Category Archives: UV and Fade Protection Film

Home & Business Glass Security 2026, Window Film Home Safety

Fortify Your Florida Home in 2026: Why Advanced Solar Safety Film is a Must-Have

For homeowners in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties, the beauty of the Gulf Coast comes with a set of unique challenges. As we step into 2026, the trio of rising energy costs, unpredictable storm seasons, and the need for enhanced home security has made “standard” glass a liability.

At Advanced Film Solutions, we specialize in thicker solar safety shatter films that transform your windows from your home’s weakest link into its strongest shield. Here is why scheduling a free estimate this year is the smartest move you can make for your property.


1. Real-World Protection Against Storms and Debris

The Tampa Bay area knows all too well that it only takes one tropical system to cause catastrophic damage. While standard windows shatter instantly upon impact from windborne debris, our 8-mil (and thicker) shatter-resistant films are engineered to hold the glass in place.

By maintaining the “envelope” of your home during a storm, these films prevent high-pressure winds from entering, which is the primary cause of roof lift-offs. It’s an invisible insurance policy that works 24/7 without the need to rush out and hang heavy plywood.

2. A Formidable Barrier Against Burglary

Most home intrusions in Florida occur through the easiest point of entry: a sliding glass door or a window. A typical “smash and grab” takes seconds. However, with Advanced Film Solutions’ security films, the glass may crack, but it refuses to yield.

The film’s aggressive adhesive system creates a “tear-resistant” barrier that forces intruders to make repeated, loud attempts to gain entry—usually causing them to flee before they ever step foot inside.

3. Combatting the 2026 Energy Crisis

Utility rates in Florida continue to climb, and windows are responsible for nearly 40% of your home’s cooling load. Our dual-benefit films don’t just protect; they perform.

  • Heat Rejection: Block up to 80% of solar heat before it enters your living space.

  • UV Protection: Eliminate 99.9% of harmful UV rays, preventing the “slow burn” that fades your expensive hardwood floors, leather furniture, and artwork.

  • Glare Reduction: Enjoy your view without the squinting, especially for those now working from home in the Clearwater and St. Pete areas.


Why 2026 is the Year to Act

 

The Advanced Film Solutions Difference

We aren’t just “tint” installers. We are security experts. We use the same high-specification films trusted by the U.S. Federal Government to protect GSA and Department of Defense buildings. Whether you are in the historic streets of Tampa, the coastal communities of Pinellas, or the growing neighborhoods of Pasco, our team provides:

  • Expert Consulting: We help you choose the right thickness and tint for your specific HOA and aesthetic needs.

  • Precision Installation: Our “wet sealant” attachment systems ensure the film and frame work as one unified unit.

  • A+ Rated Service: 18 years of excellence and more 5-star reviews than any competitor in the region.


Don’t wait for the next storm warning or a security scare to wish you had better protection.

In most cases this vulnerability is represented by your glass windows, sliders and doors.

Advanced Film Solutions is Tampa and Orlando’s protective glazing film specialists.

Window film is designed to hold broken glass in place (anchoring, fastening systems are available) thereby reducing the possibility of injury or damage caused by spalling glass shards.

Advanced Film Solutions is unique by offering the world leading security film solutions.

This allows us to design the best application to fit our client’s requirements. While all of our selections are equally strong ( 8 ML or greater) there are nuances in solar properties that include the level of light transmission, reflectivity (or not) and length of warranty.

Solar security films will lower the heat gain that creates higher electric costs.

Our choices include:

  • 3M Prestige Ultra, 3M Scotchshield 
  • Eastman Chemical LLumar, Vista and Huper Optik Ceramic
  • SunTek
  • Avery-Dennison Hanita
  • Madico and Sunscape
  • Johnson Window Film
  • Armorcoat

Call Advanced Film Solutions for a free estimate and compare our dynamic solutions!

Applications include commercial offices, retail stores and restaurants, government facilities, schools, landmark buildings and homes just like yours!

Toll Free: 877-575-3456

Advanced Film Solutions

2026, Tampa Bay’s Most Experienced Window Tinting Solutions

Hot and humid weather is the rule here in the Tampa Bay-Orlando-Bradenton Sarasota region.

