Securing Your Glass


August 22nd, 2014

Security film or shatter resistant film has gained more notoriety over the past few years due to it’s various uses. Shatter resistant film, sometimes called glass fragment retention film is an optically clear, multilayer, polyester film that bonds to the inside of the window to reinforce the glass and help hold it in place upon impact. Stores, homes and even schools are seeing an increase in break-ins and violent acts, making security film another precaution to consider. To read more about our security film in schoUltraNV25S2ols, CLICK HERE. Another use of security film, one that is often overlooked, is it’s application to annealed glass.

Safety/security film applied to annealed glass can meet safety glazing standards that are in place. In the early 1970’s, the U.S. Government initiated legislative action to establish commercial building codes, requiring the installation of tempered glass in glazing systems exposed to high injury risk; such as doors of all types, glass partitions, etc. Not too long after, similar codes would be extended to residential buildings and glazing systems. The reason for the change in legislation was due to the way the glass broke. Annealed glass is cooled slowly, producing a strong glass but not as strong as tempered glass. When annealed glass breaks, it breaks into various sizes that can be harmful to a person. Tempered glass is cooled quickly during the manufacturing process and when broken, it shatters into small pieces, making it safer should impact occur.

If an annealed glass pane needs to be changed to a tempered pane, the cost to replace it would be over $600 dollars. Applying security film to annealed glass would cost half the amount of complete replacement. When safety/security film is applied to annealed glass, it will meet the safety glazing standards that are in place. Saving money by not replacing the glass is not the only benefit of applying security film to your windows. Security and safety film offers solar and UV protection as well as glare reduction. The advantages of this film outweigh the stress of a complete glass replacement and is a great substitute to meet safety glazing standards.

With All American Window Tinting, Inc., (AAWT) we will be sure to meet or exceed all expectations without breaking your bank! Call us today at 303-936-1362 to schedule your free onsite, in home or in office estimate! We look forward to servicing all your window film needs.

Choosing Only the Best!!


August 01st, 2014

All American Window Tinting, Inc., is a window tinting business created from a humble beginning and developed into the best window tinting company in Denver, CO. Established over 20 years ago, this family owned and operated business has only progressed forward using the knowledge gained from the latest techniques and technology. Even through our growth and betterment, the foundation of this company is still rooted in providing the best experience for our customers while meeting their window tinting needs for their car, home and/or office.

We, as a company and team, take pride in our work. From the first call in the office to the installation in your home or office, we want to make your window tinting experience as easy as possible. Taken from a previous customer, their review shows our continuous effort to be the best in our profession; “Couldn’t be happier with my tinted windows! The experience was great from the beginning to end…They put on shoe covers before entering my home. That impressed me! The process was explained in detail and all of my questions were answered. The day of the process was really impressive!…They respected my home and possessions. These guys are great. The finished product is lovely. Where I had glare and intense sunlight, I now have a preserved view that is restful! It’s like putting on high quality sunglasses. What an improvement…Thank you so much.”

At All American Window Tinting (A.A.W.T.) we are very transparent about everything we do and will work with potential customers to ensure that they receive the best products for them. We carry products that we believe in and would put on our own cars, homes or office windows, AND we have! We do believe that it is important to be informed about what is going on your windows and what company you decide to choose. For that reason, we provide free estimates for all projects and guarantee competitive pricing. In order to maintain our expert craftsmanship, our professionals have received Master Accreditation through of the International Window Film Association. Only the industries best dealers and installers are those that are well informed and well versed in both theory and application of window film products.

Contact us today 303-936-1362 to find the RIGHT film for your car, residence, or commercial business!

Window Tinting with a HOA


May 29th, 2014

Have you been wanting to tint your windows but are a member of a Homeowner Association or Historic Preservation site?  Window Tinting for homes and offices can significantly reduce the amount of heat, glare and harmful UV rays from entering the building.  In the past, finding a window film that was aesthetically pleasing was rare.  Most window films were highly reflective and gave a mirror liked appearance.  With the advancement of technology, window film manufacturers were capable of creating high performance films which are made to be low in reflectivity and have higher heat rejection levels.

Homeowner associations(HOA) often have regulations regarding altering the outside appearance of a home. SECH5.29.14 As part of a homeowner association, most homeowners believe that adding film to their windows would be in violation of their agreement, but this is no longer the case.  While high performance films are made not to alter the outside appearance, they also do not compromise the view from inside the building.  Historic Buildings and design committees have approved high performance window films to be placed on their windows.  The following window films were created to help control interior climate, provide glare reduction, heat rejection, aid in the prevention of interior fading of furniture and flooring, all while maintaining the look of your home or office and preserving the clear view of your windows.

