Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The Perils of Sunlight

Sunlight, for many centuries, has proven to be a great constant in everyday living.  The sun has provided more than light to our existence and we continue to discover new information surrounding it's uses as well as it's dangers.  As a culture, we are very aware of the sun's ultraviolet rays and therefore the prevalence of skin cancer, but the sun can also cause damage our most prized possessions at a costly price.

In today's society, there's a high demand for large, open interior spaces that are overflowing with natural light.  This new trend has brought more light in buildings, which does conserve energy but at the same time, interior fabrics, paintings and finishes have become more susceptible to damage.  Currently, due to ozone depletion, higher levels of solar UV now reach the surface of the earth, harming items at a faster rate.  Ultraviolet radiation is invisible to the human eye but is the single largest contributing factor in fading of fabrics, carpets and other furnishings.  Although other factors such as visible light, electric lighting, heating, humidity, age of fabrics, and fabric dyes all play a part in the process, UV radiation is attributed to 40% of the damage.  Even in cold, cloudy climates, UV radiation can damage furnishings (Advanced Solar Guide Control, 2003). 

What is fading?

Fading is a change in color with time.  Fading is measured by evaluating the color of a material at two or more points in time. 

Fading has two main causes.  The first is chemical; where chemical changes in the coloring agents of the material can cause a change in color.  The second cause can be wear or abrasion, or the physical removal of coloring agents from a material's surface.   Fading of upholstery, linens, furniture and wood is not apparent at first but over time, the difference can be astonishing. 

What can be done to prevent fading?

According to the International Window Film Association (IWFA), Scientist have found that blocking all of the ultraviolet radiation portion of the solar spectrum would not eliminate fade damage for most fabrics and wood, but it would slow down the rate of fading by a factor of about three. 

Start taking precautions and protect your paint, furnishings, wood work, art, and loved ones against the harmful ultraviolet damage that the sun can cause.  We carry only the best window tints and window film products in Colorado, such as 3M™ High Performance window film, Huper Optik Select and Ceramic Series window films and Llumar Color Stable window films to ensure you get the best performance.

At All American Window Tinting, our staff is equipped with years of knowledge and expert training to ensure that all your window needs and concerns are met.   All American Window Tinting, Inc., we stand behind our work and promise to deliver only the highest of quality products with a professional installation that is sure to stand the test of time.  Contact us today for questions, to get a free quote or learn more about your window tinting options.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Richard Marti Receives Master Accreditation!!

Richard Marti, Founder/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.

Richard Marti 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 1 of 5 dealers worldwide.

We care about our customers and take pride in the services we provide. All American Window Tinting is two steps ahead of the competition! 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. Always look for the "know how" symbol before choosing an installer who will be working on, probably, your most significant investment- your automobile, residence or commercial building.
 iwfalogo   <--------the "know how" symbol!

CONTACT US today & let our knowledgeable staff provide a consultation for your automobile, home or office! BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT!!! 303-936-TINT (8468)

Glass Shattering News!!

This information will not only explore the progression of glass but what options are available to protect your safety.   The creation and evolution of glass has propelled other industries to flourish for reasons beyond superficiality.   Glass is a complex material that has been used for various purposes extending from storage, to protection, to art.  The evolution of glass has improved through methodical practicality and through accidents that exhibited the weaknesses of glass.  The question is not if  glass will break, but rather when will the glass break. 

Glass was first stumbled upon during the Stone Age; created by a natural occurrence called Obsidian or volcanic glass.  Around 3,000 B.C.E., the people of Mesopotamia, Babylonia and Syria made glass by creating containers and would later perfect the art.  The art of glass creation was lost for a period of time, resurfacing at a later time, across the Roman Empire.  The Romans were the first to use glass for windows in order for natural light to illuminate a house, around 100 C.E.  They would, however, not become common in ordinary houses in England until about 1500 years later. 

Glass is probably as attractive and clearly transparent as it is ever going to be, however the new frontier will be the resilience of glass.  If glass is involved in accidents or disasters, most injuries that occur are due to broken glass.  When glass breaks, the cracks move at speeds of up to 3,000 mph.  There are five broad categories as to why glass breakage occurs.

1.Tensile stress from the weight of the glass.
2. Thermal stress from absorption of solar radiation.
3. Mechanical flexing stress, i.e. wind pressure.
4. Impact stress from flying objects.
5. Twisting stress from building movements. 

Safety Film was first developed in the 1970's by the British government as a way to diminish the deadly effects of flying and falling glass in terrorist bombing that were widespread throughout England, Northern Ireland and Europe.  In the United States, Safety Film's sales saw an increase in the late 1980's and early 1990's due to natural disasters, vandalism and terrorism.  Security Film is an almost invisible protective coating on the interior side of the glass surface.  When stress causes the glass to break, the film has the ability to stretch and absorb some or all of the energy generated by the stress.  The result is that the broken glass may remain intact within the framing system, preventing shards of glass from becoming lethal.  If however; the stress on the glass is too great, the film is stretched to its maximum at which point it may tear and burst, though the distance and the velocity at which the debris flies is significantly reduced.

The Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995 prompted sitting President Bill Clinton, to issue a Presidential Directive (PDD39), due to more than three-quarters of those injured were injured by flying glass.  The main investigation was to assess the vulnerability of federal office buildings in the United States, particularly to acts of terrorism and other forms of violence.  It was determined that windows were the weakest part of a building and more measures should be taken in order to ensure safety.  Security Film provides an added level of protection and safety from broken glass shards caused by bomb blasts, other explosives, vandalism or natural disasters.  Security Film is the best and most advantageous protection for your home and/or business.

At All American Window Tinting, our staff is equipped with years of knowledge and expert training to ensure that all your window needs and concerns are met.  Just as quickly as glass evolved and transformed; our application, materials and training continue to stay current and cutting-edge.  At All American Window Tinting, Inc., we stand behind our work and promise to deliver only the highest of quality products with a professional installation that is sure to stand the test of time.