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Want Natural Light Without Excessive Heat Gain, Glare, and Damaging UV Rays?

2019-02-28T16:32:11+00:00

Natural light not only brightens our living and work spaces, but research has shown that it actually makes us perform better and even provides health benefits by boosting our bodies’ Vitamin D levels. If you are considering adding window film to your home or office, you may worry that the film will prevent natural light from coming in and make these environments dark and unpleasant.

The good news is that if you use the right window film, you can keep a great deal of that beneficial natural light, while reducing some of the less desirable effects of the sun such as:

1) Excessive Heat

When it’s hot outside, window film can drastically reduce the heat of the sun coming through your windows. And when you choose the right film, you can still have lots of that glorious natural light. 3M™ Sun Control Window Film is a great example. It reduces the heat that comes in through windows by 50% or more so you can stay more comfortable inside.

2) UV Ray Damage

Sun cannot only damage our skin, but it can wreak havoc on our home and office furnishings all year-round. The sun’s UV rays can cause furniture, window treatments, carpet, and other interior décor to fade. Research estimates that it accounts for as much as 40% of fading damage of these objects. 3M window film blocks up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, protecting your valuable items so that they hold their colors longer.

3) Glare

While natural light is very beneficial to us, there are times when the glare from the sun affects our productivity. This is especially true when the sun is shining in our faces or creating glare on the surfaces we use day in and out, like computer, mobile device, and TV screens. Quality window film greatly reduces glare by redirecting the sun’s rays toward the ceiling, while still allowing a great deal of natural light to filter in.

What About Privacy?

You might assume that letting in more light will reduce your privacy, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are window films designed specifically to allow natural light in, while allowing you to see out, and at the same time, reducing the visibility of those who might want to see inside. 3M™ Sun Control Window Films, Night Vision™ Series offers enhanced views from the inside looking out, especially at night, while enhancing privacy with higher reflectivity for those on the outside wanting a view inside. This film still allows 15-35% of natural light into your rooms by day, while blocking up to 71% of the sun’s heat, significantly blocking harmful UV rays and reducing glare and eye discomfort. It is made of scratch-resistant coating to ensure clear visibility as well.

Some Window Film Is Designed to Increase Natural Light

While many 3M window films allow us to have lots of beneficial natural light, there are some newer window films that actually increase natural light in commercial and residential spaces. 3M™ Daylight Redirecting film for commercial use, for example, redirects as much as 80% of light coming into buildings, bringing natural light deeper inside. It helps to light rooms as deep as 40 feet from windows. This can reduce your dependence on electrical lighting for energy efficiency.

Carolina Solar Security is a premium 3M™ Authorized Window Film Dealer in Wilmington, NC. We have been providing North Carolina homeowners and business owners with window tinting solutions since 1985 and never stop working to bring our customers the best products paired with the most skilled window film technicians. Reach out to us for your free quote today!

Want Natural Light Without Excessive Heat Gain, Glare, and Damaging UV Rays?2019-02-28T16:32:11+00:00

Will Window Film Damage My Windows?

2019-01-29T15:04:15+00:00

One of the most common misconceptions about window film is that it will damage your windows. Many people believe that it will cause your windows to become foggy over time. With over 30 years of experience in the window film industry, the experts at Carolina Solar Security have the expertise to put this misconception to rest.

Choosing the Right Film

The best way to not damage your windows is to choose the right film. Different films better suit some types of glass than others. Do you have single-pane, double-pane, or low-e glass? This dramatically affects how your windows respond to tint. As a 3M Authorized Prestige Dealer, Carolina Solar Security possesses a wealth of knowledge about how to choose the right film. Regardless of what type of glass your windows are, there is a window film that is compatible. You just need an experienced window film installer to guide you through the selection process and to apply the film for you properly.

What Causes Windows to Become Foggy?

Double-paned, also known as dual paned or insulated, windows always become foggy over time because their seals will eventually fail. When the seal fails, this allows moisture to collect between the panes of glass. The moisture condenses and creates the foggy appearance. This process — although unfortunate — has nothing to do with whether the glass is tinted with window film.

So how did window film develop the reputation of making your windows foggy? When a double-paned window’s seal fails and the owner of the window contacts the manufacturer, the window manufacturer looks for any possible reason to attribute the fogging to besides the window itself to avoid having to pay to replace it. If the window is tinted, they say the tint contributed to the seal breaking, even though there is no evidence to prove window film was the cause.

So will window film damage your windows? The answer is no when you select the right type of film for your glass and when it is applied properly by a 3M Authorized window film installer like Carolina Solar Security.

