"The Other Funk" wrote in message
news:HPKGe.12080$QX2.10175@trndny01...
While I do searches of this newsgroup and Goggle, I thought I would ask
for
options here.
Not a home question but rather a small business. I have large windows in
the
front of my store approximately 15 x 11 that receives the morning sun
which
overwhelms the AC. I can't upgrade the AC and the landlord won't.
Considering the costs, I really can't blame him, he really is a nice guy.
Add in the summer commercial electric rates, I have to do something.
So I am considering installing Gila window film . I am considering the
light
gray or the light neutral. My questions a

Before you go off half cocked. Find out what kind of glass you have. Some
store front glass will BREAK when film is applied. My ex boss decided to
put film over dark windows. West facing in Phoenix. The offices on the west
side of the building approached 95 degrees in the summer time. Every
contractor he called said the same thing put film on the windows at your
risk. NO guarntee on window breakage. Pretty expensive if they break.


1. How much visible light will it block? Numbers and opinions are welcome.
There is an ordinance about how much of the windows can be blocked. Plus,
I
want people on the outside to see that customers are sitting in the store.
I
really don't have a great concern about seeing out . I have a competitor
right across the street, de-emphasizing him is not a bad thing..

The lighter colors will block 10-20% of the visiable light and are worthless
for heat gain.
(My opinion) Cloudy days you will see a decrease of natural light.

2. My signage could use a bit more contrast so is the color noticeable
from
the outside? Especially the gray. I realize that this is contradictory to
number 1 but that is the way it is.

Your sign will be dimmer. Less noticeable.

3. Right now there is no awning on front of the store which will change
the
amount the amount of light coming in the window. I wonder how dark the
film
will look in shadow.

That will depend day to day as the sun moves. Awning sounds like it might
be the hot ticket here.

The awning isn't planned for the immediate future. Long story and
completely
out of my control.
Anything else I should know or is there another solution?
TIA
Bob - real email is bob (at) moondoggiecoffee.com

I suggest that you contact pros in your area and ask them for a bid for
doing the work. Permission from the building owner in writing and advance.
There may be issues that you have not thought of.

Interior solar shades with your stores name and/or WE'RE OPEN on them might
be a better solution. They can be raised in the afternoon and the winter
time will not be dark.