 

Most homeowners rely on their air conditioning for at least 9-10 months a year. 

Home and business cooling costs have increased during the last decade and there is little to suggest that this will change any time soon.

Unfortunately these window systems allow UV, light and heat (of course!) to enter the living space.

This means: hot spots, glare and faded furnishings.

 

Why a Free Estimate from Advanced Film Solutions is Your Smartest Move for 2026?

As we head into 2026, Florida homeowners and businesses are facing a new landscape of rising energy costs and intensified heat. While the “Sunshine State” is beautiful, the cost of keeping your interior comfortable is climbing.

At Advanced Film Solutions, we have more experience in window film installations than any competitor.

With over 50 years of expertise—including leadership experience at 3M—we’ve seen the industry evolve and know exactly which solutions deliver the best return on investment. Here is why getting a free estimate today is the most prudent step you can take for the coming year.


1. Maximize 2026 Energy Tax Credits

The federal government continues to incentivize energy efficiency through the Inflation Reduction Act. By installing qualifying solar control window films in 2026, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit of 30% of the material costs (capped at $1,200 annually).

  • Why an estimate matters now: A professional estimate ensures you choose a film that meets the necessary NFRC certifications to qualify for these “dollar-for-dollar” savings on your 2026 tax return.

2. Combat Rising Utility Rates

Utility companies like Duke Energy and TECO have trended toward rate hikes. In Florida, air conditioning can account for over 40% of your monthly electric bill.

  • The Solution: High-performance films from brands like 3M Prestige, LLumar and Vista can block up to 85% of solar heat.

  • The Result: Many of our clients report a reduction in cooling costs by as much as 30%. An estimate allows us to calculate your potential ROI based on your home’s specific orientation and glass type.

3. “SPF 1000” for Your Interiors

Standard glass allows 99% of UV rays to pass through, which is the primary cause of fading for hardwood floors, leather upholstery, and valuable artwork.

  • Ultimate Protection: Our films block 99.9% of UV rays.

  • Huper Optik & 3M Prestige: These “spectrally selective” films offer high heat rejection without a reflective, “shiny” look—perfect for meeting strict HOA and gated community deed restrictions while protecting your interior investments.

4. Remote Work and Glare-Free Living

With remote work being the standard in 2026, “screen glare” is a major productivity killer. Our advanced coatings eliminate up to 90% of glare on monitors and TVs. You keep your view of the Tampa or Orlando skyline without the squinting.


Why Experience Matters: The Advanced Film Solutions Edge

We don’t just sell one brand; we carry the world’s leading technology to ensure you get the right solution, not just the only solution.

Feature Our Brands (3M, Eastman Vista, Huper Optik, LLumar)
Selection The widest portfolio of NFRC-certified films in the USA.
Expertise Over 50 years of experience; former 3M National Sales Manager leadership.
Quality Direct employees (no subcontractors) and two “World Tint-Off” finalists on staff.
Warranty Manufacturer-backed lifetime warranties against bubbling, peeling, or fading.

Pro Tip: Not all films are created equal. Some competitors use dyed films that turn purple over time. We only install color-stable, high-durability products guaranteed to last.


Start Your 2026 Savings Today

Don’t wait for the first record-breaking heatwave of the year to protect your property. A free, no-obligation estimate takes just a few minutes but can save you thousands in energy costs and interior preservation over the next decade.

Replacing windows with insulated glass is an expensive proposition.

Payback for window replacement takes more than 15 years and the heat reduction isn’t nearly as profound as a window film solution.

Advanced Film Solutions installs the innovative solar control window films  manufactured by the world leading 3M Window Film, 3M Prestige and Eastman Performance Films like Vista, LLumar and Huper Optik!

These ingenious solutions factor out 99.9% of the UV and depending upon the light transmission you select, our coatings can block 80-85% of the solar heat.

Since we improve the performance of your existing windows the cost for this energy transformation is much less than a window replacement. Typically 1/10 that cost!

Designed for durability and incredibly optical clarity these films are backed by a lifetime warranty!

Ingenuity defines our window film portfolio and our expert installers have been awarded Angie’s List Super Service Award for 15 years.

Start 2026 with the perfect solution for your Tampa Bay, Orlando or Sarasota-Bradenton area home.
 