Carolina Solar Security is a premium 3M™ Authorized Window Film Dealer in Wilmington, NC. We have been providing North Carolina homeowners and business owners with window tinting solutions since 1985 and never stop working to bring our customers the best products paired with the most skilled window film technicians. Reach out to us for your free quote today!

Will Window Film Damage My Windows?2019-01-29T15:04:15+00:00

Common Myths About Window Film

2018-12-31T20:41:20+00:00

The Carolina Solar Security team has been serving our customers’ window film needs for over 30 years. In that time we have heard many myths about window film. Below we provide the truth about some of the most common myths we hear.

Myth 1: Window Film is Only Helpful in the Summer

One idea that is widely held but not true is that window film is only beneficial when it’s hot outside. In fact, window film works to increase the comfort of your space year-round by maintaining the temperature you create indoors, regardless of how hot or cold it is outside. There is even a window film product specifically designed to insulate your windows against the cold: Thinsulate insulating film.

Myth 2: Window Film’s Only Benefit is Temperature Control

Along the same vein as Myth 1, many believe that the only purpose for window film is controlling indoor climate. The truth is, there are a number of window film products designed with other primary goals in mind. For instance, if you are worried about break-ins and smash-and-grab crime, safety and security window film can help keep you protected. This product reinforces your window, making it more difficult for a would-be intruder to break through the glass. If you have a large window in your bathroom, you might also consider privacy film to keep prying eyes at bay. If you want to freshen up the look of your space or simply add style to your windows, decorative films are available in hundreds of patterns and finishes. Even our sun control film has benefits beyond temperature regulation — it blocks up to 99% of UV rays from passing through your windows. This protects not only your skin, but also your furniture and floors. The truth behind this myth is that there’s a window film solution for every problem.

Myth 3: Window Film Will Make Windows Appear Tinted

While some films do have a tinted appearance, our 3M window films are available in a full spectrum of clarity, from transparent to opaque. If you prefer to maintain the clear appearance of your windows, then one of our virtually transparent films will be the best choice. On the other hand, if you want to increase privacy, one of our frosted window films will provide the ideal solution.

Myth 4: Window Film Will Make My Windows Look Bubbly

When window film is applied by a 3MTM authorized professional installer like Carolina Solar Security, the finish will be clean with no bubbles, warping, or other unsightly flaws. Our products are also backed by the 3M warranty, one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. When you choose a premium quality film, you can rest assured that your windows will continue to look great for years to come.

Want to Learn More About Window Film?

Carolina Solar Security is a premium 3M™ Authorized Window Film Dealer in Wilmington, NC. We have been providing North Carolina homeowners and business owners with window tinting solutions since 1985 and never stop working to bring our customers the best products paired with the most skilled window film technicians. Reach out to us for your free quote today!

Common Myths About Window Film2018-12-31T20:41:20+00:00

Why You Should Hire a 3M™ Authorized Window Film Dealer

2022-12-02T17:05:37+00:00

When there’s a tint shop on every corner in Wilmington, NC, how can you tell which one will give you the best product and service? 3M made this easy by developing an industry-wide designation. North Carolina window tint companies who meet 3M‘s stringent requirements for quality, technical expertise, and customer service become members of the 3M Authorized Dealer Network. This certification helps customers distinguish the good from the bad and the ugly, and Carolina Solar Security proudly wears the badge of being a top tier window film installer for the entire Coast Carolina region.

What Does It Mean to Be a 3M Authorized Dealer Window Film Dealer?

Indicator of Quality

First and foremost, when you see that a window film installer belongs to the 3M Authorized Window Film Dealer Network, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest quality of products, customer service, and installation. Window film applicators authorized by 3M undergo hours of tint installation training and participate in continuing education to stay on the cutting edge of the window tinting industry. This demonstrates their commitment to providing customers with the best service and participating in 3M’s innovation to continually develop better products.

Covered by Warranty

When installed by a 3M Authorized Dealer, 3M window film includes a warranty. This window film warranty applies to the product during installation and throughout its lifetime. It protects again bubbling, blistering, cracking, peeling, and discoloration. Warranty specifics vary between residential and commercial installations, so ask for more details during your complementary consultation.

Expanded Product Offering

Even more impressive than being a 3M certified installer is being a Prestige 3M Authorized Dealer. Prestige Window Film Dealers, such as Carolina Solar Security, offer 3M‘s full range of window tinting products, include their Prestige Series of window film. Only this level of 3M dealer offers this line of window film. Prestige Series solar films boast exceptionally high light transmission, UV protection, temperature control, and glare reduction.

