3M™ Scotchtint™ Window Film Blocks the Sun but Saves the View of San Francisco Bay.
Problem
One Market, a 1.5 million-square-foot building owned by Equity Office Properties Trust, sits on the San Francisco Bay waterfront. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, the building's tenants have some of the most spectacular views in the Bay area. But while the tenants never complained about the views, they did complain about the heat and glare caused by the sun pouring through the building's windows.
Solution
Equity Office Properties Trust called in several window film companies to offer their solutions to the building's heat and glare problem. Paul Murphy, owner of Special Products Window Film Company in Foster City, California, an authorized 3M™ Scotchtint™ window film dealer, suggested covering the building's windows with RE20NEARL Scotchtint window film.
“We chose RE20NEARL because it significantly reduced glare and increased the building's energy efficiency,” says Murphy. “It also reduced the 'window clutter' caused by blinds and shades that can be seen from the outside. Once RE20NEARL is applied, the outside of the building looks consistent, which greatly enhances its appearance.”
He was asked to complete the project, which took more than three months to finish. “This was by far the largest window film project every done in the San Francisco area,” Murphy recalls. “So it required a significant amount of planning to ensure that the building's tenants were inconvenienced as little as possible. We had a four-person crew working on the project—mostly after hours.”
Results
The project manager's goal was to keep the tenants happy, and while the project was service intensive, Murphy says that not one tenant complained. And, because the window film installation increased the building's energy efficiency, Pacific Gas and Electric Company offered Equity Office Properties Trust a rebate. As a result, the company's project payback was realized just 18–24 months after the installation.
The 3M Difference
According to Murphy, Equity Office Properties Trust chose to work with Special Products Window Film because of their reputation in the Bay area and because of their exclusive use of 3M products. “They chose us because of the service they were going to receive and because they wanted the finest quality of products available,” Murphy says. “They knew they could get that with 3M.”
Project Summary
3M Dealer: Paul Murphy, Special Products Window Film Company
Installation Date: 1996
Area Covered: 140,000 square feet
Installation Time: 3 months (most of the time after hours)
Type of Film: RE20NEARL Scotchtint window film
Remedies Tried Before Applying Window Film: Prior to installation, energy-efficient shades were used to reduce the heat and glare caused by the sun pouring through the building's windows.
Project Notes: The installation required a significant amount of planning to ensure that the 1.5-million-square-foot building's tenants were inconvenienced as little as possible.
Smash-and-Grab Attempt is a Bust, Retailer Credits 3M™ Scotchtint™ Ultra Safety & Security Film
Problem
A national retail chain recently experienced a break-in at a store in Stuart, Florida. Burglars smashed through the windows, reached in, and quickly grabbed $35,000 worth of jewelry, before police officers could respond to the store's security alarm. The company wanted to do something to defend its assets in the event of another burglary attempt.
Solution
Store management researched solutions to increase the building's security. They concluded that the existing security alarm was ineffective for smash-and-grab crimes, because such burglaries take place before police officers reach the scene. They also considered installing shutters but were unhappy with their appearance.
Finally, they called in Joanne Schultz, owner of Tropic Tint, a local authorized 3M Scotchshield security window film dealer. “Our 3M Scotchshield Ultraflex system combines micro-thin layers of Scotchfield security window film with a flexible attachment system to hold glass together—and in the window frame—when it's under extreme stress,” says Schultz. “With this combination, it's very difficult to break through the glass.” The store's management team decided to move ahead with the installation of 3M Scotchshield security window film because it provided an inconspicuous way to protect the building. It took Tropic Tint about a week to complete the project, which included installing more than 1,000 square feet of film on the store's windows, sidelights, and doors.
Results
Just days after the window film was installed, there was another attempted burglary. Shortly after the store closed at 10 p.m., a burglar used a large, heavy metal object to smash the glass of a front door.
According to the police report, “His entry was hampered by the security film on the doors, and small blood drops were found leading away from the doors.” The burglar was unable to penetrate the 3M Scotchshield window film, and because the broken glass was held together, the burglar's attempts to reach through the window resulted in injury. A witness saw him running from the scene.
It is not surprising that, when the new glass was installed the following day, the store's security manager insisted that new 3M Scotchshield security window film also be applied immediately.