Hüper Optik Select Series

Hüper Optik Select Series window films can reduce the total solar energy buildup in your house or office by up to 70% as well as reduce 99% of Ultraviolet rays that cause skin problems and fading of interiors. Employing state-of-the-art multi-stack thin-film technologies, the manufacturing process involves depositing alternating layers of microscopic precious gold and silver metals and dielectric substances onto ultra-clear films to create an unparalleled level of benefits. These non-reflective films are completely dye-free, have a neutral appearance and have the added feature of low reflectivity so that your view is not altered day or night!

 

Click here to see some of our residential and commercial projects with high performance films.

Call All American Window Tinting, Inc., at 303-936-1362 for your FREE in-home estimate, today!!  We have worked with many HOA’s and design committees to find a window film that will be approved and offer the homeowner/client, relief from the sun.

What is Seal Failure?


April 24th, 2014

Over the past few decades, home owners and business owners have been reluctant to apply window film to windows because of rumors about seal failure. As a window film company, the possibility of being bias can occur, however; this article will be transparent about all findings.

The occurrenceSeal Failure of seal failure can appear with or without window film. The best place to start looking at seal failure would be the design of the Insulated Glass Units (IG Units). Insulated glass units incorporate a sealed space, containing air or some form of gas between two panes of glass. The two panels are separated by spacers, which typically contain some type of desiccant (a powder that absorbs water) to absorb any moisture that makes its way through the unit’s seal.

All Insulated Glass Units allow water vapor to migrate into the space at some rate. This is not a result of seal failure, rather it is the nature of the product. According to Drew Vass from the Window Film Magazine, “if too much moisture penetrates the unit, the desiccant will eventually be expended and will no longer be able to absorb the moisture and be effective. This is known as seal failure and will often cause a unit to become fogged or hazy.” Insulating glass manufacturers contend that window film, when applied to an IG unit, will absorb and reflect solar energy within the airspace causing a temperature imbalance that may result in increased visible condensation. In 2000, the Window Film Committee of the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters, and Laminators (AIMCAL), conducted a research study involving a test on window film on 6 new commercial (IG) Units and 12 residential (IG) Units. They commissioned A. William Lingnell (B.S. Civil Engineering, M.S. Civil Engineering, M.S. Mechanical Engineering, M.S. Engineering Science) a technical consultant to the Sealed Insulated Glass Manufacturers Association (SIGMA) to conduct standard tests on standard sealed units with and without window film. The results of such research concluded that “window film had no observable effect on the performance of high quality manufactured insulating units.” However; if window film is installed on an IG Unit that is already close to seal failure or has seal failure, window film will absorb the heat within the airspace and form more condensation. Warranties from window film manufacturers can guarantee that their films, when properly installed, will not cause glass failure due to seal failure if there are no preexisting conditions of seal failure (Click here for information on study).

Many Insulating Glass Manufacturers will declare their manufacturer’s warranty null and void in the event that window film is applied. The photo to the left, shows a home where window film was applied over 10 years IMG_2512ago to the upper windows but not the lower windows. The lower windows show seal failure and fading of frame, whereas the windows at the top did not show any signs of seal failure. The customer believed the shutters would block the heat and glare but the UV rays faded and cracked the paint.

Seal failure can be an eyesore to your home or business. Foggy or hazy windows are not appealing to visitors and customers. If the wrong window film is applied to a window, there could be a higher chance of seal failure or even thermal stress. We are the only window tinting company in Denver, CO where Richard Marti, owner/President of All American Window Tinting, achieved Master Accreditation through the International Window Film Association (IWFA). The IWFA is an international association of window film manufacturers, distributors and installers dedicated to the improvement of products and services for the consumer.  As part of this dedication, the IWFA has developed a test designed to evaluate the knowledge and skill of the professional installer.  If you have been hesitant about installing window film to your home or business, contact All American Window Tinting today at 303-936-1362 to schedule a FREE estimate!!  Our estimator will come to your home or business with a variety of samples to meet your needs.  You can also visit us online at www.allamericanwindowtinting.com to see some of the projects we have completed!

Preserving Our History


March 18th, 2014

The culture, artifacts, and stories of our past are our link to the history of our nation. Historic buildings can be the most recognizable structure of a city, creating a connection with the city and it’s citizens, both past and present.

