming through the glass to an incredibly low amount. .right??
It lets in roughly 40% of the visible light (which equates to nearly half of the heat gain coming though that window. More accurately blocking 60% of 50%!)
On the entire IR wavelength the film is doing a fine job without any need for illusion tricks.
The NFRC rating of the film is easily identified for various window glass systems:
It sure looks like all that heat is being rejected doesn't it?
Did the demonstrator happen to mention any of these facts??
This is a perfect opportunity to compare the various window film installation companies and the solutions that they offer.
As the leading residential window film company in Central Florida we love to assist our clients in making the smart choice in their window film selections.
The first step is our experience in window film technology and the specific film characteristics of the different brands.
There are distinct differences between the leading film manufacturers and anyone that tries to tell you window films are all the same needs a quick head exam!
We are unique in offering more choices in films than any other company in Florida.
This is a direct result of our past where we were naturally loyal to only one company (3M Window Film) having spent 33 years employed with that company.
Three years ago we exited 3M and for the first time we had the opportunity to offer choices, documented performance and an array of films that met and exceeded our customer's requirements.
Certainly we understand and appreciate the brand power of 3M Window Film. That's a given.
Our Films are NFRC Certified. This is crucial in direct performance comparisons and obviates the illusion of performance in misleading IR lamp demos using narrow wavelength meters that give the illusion of performance.
Our films are all available in wider widths and our patented ceramic films out-perform the 3M re-boxed ceramic films.
Our VISTA Films come in more styles, light transmissions and reflective and non reflective choices than any window film company in the world.
Our warranty is automatically transferable.
Our 8 ML shatter films are the choice of the Pentagon, Citibank and the US Capitol Building.
Our 8 ML Films have met and exceeded ASTM 1886 C the 4.5 Lb Missile test (storefront debris and cycling) 3M's thinner solar security films can not match that level of safety.
Our optical clarity is unmatched and that's really the obvious difference between films. Check it out on your glass before you make a blurry 3M choice.
Fact over fiction.
That's 3M film on the t6op left panel and Huper Optik on the rest! See the difference?
Mark down your calendar for March 19-21, 2010 at the Orange County Convention Center for the Central Florida Home And Garden Show.
Advanced Film Solutions will once again happily take on our 3M Window Film friends at Engineered Sun (these are the Home Depot dealer agents) and match our superior performing Vista Films toe to toe!
(Certainly we also offer a complete portfolio of Sunscape and Solar Gard films with Geoshield Lumenesse films for our lightest solar and security combination films.)
We were very enthused with our reception at the Fall event and immediately signed up to do this spring show here in Orlando! Directions
Central Florida has many gated communities and homes with high ceilings and plenty of glass openings. our films reduce the cooling costs in your home by as much as 50% and that had a direct impact on your monthly bill from our local power company!
The two best names on the road today; CP Films and AAA are offering a "Show Your Card And Save" window film promotion of 15% discount for the installation of FormulaOne Tinting or our economy focused LLumar Films!
We offer the Pinnacle Ceramic Films and a full line of Comfort, Classic and for our economy minded where performance isn't quite as important . . we offer the LLumar Films!
In both cases the client was looking for a solar film that would block UV and dramatically reduce the amount of heat streaming through their windows.
The Trinity homeowner wanted the added bonus of our thicker safety version that can provide superior wind resistance and smash and grab security along with a fair amount of daytime privacy.
The Largo client simply wanted a film that would block the heat and UV but would not alter their home's ambiance. They most definitely did not want a reflective film of any sort on their home.
Two homeowners with choices from Advanced Film Solutions because one size doesn't fit all- -and we all have our own tastes-requirements and preferences!
The Dept. Of Energy has established regional zones that are based on climate factors. Miami for example is in Zone 1; while Tampa and the rest of Florida are in Zone 2.
The type of glass you have in you home is also a major factor.
To make your research a bit easier we have tried to assemble the manufacturer's statements for our most popular window films in one place!
