Category: Ceramic window film

Advanced Film Solutions, Tampa Gated Community Clear Window Tinting

Keeping heat, glare and harmful UV from entering your home is serious stuff here in the Tampa Bay, Orlando or Sarasota Bradenton area.

Many homeowners suffer with single pane clear glass windows and sliders.

Drapes, shutters and blinds may offer privacy and some glare control but they provide very little relief from the everyday harsh Florida sun.

Replacing windows is a very expensive proposition and in many cases unnecessary.

Window film can stop 99.9% of the UV and up to 75%-80% of the heat.

Advanced Film Solutions has the most complete portfolio of Eastman dual reflective films like LLumar and Vista.

These are energy efficient films that offer incomparable heat control.

These films present a reflective appearance on the exterior face of your windows.

This can be a benefit when privacy is required but nevertheless there are many instances when the reflective appearance is not preferred or simply prohibited by your HOA rules or Deed Restrictions.

The solution is our Eastman Huper Optik series of nano-ceramic IR filtering coatings.

The Huper Optik films are dye free so the color is stable and won’t fade over time. This is a significant advantage over the 3M prestige films.

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Huper Optik adhesive quality is vastly superior to the hazy adhesives used by 3M prestige

Huper Optik offers more light transmissions including darker 20%, 30% and 35% while 3M is limited to their prestige 40 in their darkest choice.

If glare is an issue (and when isn’t it?) this is yet another superior advantage.

Both 3M and Huper Optik filter out IR wavelengths and of course both films work better at angles (this is a 3M sales tactic that has no merit in fact.)

Huper Optik and 3M are NFRC certified so consumers can get objective performance comparisons by referring to this quasi-governmental agency.

We are happy to provide free estimates and sample films for your HOA approvals.

Toll Free: 877-575-3456

ADVANCED FILM SOLUTIONS

 

Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota Solar Safety Window Film Benefits

Imagine a window coating that stops UV, heat and glare while simultaneously hardening your home’s windows and sliders?

Advanced Film Solutions team of installation experts can take your single pane glass and strengthen them against impact and burglary.

These thicker coatings are the very same films used by the Federal Government to protect military personnel and GSA facilities throughout the country.

Advanced Film Solutions has done our share of government security installations including numerous county and city municipalities throughout the region as well as child care centers and the Sarasota International Airport.

Homeowners can choose from a wide selection of combination solar protection films manufactured by global leaders like Eastman Chemical’s Vista and LLumar Film, Saint-Gobain, Madico, Avery-Dennison and Johnson.

These coatings provide the same solar control and UV benefits along with security protection against intrusion.

Free estimates are available by calling toll free,

877-575-3456Advanced Film Solutions

Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota

Florida Window Film Commercial Project Management

Many commercial buildings in Florida have had window film installed for decades or more.

These films did what they were supposed to do (one would hope!) back in the 1980’s or earlier.

Now it is abundantly clear that these coatings have degraded over time.

If you have management responsibility for a facility that has failed and damaged window film you should be aware of the newest technology available to you.

Advanced Film Solutions has developed the best team of window film installers and window film solutions in the State of Florida.

  • Reduce heat gain

  • Lower cooling costs

  • Provide Privacy

  • Improve security

  • Improve curb appeal of building.

  • Eliminate hot spots.

Leading solutions like Eastman Chemical reflective and dual reflective coatings as well as ceramic coatings that provide superior heat rejection without altering the appearance of your glass.

No matter the size of your project we can remove the old damaged window film and transform your glass into energy efficient systems that will lower glare, filter out UV and bring clarity back to your windows and doors.

Removing old film is just one capability that our experts can easily tackle.

Security window film is also an option particularly if you experience the potential of smash and grab burglary or are concerned about threats of any type.

These thicker solar security safety films hold the glass in place while providing the sun control benefits discussed.

Call for a free estimate toll free at 877-575-3456

Advanced Film Solutions 

 

Tampa Bay Window Tinting Consumer Awareness Begins Now

Most consumers have a limited amount of information concerning window film.

Checking online can eliminate some obvious issues since everyone claims to have the best solutions, etc.

Fortunately consumers can get detailed performance characteristics thanks to the NFRC which is a quasi-governmental agency that is the repository for factual, lab tested specifications for leading window film brands.

The NFRC (Click here) was developed to demonstrate accuracy in light of the anticipated energy savings that would eventually lead to Energy Star ratings.

