Here is a really good example and explanation of how 3M Security Film is made and how it works explained by one of our fellow 3M scientists from Canada.  (Note: get through the weather at the begining.  It’s worth the watch!)……..

For any further information on 3M Safety and Security films, please give Stop The Sun, San Diego’s Premiere 3M Window Film Dealer a call!

photo credit: andyarthur

The weather affects us every day of our lives, which is not surprising when you consider the impact it has on our mood, on how we dress and on what we eat, but what about the climate?  The climate is not the same as the weather. Climate is the average pattern of weather for a particular region over a long period of time.

The climate has and will always vary for natural reasons. Causes of this include fractional changes in volcanic eruptions that can shroud the Earth in dust which reflects the heat from the sun back into space, solar radiation, and natural fluctuations in the climate system itself.

How can you control the climate in your home?

Well, one way is to have window film installed on your windows.  3M’s Solar Control Window films helps to insulate your windows by keeping the heat from the outside coming in.  Thus helping to lower your cooling bills by making your windows more efficient by keeping the heat out and the coolness in, making the climate in your home or business comfortable.

For further information on window films, please contact Stop the Sun, Inc.  We are San Diego County’s Premiere 3M Window Film Dealer!

3M Window Films can reduce energy bills by minimizing heat gain via windows, skylights, and atrium’s.

Windows, skylights, and atrium’s can be a major contributor to heat gain within a building or home. Solar heat gain can be a primary consideration when incorporating skylights and rooftop atrium’s into a design. Rising electricity prices, new government regulations and growing environmental concerns have propelled energy efficiency and sustainability to the forefront of criteria for successful design.  When 3M window film is applied to existing glass it makes it easier, less expensive and more environmentally friendly than buying new windows.

Solar heat gain is one of the problems with windows that do not have sun control window film applied, due to direct exposure to the sun.

3M window films can block up to 80% total solar energy, up to 99% UV radiation and 90% glare, but will still allow the light to pass through. Your air conditioner had to compensate for the heat gain, which increases energy usage. Instead of letting in heat and then paying to cool it down, you want to block the heat at the source.

3M sun control window films can be used on any glass surface to control the climate caused by heat gain, increase safety, security and privacy and protect interiors from UV damage. So why wouldn’t you purchase it for your home, business, or commercial building?

For further information on 3M window films, please contact Stop the Sun, Inc. We are San Diego County’s Premier 3M Window Film Dealer!

One problem with many stores that have store front displays, especially jewelry stores, is a crime we call; Smash & Grab. This is where the would be thief smashes the glass, grabs the property of the store, and then runs away. This is a crime of quickness. The thief wants to break the glass, grab what he’s come after, and then make a quick get away.

3M makes a security film that can be installed on glass to prevent thieves from being able to smash into the window. The security film slows them down, thus frustrating the thief, and so he fails to commit the crime.

Here is a video of a ‘Smash & Grab’ in progress. There are a couple of things to note in this video; Normally, would be smash and grab thieves do not take this much time during the day to smash through a window while the store is open for business. These are a very brave gang of thieves. Also note that the jewelry store front windows have security film on them as well as roll down shutters.

When the thieves try and break the glass to get to the jewelry, they have to keep hitting the glass because it’s not breaking apart. One thief has apparently broken through the glass and is grabbing some jewelry. The security film is keeping it intact. But in the case of this crime, something else or should I say, someone else comes along and helps keep this crime from happening……

For further information on 3M Security Films, please contact Stop the Sun, Inc. We are San Diego County’s Premiere 3M Window Film Dealer!

Applying 3M Window Films to your dual pane windows does not cause seal failure. We’ve been applying 3M Window Films to insulated windows for many years now.  As you can see from this picture, this dual pane window has seal failure:

Here are some reasons seal failure occurs:

1. Age

There are not many types of window seal that come with a lifetime guarantee, and this will especially be the case when it comes to older windows. You are likely to find that the older the method of weather protection, the more likely it is to fail. By updating the weather stripping on your windows as and when it is required, you can ensure that it continues to work effectively.

2. Elements

Though window seals are designed to withstand whatever the elements can throw at them, there is a limit to what they can take! For example, where certain types of seal are deluged with a large volume of rain on a regular basis, the water can seep behind it and cause it to lift. This can make the failure even worse as the seal will not be flush with the window frame and will allow water and cold air to pass through. Where water comes into contact with metal parts of some types of weather stripping, rust can result which will eventually cause corrosion if it is not rectified as soon as it is noticed.

3. Mold

If your window regularly suffers condensation which is not wiped away, the window seal can often be affected by mold. This can destroy the effectiveness of the seal, especially when it is made from materials such as rubber. If you notice any mold or discoloration, ensure that you clean it immediately with an alcohol-based cleaner to kill the spores or with vinegar if you want to use a more natural cleaning substance.

5. Movement

If the window seal has not been fitted correctly or has become dislodged over time, it will not work well as a weatherization method as the weather stripping needs to be fitted in a particular place depending on the variety used and the type of window. All the correct tools and fasteners should be used to fit all weather stripping and replacements must be made when it is necessary.