The 3M Difference
“The 3M Scotchshield Ultraflex system did everything we had hoped it would do and then some,” says the store's security manager. “We trusted the 3M name and the quality of its product, and I would say that we certainly got a great value for our money. We could not have asked for a better outcome.”
Project Summary
3M Dealer: Joanne Schultz, Tropic Tint
Installation Date: August 26, 1999
Area Covered: 1,000 square feet, including windows, doors, and sidelights
Installation Time: One week
Type of Film: 3M Scotchshield SCLARL400
Remedies Considered Prior to Window Film: New security alarm system and shutters.
Project Notes: After the glass was broken during a burglary attempt, Tropic Tint was on the scene the following day, installing new Scotchshield security window film.
National Gallery of Canada Chooses 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Film
Problem
The National Gallery is a visual arts museum of international stature. It houses Canada's collection of historic and contemporary art within a creative building consisting of many windows and skylights to cast natural daylight upon the nation's treasurers.
With the United States Embassy less than 300 meters away, the Gallery is placed in a high security risk area. Propelled by the forces of a terrorist bomb, flying glass fragments were just one of the wicked elements that attributed to 220 deaths and approximately 4,000 injuries when terrorists bombs exploded at U.S. Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania two years ago. Both RCMP and Ottawa-Carleton Regional Police recommended the implementation of a “comprehensive window protection system” for exposed areas of glass.
In addition to the technical security demands there were also concerns about maintaining the aesthetic impact of the Gallery. The architect, Moshe Safdie, was concerned about the visual effects film may have on the transmission of visible light into the Gallery.
Solution
Seven major North-American companies were invited to bid on the project. The contract award was determined by using international technical standards developed with the assistance of Barry Weaymouth, an international security and safety consultant who provides security and safety consulting services for the Parliamentary Precinct and Building Projects in Canada.
After rigorous testing and application of film supplies, authorized 3M distributor Convenience Group, along with Ottawa-based Lindian Enterprises Ltd, were awarded the contract to install clear 3M Scotchshield Ultra High Performance Safety and Security Window Film on more than 5,000 of the gallery's window surfaces.
Results
By strengthening the window surfaces, the film (with Ultraflex technology) will substantially reduce the effects of flying shards of glass in the even of a terrorist bomb attack on the embassy.
The 3M Difference
“A building's weak link during an explosive event or attempted vandalism is typically the glazed surfaces or windows,” says Ron Phelps, Project Supervisor, 3M Window Film Solutions, Specified Construction Markets. “The unique, tear resistant micro-layered structure of 3M Scotchshield™ greatly reduces the threat of serious injury by holding the broken pieces of glass together.”
3M invented window film in 1966 and continued to be an industry leader in the development of products and solutions for safety and security needs around the globe.
Project Summary
3M Dealer: Lindian Enterprises Ltd. and Convenience Group, Inc.
Installation Date: 2000
Area Covered: 125,000 square feet
Installation Time: 7 months
Type of Film: 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety and Security Window Film SCLARL400 with Ultraflex
Project Notes: All companies bidding on the project were required to install a sample of their film on a designated surface to allow the architect to judge the merits of the film on the glazed surface.
Ford Motor Company Improves Employee Comfort while Cutting Energy Costs with 3M™ Scotchtint™ Window Film
Problem
Ford Motor Company found it challenging to maintain comfortable temperatures for employees year-round in its 40-year-old headquarters in Detroit, a 12-story building faced almost entirely with glass. Glare from the sun also made it difficult for employees in the building to see computer screens.
Solution
After 40 years of trying various fixes to control temperatures in the building, Ford's problem was solved when Specialty Protective Coatings, an authorized dealer for 3M Scotchtint window films, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, applied P18AR Scotchtint window film to every one of the building's 3,083 windows.
According to company owner Mike Roeder, Specialty Protective Coatings covered more than 83,000 square feet of glass. And, due to the expertise and efficiency of Specialty Protective Coatings' experienced crew, the project was completed six weeks ahead of schedule.
Results
While the most important outcome has been improved comfort for its employees, Ford says the company is now enjoying the benefits of an energy consumption reduction, which could save them an estimated $57,000 a year in energy costs.