While the intention of window film manufacturers to comply with the strict testing data imposed is admirable, an unintended virtue of the NFRC is to dispel numerous exaggerations frequently espoused during competitive sales calls and demonstrations.

Advanced Film Solutions is  Florida’s leading commercial and residential window film installation companies.

We remain steadfast in highlighting factual performance expectations and real-world film comparisons.

Here are a few examples:

IR Hype

3M Window Film dealers are known to confuse heat rejection results with Infrared filtering statistics.

For example they may claim that their Prestige Film series stops 97% of the heat from entering your windows no matter how light the film may be.

In the case of Prestige 70 the actual NFRC rating for total solar energy is 50%.

Frankly 50% heat rejection is fairly good for such a light film transmission; so where is the disconnect?

IR heat blocking films like Prestige and Huper Optik do filter out a large percentage of the IR wavelengths but IR wavelengths only effect 50% of total solar energy (Heat)

The remaining portion of heat is a factor of visible light being filtered.

If 70% of the visible light is being transmitted than a large proportion of heat is not being rejected.

On Angle Hype

To further obfuscate the NFRC rated performance a 3M agent may insist that their film performs better at an angle. They may imply that this improved heat rejection is unique to their film.

Here again this is complete nonsense.

All window films and glass itself performs exactly the same way. There is no advantage whatsoever.

Heat Lamp Trick:

If a 3M dealer wants to demonstrate an illusion of heat rejection they may employ a heat lamp that blasts large amounts of IR wavelength. They may compare a coated piece of glass and compare that to a clear glass pane or a darker coating that does not filter IR wavelengths. This gimmick gives the illusion that a lighter film like Prestige 70 can block more heat than a darker silver type film.

The facts are that a darker silver film will block 80% of the total solar energy versus the 50% stated above. The visible light is reflected in the case of reflective films.

The trick is compelling but nevertheless it remains a trick.

Advanced Film Solutions represents Eastman Chemical and their portfolio of Vista, LLumar, Huper Optik coatings.

We can also do the David Copperfield illusion or make unqualified statements about angles and IR heat rejection but we choose not to do so.

We prefer facts.

Documented performance and results.

  • Advanced Film Solutions has earned the Super Service Award from Angie’s List for 9 years the only Florida company that can match that!

  • We are rated A Plus for 12 straight years by the Better Business Bureau.
  • We offer multiple solutions to match our clients requirements.
  • We warranty all of our installations.

Call toll free: 877-575-3456 for a free estimate.

Preserve Your View, Lose The Heat. Advanced Film Solutions Window Tinting

Homeowners doing online research will discover that there are solar control coatings that block heat while maintaining the appearance of your windows and sliders.

These non-reflective films meet deed restrictions and Home Owner Association rules that prohibit reflective films.

The challenge for window film manufacturers was to develop a coating that filters out large quantities of heat while keeping the amount of light transmission high.

Reflective films certainly filter out heat, light UV and glare but again they create challenges for the deed restrictions and do alter the appearance of the glass.

Non reflective dyed films are one alternative but the solar absorption is generally too high for IG glass units and the dyes wear down very quickly under the relentless Florida sunshine.

The solution was the patented dual layer ceramic films developed by Huper Optik.

Huper Optik ceramic and spectrally selective films filter out IR wavelengths (invisible light spectrum) and an assortment of light transmissions depending upon the film selected.

It’s important to note that there are no dyes in the Huper series while our 3M competition offers multi-layered Prestige film with dyes.

Huper Optik is available in darker light transmissions that offer greater glare and fade protection while the lighter 35% to 70% light transmissions block nearly 70% of the total solar energy.

The bottom line is maximum heat rejection with a better light ratio than any competitive coating.

Since these coatings are less reflective than glass your HOA will quickly approve.

Daytime views and night views are preserved.

Advanced Film Solutions

Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota

877-575-3456

God Help Those Who Tint Themselves. Tampa Window Film

Many of our best clients were enterprising folks who decided to do their own window tinting for their home or automobile.

They quickly realized that this was a Big Mistake!

Advanced Film Solutions is Tampa Bay, Orlando and Sarasota’s premier professional installation company for solar and solar safety window film.

Our team of technicians have more than 60 years experience and two of our best installers made the finals for the flat glass Tint-Off that determines the world’s best installers.

So obviously we have a vested interest in providing our clients the very best window film installations and given our experience we are experts at what can go wrong with a window film installation!