In 1966, Congress founded the National Historic Preservation Act which is intended to preserve historical and archaeological sites in the United States of America. While the purpose behind preserving efforts was initially used for drive patriotism and turn structures into museums in order the generate tourism, the focus soon changed. In today’s society, the motivation for preservation is generally broken down into three categories:

  1. to retain elements of the past
  2. to commemorate the distinctive identities of places
  3. practice a conservation approach to environmental change

While there are stipulations to changing the appearance of a historic building, applying window film to the windows of historic buildings promotes a green approach to retain elements of the past. With advancements in technology, high performance window films were created within the last 20 years, enabling high heat rejection levels while keeping the visible light reflection anywhere from 8 to 12 percent. These films do not alter the appearance of historic buildings because of their low visible reflectivity levels. Glare is another factor that is reduced significantly; anywhere from 34 to 64 percent dependent on window film selection. While rejecting 99- 99.9% of UV rays, window film aids in the deterrence of the fading of valuables. When these buildings were created, insulation was minimal. Approximately, 25% of a building’s heat loss escapes through the windows and window film can reduce the amount of heat that escapes. During the hotter months, when solar energy enters the building, without film on the windows, hot spots are created in the home which increase the amount energy consumed due to cooling costs. By reducing the amount of heat entering the home, the consumption of energy is reduced. When window film is professionally installed, a building is saving up to 30% on cooling expenses.

Contact All American Window Tinting, Inc., of Denver, CO today for your FREE estimate! Our estimator, who holds Master Accreditation through the International Window Film Association, will come to your property with samples and find the perfect film for your project.

Going Green in Your Home


March 05th, 2014

Going green is the new ‘thing.’ What most people thought was a trend; going green has proven to make our lives and possessions more sustainable. This movement has turned into an effort of a life style change instead of trend. We have seen these changes on both a small and large scale, and some green decisions are easier to make. Applying window film to your home windows, is one of the best ways to ‘go green.’

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in 1970, less than half of U.S. homes were air conditioned, but nearly 90 percent of homes use air conditioning today. With this knowledge, it is estimated that 25 to 30 percent of the energy used in American buildings and homes is wasted due to inefficient windows. According to the International Window Film Association (IWFA), today’s film give energy savings, a neutral carbon footprint, UV blocking and security benefits while letting visible light into the home.

Window film allows natural light into the home while lowering the amount of heat and glare entering the home. Another benefit of window film is that most films reject anywhere from 99 to 99.9% of harmful UV rayGoing Green in Your Home Through Window Films. These same UV rays contribute to the fading of your most prized possessions, as well as wood flooring and furniture. When solar energy enters the home, without film on the windows, hot spots are created in the home which increase the amount energy consumed due to cooling costs. By reducing the amount of heat entering the home, the consumption of energy is reduced. The return of your investment in window film could take up to three years to see. When window film is professionally installed, not only are you saving up to 30% on cooling expenses, window film can add to the re-sale value of your property. If you are worried about window film altering the look of your home or view, read our previous blog.

Call All American Window Tinting, Inc., of Denver, Colorado today at 303-936-1362 for your FREE estimate!! Our estimator will come to your home, with samples of our various films in order to find the right match for you and your home.

Our Response to The Denver Post


January 28th, 2014

All American Window Tinting, Inc., of Denver, CO recently stumbled upon an article, regarding window tinting, that was published in The Denver Post. The writer, Marni Jameson, raised valid questions about window film and if consumers were being swindled into a “transparent” lie. We continued to read the article (click here to read article) and couldn’t agree more with Ms. Jameson’s questions and findings. Mr. Smith, of the International Window Film Association (IWFA), was the respondent to Ms. Jameson’s questions. It is true that in the past, in order to have a high heat rejection the film would have to be dark. However; through the advancement of technology, we are seeing light to neutral films carry the same or even higher heat rejection percentages than those darker films.

All American Window Tinting, Inc., carries specially select films that are non-reflective, completely dye-free, have a neutral appearance and have the added feature of low reflectivity so that your view is not altered day or night! We are the only window tinting company in Denver, CO where Richard Marti, owner/President of All American Window Tinting, achieved Master Accreditation through the International Window Film Association (IWFA). The IWFA is an international association of window film manufacturers, distributors and installers dedicated to the improvement of products and services for the consumer.  As part of this dedication, the IWFA has developed a test designed to evaluate the knowledge and skill of the professional installer.  If you have been hesitant about installing window film to your home or business, contact All American Window Tinting today at 303-936-1362 to schedule a FREE estimate!!  Our estimator will come to your home or business with a variety of samples to meet your needs.  You can also visit us online at www.allamericanwindowtinting.com to see some of the projects we have completed!

