Choosing Window Film

You may want to start with the window film and then choose your installer, because different installers carry different types of window film. Window film that blocks damaging UV rays is a popular choice and it can actually help you lower your carbon footprint. Another thing to look for in window film is if it’s covered under a warranty. This speaks to the quality of the film and if something does go wrong, you won’t lose any money. All of Madico’s window films are covered by a warranty and many are covered by a lifetime warranty. You’ll also want to choose a shade. Today’s technology has delivered a range of shade choices from dark to extremely light, while still delivering all of the benefits. Take a look at this tint simulator to visualize how dark or light you can go. You’ll also want to know the window tinting laws in your state, but a good installer should also be familiar with these rules.

Choosing an Installer

Like choosing any business, one of the best ways to make your decision is by asking others who they recommend. You can also view online referrals and rankings on various sites. Once you’ve identified some credible options, ask the installer how long he or she has been in business at their current location. The longer the better as longevity is a sign that they offer good quality and service at fair prices. You’ll also want to see samples of their work. This article has detailed illustrations that show you what to look for.

Don’t DIY

You may be tempted to save some money and try a do-it-yourself kit, but there are several reasons why it’s smart to go with a professional window tinting company. Check out this article on Angie’s List that explains why.

ABRN’s editorial content is aimed primarily at the collision repair shop owner and his or her technicians. It primarily provides news, product and technical service information on a variety of collision repair topics. In addition, ABRN offers the reader industry news, environmental news and business management information, and most recently, new technology information. The management information presented stresses practical examples and real-world situations the reader can use to improve his or her business management skills.

Energy Audit

Home energy audits can be performed by your electric company or by a professional energy auditor. During your home checkup, the auditor will inspect your attic’s insulation, furnace and duct work, as well as look for any leaks. A blower door test and infrared camera might also be used to establish any areas where the home has an unintentional air passageway. After the audit, the auditor will be able to determine where your house could be more efficient and what can be corrected to help you save energy and money.

Energy Plan

After the energy audit, you will be more aware of where the majority of your energy consumption is going and how to make any necessary changes to be more efficient. These proposed changes are simply recommendations made by the auditor, and are not required. However, by making the suggested efficiency upgrades, you could save 5 to 30 percent on your monthly energy bill.

DIY Energy Assessment

If your energy company does not offer an energy auditing service or you do not want to pay for a professional, you can perform an energy assessment on your own. You can check for air leaks caused by gaps around windows, doors, lighting fixtures, and electrical outlets, in addition to inspecting the insulation in your attic. A home energy assessment is just the beginning of your energy savings journey, and whether performed by a professional or done by yourself, it can help you be more conscious of where the majority of your energy is being consumed.

Become Energy Efficient

So the next time you get your electric bill, take a look at your total energy consumption for the month. Consider contacting your electric company to see if an energy audit service is offered, and to identify how efficiently or inefficiently your home’s energy is being used.

ABRN’s editorial content is aimed primarily at the collision repair shop owner and his or her technicians. It primarily provides news, product and technical service information on a variety of collision repair topics. In addition, ABRN offers the reader industry news, environmental news and business management information, and most recently, new technology information. The management information presented stresses practical examples and real-world situations the reader can use to improve his or her business management skills.

Madico®, Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of a broad range of materials-based solutions, today announced its acquisition of the window film distribution business of Midwest Marketing, Inc.

Owned by Jim House and based in Peoria, Illinois, Midwest Marketing has been a longtime distributor of Madico’s automotive and architectural window films with territories that expand into six states throughout the Midwest.

“Midwest Marketing has been an outstanding partner and successful distributor of our products for almost 40 years,” said Jeffrey Plummer, Madico Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Jim House has long been a true pioneer of the window film industry and we wish him continued success in his ongoing businesses including his window film installation business and as a distributor of custom made roller shade products.”

The acquisition of Midwest Marketing’s window film distribution business now allows Madico to provide 100% factory direct service to all customers in the United States. Dealers in the Midwest territory will purchase their products directly from either the Madico Northeast Service Center located in Windsor, Connecticut, or the Madico Mid-America Service Center in Dallas, Texas, depending on their location.

Window film dealers in the Midwest will continue to have access to Madico’s full product portfolio, including Sunscape®, ClearPlex® windshield protection film and the SafetyShield® Premier Partner program.

The Porsche Parade is an exciting event to attend because Porsche owners bring their cars from all over North America to participate in the week’s events. Imagine! More than 2,000 Porsches from the early years of the cars’ production to the most modern models. Owners compete with their cars in the Concours events to determine which cars are cared for better than other cars. In the early years of our involvement with the Porsche Parade, cars sporting ClearPlex® film on the windshields would be hit with demerits by the judges. Now ClearPlex film is recognized as an important item for maintaining the integrity of the Porsche’s original equipment, so we’ve made progress in having ClearPlex film recognized by the most discerning Porsche enthusiasts as an acceptable piece of equipment on the vehicle.

Other events include rallies in which the Porsches tour the countryside. This is another opportunity to introduce ClearPlex film to drivers whose cars get damaged from the road debris kicked up by other cars in the rally group. How many times did we hear the lament, “If only I’d had my windshield filmed with ClearPlex?!” Of course, we take advantage of these sales opportunities by installing ClearPlex film on Porsches at the Parade itself and by referring owners to ClearPlex film installers in their hometowns.

We’re looking forward to next year’s Porsche Parade in Boca Raton, Florida!

By Peter Jensen, ClearPlex Business Manager

Read the full story in AGRR Magazine’s digital issue on page 28.

Madico®, Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturers of automotive, solar, and safety and security films, introduces ClearPlex® Windshield Protection Film. ClearPlex Windshield Protection Film is an optically-clear, impact resistant exterior film for automotive windshields that protects against cracks, chips, and scratches; it is ideal for luxury cars, bus fleets, trucks, recreational vehicles, and construction equipment.

“Driving is a huge responsibility, and current roadway conditions bring significant challenges to a driver’s windshield,” said David Jensen, ClearPlex sales development manager. “ClearPlex Windshield Protection Film absorbs the impact of rocks and road debris, leaving windshields in pristine condition, ultimately safeguarding drivers’ investment and safety.”

ClearPlex film allows luxury vehicle owners to protect the integrity of their automobiles’ high-end features by reducing the need for windshield replacement. Fleet owners will also benefit from less vehicle maintenance and downtime.

Manufactured and distributed by Madico, the transparent film helps prevent glass from shattering; keeping the windshield intact in the event of an accident. The film also protects a vehicle’s interior and passengers against 99.9 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays and provides faster run offs of rain and snow.

As windshields increase in price, protection becomes essential. “We estimate that we have saved $620,000 in windscreen replacement over the past year,” said Geoff Bell, Reliability Officer for Metro Trains Melbourne in Australia.

“Once I was introduced to ClearPlex, I knew their product would become essential to the protection of windshields,” said installer Mario Gamurot of CS Specialties. “The increasing costs of windshields, makes ClearPlex’s technology a no-brainer for drivers.”

The ClearPlex Windshield Protection Film is guaranteed not to peel, bubble, crack or yellow while under the warranty period. The base film type is polyester and has a thickness of four millimeters.

ClearPlex Windshield Protection Film is available now from participating Madico dealers.