Fay just won't go away!

How bad could it have been?



The current track has the storm growing to hurricane strength and curving back into Florida in a westerly path.

That Fay has intensified over land has most weather experts a bit perplexed.  They are re-thinking the land effect and looking for factors like the Everglades warm waters to explain the intensification.

Obviously we all continue to hope that the storm will do very little damage. It has however reminded Floridians that we should all consider the various methods available for protecting our homes and businesses.

To be certain, energy costs are rising and the Green Movement is growing.

Advanced Film Solutions installs energy control and UV eliminating solar films throughout the year. Our Vista, LLumar, Huper Optik and Geoshield films offer consumers a wide range of visible light transmissions from dark reflective to virtually clear ceramic films.

When these solar films are merged with an 8 ML thick mylar construction and an aggressive adhesive system, they become a dual benefit window film that will hold glass in place against high winds and debris.

All window films are not equal.

There are distinct features and advantages that result in consumer benefits with our Advanced Film Solutions portfolio of window films.

• Our VISTA, LLumar and Huper Optik Films are NFRC certified.  The 3M and Armorcoat films are not.
  FACT
  
  
• Our VISTA, LLumar and Geoshield film have passed the ASTM 1886 Missile Test (4.5 L our 3M and Armorcoat friends have not passed this performance level (3M did in a clear 6 ML film with no solar properties)
  FACT
  
  
  These windows are all wider and longer than 60 inches. We did a seamless installation . The 3M solar security film is only available in a maximum 60 inch width. Where would you prefer that line going down the window? That's a question we don't have to ask our clients!
  
  
• Our VISTA and LLumar and Huper Optik 8 ML films are all standard with 6 foot widths so we never seam windows that are wider and longer than 60 inches.
  FACT
  
  
• We offer 11 selections of dark to light solar security films that pass the missile test. This means you can select the exact aesthetic look for your home!
  FACT
  
  
• We offer several choices of solar security window films that meet your deed restrictions or rules from your home owners association. These are non metal ceramic films like our Huper Optik and Lumenesse Films.
  
  
• The optical clarity of our VISTA, LLumar, Huper Optik and Lumenesse Films are outstanding. Haze free films so your views are protected along with your home from flying glass.

Call Advanced Film Solutions
Toll Free: 877-575-3456

Serving the West Central Florida Region

        

Where are we now that we are in the height of our season? Is there anything new on the horizon?



How about?



Geoshield has been picking up some buzz lately since their IR rejecting films compare favorably to the Prestige line with less of an up front cost to the dealer and a better P&L equation.  This Geoshield model, particularly against the Prestige 70, is an interesting study of how a smaller, faster company can meet and exceed consumer requirements.

They seem to have taken this one major leap forward with their new security film that meets and passes the impact and cycling tests that many of the old line window film companies can not meet.



Here is the website dedicated to Geoshield's Ceramic 8 ML Security Window Film very interesting!

Advanced Film Solutions has recently installed Lumenesse on several homes throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Lumenesse Brochure 2008

These homeowners were seeking a virtually clear film that would provide outstanding heat and IR rejection, 99.9% UV rejection and provide hurricane protection while maintaining the exact aesthetics of their windows.


The review:

• The optical clarity is outstanding. No haze or distortion at angle.
• The window film is virtually invisible. Lumenesse met all deed restrictions!
  
• Geoshield has tested their 8 ML Lumenesse and have passed the 4.5 LB ASTM Impact and Cycling Test.
  (you'll note that 3M has passed this test but only for their clear (no solar benefit!!) Ultra 600.
• There was no iridescence demonstrated (the rainbow hue that is evident on our competitors 70% VLT film.
• Our clients who were looking for an invisible solar protection film are delighted!

More to come on this incredibly exciting safety and solar solution!


* By the way- I did notice that this 97% IR rejection seems vaguely familiar to the prestige hyperbole. Obviously, this claim is based upon the same narrow wavelengths that the 3M folks use in their literature.  The terminology needs to be edited to reflect an accurate "IR statement" that will not confuse or mislead our clients here in Florida.

Mike Feldman
Toll Free : 877-575-3456

        

As we prepare for Tropical Storm (or Hurricane) Fay here are some important web reference sites:


Your glass is the weakest link!



Florida Dept. Emergency Management
Tropical Update
Pinellas County EM
Lee County EM
Hernando County EM
Manatee County EM
Pasco County EM
Hillsborough County EM
Sarasota EM

Find your Florida County Emergency Management Website

Know your evacuation zones and PLAN a route.

Prepare NOW!