6. Maintenance

The instructions that come with most types of weather stripping will often outline what needs to be done in order to maintain it and keep it at its best. Though this will usually mean nothing more than wiping it to keep it dry and clean, it may also outline particular cleaning substances that can be used. Make sure that you undertake the work required to maintain the stripping in line with the material it is made from.

When recommended 3M window films are applied to the inside pane of an insulated glass unit, there will be some absorption (except with clear safety films) of the sun’s energy, which will increase the temperature of the glass pane. Some of this heat will transmit to the airspace, slightly raising the airspace temperature. However, even a 20 F degree increase (unusual for most films) will result in a less than 3% change in air pressure, whereas properly made units are designed and tested to withstand 22% changes in air pressure.

Risk of seal failure is greatly determined by the quality of workmanship and the quality of the materials that go into building the insulated glass units. The best guard against seal failure is to purchase well-made units from reputable window manufacturers that have solid experience and histories with insulated units.

For further information on 3M window films for your home, business, or commercial building, please contact Stop the Sun, Inc. We are San Diego County’s Premiere 3M Window Film Dealer!

So what are you thinking of getting your honey for Valentines Day today?

Could it be a Diamond Ring?

Some Lingerie?

A puppy?

How about a wonderful Dinner for two?

How about the gift that keeps giving? Helps protect them from the sun, burglars, and keeps the views out their windows even more beautiful than before? Yes, we’re talking about window film! And not just any window film, 3M Window Film!

For further information on 3M window films, please contact Stop the Sun, Inc. We are San Diego County’s Premiere 3M Window Film Dealer!

Happy Valentines Day Everyone, from Us!

Have you ever thought of making your windows looked like they were beautifully etched?

Apply 3M™ Fasara™ Decorative Window Films to glass to create beautiful privacy screens, partitions and architectural statements at a fraction of the cost of etched glass. Fasara films also block up to 99% of the UV light to reduce fading and protect valuable interiors. Best of all, when styles change you can update the look without replacing the window.

• Conference Rooms
• Bathroom windows
• Shower doors
• Kitchen cabinets & pantries

Here are the Fasara Line of decorative films (click on the name and it will show you a sample picture):

Altair

Chamonix

Essen

Fine Crystal

Glace

Lausanne

Linen 1

Linen 2

Luce

Matte Crystal 1

Matte Crystal 2

Milky Milky

Milky White

Opaque White

Oslo

Rikyu 1

Rikyu 2

Sagano 1

Sagano 2

Vega

Yamato 1

Yamato 2

Here is the Warranty for 3M’s Fasara Line of Decorative Films:

3M™ Fasara™ Decorative Window Films Warranty

For further information on 3M’s Fasara Line or any other 3M window films, please contact Stop the Sun, Inc. We are San Diego County’s Premiere 3M Window Film Dealer!

Some information provided by…..

3M Ultra Safety & Security Films are a great way to secure the glass in the windows of your home, business, or commercial building.  To make sure that your Ultra 3M Safety & Security Film stays within the frame of your window 3M has an attachment system.

Highest level of protection. This unique window protection system combines the toughness of 3M Ultra Safety and Security Films with an adhesive or profile attachment system. Choose either 3M Impact Protection adhesive or 3M Impact Protection Profile depending upon your frame and overall aesthetic goals. This combination system attaches the film to the window frame, creating a robust shield that consistently outperforms window film-only systems. It’s extra assurance against impact energy from severe weather, earthquakes and forced entry events—with enough strength to handle even bomb blasts.

Warranty Information for 3M Ultra Safety & Security Films/Impact Protection Attachment Systems…..

For more information on 3M Impact Protection Attachment Systems, contact Stop the Sun, Inc. We are San Diego County’s Premiere 3M Window Film Dealer!

It’s official; The New York Giants are the best football team in the country and we applaud them!

Last night as millions of people around the World watched the 2012 Superbowl  fans from here to there bet on their teams only knowing that it would be the best team in the NFL that would be the winner, the one that they could count on, and the one who would stand out from the rest!  And thanks to Eli Manning and his winning team the Giant’s took it home!

When it comes to window films for your home, business, or commercial building don’t you want the best?  The best window film, the best installers, the best company, The Best Team?

Well of course you do!  You deserve the best in everything that you do and at Stop the Sun we can help you achieve that.

Don’t settle for 2^nd best.

When you want the very best in a window film company then give us a call or contact us by email.  Stop the Sun is San Diego’s Premiere 3M Prestige Window Film dealer!

Have you ever noticed how at night when you look out a window the glare of your indoor lights reflect onto the window and it’s hard to see outside?  Did you know that there is a window tint that can help with that reflection allowing you to see more clear to your outside views at night while also giving you the protection during the day that 3M window films are known for?

Now, even the light that fills your home can be just the way you want it. The new 3M line of Scotchtint Night Vision window film offers protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays and controls heat and glare, while inviting warm, natural light into the room and increasing comfort. And, unlike most high-performance sun control films, Night Vision film has a low interior reflectivity that leaves your view clearer than ever, especially at night. That powerful combination makes Night Vision film a welcome addition to any home.

This is a wonderful film that also very crisp and clear and beautiful in color!

For further questions about this product or any other 3M window film products, please call Stop The Sun, San Diego’s Premiere Window Film Dealer.