Factually of course, there is no advantage comparing any 3M Window Film; Prestige or otherwise to any of the CP Films suite of window films including LLumar or Vista Films.
Imagine if you will...
A consumer making a buying decision believing their lie that investing in VISTA Films or Huper Optik means they can't clean their window?
Our competitor also advised the client that VISTA Film (all Vista Films) interfere with cell phone signals and have an enamel appearance.
Prestige Films have a well known thin or non-existent hard coat on Prestige. If I were the 3M dealer I would avoid promoting the use of Windex with ammonia on that specific series of film.
3M prestige film has no advantage over any other film at an angle; that is a foolish bit of nonsense since glass works better at an angle along with every other solar window film in the world!
Now perhaps this is only a statistical spike for people who have to change the time on really BIG CLOCKS??
See. . .
These time changes can kill you! Daylight savings time does remind us that the summer months of high heat are almost here. The rising cost of electricity combined with the harsh economy has many Floridians looking for ways to reduce costs.
Window Film rebates from our local power companies (Progress Energy!) pay you to make a window film change! You are also entitled to energy tax incentives from the FEDS!
The Sun popped out two days ago and for a brief moment we had wonderful glare, near AC weather.
Our phones started ringing and I remembered why I got into this business of window film.
BUT. .
Have you looked out the window lately?
OK - - Maybe it's not this bad
Rain, thunderstorms and flooded streets is nature's way of messing with the window film business (and I suppose car wash people- but let them whine on their own blogs!)
Advanced Film Solutions completed 16 home installations in the last week as the Sun popped out and then ran back behind the clouds and rain.
Many of our homeowners selected ceramic film for their sun control and energy reduction needs.
They selected films that would qualify for the TECO rebates and meet all the Deed Restrictions that limited the use of reflective films. They also now qualify for the IRS Tax Incentives
If anyone in their right mind thinks some corporate suit has any clue about the state of business in 2010; you had better think again!
Are you "thinking outside that box" of theirs??
In my opinion these gents (and yes they are still 99% male!) are grasping at straws and parroting nonsense about global green initiatives and using corporate-speak like bringing their competencies to bare, or "adapt quickly to an explosive and dynamic new market for sustainability solutions"
How's that for gibberish?
Just read the pablum being spooned out by these CEO's as they justify their Q1 results and failures to meet their profitability and sales targets. These are the same geniuses who shipped American jobs overseas to China and India without a second thought. The same folks who told you that the economy was in strong shape. .
Look fella's that baloney didn't work before, and it sure won't work now.
"You can put lipstick on a pig; but it's still a pig!"
So. .
While my competition throughout the USA hypes one brand of film, with one logo. While they distract you with gibberish about renewable energy and what they did back in 1803..
The competitive landscape is constantly changing and today's consumer has to be better educated in making a smart choice for their window film installation.
We have seen a growing number of home installation quotations asking us to offer comparisons against the 3M Prestige Window Films and the 3M Ultra Safety and Security Films throughout Florida (in particular Orlando, Lakeland, Tampa, Clearwater, New Port Richey and Sarasota and Bradenton)
As an expert in window film installations and the numerous choices available to consumers Advanced Film Solutions is perfectly positioned to offer window film solutions that out-perform the 3M- Home Depot film and more importantly offer a better return on your investment.
Clearly the bar is raised high.
Consumers may simply sign up for a Home Depot-3M installation no matter the cost based upon their "familiarity" with the 3M Brand or a preference for doing business with a large chain store like Depot.
We grant that you should be more familiar with these name brands but if consumers have learned anything in the last decade it's the fact that there are a vast array of choices available to you that will exceed the well known brand's performance and price points.
In the area of automotive film sales that number is even greater; approaching 96% of the US market share.
There is a reason for this and the key factor is performance of the window film solution coupled with the price points.
You might be skeptical about these facts but we wouldn't expect you to rely simply upon our recommendation no matter how experienced we might be in window films or the fact that I spent 33 years with 3M and was the former National Sales Manager of 3M Window Film (but that doesn't hurt my position- -does it?)
