U.S. Film Crew (USFC) was hired by CMU to provide and install security window film on five of its campus buildings in anticipation of the G-20 Summit and the potential for property destruction by protestors. It was a complex five building project that had to be done quickly,” said Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) facility manager Ron Cunningham, with regard to the University’s security upgrade for the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh, PA. We have worked with other window film companies who don’t have a foreman on site…
On September 24, 2009, the G-20 Summit leaders arrived in Pittsburgh along with the protestors. “Yes, there were three panes of glass broken at one of our buildings, but the security film did its job. I would say that, with USFC you will get courtesy, flexibility, honesty and a clean install done right the first time and on time or better.”
As a certified 3M window film dealer, we have an obligation to protect our customers’ homes and buildings from potential security threats. At U.S. Film Crew the safety of customers is one of our top priorities. With our 3M Safety and Security Window Films you can now protect yourself and your property from the potential dangers of forced entries, severe weather conditions, and broken glass. We have a variety of security window film solution to help meet your individual needs and budget.
Whether you’re a homeowner who wants to protect their family or a property owner who wants to protect their employees, security window film is beneficial for a variety of different building types such as:
Floor level apartment buildings
Office buildings
Government buildings
Retail storefronts
Schools and universities
As a 3M authorized dealer, we are fully certified and ready to take on any residential or commercial installation project. contact us today at 412-961-8468.
Are you looking to cut your utility bills in half while reducing your carbon footprint? Energy efficient technology has been in demand for quite some time now. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce your energy costs is to have a window film professional apply solar film to the windows throughout your home. According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can reduce energy consumption by as much as 15% and return a savings of 7.5% every month.
On average, air conditioners cost $0.36 per hour and ceiling fans only cost $0.01 per hour. Studies show that ceiling fans can help save 4-8% on cooling costs when combined with an air conditioner. Hot water is one of the main sources of high utility bills. Whether you’re washing dishes, doing your laundry, or taking a bath, hot water is a necessity. For more information on our window film installation services, contact U.S. Film Crew today at 412-961-8468.
Solar window film keeps the inside of a room cool and uninfluenced by the temperature outside. They are also relatively easy to install and require little to no maintenance. Window film is a self-adhesive polyester film that is applied to glass surfaces. It is used as a “retrofit” application for existing glass on automobiles, homes, and commercial buildings in order to upgrade solar control, safety, and appearance. Decorative window film is a great solution for privacy and can give your windows a frosted or etched glass look at a fraction of the cost.
Air conditioners require a large amount of energy to operate properly, especially during the summertime. There is one golden rule in the window film business: the best window film in the world has little or no value unless it’s properly installed. Blinds and curtains may help protect you and your furnishings from the sun, but they obstruct outside views and prohibit you from enjoying natural light. This is not the case with window film.
Commercial window film is quickly becoming the norm in many offices around Pittsburgh. That’s because they’ve proven to be beneficial in many ways, certain types of specialty window films, such as Casper Cloaking Window Film, can also provide privacy while maintaining transparency in any working environment. If your Pittsburgh office is undergoing a renovation, then you should definitely consider Casper cloaking technology. Here are a few of the main benefits to consider.
Sometimes in commercial spaces, you can’t afford to display everything that is going on in your computer screen. Many companies use curtains, drapes, or blinds to create a sense of privacy, Not only is this decorative window film, but the technology in itself is enough to make people say ‘wow’! or your personal password Casper cloaking window film can help protect your sensitive data from prying eyes.
You may already be aware of this, but UVA and UVB rays from the sun cause cumulative skin damage, which could eventually lead to skin cancer. In most cases, people will install blinds and curtains on their glass windows to help protect them from the sun, which certainly helps, but it ultimately darkens the room and prohibits you from enjoying natural sunlight. Often underused method of indoor sun protection sun control window film unlike blinds and curtains, solar window film reflects up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays and doesn’t deprive you of natural sunlight.
Solar film blocks up to 99% of the cancer-causing UV rays from the sun. Not only are solar films easy to install and maintain, they are much more affordable and convenient than blinds and curtains. A wide selection of decorative window film to suit our customers’ individual aesthetic preferences. commercial window film is a straightforward, hassle-free process. Not only does it protect your family and/or employees from harmful UV rays, but it provides glare reduction, heat reduction, and additional privacy.
Many property owners and homeowners are now applying them to the inside of their spaces. In most cases, they are utilized in conference rooms, cubicles, partitions, stairways, and shower doors. We have highlighted the differences between etched glass and decorative window film to help you make a more informed decision before making your purchase. The cost of etching, cutting, sandblasting, or texturing glass can be costly because it involves labor, materials, shipping, and installation.