We hope this proves helpful when deciding with whom to entrust your windows. Carolina Solar Security believes in only the highest quality of products and customer service, and our 3M authorization is a testament to this commitment.

Carolina Solar Security is a Prestige Authorized 3M™ Dealer in Wilmington, NC. We have been providing Southeastern North Carolina with 3M™ window film solutions since 1985 and never stop working to bring our customers the best products paired with the most skilled window film technicians. Reach out to us for your free quote today!

Why You Should Hire a 3M™ Authorized Window Film Dealer2022-12-02T17:05:37+00:00

All Season Window Film Keeps You Comfortable Year Round

2018-10-30T14:17:34+00:00

As the cooler months approach, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to keep your home comfortable through the winter. Did you know that the same window film that keeps your home cool in the summer also keeps it warm when it’s cold outside? Carolina Solar Security offers All Season Window Film, which benefits you year round. If you’re wondering how a single film can do it all, let’s take a look at how 3M’s All Season Window Film works.

Cool in the Summer

About 28% of cooling expenses come from solar heat gain through windows. All Season Window Film keeps your home cool in the summer because of its high heat rejection properties. After we install window film in your home, your HVAC system runs more efficiently, because the film rejects up to 79% of the sun’s heat. Your HVAC maintenance costs also decrease in the long run since they don’t have to work as hard to keep your space cool.

Warm in the Winter

Many coastal homes have huge, beautiful windows boasting expansive views of the ocean or sound. Unfortunately, those regal windows lose up to twenty times as much heat as an adjacent wall of the same square footage. All Season Window Film insulates your windows to keep warmth inside your home during the colder months, while allowing you to maintain — and even enhance — your view.

At Carolina Solar Security, we realized that most people don’t understand that they will reap the benefits of window film year round when they come to us for help with problems like hot spots, UV damage, and glare. Window film does in fact solve these problems, but it also provides insulation in the cooler months.

Carolina Solar Security is a Prestige Authorized 3M™ Dealer in Wilmington, NC. We have been providing Southeastern North Carolina with all season window film solutions since 1985 and never stop working to bring our customers the best products paired with the most skilled window film technicians. Reach out to us for your free quote today!

All Season Window Film Keeps You Comfortable Year Round2018-10-30T14:17:34+00:00

Decorative Window Film Increases Privacy & Enhances Aesthetics

2022-12-10T03:35:11+00:00

Do you struggle to balance your need for natural light and privacy? Windows and glass walls transmit beautiful light from the sun and foster the open-space feel that so many office environments are moving towards, but they can also compromise your privacy. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose one or the other. Decorative window film allows you to customize a space to your desired level of brightness and privacy.

Uses for Decorative Window Film

Decorative films serve multiple purposes. They help control privacy, reinforce your brand, and add visual interest on interior and exterior glass walls. Frosted films provide a similar aesthetic to etched or sandblasted glass, but at a fraction of the cost.

Control Privacy

Decorative window film allows you to tailor the level of privacy for your space. Some varieties of decorative film are nearly opaque, while others offer only a slight decrease in visibility. The more opaque the film, the less natural light is able to pass through. Perhaps your conference room has glass walls, and you feel like you’re in fishbowl during board meetings. You can simply frost the middle horizontal section of the glass that is at eye level to passersby.

Reinforce Your Brand

Many of our commercial clients at Carolina Solar Security use decorative window film to reinforce their brand. We do this by cutting out their logo or company name from the frosted film. This creates a subtle yet eye catching signage solution.

Visual Interest

Decorative window film adds visual interest to your space. With over 100 patterns, colors, and textures, the aesthetic possibilities are truly endless, and you can create a one-of-a-kind environment for your office, lobby, retail space, hotel, or restaurant.

Interior & Exterior

Decorative films can be applied to both exterior-facing windows and interior glass walls. If your office is located in a suite within a larger office building, you can frost the entryway door and emblazon it with your company logo. This also works well for glass door entrances of businesses within shopping centers or standalone buildings.

You no longer have to choose between privacy and natural light. With our decorative window film solutions, you can find the perfect balance between confidentiality and aesthetics.

Carolina Solar Security is a Prestige Authorized 3M™ Dealer in Wilmington, NC. We have been providing Southeastern North Carolina with decorative window tinting solutions since 1985 and never stop working to bring our customers the best products paired with the most skilled window film technicians. Reach out to us for your free quote today!

Decorative Window Film Increases Privacy & Enhances Aesthetics2022-12-10T03:35:11+00:00
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