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Picking Up the Pieces After a Flood

Dealing with serious flood damage at home is not the end of the world. And most importantly, it does not have to cost you an arm and a leg to get your home back into living condition again. In fact, you may find (like I did) that recovering from a flood gives you an opportunity to improve the look and feel of your home overall, and even to implement design options that increase the value of your property. I spent about a year fixing up my place after a pipe exploded while I was on vacation, and literally ruined everything inside from the flooring and walls, to my photos and important paperwork. So, I figured I could help others "pick up the pieces" and create a bigger ad better lifestyle at home by turning a flood situation into an opportunity, instead of dealing with it like a crisis.

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Picking Up the Pieces After a Flood

Questions To Ask About Home Window Films

by Scott Gordon

Window films come in a range of types that are made for different purposes. There are a few questions to ask before investing in a useful film application.

1. Why Must the Film Achieve?

Window film is available in several varieties made to serve one of three common objectives -- increased energy efficiency, security, or privacy. Solar films reflect heat and help lower cooling costs, while security films prevent glass from being easily broken. Decorative films, sometimes known as privacy films, are either tinted or have an etched design that provides some privacy while still allowing you to see out of the windows. Some films may provide a couple of different objectives, but most are designed to serve only one of these purposes.

2. What Type of Windows Do You Have?

Not all window films are suitable for every window. As a general guideline, security and privacy films can be applied to any type of glass without fear of damage. Single pane non-insulated glass should not be combined with solar film, though. Uninsulated glass is not made strong enough to handle major thermal stresses, which can lead to cracking. Since solar films can absorb some heat before reflecting it back out, thus raising thermal stress and increasing the chances of glass damage on thinner window panes.

3. Are Insulated Windows Still Sealed?

When multi-pane insulated window seals fail, moisture and condensation can begin to leak between the glass. For many people, this is a sign they need to replace the windows soon so it may not be a good idea to invest in window film until after this is done. Even more concerning is that the insulated windows may behave more like thin uninsulated glass once the seal breaks. This means that solar films could lead to cracks and glass damage due to thermal stress.

4. Do The Windows Already Have Coatings?

Many modern windows already come with special coatings, such as low-E coatings designed to prevent thermal exchange between the exterior and the interior of the home. If your windows are already coated, it's important to check with the manufacturer before adding any type of window film. You want to make sure the film won't interfere with the coating and actually decrease efficiency. Privacy and security films can usually be used without issue, but solar films may damage the built-in coating or provide very little increase in efficiency.

Contact a window film service or check out sites like https://kcglassinc.com/ to learn more about your options. 

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