Launched in January, Aligned Services is a company that offers energy-saving solutions to businesses in the New York, New Jersey and Southern Connecticut regions. As an authorized dealer for industry leader Bekaert LLC, Aligned Services furnishes and installs solar and security films known as SolarGard and Armorcoat. "SolarGard and Armorcoat are quick and simple energy-saving solutions that can be applied to any window in a commercial building," said John Schwam, owner of Aligned Services. "These films help to reduce energy costs by denying the penetration of solar heat that windows let in which dramatically improves the comfort and effectiveness of air conditioning systems." SolarGard and Armorcoat have been used for years in Europe, Asia and the southern states. In addition to offering energy-saving solutions, these films help to make it virtually impossible for there to be illegal entry into a home or business via a broken window, as nearly 90% of burglars enter a property by breaking a window. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy has chosen Armorcoat to protect the windows of its Washington D.C. headquarters in order to save money on energy, increase comfort and protect employees from flying glass from potential explosions and break-ins. SolarGard deflects up to 80% of solar heat which reduces cooling costs by up to 20%. It also denies UV in excess of 99%. Unlike automobile window films that are designed to deny visible light and prevent interior visibility, SolarGard is designed to let visible light in, while providing a pleasing, glare-free view of the outside. "It's a product that is so simple and effective everyone with windows should have it," said Schwam. SolarGard products have even been recommended by The Skin Cancer Institute and are a key component of many LEED Certified buildings worldwide. SolarGard's performance is backed by certifications from the National Fenestration Rating Council, the American Society of Testing and Materials and is Energy Star certified. SolarGard films are recognized as a key component in LEED Silver certifications. SolarGard products are manufactured in the U.S.A. by Bekaert LLC, a subsidiary of the Belgium based Bekaert LTD, a 2 billion euro firm. Bekaert is an acknowledged global leader in engineered coatings and specialty metals and they provide a limited lifetime performance warranty on residential installations and 20 years on commercial installations.