Customizing etched glass can get pretty complicated. Unless you use an existing pattern, creating customized etched glass involves finding an experienced manufacturer who is familiar with glass etching techniques and has the equipment to complete your project. Which is not ideal for business owners? Window film, however, can be installed quickly and quietly. Decorative film is durable, easy-to-clean, and does not require specialty cleaning supplies.
Are you trying to renovate your home or office space, but are unsure of whether to choose transitional and switchable window films? Well, you’re not the only one. Many people who are looking to get window film installation face this dilemma. However, there’s no need to worry…U.S. Film Crew is here to help!
In this post, we’ll discuss the differences between transitional and switchable window films and which one’s right for you.Let’s get started by understanding the differences between the two.
Transitional Window Films
Transitional window films, as the name suggests, are the kind of films that change from a clear tint to a dark tint when exposed to the sun’s UV radiation. These films are made with a photochromic inter layer that gives creates a chemical reaction when sunlight comes in contact with it. As a result, it darkens under intense UV exposure and returns to a clear state at night-time to maximize visibility.
These window films typically block 99.9% of the UV radiation, which is responsible for major skin related problems such as:
90% of all premature skin aging signs such as dark spots and wrinkles;
Sunburn and tanning;
The destruction of vitamin A in the skin cells;
Damaging the DNA in the skin cells;
Increased risk of skin cancer.
Not only that, but transitional window films block out 80% of the infrared heat gain and adapt automatically with the amount of sunlight coming through glass windows and/or doors. Therefore, you can enjoy the healthy rays of sun and stay protected – without putting any efforts. Pretty awesome, right?
Switchable Films
Switchable films, also known as “smart films” or “residential privacy window films”, are the films that allow the users to manually change the glass from a transparent to an opaque state. These films use electrochromic technology and are managed through a control board. Switchable films can be applied to interior glass walls, windows, and doors. A major advantage of switchable films is that you can enable them whenever you want to, giving you privacy whenever you need.
Switchable films are mostly used in large spaces such as commercial office buildings, governmental agencies, and educational facilities. One major disadvantage of these films is their inability to protect against UV radiation and solar heat gain. Not only that, but most of these films are operated by battery, requiring maintenance over time.
Summary: Transitional Window Films vs. Switchable Films
Transitional Window Films
Switchable Films
These films change from clear to darker tinted state, when exposed to the sun’s UV radiation.
These films are enabled manually, using a switch.
Transitional window films protect mainly against UV radiation.
Switchable films are mostly used for dynamic privacy.
These films work automatically, thanks to chemical reaction it gives with the UV rays.
These films work using a battery operated manual switch.
As these films work automatically, they require less maintenance.
Due to the mechanics involved in these films, they require more maintenance.
Which Film to Choose?
Here’s the ultimate question: which window film should I choose? Well, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question as it totally depends on what you need. Many customers select a combination of the two depending on their individual needs.
If you have a large commercial or public space and privacy is your biggest priority, then switchable window films or heavy duty security film may be best for you. On the other hand, if you need films that give you protection against the dangerous UV radiation but want to enjoy the natural sunlight, then you should consider transitional window film installation or modern decorative window film installation.
Ultimately, it’s not about which one’s better than the other. It’s about which one’s right for you. For more information, contact our commercial window film specialists at 412-961-8468 or visit www.usfilmcrew.com today!
Glass protection film is composed of multiple layers of polyester film, which are laminated to each other using a strong adhesive. If you own a business within a major city or an area with heavy protests, then you should strongly consider protecting your property with glass protection film. Also known as security window film, you can protect your windows from damage and help deter theft. Glass windows are the most vulnerable parts of any building and investing in security film is worth every penny, especially if it eliminates looters from entering your building.
While security window film is barely noticeable, they drastically reduce the effects from break-ins, sudden impacts, accidental damage, and extreme weather conditions. Applying security film on your windows is similar to having a laminated window film. It provides you with enhanced safety and security and makes the glass more difficult to breach, which helps deter illegal entries. Discourage looters with glass protection film that help deters crime and has more resistance to shattering.
Looking for ways to brand your office space and add privacy without breaking the bank? Decorative glass films are a versatile, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing solution that can address both of these issues effectively. Commercial window tinting can be used in a dynamic way to exhibit your professionalism. With decorative commercial window film, you can add slogans, text, or inspiring messages on the windows and doors of your office space.
Decorative glass film, you can easily communicate your brand and philosophy of your company to the fullest. smart window film, and matte window films are all great solutions with specific purposes. Then you should get in touch with U.S. Film Crew, Pittsburgh’s most trusted window film company.
U.S. Film Crew 