Prior to the installation, Ford could cool the building no lower than 80 degrees on hot summer days. Now, even on 90-degree days, the building's temperature has stayed at a comfortable 72 degrees.
The company is also enjoying the benefits of the building's improved appearance and the reduction of glare on computer screens. In the building's Trading Room, for instance, Ford employees had not been able to open their drapes for more than seven years, because the sunlight made it difficult to see their computer screens. Now those same employees enjoy being able to look outside during working hours.
The 3M Difference
Ford had three proposals, but only one from an authorized 3M Scotchtint window film dealer. “They had seen our work before, and they liked the idea of using a 3M product because 3M has a great reputation,” says Roeder. “that had a lot to do with selling the project, because Ford knew that 3M would stand behind their service and their product.”
Project Summary
3M Dealer: Mike Roeder, Specialty Protective Coatings
Installation Date: 1997
Area Covered: 83,000 square feet (3,083 windows)
Installation Time: 3 months
Type of Film: P18AR Scotchtint window film
Remedies Tried Before Applying Window Film: Prior to installation, draperies and blinds were used. In addition, employees strategically taped pieces of paper on the windows to reduce glare.
Project Notes: The average size of the windows was 29 square feet, and each application took approximately six to seven minutes to complete.
3M™ Scotchtint™ Night Vision Window Film Means Clear Views Day and Night in Sedona
Problem
When the owner of a 14,000-square-foot dream home in Sedona, Arizona, designed his residence, he included numerous towering windows that invited splendid red rock mountain views on every side of his property. But along with those views, he knew he would have to contend with one problem—the sun. While he wanted to control the sun's negative effects, such as damaging UV rays, glare, and heat, he didn't want to compromise the views with heavy draperies or blinds.
Solution
The Sedona homeowner had encountered a similar issue at his manufacturing plant a year earlier. Working with local 3M Scotchtint window film dealer Ross Kehl, owner of Synchronicity, Inc., he had 3M window film applied to the building's windows.
“The 3M window film solved our heat and glare issues at the plant, so when we ordered windows for the house and couldn't get them tinted before they were installed, I called Kehl in again,” the homeowner says. “He recommended the new 3M Night Vision window film.”
According to Kehl, Night Vision window film made sense for several reasons. The homeowner wanted a film that would control the effects of the sun while saving his unbelievable views,” says Kehl. “Night Vision film's superior technology blocks UV rays almost completely, reduces solar heat by up to 59 percent, and decreases glare by 72 percent. But, best of all, when you've on the inside looking out, the film's low reflectivity gives you clear views—both day and night.
Based on the location of the windows, Kehl used three out of the four shades in the Night Vision line. Windows facing north were covered with NV-35, the film with the lightest tint. For windows facing east, west, and south, he applied NV-25. Finally, the windows on the home's elevator shaft were covered with NV-15 for maximum privacy.
Results
Preliminary results indicate that Night Vision window film will save the homeowner 10 to 15 percent in energy costs per year. Even so, the homeowner is more pleased with the film's other benefits.
“The Night Vision film has given our home a nice shaded look—it's just pleasing to the eye,” he says. “And, when I'm inside at night looking out into the lighted courtyards, the view is clear as day. Without the film, the glare from the lights would have prevented that.”
The 3M Difference
“3M is a quality product,” says the homeowner. “We've used other tinting companies in the past for our cars, but 3M offers a film that truly does what is says it will do.”
Project Summary
3M Dealer: Ross Kehl, Synchronocity, Inc., Sedona, Arizona
Installation Date: November 2002
Area Covered: 3,500 square feet of glass
Installation Time: Project spanned several months. As various sections of the house were constructed, window film was applied.
Type of Film: 3M™ Scotchtint™ Night Vision to include NV-35, NV-25, and NV-15.
Remedies Considered Prior to Window Film: The windows are already constructed with low-E glass. Window film was the only option considered for further protection.
Project Notes: Applying window film up the home's elevator shaft presented a challenge because of the tight quarters and the awkward positions required to reach windows. In addition, since the home was still being constructed during much of the installation, special care had to be taken to eliminate dust particles from “floating” under the film as it was being applied.