Window Film in Mordecai, Raleigh

Window Film for Mordecai Bungalows and Foursquares

The housing stock here leans toward the years between the two World Wars, with porch-fronted Craftsman bungalows, foursquares with tall windows, and cottages on narrow lots. The porches shade the front windows, so the heat problem usually shows up on the sides and back, where kitchens, bathrooms and rear additions face the afternoon sun.

Many houses have been renovated with open kitchens and rear decks, and those renovations often added large windows or sliding doors facing west. A spectrally selective heat film on that glass reduces the heat without darkening the kitchen. Clear UV film on the original windows in the front rooms protects floors and furniture while keeping the period look.

Mordecai has National Register status, and parts of the surrounding area have local historic protections. The historic park itself, with its preserved houses and grounds, gives the neighborhood a quiet center that many residents walk to. Interior film is generally a minor matter, but owners in a local district should confirm with Raleigh's preservation staff before work.

Privacy and Security Film for Mordecai Houses

Lots in Mordecai are narrow, and side windows often look straight at the neighbor's side windows. Bathrooms and bedrooms on those sides get frosted or decorative film, usually on the lower sash so the upper sash still brings in sky. Front door sidelights and glass-paneled doors get decorative film that looks like period glass.

Back doors with glass panels and basement windows on sloping lots are the weak spots for break-ins. Security film keeps a struck pane in place and slows entry. Clear security film does not change the look of the house. On a porch-front bungalow, the front door glass and the sidelights near the lock are worth the same treatment, since a porch hides whoever is standing at the door.

• Frosted lower-sash film for side windows
• Decorative film for sidelights and door glass
• Security film for back doors and basement windows
• Clear UV film for original front-room windows

Storefront Window Film on Person Street

The Person Street business district, between Mordecai and Oakwood, has restaurants, food shops and small retailers in older one- and two-story buildings. Storefronts there face east or west across the street, so half of them take the morning sun and half the afternoon.

Light solar film keeps west-facing dining rooms comfortable at dinner. Clear UV film slows fading in display windows. Because these buildings are old, we check the storefront glass and frames before installing, and recommend clear products that keep the historic storefront look.

Commercial Window Film Along Capital Boulevard

Capital Boulevard runs along the neighborhood's eastern edge and north out of downtown, lined with hotels, car dealers, offices, restaurants and service businesses. The buildings are mostly low-rise with storefronts and office glass facing a busy road and large parking lots.

Solar film reduces heat on west-facing showrooms and offices. Security film helps businesses that are closed overnight. Dealership showrooms with walls of glass and small offices with a single storefront both benefit, since a broken pane stays in place until a glazier can come. For hotels, film on guest room glass reduces heat and glare and can be scheduled around occupancy.