Mike Feldman
Advanced Film Solutions
877-575-3456
Coupon Hurricane Guide

        

Here are online web sites that can guide you through the next few days as we track Tropical Storm Fay.



National Hurricane Center
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/index.shtml
National Weather Service
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/
Weather Underground -- Tropical Weather
http://www.wunderground.com/tropical/
AccuWeather
http://accuweather.com
The Weather Channel
http://www.weather.com/
NASA's Earth Observatory -- Severe Storms
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/
NaturalHazards/natural_hazards_v2.php3?topic=storm
Hurricane Hunters
http://www.hurricanehunters.com/
Atlantic Tropical Weather Center
http://www.atwc.org/
Atlantic Hurricane Track Maps (Johns Hopkins University)
http://fermi.jhuapl.edu/hurr/index.html
FEMA for Kids: Hurricanes
http://www.fema.gov/kids/hurr.htm
Hurricanetrack.com
http://www.hurricanetrack.com/
International Hurricane Research Center
http://www.ihrc.fiu.edu/
FloridaDisaster.org
http://www.floridadisaster.org/

Advanced Film Solutions provides solar control window films that can be upgraded to thicker (8 ML) versions.



These LLumar Magnum and VISTA and Lumenesse Safety and Security Window Films look exactly like the thinner versions and offer the same solar properties and UV protection.

Call Advanced film Solutions for a free estimate.

Toll Free : 877-575-3456

2008 Coupon

        

8/19/08 Latest Track below as of 5 PM

8/17/08 - Bay News 9 Updated Report

Governor Crist announces State of Emergency in advance of this system.

Tropical Storm Fay appears headed toward the West Coast of Florida.  The latest track has it moving in a more eastern direction. Stay tuned.

Additional Hurricane Resources




Advanced Film Solutions offers a complete portfolio of hurricane tested window films that have passed Level B Impact Large Missile and Cycling ASTM 1886 B.

Superior and timely installations by Factory Trained Certified Professionals

Eye of the Storm
NFRC Rated Security Window Films
Hurricane Force Winds
Eye Of The Storm Florida Hurricane History
Hurricane Safety Never Looked So Good



Our crews are prepared to meet our customer requirements.

Complacency has never been a winning strategy and hopefully this storm will move further west into the gulf and spare our neighbors any damage!

Call toll free: 877-575-3456
2008 Coupon

        

Advanced Film Solutions is Florida's leading window film provider of hurricane protection (mitigation-fragmentation) window films.

Latest Fay tracking projected.



It's no accident that we have attained this distinction since we only recommend window films for hurricane applications and security that have independent lab tested documented results proving that they have passed the ASTM 1886 B Impact and Cycling Tests.  (This explains why testing is critically important)

You might believe that after all these years of window film history particularly after the spate of hurricanes we had in 2004 and 2005 that there would be numerous manufacturers that could construct a thicker window film that would stand up to this 2 X4 test.

In fact there are only a select few and of course Advanced Film Solutions is the only Florida Window Film company to offer these distinguished solutions!



Reflective Films and dual reflective films provide privacy, glare rejection and fade control.  These  NFRC Certified films earn immediate window film rebates from local power companies like TECO and Progress Energy.  For our clients who prefer this "look" of window films we proudly install LLumar and Vista Films.



VISTA Films offer an automatically transferable warranty should you decide to sell your home. VISTA and LLumar are NFRC Certified for their performance and of course they pass the Missile Test in all versions!



Lumenesse:

Lumenesse is the only clear (70%) nano-ceramic window film that passed this Impact Test and Cycling.  While the film presents an invisible clear aesthetic is is actually blocking 55% of the Total Solar Energy!  These Lumenesse Films are perfect for Deed Restricted and Gated Communities as well as Condominiums where reflective window films are prohibited!


Lumenesse viewed through home window.

We are the exclusive Tampa Bay source for Lumenesse Films and we have superior dedicated associates throughout the great state of Florida  to serve your clear heat rejecting and hurricane tested film requirements. 

The Success With Lumenesse Team of Dealers!

Call Advanced Film Solutions today, Toll Free at 877-575-3456

        

Tropical Storm Fay has seemingly followed Hurricane Charley's  course by moving on a more north easterly path. Forecasters project the storm may intensify into Hurricane Fay and head back into Florida!



Once again residents of the northern west coast of Florida breathe a sigh of relief.

We completed our nursing home project yesterday and the peace of mind on the faces of the property management was obvious.

• They have superior strength Vista Film to improve their building envelope energy efficiency.  This will cut their monthly energy bill down by an estimated 15-20%
  
  
• They have earned window film rebate incentives from TECO.
  
