A perspective on the damaging effects of sunlight:
Preserving Old and New Alike

Whether a distinguished historic home on Queens Road, a posh pad in an uptown high rise, or a stunning new abode in one of Charlotte's suburban neighborhoods, area homeowners are choosing 3M's new Prestige window film to protect their investment against fading and preserve their coveted views while simultaneously slashing energy costs. As noted in the recent article 'People Who Live In Glass Houses', in the Wall Street Journal, "Wall-to-wall windows have become a signature of chic urban living, but the reality can be far less glamorous.

"The sun fades not only furniture but also kitchen cabinets, wood floors, artwork and even books. It can even make watching television or using a computer virtually impossible. In addition, air conditioners must work overtime just to keep the temperature tolerable. Having heard the cries of malcontented homeowners everywhere, 3M has developed a new technology in window film: Prestige. Prestige's Nano technology offers the same protection of traditional darker films in an amazingly effective clear film that is practically undetectable.

These are precisely the technological advances Michelle C. Buchheit, award-winning HomeArama interior designer, of Michelle C. Buchheit Designs is proud to offer her clients. "Before 3M's Prestige film, I was always hesitant to use traditional window films because so much actual light was blocked, rendering the rooms dark and uninviting. But Prestige films offer my clients excellent protection from heat and harmful UV rays without reducing the light in the rooms or obscuring the view."

Those were exactly the advantages Matt and Carolyn Vanderberg were seeking for their Georgian-style home on Queens Road. After the Vanderbergs "carefully restored the original hardwood floors from 1925, (they) wanted them to be protected from the afternoon sun," Carolyn says. "But we didn't want to remove the beautiful leaded glass—especially in the front of the home."

After consulting with Blair Organ, president of Sun Systems, the Vanderbergs made the decision to go with 3M. Carolyn relates, "Not only is the interior of the home spared from harmful rays, energy bills decrease once the window film is installed." Blair points out, "the film will actually pay for itself through reduced energy costs. Since it's designed to reflect the heat, homeowners can enjoy the sunlight without the fear of damaging their belongings or having to counteract excess heat."

3M gives a lifetime warranty on the film as well as one for the window where it is applied that matches or exceeds the manufacturer's warranty. Perhaps that is just one of the reasons Sun Systems was given the "Super Service Award" from Angie's List for three years. Blair emphasizes, "We wouldn't be recognized if our company and the products we carry didn't accomplish what we say they do."

Todays Custom Home 2004

Greater Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church recently completed an extensive renovation project. As part of the renovation they replaced the windows in the Sanctuary. The new windows were beautiful and let in tons of light.

The problem was that the light was so bright and hot that it made the congregation very uncomfortable during worship sevices. Sun Systems evaluated the problem and recommended the installation of NV15 to cut the heat and light transmitted through the windows. Problem solved! Church members now sit comfortably during service, and plenty of light still fills the sanctuary.