Monday, November 3, 2008

Not All Window Films are Created Equally

Those of us in the industry know it, not all window films are created equally. Even brands that are recognized household names, may perform well in some ways but not in others. Someone recently directed me to a blog by Mike Feldman called "The Inner Circle" to see a video comparison test of the scratch resistance of 3M tint to Huper Optik window film.




We did not make this video, but thought you might find it interesting to see.

To be fair, a friend of mine had 3M solar film at his workplace and he was told not to put any tape on the windows.

A quick plug for Mike's blog--it has lots of interesting information about window film and his work in the Tampa Florida area. You can go to http://advancedfilmfl.net/2008/10/28/3m-versus-huper-optik-window-film.aspx to add your opinion to the ongoing comments on this video.

To purchase Huper Optik film in Toronto you can visit our website at www.ApexFilms.ca

Friday, October 17, 2008

Enjoy Your Window View Without Glare

Sitting in my office today, I'm enjoying the late afternoon sun beaming through the maples in all their autumn splendour. There is nothing like Toronto in the fall!

Having spent years in the 'bull pen' in the windowless core of an office building, I really appreciate the view and sense of breathing room my window affords my otherwise small and modest office.

In the past, the sun's glare at this time of day would typically have made it impossible to see anything on my computer screen. Solar glare is a function of the sun's angle of incidence to the window and resulting light (read GLARE) makes monitors and electronics' screens difficult, if not impossible, to see.

I used to have to draw the blinds to block the glare. No more. Now that we've installed solar control window film, I am enjoying my window view while working at my computer. The window film we selected blocks enough light to control glare without requiring additional lighting. It is more comfortable too! I can sit right by the window all day without becoming hot or uncomfortable. At the same time, the window film also protect my skin from harmful UV rays that pass through unprotected windows.

It is hard to believe, but something as simple as a thin sheet of plastic film can block heat, glare and UV without blocking my view.

Experience the benefits of heat and glare controlling window film while still enjoying your view. Call Apex Window Films at 416-335-8181 or visit our website at www.ApexFilms.ca

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Springtime: Things are Heating Up in Toronto

Well, it is spring time in Toronto, and the weather is finally starting to warm up after what seemed like a long winter! This is the time of year when we start to get a lot of calls from home and business owners about uncomfortable heat buildup in certain parts of their homes, offices, stores and the like.

Windows are great for letting in natural light and offering a sense of space and freedom for those who are indoors. Unfortunately, some windows, because of their location, tend to create 'hot spots' from the sun's radiant energy heating up that space right inside the window. Even with air conditioning, these hot spots make it difficult to balance interior temperatures. We have all experienced this either at home or in the workplace, one room or area is never cool enough and in an effort to make it more comfortable other spots become too cold.

Solar Control window film offers a solution to this imbalance. By filtering sunlight, blocking, absorbing or reflecting infrared light that heats the air, solar films are able to help balance interior temperatures, thereby increasing the comfort level for occupants throughout the building, reducing the need for air conditioning which is good for the environment and saves you money!

Our customers appreciate the benefits of installing solar control window film. Here is what one condo owner had to say.

Windows in both bedrooms generated so much heat, even in the winter, we were required to leave windows open or have fans running to move hot air around. This a.m. was our first morning with the sun shining. The rooms are now much better. Our sunroom has always been a pressure-cooker. So far we are finding it quite comfortable. and, as I said, actually sat in the sunroom and read the paper all morning - it was very pleasant.

This customer had been unable to enjoy their sunroom on sunny days, even in the winter. When you install solar control window films, you take back rooms in your home that may otherwise have been too uncomfortable to fully utilize--it's almost like making your home bigger!

Solar control window films are available in a wide range of tints and hues. They do not need to be dark or even reflective to work. Apex Window Films carries a wide variety of solar control window films from the world's foremost window film manufacturers. We can offer you a solution that will meet your needs for heat control and aesthetics.

With energy prices sky-rocketing, there has never been a better time to invest in solar control window film. Save money and help the environment. Window films are recognized by the Green Building Council and can be used to generate LEED credits for your building.

Contact Apex Window Films at (416) 335-8181 for an estimate or visit the website at www.ApexFilms.ca for more information.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Apex Window Films Featured by Debbie Travis


We were obviously excited when we were contacted by Debbie Travis for input on an interior design article she was writing on Window Film. How much more exciting to see our work in print in Debbie Travis' syndicated column 'House to Home' published this week in international media.

In short, Debbie recommends window films for form and function, "What intrigues me about these films is their versatility. Here's a decorative feature that can be both practical and stylish," Debbie states in her column.

We won't be modest, her recommendation of Apex Window Films Toronto is glowing, "
Please visit www.apexfilms.ca to see more of their exciting installations."

This is the picture that Debbie used in her syndicated article, a custom-cut graphic in decorative window film for privacy in a Toronto area residence. We installed this beautiful graphic in 2007.

Apex Window Film provides both home and business owners in the Greater Toronto Area with premium quality, custom cut window graphics. While we do it everyday, there is nothing commonplace about our decorative and functional window graphics. Call Apex Window Films of Toronto, we'll be happy to discuss your ideas or to suggest some of our own.

We've been given permission to reprint Debbie Travis' window film article on our website if you would like to read more. For more information and interior design advice, visit Debbie Travis' website at www.DebbieTravis.com

Friday, March 7, 2008

What is Window Film?

So, what exactly is Window Film?

Window film is also referred to as window tint, glass or window laminate, solar or heat rejecting film, frosted, graphic, or decorative film and a variety of other names depending upon their purpose. Basically, window film is a very thin layer of plastic with an adhesive layer which may be applied to glass.

Window films are generally made of poyester, or vinyl and many include a scratch resistant outer coat. Some window films contain dyes for colour, while others incorporate metals for their reflecting qualities and specfic colour (bronze, silver and aluminium for example)

Window films serve a variety of purposes. The most commonly known variety, window tint, has been used for decades to increase privacy and reduce solar heat gain for both architectural and automotive windows. We are used to seeing window films on office buildings that look mirrored for daytime privacy as well as to reflect the sun's radiant heat in order to keep interior spaces cooler while permitting a view outdoors and great deal of light to flow in.

Today's solar films are not only available in tints and metalized varieties; there are also optically clear, almost unnoticeable films that block heat while permitting the flow of light. Such films are excellent for residential applications, as well as in commercial settings where it is desirable that those on the outside can see in; Retail stores, are a good example of this.

For those requiring privacy, decorative window films can block visual access to a building while permitting the flow of natural light from the outside. Frosted window films are a good example of privacy film, often used for bathrooms in residential settings, or for privacy on both interior and exterior windows in commercial settings.
Decorative window films are available in literally hundreds of colours, textures and patterns.

Window films can also be used for safety and security, to hold glass together in case of impact. They can also be cut with graphics or lettering for commercial or decorative applications.

Check back here for more detailed information about various types of window films, or visit our website for in-depth window film information from Apex Window Films of Toronto.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Welcome

Welcome to the Toronto Window Film blog. We will be updating frequently with information about window film, home improvement tips, residential and commercial security ideas and tid bits from our day to day business.

If you don't find what you are looking for, check out our informative Toronto Window Film site. It is filled with valuable information about window film as well as window and door security, even a window film terms glossary.