Window Film Businesses Returning to Normal Following Irma

Window Film Businesses Returning to Normal Following Irma

September 13th, 2017 by Katherine Coig

Hurricane Irma battered Florida on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake and impacting the state’s window film industry. On Monday morning, Irma was downgraded to a tropical storm. 

According to Reuters, catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide estimated that the storm did about $20 billion to $40 billion in damage in Florida, lower than previous estimates that it would cause more than $100 billion in damages. Prior to making landfall in the U.S., Irma caused billions in damage across the Caribbean last week, where it killed 38 people.

Madico, which has a facility in St. Petersburg, Fla., reported its employees made it through the storm unscathed, however, many are still without power.

“The shop I work next to, Tint King, had no power despite it being on the corner of the busiest intersection in Palm Beach County,” said Gary Benoit, technical support for Solar Gard. “They had a generator, though, so they did do some work. There was no power at my office, so I worked from home.”

Benoit, who works remotely from Palm Beach, Fla., said operations have returned to normal at his office, but 35 percent of the county is still without power.

“We are okay. It was the worst experience of any storm I’ve ever been through in my life,” said Jeremiah Beinko, installer at Auto Safe and Sound in Tampa. “It was terrifying … but, I’m safe and so is my home. We lost more than 10 big trees on my property.”

Irma made its way to Georgia by Monday, causing power outages, heavy rainfall and downed trees. Though Irma had been downgraded to a tropical storm, nearly 1.5 million Georgians lost power and approximately 700,000 residents are still in the dark, according to the latest figures from CNN.

ref: http://www.windowfilmmag.com/2017/09/window-film-businesses-returning-to-normal-following-irma/

Harvey Damages Window Film Businesses on Texas Coast

Harvey Damages Window Film Businesses on Texas Coast

August 30th, 2017 by Katherine Coig

Hurricane Harvey, now downgraded to a tropical storm, pounded southeastern Texas throughout the week with devastating rainfall that has yet to cease in some areas. Parts of Houston have seen more than 50 inches of rain—an historic amount for the state that’s caused possibly the worst flooding ever seen in the U.S.

The New York Times reported that so far, Texas officials have confirmed at least 30 people have died and “many others injured and untold numbers of homes and businesses flooded, damaged or destroyed on both the coast and far further inland.”

Harry Rahman, national director, business development of Houston-based Huper Optik, reported that the company’s employees are doing okay so far, but the extent of the damage will remain unknown until the flood waters recede.

“The city is devastated, and times are tough,” Rahman says. “CNN reported about 30-40 [inches of rain], but I think it’s going to be a lot more, as the extent of damage will continue to be uncovered once the dust settles. Many prayers, donations and a lot of support for each other is going to get us through this.”

Dave Duensing, owner of Texas Glass & Solar Control in The Woodlands, Texas, says both of his facilities (one of which was still under construction), received at least three to four feet of water, and it is rising.

“We will rebuild and be stronger,” says Duensing. “Our employees are all fine, but we have some flooded trucks also.”

According to an early estimate cited by Bloomberg, damages from Harvey may cost as much as $30 billion. That estimate could go up as the storm makes its way into Louisiana.

Source: http://www.windowfilmmag.com/2017/08/harvey-damages-window-film-businesses-on-texas-coast/

SUMMER IS HERE!

Sun Protection on Your Summer Drive

By darrell@iwfa.com on 7/10/2017

It’s vacation time! Heavy traffic, blinding sun, and an air conditioner that just doesn’t seem to cool down enough-- does this sound familiar? Summer driving is tedious, and even dangerous with all the road traffic and potential sun exposure. According to AAA, an estimated 37.5 million Americans will have each driven 50 or more miles just over Independence Day weekend this summer. Thanks to low gas prices Americans are encouraged to drive more, and while the cash savings are great, we need to remember that our skin and eyes need saving, too.

During the summer months (May - August), UV exposure is at its highest. The average car window only blocks about 40% of UV rays from passing through and into your interior, leaving us subject to extreme skin and eye damage. You can easily lather up with sunscreen and put on sunglasses, but these initiatives will only help so much. You’ll have to reapply sunscreen and most sunglasses only protect the front portion of your eyes, not the sides.