  
• They have cut 99.9% of the UVA and UVB
  
  
• Their windows are now protected with our 8ML Impact Level B hurricane films.
  
  
• Their glare is reduced by 72%

Obtain that same peace of mind and immediate energy savings!

Call Advanced Film Solutions Toll Free 877-575-3456

For residents on Florida's East Coast, check out our associates at Onsite!

        

I noticed this posting on Ask The Builder.


Unique!

The question concerning effectiveness is the main focus of the article, he took no position concerning which company offers the best value.

Advanced Film Solutions promotes and installs our VISTA Safety and Security Window Films.



Vista and our more reflective series LLumar Magnum Security Films are the  WINDOW FILMS THAT PASS THE ASTM 1886 Missile Test for annealed glass (the majority of the type of glass here in Tampa). They also passed the test for tempered glass (sliders, etc.)

Lumenesse Films have recently met this standard of performance in a lighter nano-ceramic non reflective window film.


3M, Armorcoat and the rest have not passed this objective, independent test. in their solar security films


Advanced Film Solutions crew removes failed dyed purple tint and replaces with hurricane strength Vista Films.

We never exaggerate the effectiveness of our window films. They are not hurricane proof!!

We submit that the only NFRC Certified Safety and Security (Hurricane strength) window film that passed the Missile Test  ASTM 1886 Pass Report is your clear choice for Tampa Bay.

Advanced Film Ad in St Pete Times

Call Advanced Film Solutions
Toll Free : 877-575-3456

        

Hurricane Fay has property managers as nervous as home owners in the Greater Tampa Bay area.

I received a call late yesterday afternoon from a Nursing Home that we presented a proposal to last year.

They asked if Advanced Film Solutions could install our VISTA 28 Solar Security 8 ML Film today?

We will be headed there with all of our installation crews to work around the clock to meet their expectations.

That's what neighbors do!

This Hurricane will pass and hopefully the damage will be limited.

Advanced Film Solutions stands prepared to perform expert installations of our Missile Tested (and passed!) safety and security window films.

Do your own risk analysis.  If you can afford shutters that meet the 9 LB Missile Impact Level A ; this is your best safety protection.

Our VISTA and LLumar Mylar (DuPont) Films along with our Lumenesse and Huper Optik Ceramic Films offer superior protection by increasing the strength of your windows and limiting the wind damage and water damage of hurricane winds.



These dual benefit window films reduce your energy costs throughout the year and earn immediate energy rebates from TECO and Progress Energy. Our portfolio of films reduce UVA and UVB by 99.9% and as a crime prevention device they delay, deny and deter smash and grab home invasions and retail theft.

We provide lifetime warranty and a 15 year commercial warranty.

Stay safe!

Advanced Film Solutions
Florida's Number One Window Film Installation Company
Toll Free: 877-575-3456
2008 Coupon

        

When an upscale Salon began looking for a solution to the glare and heat coming through their windows they considered numerous options.

Blinds would darken the salon and gather dust.

Reflective window films would cut the daytime visibility into the salon making potential customers reluctant to enter their doors thinking the establishment was closed.



They decided that our Huper Optik Ceramic Film would be the perfect Advanced Film Solution!



Now their glare has been reduced by 70%, UV by 99.9% and the total solar energy has been reduced by 63%

Cooler, non reflective superior "look!"

They look good. and we look good! (To coin a phrase)

Call Advanced Film Solutions
Toll Free: 877-575-3456
Tampa Bay, Central Florida, Pasco County, Pinellas, Bradenton- Sarasota, Naples Ft. Myers.

        

I am feeling frisky today because a hurricane is headed in our direction for the first time since Hurricane Charley played mind games with Tampa in 2004.



The day before Charley veered right toward Cape Coral an assortment of 3M dealers sat down with the new 3M Department Manager Mary Ellen Walker to discuss how to improve dealer relations and ultimately dealer sales.

That meeting was cut short because everyone was getting nervous about the impending storm and the havoc it would potentially play on flight departures and the Skyway Bridge access.

The 3M dealers included Dennis Fusco, Kevin Millard, Rafael Fernandez, Mike Roeder, John Hanson and me.  I'm getting old but I think there were some others there but evidently they didn't leave a dent in my memory.

That was exactly 4 years ago and while some things have changed, some things have not!

Now I compete against 3M Dealers as the Vista, Huper Optik and most recent Lumenesse Dealer in Central Florida.

Mary Ellen is gone from 3M.

Hanson is a Vista Dealer. Right John?