 
 
Call for a free home or business estimate!
 

ADVANCED FILM SOLUTIONS

Toll Free 877-575-3456

Shattered Glass, Solar Safety Window Film For Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota Home Security

Whether you own your own retail store or manage a large chain of retail stores the problems you face are quite similar:

 
  • How do you maintain comfort for your customers and employees?
  • How do your protect your inventory from UV fading or heat damage?
  • Can you slow down smash and grab burglary?

Can you take steps that lower your monthly electric bill and perhaps harden your glass envelope preventing smash and grab burglary?

Advanced Film Solutions is Florida’s leading installers of solar and solar security coatings.  These films are installed on your existing windows.  These coatings remove UV, lower heat gain and delay, deter and deny entry.

You decide how much daylight you’ll let into your store

We offer an extensive portfolio of 3M Prestige Ultra or solar IR selective films along with dual reflective, Low E  and the outstanding LLumar, Vista and Huper Optik series.

  •  Shatter resistant coatings from Eastman Chemical,  LLumar and Vista. The incredible Madico and Armorcoat coatings as well as Avery – Dennison Hanita security films made in Israel.

Call Advanced Film Solutions toll free 877-575-3456

Offices Tampa Bay-Orlando
 
 

2026, Protective Window Film For Safer Cooler Tampa Bay Region Homes

There has been a rise in smash and grab burglaries.
 


Check your own town’s crime rate here!

Home burglaries, retail stores are at risk.


There is no 100% full proof solution. 

Crime prevention and improved security covers a wide variety of strategies, but we can help!

 Advanced Film Solutions installs a thick (8 ML) security window film to your home, store windows and doors.

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This shatter film will improve the integrity of the glass making it far more difficult for a smash and grab break-in.

Advanced Film Solutions provides a complete portfolio of thick safety and security shatter control window films.

Advanced Film Solutions has completed film installations on thousands of retail stores, homes and schools throughout Florida since 2007!

 
  • Crime mitigation, delay, deters and denies entry.
  • Solar versions reduce your electric bill and may earn rebates.

  • Non reflective versions like 3M Prestige Ultra meet deed restrictions and all HOA rules.

  • Nearly 100% of the UV is eliminated.

  • Retail stores can improve security without detracting views into the store.
  • Installations can be further strengthened with anchoring systems.
Call Advanced Film Solutions for a free estimate and consultation!

 

Toll Free 877-575-3456

Florida Shatter Solar Safety Window Film, 2026 Opportunities

There has been interest in perimeter protection anti-intrusion improvements in the wake of the Newtown, Sandy Hook tragedy and Parkland FL tragedies.

School administrators, campus security, parents and government officials are considering a holistic approach that weighs life safety issues against the implementation costs of building and glass hardening.

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Glazing security window film coatings have been used for nearly 50 years for improved glass hardening.

Federal guidelines were implemented after the Oklahoma City bombing to increase security through thicker shatter resistant fragment retention films.

Advanced Film Solutions, Window Film USA is an expert installer of these thicker window film enhancements.

These coatings are designed to withstand high impact and improve life safety against intrusion and blast events.

We represent the leading manufacturers of these impact resistant coatings:

 

 

3M Ultra, 3M Prestige Ultra solar shatter window film.

Eastman Chemical marketed under the LLumar, Vista and Huper Optik brands.

Madico Safety Films

Saint-Gobain marketed as Armorcoat

Hanita – Avery Dennison

The minimum thickness recommended is 8 ML. This is the standard based upon the increased impact and tensile strength.

These coatings are attached to window frames using a variety of systems with the wet sealant silicone as the most prevalent and most cost efficient.

These coatings have been rigorously tested by the GSA, DoD and in several cases Factory Mutual. They also meet ANSI standards and in several instances the UL972 criteria.
Shatter resistant coatings are available in clear versions that provide maximum visibility.

It should be noted that there are solar control iterations of these films that meet the same level of security enhancement but additionally provide glare, energy cost efficiency and privacy (where security officials recommend)

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These solar versions offer a ROI for reduction in energy costs as well as improved student productivity with lower glare and more comfortable facilities.

Energy control versions may also qualify for rebates from local power companies.

Call Advanced Film Solutions at 877-575-3456