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

Hurricane Matthew Leaves Tint Shops Devastated

October 18th, 2016 by Katherine Coig

Although the peak of Hurricane Matthew has passed, much of the East Coast has been left in shambles from Georgia to the Carolinas. Damage from the storm is still being assessed, though most tint shops in those areas don’t qualify for flood insurance. And many owners are left unsure of where the future of their shop is headed.

Inside Ronnie’s Tint and Auto in Lumberton, N.C., following Hurricane Matthew.

The Category 5 hurricane is the first to hit the East Coast since Felix in 2007, and has caused at least 43 deaths in the United States—over half that number comes from North Carolina alone.

So far, there’s been little improvement on getting back to work, let alone getting into their shops to see all of the damage.

Ronnie’s Tint and Audio in Lumberton, N.C., is one of the many local tint shops that’s lost almost everything. Ronnie Locklear, owner, explained that he hasn’t been able to go in and assess all of the damage yet, but knows the outlook is bleak.

“I haven’t been able to go in and look at everything yet, I’ve been trying to help with the community,” he says, “but I lost a good bit, or all, of my tint. My plotter is gone, too.”

His shop sustained quite a bit of damage—the roof caved in, which allowed the water to pour in and soak all of his tint and audio equipment. He also estimated that his shop had at least two and a half feet of water. Either way Locklear looks at it, he has to rebuild or move to a new shop, both of which are costly expenses. He explained that Lumberton isn’t considered to be a flood-zone, which are designated by FEMA, so it can be costly to get flood insurance in the area.

“I’m going to try and rebuild,” he says. “SunTek’s offered to help me get back on my feet. It surprised me, but it was very nice of them to call and check in on me and see what they could do to help.”

Despite his own losses, Locklear seems to be more worried about how his community is holding up since nearly 2000 people in his town lost their homes and are living in schools and shelters, he explained.

“People have lived in these houses for generations—to see all the stuff damaged, gone,” he says, “it’s one of the most disturbing things that I’ve seen.”

Locklear is hoping to be back at work soon, “We hope to know by today where we’ll be working from, temporarily, while the shop is repaired,” he says.

Sun Hazard in your Car

Watch Out for Skin Cancers and Photoaging on the Left Side of Your Body 

by Susan T. Butler MD

When thinking about sun exposure, you might envision yourself on the beach or exercising outdoors. But millions of Americans receive a large portion of their sun exposure when they don’t even realize it — in their cars.

For years, dermatologists have observed that patients in the US often have more sun damage (which can lead to wrinkles, leathering, sagging, brown “age” spots and even skin cancers) on the left side of their faces than on the right. Why? Research increasingly points to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation penetrating through car windows.

UV radiation from the sun, associated with about 90 percent of all skin cancers, reaches the earth as long- wavelength UVA and shortwave UV B rays. glass effectively blocks UVB, and windshields are specially treated to block UVA as well, but a car’s side and rear windows allow UVA to penetrate.

UV exposure is cumulative, and research has proven that skin exposed to sun shining through window glass, even in the office, can over time lead to significant skin damage.1,2 The UV exposure we receive driving a car especially adds up. In a US study by Singer, et al, the researchers found asymmetric photodamage (sun- induced skin damage) on the face, with more brown pigment (color) and deeper wrinkles on the left.3 The more time subjects spent driving a vehicle, the more severe their photodamage on the left side. Reinforcing this research, in countries where the driver’s side is the right side, people tend to develop more sun damage and skin precancers on the right.4 Certain precancers can turn into squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer. 

