3M glass tinting can not only protect beachfront property from the harmful effects of the sunlight, it can also protect endangered sea turtles.
Each year, primarily from June through September, Florida’s beaches become the nesting grounds for green sea turtles, one of Earth’s oldest and most endangered marine species. Other sea turtles also nest along Florida’s coastal beaches from March through October, including loggerheads, hawksbills, Kemp’s Ridley, and leatherbacks. However, what should be a natural and safe process is increasingly threatened by one growing concern: light pollution.
The Impact of Light Pollution on Sea Turtles
Sea turtle hatchlings rely on natural light cues, such as the moonlight reflecting off the ocean to navigate their way from the nest to the sea.
However, artificial lighting from beachfront homes and businesses often disrupts this process, disorienting the hatchlings and causing them to get lost in their vulnerable state.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), this disorientation causes thousands of hatchling deaths each year. Many become stranded, dehydrated, fall prey to predators, or die after wandering into roadways or developed areas.
A Case for 3M Glass Tinting: Florida’s Laws for Coastal Light Control & Sea Turtle Protection Ordinances
To help protect sea turtles and their habitats, the State of Florida has implemented Section 161.163 of the Florida Statutes, mandating the protection of coastal areas utilized by sea turtles – and 3m glass tinting can help.
Under this regulation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has designated specific zones and developed guidelines to control artificial beachfront lighting.
As a result, many local municipalities have passed sea turtle protection ordinances, legally requiring many coastal properties to reduce light pollution by modifying lighting systems or shielding indoor light – which is a function of 3M glass tinting.
In addition to local ordinances, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission has released lighting guidelines to further support sea turtle safety.
3M Glass Tinting as a Practical, Turtle-Friendly Solution
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recommends using window film as the one of the most efficient and non-intrusive ways to decrease the light pollution that affects sea turtles.
Not just any tinting should be used; it is specified that professional tint that allow 45% or less inside-to-outside light transmittance should be used. 3M™ Sun Control Window Film, Prestige Exterior Series, a leading 3M glass tint, provides a range of 40 to 90% visible light transmission, which exceeds local sea turtle building codes.
3M is a global leader in adhesive technology and earned the world’s first patent for sun control window film in 1966. It’s state-of-the-art 3M™ Sun Control Window Films, Prestige Exterior Series can be applied to the outside of nearly any type of glass, including single-pane and double-pane windows.
3M window film has been a popular choice among coastal property owners – both businesses and homeowners – due to their ability to comply with wildlife protection laws without sacrificing aesthetics.
The Additional Benefits of 3M Glass Tinting for Coastal Properties
In addition to protecting an endangered species 3M glass tinting also benefits property owners.
Being stationed by the water and soaking up the beautiful Florida sunshine is what people daydream about. But let’s face it: Florida’s beachside homes and businesses are constantly dealing with the challenges of intense sun exposure and harmful UV Rays.
With increased sunlight reflecting off the ocean, tenants of these properties are more prone to experiencing elevated interior temperatures, intense glare, higher energy bills, acceleration of skin aging, and increased deterioration of furniture, flooring and decor.
However, 3M glass tinting like 3M™ Sun Control Window Film, Prestige Exterior Series is scientifically designed and proven to safeguard you and your properties from experiencing all these negative aspects. 3M window film brings many additional benefits that enhance your property’s comfort, energy efficiency and longevity. Here’s a look at just some of the benefits.
Blocks Harmful UV Rays
3M glass tinting blocks up to 99.9% of harmful UV radiation; UV filtration is a vital component when preserving your health and property. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, installing UV window film is the number one way to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Long-term sun exposure doesn’t just pose a threat to your health but to your belongings as well. According to the Florida Solar Energy Center, UV radiation makes up about 40% of the factors that drive fading and deterioration of floorings, upholstery, artwork, HVAC systems and more. 3M glass tinting offers an added layer of protection to your property, as well.
Reduces Glare
Depending on the tint level, 3M window film can significantly reduce glare by up to 77% without darkening your space like traditional tints. These films also combat interior and exterior reflectivity that often intrudes on waterside properties. Even 3M’s nearly clear option still can reduce glare.
Regulate Indoor Temperature and Save Money
3M™ Window Film has proven to pay for itself in just three years by saving money on energy bills through efficient temperature regulation. By rejecting heat from the sun, solar window tint help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, reducing the burden on your air conditioning system and improving overall energy efficiency.
3M’s sun blocking window film is tested during peak sun intensity when your windows face the most significant heat load. It rejects up to 97% infrared heat and 60% solar energy, delivering tangible cooling and cost savings.
Environmentally Friendly and Carbon-Negative
The boost in energy efficiency given by 3M glass tinting translates to a reduced carbon footprint. According to 3M, their Prestige Exterior Series can become carbon-negative in as little as six months after installation.
Backed by the Industry’s Strong Warranty
When your 3M glass tinting is installed by a 3M™ Authorized Dealer like Advanced Window Tinting, you are receiving an industry-leading warranty that you can count on. 3M™ window films installed by our team are guaranteed not to crack, peel, bubble, discolor, or delaminate, and will retain their solar protective properties and appearance over time.
Why Choose Advanced Window Tinting to Help Safeguard Florida’s Marine Life?
At Advanced Window Tinting in Jacksonville, we’re committed to doing our part to protecting Florida’s endangered marine wildlife and serving coastal communities state-wide by offering environmentally conscience window solutions for Florida’s homeowners and businesses.
Advanced Window Tinting is 3M™ Premier Elite installer of 3M™ Window Film. Since 1993, Advanced Window Tinting has been installing the industry’s best window films on all types of residential and commercial properties across Northeast Florida. For coastal property owners looking into window tinting for legal purposes, our team is knowledgeable and here to help you with the ins and outs about Florida’s sea turtle protection laws and the technical requirements for legal compliance.
Whether you own a beachfront home, rental property, hotel or business, we’ll help you choose a window film solution that supports sea turtle conservation and adds value to your space.
Ready to do your part to protect Florida’s wildlife? A simple change like adding window film can make a world of difference when helping endangered sea turtles, all while upgrading your seaside space. Let’s work together to make a difference and protect this endangered species.
Contact Advanced Window Tinting today to book an appointment and get a free estimate. Call us at (904) 262-9919 or email us at info@awtjax.com.
(Photos courtesy of Unsplash. Top photo by Olga Ga. Bottom image by Jeremia Del Mar.)