The successful Florida 3M Distributor, Accent Distributing was canceled and substituted by a North Carolina based company.

There were more changes, of course. .some public some private!

Some my 3M friends will learn about shortly!

Hurricanes have a way of raising your adrenalin.

Mine is way up!

Stay Safe!

Mike Feldman
Right Place- Wrong Time!

        

You might wonder why we would bother correcting a 3M Dealer in Cleveland's web musings. After all; with a hurricane boring down on us and our phone ringing "off the hook!" who has time for setting the record straight?

I do!

Now follow along slowly!


First off that picture you posted (above) is incredibly misleading. 

The Canadian PR Agency that did this stunt used plexi-glass and 3M managers at the time recognized the duplicity and asked that the record be corrected. That wasn't glass and there was never a remote chance that the glass (it wasn't glass after all!) would break! Care to place a wager that I am 100% correct??


Maybe they too found Bigfoot?




Secondly: The small missile test that 3M passed isn't relevant today given the ASTM 1886 B Missile Test of 4.5 Lbs.

Small missile testing is fine for elevated windows above 30 feet high (think condos John!) but doesn't cut it for single story dwellings. 

Certainly 3M Ultra Films, LLumar Magnum, Lumenesse, Madico and Armorcoat all meet the less stringent small missile test and ANSI 400 Ft Lb test criteria.

Thirdly: The ASTM 1886 Test is a 4.5 LB Missile and your ultra 400- 4ML and 5 ML Films do not meet this test performance level. PERIOD



LLumar Magnum, VISTA V28 and V38 PS8 and most recently Geoshield Lumenesse PASS!



For accuracy sakes 3M Ultra 600, your 6 ML clear non solar film just did pass the 4.5 LB Test. 

Unfortunately for you and your Florida 3M counterparts, very few Florida home owners would request a non solar non tinted (it's hard for me to say clear!)  film for their hurricane protection requirements.

Why?

They would want a hurricane protection film that blocks heat and glare!

• They might want to earn window film rebates??
• They might want to keep their energy bill lower??
• They might want to reduce fading??
• They might wish to cool their home??
• They might not like the seams on larger windows that would be required since that ultra 600 is only available in 5 Ft. widths?
• They might like a window film with optical clarity??

Go ahead, call your techie types and ask them to help you draft a blog posting!  Tell them Mike Feldman said to help you out!  Better yet tell them to figure out how to make a solar control ultra film that passes the ASTM 1886 B Test and stop playing games!

If they need some advice on how to do that have them call me at 877-575-3456!

Advanced Film Solutions
877-575-3456

        

Take a look at this website and put your own zip code into the handy box.


This software will show you the path of all Hurricanes for the entire history that official records have been kept.

The end result? 

Try it. .you'll clearly see what I mean!

Not if. .but when?



Advanced Film Solutions
Hurricane Tested- Passed!
Coupon Hurricane Guide



LLumar Magnum and VISTA Low Reflective 8 ML Safety and Security Window Film.


Lumenesse Clear Nano Ceramic Hurricane Protection
Huper Optik German Technology Non Reflective Hurricane Protection


877-575-3456

        

The 2008 Hurricane Season officially started June 1, 2008.

The power of a hurricane's effect can be seen in the recent cyclone damage in Myanmar.

Are we miraculously protected  in Tampa from hurricanes?

Let's hope our LUCK continues.

Prepare Now!  Fay Targets Florida!



For those of us who would prefer to be prepared for the inevitable, Vista Window Films are an extremely practical and cost-effective solution!

Advanced Film Solutions offers a wide variety of solar control (heat. glare. energy savings, UV) Vista and Huper Optik Window Films that are also available in thicker (8 ML) hurricane versions.

Lumenesse is our clear (70% VLT) Hurricane Film that has also recently passed the large missile testing.

Our competition; 3M Ultra Film, Bekaert Armorcoat, and a host of "no name" competitors, simply DO NOT PASS THIS ASTM LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE!

Factors to consider for upgrading your selection to thicker security versions.



Vista Window Films (and our more reflective economical LLumar Magnum Window Films) have been engineered to withstand high winds and cycling and withstand a 4.5 LB Missile test (ASTM 1886)

TEST REPORT VISTA

HURRICANE PROTECTION

• LLumar/VISTA 8 mil clear film was applied to tempered glass and tested to meet Factory Mutual Global Group's small missile requirements. The film also passed subsequent cyclic tests.
  
• LLumar/VISTA 8 mil solar film was applied to annealed glass and tested to meet ASTM E 1886/1996 large missile level “C” requirements, along with subsequent air, water, structural, and cyclic tests.
  