DIY Window Fillm Projects


January 10th, 2014

Window film for cars, homes and offices are available to the public for their own installation. Is it a good idea to install your own window film? Well, it can’t be that hard to install and it seems more affordable than having it installed by a professional, right? This article will explore why it is advantageous for a professional installer to apply window film to your project. We will first discuss automotive window film application and then explore the window film for residences and office/commercial buildings.

In our industry, we see window films sold in home improvement stores and there are businesses that apply film for a below market cost. It can seem easier to buy such films or use these companies but what exactly are you paying for? All the films we carry in our shop are LIFETIME WARRANTIED against bubbling, blistering, peeling or turning of purple. We stand behind our work and the products we carry. We also carry clear bra to protect your car from harsh conditions on the road and this comes with a modest 5 year warranty. Tint removal is another aspect of services that we offer. It does seem simple to remove tint from a car but there are techniques to preserve rear window defrosters and ensure that the tint and glue are completely removed.

DIY Window FillmOur estimator will come to your residence or office to qualify the glass and recommend what film could and should be placed on your windows, free of cost. Living in Colorado, our weather is unpredictable and we live in high altitude. With this combination and depending on the type of glass installed in your home or residence and the direction of which way your windows face, determines what film works best for you. We carry various types of samples in order to find the perfect product for you.

All American Window Tinting, Inc., has been serving the Denver metro area for over 20 years. We have never met a job that was too big or too small. Our installers are trained specialists with the latest products, tools and education. Richard Marti received his Master Accreditation through the International Window Film Association.  He is the only individual to attain Master Accreditation in the state of Colorado. He is also 1 of 16 worldwide with the title, out of the 348 members of the IWFA. Even though there are 16 professionals to hold Master Accreditation, Richard is only 1 of 5 dealers worldwide.  Give us a call today at 303-936-1362 for a free estimate or visit us online at www.allamericanwindowtinting.com!

The Season of Glass Breakage


December 20th, 2013

Living and working in Colorado has shown us that the weather is always unpredictable. In one day, we can experience freezing mornings, and warm afternoons and leave work in the snow. With the weather constantly fluctuating, glass windows tend to fracture more so than windows that are in a stable climate. This phenomenon is known as thermal stress and is very common in our industry. Thermal stress is created when one area of a pane gets hotter than an adjacent area.

Should this stop you from getting your home or office windows tinted?

Our answer is, absolutely not! Thermal stress is dependent on the weather and the position of the sun, however, there are other factors to take into account. Our installer obtained his Master Accreditation through the International Window Film Association (IWFA), in order to be more knowledgeable about such factors. Here, at All American Window Tinting, Inc., we offer free estimates for the purpose of offering our expertise on what film to use for your windows. The different variables that we take into account vary from; if there is an overhang from the building, the structure of the building, outside foliage shading, interior shading from blinds, the details of the internal heating systems, the size of mullions, colors of sealant(resilient or hardened), Low-E coatings(the surface of the coating), the way the windows face and the location of the building. It is also important to keep in mind that glass that has chipped edges or was damaged in fabrication is subjected to a greater risk of thermal stress.

What happens if my glass breaks?

Window film manufacturers and installers are aware of thermal shock fractures and warranty the glass from thermal shock from their product. If a thermal shock fracture does occur, a claim is made through the installer, submitted to the manufacturer, and if approved, replaced. This process can seem daunting and overwhelming, however, the benefits of window film (such as reducing glare and heat, offering privacy, and/or rejecting harmful UV rays) outweigh such concerns. Contact All American Window Tinting, Inc., to have a professional installer evaluate your window system.

We Say Thank You


November 08th, 2013

Veterans_Day300x210Our country is always going through transition, whether it’s through politics, war or civil rights. It’s very easy to become disenchanted with everything going on around the world, however it’s necessary to take time and thank those who served for our country. Even though there are specified dates for memorialization and gratitude, how often do we thank those who served or are currently serving? As a country, we are able to express ourselves and bring attention to issues that we deem important. Had it not been for those brave men and women, our freedoms and rights would be obsolete. Let’s honor our heroes for the sacrifices that they made not only for us, but for their families and loved ones. To those who served or are currently serving, All American Window Tinting says thank you. Thank you for acting selflessly to protect our country and citizens that you do not know. Thank you for taking your time away from family, friends and loved ones to defend our rights and freedoms.