by Peter Davey, American Window Film, Inc.
Meteorologists say conditions — including warmer temperatures in the Atlantic Basin and cooler temperatures in the Pacific Ocean — are ripe for the Northeast coast to be hit by a whopper of a hurricane this season.” Ken Reeves, a senior meteorologist at the AccuWeather Center in State College, PA, predicts a Category 3 hurricane, a storm that could resemble the devastating systems that hit New England between the 1930s and 1950s, could hit the Northeast region.” [FOXNEWS.COM HOME >SCIENCE, “Meteorologists: New England Overdue for Big Hurricane”, March 29, 2006, Associated Press]
The hurricane season is upon us. Given unusual weather patterns, building owners and facilities managers are taking heed and investing in shatterresistant 3M™ Scotchshield™ Safety & Security Window Films for perimeter windows to mitigate the destructive effects of severe weather, explosive blasts, and vandalism, and their associated impact on business continuity. Compared to the expense of glass replacement, retrofitting with security window film offers an affordable option for improving safety as they hold glass in place – minimizing exposure to inclement weather and possible injuries.
Efficient and professionally trained installers provide minimum interruption to production activities. The added benefits of reduced heating, cooling and HVAC maintenance expenses provide good reasons for owners and managers to justify their investment on future energy cost savings. Most of us have experienced the invisible shield of protection that 3M security films provide.
Many commercial buildings (banks, airports and federal buildings) have security film already installed. We rarely hear about security window film installations since building owners are reluctant to suggest that any of us are vulnerable inside their facility. I might argue that knowledge of safety measures in place is both reassuring to the community and a deterrent to many who seek to do us harm.
3M Company, an ISO9002 certified manufacturer, issued the first patent on window film in 1966. 3M is the only window film manufacturer that produces their own raw materials such as polyesters, adhesives, metals and scratchresistant coatings. Their films meet ANSI Z97 and CPSC glazing standards, and 3M’s patented multiple micro layer technology, to enhance tensile strength and elongation, has contributed to their longevity in the field. They are a durable, tear-resistant series of polyester films that provide high optical clarity. Their construction delivers superior performance over standard polyester films in blast and impact mitigation due to their ability to absorb shock.
The 3M™ Ultraflex Sealant System is a strong safety and security installation system. It combines the strength and elasticity of 3M Scotchshield™ Safety and Security Window Film with Dow Corning™ 995 Silicone Structural Sealant. The combination creates a flexible membrane that captures and absorbs impact energy allowing the frame to bend and twist to accommodate a variety of impact stresses. It is a more cost-effective system when compared to more bulky mechanical attachment alternatives.
Along with safety and security window films, 3M Company manufactures a variety of window film products including sun control films, architectural/interior designer films, and anti-graffiti films. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends many 3M Window Film products as effective UV protection.
3M’s spirit of innovation remains strong as they re-invent window films for the 21st century with the introduction of their new series of Prestige Window Films. These films reject up to 97% of the Infrared without using metals. This innovation is a critical advantage over 3M Company’s window film competitors. Metals can corrode over time in moist conditions and can interfere with cell phone signals and Wi/Fi transmissions. 3M Prestige Window Films unconditionally guaranty against corrosion. They offer high optical clarity, low reflectivity and incomparable performance. They reflect and absorb 99.9% of the UV light that fades fine furnishings, fabrics and works of art and they do this by aligning more than 200 layers of polymers in a total thickness that is less than 1/2 the thickness of one 3M Post-It™ Note.
Although history tells us that New England is overdue for a hurricane, let’s hope that we’re fortunate enough to be bypassed by this season’s storms. Weather or not…an installation of 3M Window Films will protect your building, it’s furnishings and occupants in more ways than one.
Peter J. Davey is president of American Window Film, Inc., a 3M™ Authorized and Certified Prestige Window Film Dealer, located in Foxboro and Boston, MA, 800-274-TINT, www.americanwindowfilm.com. Pulished in the New England Real Estate Journal; June, 2006.
American Window Film, Inc. is your 3M Window Film Dealer serving all of MA, RI and southern NH, including Boston, South Shore, North Shore, Cape Cod & the Islands, Providence, Nashua, Manchester, Worcester, Springfield and surrounding communities.
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