• In addition, LLumar/VISTA 8 mil clear film was the only film to pass the extremely strenuous missile level “D” requirements when tested in combination with additionally fortified window systems.
• These thicker security films can provide protection against forced entry through your glass!
• VISTA Films provide NFRC Rated performance. Our competition does not have these important credentials! (and it's not from a lack of trying!)
• Geoshield has created the Lumenesse 70 a nano-ceramic film that passed this stringent test level of performance!
  
  This includes 3M Window Film, Armorcoat and all of the other "no name" films.
  
  
  Because it's not really just glass that we protect; is it?
  
  This is critical if you are considering replacing your windows.
  

Here's our logic in a nutshell:

1. Florida homeowners face rising electric bills and we have no choice but to run our air conditioners; there simply are no other alternatives!
   
   
2. Vista and Huper Optik Window Films are tremendous energy savers because these films reduce the heat gain from entering your windows along with the UV and glare!
   
   
3. Installing Advanced Film Solutions will provide a payback on your investment in less than two years because your monthly bill is knocked down by 15-25%!
   
   
4. Many of our clients can NOT AFFORD hurricane shutters that meet the 9 LB Test or Impact Glass that has an expensive price tag.
   
   
5. Many of our clients are not physically capable of installing plywood over their windows!  Our Vista Films are in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
   
   
6. TECO, FP&L and Progress Energy are offering substantial window film rebates for these films right now!
   
   
7. You can elect to upgrade your film selection to our thicker security versions that pass these stringent test requirements for a nominal investment cost!
   
   
8. Advanced Film Solutions offeres our Lumenesse nanotechnology window film that has passed the missile and cycling test, rejects 56% Total Solar Energy and is virtually clear (70% VLT)
   

It just makes sense!

Call Advanced Film Solutions
877-575-3456
2008 Coupon

Energy Savings, hurricane protection, all in one!

        

Advanced Film Solutions has augmented our solutions portfolio with the recent addition of the Lumenesse 70 Hurricane strength nano-ceramic Film by Geoshield.



This unique window film offers 70% visible light transmission and has passed the 4.5 LB Missile test. This is a critical advantage as we face the active time of year for hurricanes!

They are unique in producing a clear maximum light transmitting film with these attributes.  The total solar energy rejected on clear glass is an outstanding 55%.

This solution is perfect for any homeowner or commercial property that wants 99.9 % UV and heat rejection (55% TSER) without reducing any daylight or altering the aesthetics of the home's glass. That's where Lumenesse Wins!

Our safety and security portfolio includes the NFRC certified VISTA Films and Huper Optik Nano-ceramic films along with our complete line of LLumar economical reflective window films.



Candidly, we have not had many requests for a 70% visible light transmitting film that passed this missile test; but perhaps that's simply because we never mentioned it during our sales presentations.

Our primary competitor in a 70% safety and security film is the 3M prestige 70 ultra film that does not pass this missile test! 

My assumption is that condominiums and retail stores along with banks and restaurants would be particularly interested in this light film that is virtually clear and exceptionally strong!


Clear Lumenesse 70 Hurricane Film is pictured above.

If you are currently requesting estimates for a light safety and security film like prestige 70, we'd ask that you give Advanced Film Solutions a call for a Lumenesse counter proposal!

Toll Free: 877-575-3456

Advanced Film Solutions

        

One of the most popular threads in this window film blog are the various posts that highlight the comparison between ceramic window tinting and the 3M multi-layered optical film.

I attribute this response to a combination of factors that has obviously spurred consumer curiosity.

The goal for homeowners or retail store owners is to reduce the heat coming into their windows but of equal importance, not alter the aesthetics of their glass. 

In other words, they want the benefits of window film without a metallic shiny glass appearance!


In Tampa Bay our choices are limited by the technology that is currently available. The choices drill down to VISTA Huper Optik and Lumenesse nanoceramics versus the 3M multi-layered prestige series.


Unsurpassed clarity- no reflectivity!
 
At the outset we prefer to educate our prospective clients during our free estimates and consultations. Obviously a posting or two is not compelling enough to tip the balance one way or the other!


Here is a quick comparison that may prove helpful!

Points that are equal:

• Ceramic and prestige films do not interfere with EM or RF signals- Call it a draw!
• Ceramic and prestige films all reduce the UV by 99.9%- A draw!
• Ceramic and prestige films work better at an angle- That's also draw and silly even to mention, except for the fact that they brought this up as an advantage! It isn't!
  
• Yes we can use