Recently, a study by Butler and Fosko5 showed that the majority of skin cancers in the US develop on the left side of people’s bodies and faces. This finding is especially pronounced in men, who more consistently spend time driving cars over a lifetime. While younger women have more left-side than right-side skin cancers, at age 50 this trend in them reverses, and right-side skin cancers predominate until age 80. Though we can only speculate, the shift seen around age 50 may indicate that younger women spend more time as car drivers, receiving more exposure on the left side of their bodies, while older women may more often be passengers, thus sustaining more right-side sun damage. However, the number of vehicles per household has nearly doubled in the last 25 years, making it more likely that women today will spend more time as drivers rather than passengers.6

Previous observational studies have shown an increased risk of melanoma in patients receiving large doses of UVA from tanning beds.7,8 Butler, et al5 also found that melanomas in-situ (early, noninvasive melanomas that have not spread from their original tumor sites) were more common on the more UVA-exposed left side of the body. Our observations suggest that UVA exposure over the years may indeed play an important role in the development of this potentially dangerous skin cancer. (Melanoma is linked with intense, intermittent UV exposure; its association with cumulative UV exposure has been unclear.)

In the US, the left side of the head, neck, arm and hand receive up to six times the dose of UV radiation as the right side in those sitting on the left side of the car.9Convertibles and sun-roofs allow even more UV exposure, so extra attention to sun protection must be paid if this type of car is driven. 

There are several ways to protect yourself in a car. The first is to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher to your face, arms, neck and hands, about half an hour before you go driving. [The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using about an ounce over the entire body, including a teaspoonful on the face.] Because UVA passes through the window glass, make sure your sunscreen contains some combination of UVA-shielding ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, stabilized avobenzone, and ecamsule (MexorylTM). Be sure to reapply after two hours, or after sweating heavily.

Protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, UV-blocking sunglasses, and hats with a brim of at least 3 inches all around also help shield against the sun’s radiation. Hats are particularly important for men who have thinning hair and are at risk for developing skin cancer on top of their heads.

Another sun safety strategy in the car is tinting or laminating (applying UV-protective film to) the window glass. Window tinting is regulated in many states, so be sure to check the laws, but clear window film is available throughout the country. One study noted a 93 percent reduction in skin cell death when UV exposure was filtered through UV-absorbing auto glass.10 Some films, when applied to car windows, can block 99.9 percent of UV rays.

Following all these precautions will help you stay sun-safe both on the road and once you reach your destination.

View UV Film Products that Have Earned The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/are-you-at-risk/sun-hazards-in-your-car

Dr. Butler is a dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon. She is in private practice at the California Skin Institute in San Mateo, CA. 

Published on May 21, 2013

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2. Humbert P, Mac-Mary S, Sainthillier J-M, et al. Assessment of cumulative exposure to UVA through the study of asymmetrical facial skin aging. Clin Int in Aging 2010; 5:277-84.
3. Singer R, Hamilton T, Voorhees J, Griffiths C. Association of asymmetrical facial photodamage with automobile driving. Arch Derm 1994;130:121-123.

4. Foley P, Lanzer D, Marks R. Are solar keratoses more common on the driver’s side? British Med J Clin Res 1986; 293:18.
5. Butler ST, Fosko SW. Increased prevalence of left-sided skin cancers. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010; Dec;63(6):1006-10.
6. McGuckin N, Liss S. Aging cars, aging drivers: important findings from the National Household Travel Survey. Institute of Transportation Engineers 2005; 75(9):30-37.
7. Stern RS, Nichols KT, Vakeva LH. Malignant melanoma in patients treated for psoriasis with methoxsalen (psoralen) and ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA): the PUVA follow-up study [see comments]. NEJM 1997;336:1041-5.

8. Lazovich D, Vogel RI, Berwick M, et al. Indoor tanning and risk of melanoma: a case control study in a highly exposed population. Cancer Epidem Biomar Prev June 2010; 19(6).
9. Moehrle M, Soballa M, Korn M. UV exposure in cars. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2003;19:175-181.
10. Bernstein EF,Schwartz M,Veihmeyer Retal. Measurement of protection afforded by ultraviolet-absorbing window film using an in vitro model of photodamage. Lasers in Surg & Med 2006; 38(4):337-42.