A Saratoga homeowner wanted to reduce solar heat and glare without replacing the existing glass or compromising the home’s natural light and views. ClimatePro addressed the problem with a combination of 3M Prestige 40 Exterior and 3M Prestige 70 Sun Control Window Film.
The project included five roof skylights in 3M Prestige 40 Exterior, one dining room panel in 3M Prestige 70, and six living room window panels plus four doors in 3M Prestige 70 Exterior. The different film specifications were selected for the needs of each area, providing solar control while keeping the home’s expansive views and open appearance.
A Saratoga Home Gets 3M Prestige Sun Control Window Film
This Saratoga home has expansive windows, four glass doors, and five skylights that bring in abundant natural light and provide sweeping views of the surrounding hills. Those same surfaces also exposed the interior to significant sunlight, creating the potential for excess heat, glare, and UV-related fading. Our team recommended a few films to address this client’s needs. What films did we install?
Here’s the breakdown: The five roof skylights received 3M Prestige 40 Exterior, while the dining room received Prestige 70. The six living room window panels and four doors received Prestige 70 Exterior, providing solar control across the home’s largest areas of glass while maintaining the bright, open appearance that was important to the homeowner.
The skylights and living room glass were installed from the exterior, which is particularly practical for roof glass and large windows that can be difficult to access from inside. The homeowner was able to keep the existing glass, natural light, and views while adding solar control to the areas most exposed to the sun.
How Does 3M Prestige Window Film Improve a Saratoga Home?
Large windows and skylights let in significant solar heat, especially in direct sun. 3M Prestige Window Film reduces solar heat gain, keeping sun-exposed rooms more comfortable without closing blinds or replacing windows—while also cutting glare on screens. Sunlight also fades and deteriorates floors, furniture, rugs and artwork over time. Prestige blocks up to 99% of UV rays, offering meaningful protection against this damage.
Exterior installation is especially practical for skylights and hard-to-reach windows, avoiding the hassle of working around furniture and interior finishes. On this Saratoga home, ClimatePro installed Prestige 40 Exterior on five skylights and Prestige 70 Exterior on six living room panels and four doors.
Why different films? Skylights and vertical windows have different solar exposure, and rooms often have different light and aesthetic needs. Using Prestige 40 on the skylights and Prestige 70 on the living areas balanced solar control with natural light and views.
3M Sun Control Window Film Installation in Saratoga
For homeowners dealing with hot rooms, excessive glare, or sun-related fading, 3M Sun Control Window Film can provide a less disruptive alternative to replacing functional windows. ClimatePro installs 3M window film for homes throughout Saratoga and the South Bay, with film and installation designed to meet your home’s window, sun exposure, and specific goals. Get a free estimate today at 707.755.7337 or get started online here.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3M Sun Control Window Film
Does 3M Prestige window film reduce heat?
Yes. 3M Prestige is designed to reduce solar energy entering through glass, which can help reduce heat gain in rooms exposed to direct sunlight. The amount of heat reduction depends on the specific film, existing glass, window orientation, and other conditions.
How much UV does 3M Prestige window film block?
3M Prestige can provide up to 99% UV rejection, helping reduce UV exposure that contributes to fading and deterioration of flooring, furniture, artwork, fabrics and other interior materials.
Does 3M Prestige make windows look dark?
Prestige is designed to provide solar control without the highly reflective appearance associated with some traditional window films. Prestige 70, used throughout much of this Saratoga project, allows a high level of visible light through the glass while providing solar control.
Can 3M Prestige window film be installed on skylights?
Yes. Skylights are an effective application for solar-control film when direct sunlight creates excessive heat or glare. Exterior installation can be particularly useful for roof skylights where access from inside the home is difficult.
What is the difference between 3M Prestige 40 and Prestige 70?
Prestige 40 provides stronger solar control with lower visible-light transmission than Prestige 70. Prestige 70 allows more natural light through, making it useful when maintaining a bright interior and clear views is a priority. The appropriate film depends on the glass, exposure, and goals for each area.
Can window film reduce glare?
Yes. Solar-control window film can reduce glare caused by direct sunlight, making rooms more comfortable for watching television, working on computers, and using other screens. The level of glare reduction depends on the film and existing glass.
Can window film prevent furniture from fading?
Window film can significantly reduce UV exposure that contributes to fading, but it cannot prevent all fading. Visible light and other environmental factors can affect interior materials, too. Reducing UV exposure is one part of protecting furniture, flooring, artwork, and fabrics.
Can window film be installed without replacing the windows?
Yes. Window film is applied directly to existing glass, allowing homeowners to improve solar-control performance without replacing windows that are otherwise in good condition. It can be a practical option when excessive heat and glare are the primary problems.
Is exterior window film a good choice for homes?
Exterior film can be particularly useful for skylights, large windows, and difficult-to-access glass. It can simplify certain installations and reduce the need for installers to work extensively inside the home. Exterior installation was used on both the skylights and living room glass for this Saratoga project.
Is 3M Prestige window film worth it for a Saratoga home?
For a Saratoga home with significant sun exposure, large windows or skylights, 3M Prestige can provide a practical way to reduce solar heat, glare, and UV exposure without replacing the existing glass. A professional evaluation can determine which film specification and installation method are appropriate for each area.