We can tell more than our fair share of stories about how badly the do it yourself-ers did when they tried their hand at tinting themselves.

  • Lines and creases, bubbles and huge gaps to name just a few of the problems that novices have when doing their first tint job.
  • Cuts from sharp razors, scratched glass and cheap tint that quickly turns purple.
  • It may look easy but experience is worth its weight in gold, and when you do something thousands of times you become an expert.
  • Choices are critically important. There are many types of glass and your home may have dual pane insulated glass that limits the type of coatings recommended. French panes can be barely impossible to get right!
  • Some DIY films are silver mirror like in appearance and can violate your deed restrictions!

That’s why we highly recommend that you call Advanced Film Solutions, toll free at 877-575-3456

You’ll save yourself a ton of frustration; achieve the results you deserve and have a lifetime warranty with more choices than you’ll ever find at a Lowes or Home Depot!

Advanced Film Solutions

Experts Doing Superb Window Film Installations

877-575-3456

Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Orlando Window Tinting Comparisons

Competition is the engine that drives business throughout the entire window film business.

This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone since every industry has its share of solutions providers who fight for consumer awareness and driving sales.

Advanced Film Solutions is one of Florida’s leading window film installation companies.

Our experience (33 years at 3M and the last 15 plus years representing Eastman Chemical (LLumar SelectPro, Vista and Huper Optik window film) is unique.

3M and Eastman Chemical are both multi-national corporations with extensive operations throughout the world and multi-billion in corporate sales.

Both have over 100 years of history from the Eastman Kodak days and 3M (Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing) founded in the early 20th century.

Window film solutions have been employed since the early 1960’s and the window film business has evolved through the innovations in thin film technology and adhesives.

Today’s window film solutions are durable and our window film solutions have documented performance characteristics as codified by the National Fenestration Ratings Council.

Eastman Chemicals and 3M Window Film offer lifetime warranties and all window films supplied by both corporations factor out 99.9% of the UV.

Eastman Chemicals is easily the global leader in sales and market share.  The Eastman Chemicals manufacturing footprint far outpaces the 3M capabilities in the window film market.

Certainly 3M has developed leadership in many diverse markets and industries but window film has not been a driving part of the 3M focus.

The Eastman superiority is evidenced by the broad portfolio of window film alternatives and this advantage is punctuated by the fact that Eastman manufactures many of the films sold under the 3M brand.

Whether one reviews the solar film suite of products or the security protective glazing films the Eastman advantage is noteworthy.

The window film advantage for Eastman is demonstrated by the superiority and clarity of the adhesives and the ability to meet consumer’s requirements thanks to multiple alternatives compared to 3M.

Solar Films:

Reflective and dual reflective coatings are the foundation of energy savings heat filtering solutions.

Eastman Chemicals LLumar and Vista Films are available in dozens of choices as compared to 3M’s limited solutions.

Eastman’s non reflective IR heat blocking films easily out-perform the decade old Prestige Film and our Huper Optik films are dye free as compared to the 3M multi-layered films.

Protective Glazing Film:

Here again the Eastman superiority outdistances the limited 3M product offering.

In terms of real world impact strength, alternatives in film thickness and variety of light transmissions and appearance the Eastman edge is unmatched.

Frankly there is no comparison from a consumer benefit perspective.

The only area of debate is the topic of consumer awareness and consumer perception.

Let’s take as an example a 3M re-boxed Eastman Film.

Eastman manufactures a lower quality dual reflective film for 3M purchase and resale.

The 3M dealer proposes this lower quality film and implies that this re-boxed film was made by 3M.

Thanks to the halo effect of 3M and their brand identity many consumers would conclude that this solution is superior to a brand that they are not as familiar with.

Our goal at Advanced Film Solutions is to level the playing field.

Once we make the case that Eastman and 3M are well established corporate giants the true competition becomes the question: Which provider offers the best solution with the best investment return.

In that debate the answer is Advanced Film Solutions and our Eastman Chemicals LLumar SelectPro, Vista, LLumar, Huper Optik solutions!

Call Advanced Film Solutions for a free estimate:

Toll Free: 877-575-3456

Tampa’s Most Durable, Optically Clear Window Film: Advanced Film Solutions

Fighting our Tampa Bay area heat isn’t for the weak of heart.

Summer temperatures which are typically tropical have become almost intolerable.