No.
We only ask that consumers take the opportunity to compare our selections to the quotes you may have received from Home Depot and their 3M representatives either at the store or after their walk through in your home.
Temps were near 80 degrees yesterday and Advanced Film Solutions was more than prepared for the rush.
Here we are completing a set of windows facing west. The Sun and heat in this room were oppressive.
Now thanks to our VISTA Films installation this Palm harbor, Florida homeowner enjoys a glare free home with 99.9% UV eliminated and an energy cost savings of nearly 30% a month.
They qualified for Progress Energy rebates that helped recover their initial cost investment.
Today's consumer faces enormous challenges and opportunities given the number of conflicting alternatives out there in the window tinting, window film marketplace.
Sometimes these selections blur and might tend to confuse the average client.
Here's some insider advice for you to consider in determining the dealer and the brand that meets your requirements.
DIY:
Unless you are extremely handy or have window film installation experience; doing the installation yourself is problematic at best.
The films sold in big box houses like Home Depot and Lowes tend to be lesser quality that the professional grade films used by window film installation professionals.
After all your home is likely your largest investment. Your windows are essential to maintain ambiance and home value. No one wants dyed purple films or bubbles that will block your view or devalue that investment.
Professional window film dealers should be insured and members of their local Better Business Bureau.
Certainly a window film business should have a business license and be able to furnish the proper credentials to enter your home.
These stipulations are important when choosing your installation professional if only to differentiate the moonlighter from the pro. What is important is your lifetime warranty from the dealer as well as the written guarantee from the film manufacturer.
These suppliers represent more that 90% of the residential and commercial window film sold in the USA. Most of these manufacturers have had their films independently tested by labs as part of the NFRC.
Warranty:
Most window film manufacturers offer a lifetime residential warranty. Several offer extended transferable warranty typically for their premium film lines. Commercial warranties vary depending upon the film selected but generally this warranty is for 10-15 years.
The SMALL BUSINESS ADVANTAGE:
Speaking on behalf of window film dealers across the USA we are typically family owned businesses with deep roots in your local community. We have a passion for excellence and we take pride in our business and body of work.
Personally I strongly believe in identifying the brand of film and the manufacturer.
That may come from my 33 year background at 3M. The brand lets you know what you are investing in and the specific performance characteristics of that film. Comparing apples to apples like the NFRC ratings takes the mystery out of the buying process.
Some are tremendous energy savers using highly reflective films using stable alloys. Several films are far less reflective from an interior perspective so your night views are protected.
There are certainly consumers who prefer non-reflective films and this is when we would propose nano-ceramic films like VISTA and Huper Optik and Geoshield.
Ceramic films provide superior heat rejection by factoring out larger percentages of the invisible IR* wavelength. Consumers need to be alert to the fact that visible light and IR are both elements in the total solar energy rejected.
* We have previously taken issue (as have the industry -IWFA) concerning misleading statements by 3M concerning the % of IR rejected. Claims that 97% is rejected are based upon an extremely narrow wavelength between 900 and 1000 NM. This is a vast difference compared to the visible and the balance of the IR wavelengths.
Summary:
As always: "Caveat Emptor- Buyer Beware!"
We founded our company on meeting and exceeding expectations and in earning word of mouth referrals.
They get hit with the afternoon Sun and wanted maximum visibility and their deed restrictions prohibit any metallic shiny film appearance. The answer? Huper 30 ceramic. This time we beat a local car tinter/ moonlighter guy who told the client a metal shiny film wans't that shiny! Don't believe your eyes?? We win!
Safety and security and a modest amount of heat rejection without a shiny appearance. The end result? We win with Madico DG 45 in their 8 ML safety and security version. Let me add our confidence in the beauty of the Madico residential and commercial window films. I have to point this out because we tend to limit our praise of these fine window films but from an optical clarity and "aesthetic" look on the glass these Madico films are outstanding!