So how, you might ask, do we protect ourselves and passengers effectively this summer when hitting the road? The answer is clear: by using professionally installed window film.

Window film for automobiles, or “auto tint”, is a thin sheet of film with layers and coatings that comes in various shades from completely clear to darker colors. A professional installation can help block up to 99% of UV rays from entering your vehicle and reduces sun glare exposure while you are driving. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a study found that skin cell death was reduced by 93% when UV rays were filtered through window film.  An added bonus? Due to the reflective ability of window film, vehicles won’t absorb as much heat, boosting the air conditioners’ effectiveness at keeping you cool.

Check out the IWFA's free automotive consumer booklet for more information on how you can better protect yourself and your loved ones while on the road this summer. Looking to connect with your local, accredited window film installer? Visit our Business Locator!

Stay protected, drive safe, and enjoy your vacation!

 ref: http://www.iwfa.com/News/IWFABlog/tabid/365/Post/8831/Sun-Protection-on-Your-Summer-Drive

STATE WINDOW TINTING RULES & LAWS

State Law Charts - Automotive Window Film

Window Tinting Law Charts

US State Window Tinting Law Summary Chart Canada Window Tinting Law Chart 
Illinois Tint Law Certificate 
Texas Window Tinting Standards (Addendum)

New Mexico Law Enforcement Alert

New Law for Big Rig Truckers (Press Release)

Explanation of the State Law Summary Chart

The summary chart of state aftermarket tint law information is not a legal document.It is the result of independent research, using several sources of public state documents. Window tinting laws vary from state to state and province to province. Before applying any window tinting materials, installers should thoroughly review the appropriate state regulations as well as local enforcement policies to insure compliance with all applicable standards.

FilmVLT%: Refers to the film itself 

Net VLT%:  Refers to the combined film & glass

Vague: The language of the law is unclear, legislative intent is unclear, or interpretation is uncertain.

Windshield: Presumably, NR tinting is permitted above the AS-1 line. If the law specifies only the AS-1 line, AS-1 appears. If AS-1 or specified inches appears, the AS-1 is assumed and only the number of inches down appears.(Note: NR is used in lieu of “No, Any, or a specific percentage” when the law permits unspecified “nonobstructive” or “Transparent” tinting materials. In these cases, the legality of tinting inevitably depends upon each officer’s discretion.

Front Sides: No film, or the actual percentage of VLT permitted. (Note: Because they may vary from state to state, manufacturer’s tolerances (i.e. + / - 3% VLT) are not listed on this chart, not are they included in these VLT numbers.)

MPV: Multi Purpose Vehicle, a vehicle with motive power, except a trailer, designed to carry ten people or less that is constructed either on a truck chassis or has special features for occasional off-road operation.

Back Sides: No film, or the actual percentage of VLT permitted.

Rear: No film, or the actual percentage of VLT permitted.

% of Reflectivity: NR No metallic or mirrored appearance

NE: Not excessive (not specific)

MNIR: Must not increase reflectivity

MBNR: Must be non-reflective (not specific)

NMMA: No metallic or mirrored appearance

NONE: No reference to reflectivity in the current law

Restricted Colors: R (Red), A (Amber), Y (Yellow), B (Blue), G (Gold), BK (Black), N/S (Not specified)

Mirrors (Left & Right required outside): YES or NO.
*Note: Usually, a YES means that dual outside mirrors are required if the back window is to be tinted.

Certification Required: YES or NO.
*Note: This refers to a requirement for manufacturers to certify the films they plan to sell before shipping them into the state.

Stckr/Loc: Sticker Location | NO: No sticker is required

Recommend: Sticker is recommended; can assist officers in identifying legal tint more easily.

Specific Locations: The State requires unique language & design, which may entail precise wording and sizing.

Driver The sticker is required between the film & glass on the driver’s side window.

Door:  The sticker is required on the inside of the driver’s side doorjamb.

All:  The sticker should be put between the film & glass on each tinted window. 

Medical Exemption: YES or NO. 
*Note: For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult the law.

ref: http://www.iwfa.com/News/StateLawCharts-AutomotiveWindowFilm.aspx