Advanced Film Solutions is uniquely qualified to stop the outside heat from transmitting through your hot glass into your home.

Eastman Chemicals the world leader in thin film technology has developed window film that stops heat, glare and UV. These coatings are applied to your windows and sliders by our team of expert installers.

LLumar and Vista films are the clearest and most durable window film available.

Made in the USA our films are warranted for a lifetime against bubbling or peeling as well as color change.

Our clients determine the look of their film solutions. How dark or light, reflective or non reflective are decided after our clients review film samples right in their home.

Our coatings stop up to 85% of the outside heat from entering your home. This makes your home cooler and your electric AC costs reduced by 30% a month.

Call for a free estimate at 813-949-3456

Enjoy comfort and glare free living.

Advanced Film Solutions

Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota

Toll Free: 877-575-3456

Tampa Bay’s Perfect Window Film Makes Homes Cooler

There are many variables for determining the perfect window film for your unique requirements.

It can become confusing so we thought it might be helpful to provide a quick checklist for making the right selection.

 

Residential and commercial window film requires a skill set of installation capability that differentiates itself from car tinting.  The installation company should be fully equipped, insured and properly credentialed.

Advanced Film Solutions has 15 years of experience since leaving 3M (33 years there!)

Our team of installation experts has the most experience in the state of Florida.
We have a superb A Plus Rating with the Better Business Bureau and an unmatched 9 years of earning the Super Service Award from Angie’s list. (Angi)

Type of film:

There are scores of window film choices, brands and appearance.

Reflective and dual reflective coatings filter out heat and provide privacy during the daytime. These films are durable and their adhesive clarity is pristine.

The leader in reflective film and clear adhesives is Eastman Chemical.  These films are sold under the LLumar SelectPro and Vista brands.

These coatings have a transferable lifetime warranty and are available in more light transmissions (including bronze, silver and neutral) than any other manufacturer.

Non- reflective:

The objective is to filter out the most heat without adding any exterior reflectivity to your windows or sliders. Here again the Eastman Huper Optik ceramic films meet the most strict HOA’ rules and deed restrictions!

Solar safety security combination films:

Our LLumar and Vista Solar security films are available in multiple light transmissions so matching your security need with the right light transmission is a breeze!

Advanced Film Solutions

Offices Tampa Bay, Sarasota, Orlando

Toll Free: 877-575-3456

Window Tinting Comparison Eastman Vs. 3M Window Film

Perception Vs. Reality.

Many consumers are familiar with the 3M Brand.

Small wonder because 3M makes thousands of products that consumers use every day; from Post-It Notes to Scotch Tape.

Home and business owners may be less familiar with Eastman Chemicals although they certainly know Eastman Kodak.

Eastman Chemicals separated from Eastman Kodak more than 25 years ago.

Eastman Chemicals is the world leader in window film technology, manufacturing and sales.

Advanced Film Solutions provides superior installations of Eastman window film sold under the LLumar, Vista, Huper Optik, and SunTek trademarks.

Flat Glass- residential and Commercial window film:

PhysicalPropertiesOnePagerL2349(Jan2020)

Eastman Chemicals has a broad array of light transmissions and films of varied aesthetics.

Reflective films, dual reflective films and non reflective coatings in a wide range.

All of the residential and commercial choices have been NFRC certified for veracity in anticipated performance.

The 3M portfolio is extremely limited in terms of light transmissions and appearance.

For example our LLumar dual reflectives which out-perform the 3M Night Vision series is available in darker and lighter versions. The Vista films are also dual reflective and are also available in more choices of light filtering.

In terms of security film there is simply no comparison.

Our LLumar and Vista films are available in stronger 8 ML versions in dozens of light transmissions compared to 3M’s thinner limited security films.

Our Eastman Huper Optik series has several critical advantages over the 3M Prestige series.

Huper Optik has no dyes in the composition of the film. This ensures durability and color stability. The 3M Prestige films employ dyes and these light filtering chemicals can be scratched off of the film quite easily.

The adhesive superiority of Huper Optik’s clarity easily out performs the 3M Prestige film.

Our Huper Optik films are available in darker versions (20%-30%) where glare rejection and maximum heat rejection is crucial. Our Huper Drei is the best heat rejecting 35% film in the industry and easily out-performs the 3M Prestige 40.

Compare 3M Vs. Eastman by calling Advanced Film Solutions toll free at 877-575-3456