4 Things To Know Before Tinting Your Home Windows
Wishing to have more privacy in your home or just wanting to protect it from too much heat from the sun? Whatever your reason is, we’re pretty sure you came to read this for a reason. Tinting windows at home is one of the smartest and practical ways to achieve just that. Window tinting is a method of applying thin films on existing windows which can also add privacy and ambiance to your home.
Various professional tinting companies can do the job for you, but you can also try to do-it-yourself, although it requires time and sufficient knowledge about window tinting. It would be best if you still learned some things on your own so you can make the right decisions. With that, here are six of the most important things to know before tinting home windows:
1. The Cost Of Window Tinting
2. Advantages & Disadvantages Of Tinted House Windows
3. Different Types Of Window Film
4. Installing & Maintaining Window Tint
1. The Cost Of Window Tinting
The cost for achieving tinted windows at home depends mainly on how they will be installed, either professionally or having a do it yourself home window tint.
For professional tinting services, the average cost is about $5-10 per square foot for installation and another $20-$45 per square foot for replacement. That means that the bigger your windows are, the higher the cost will be. As professionals, they will assess your home and recommend the most suitable film to be used. Keep in mind that they may also charge extra cost if the windows are hard to reach or have multiple panes.
In doing DIY home window tint installation, the average cost is around $40 -280 per window for solar screens (fabric shades that absorb and/or reflect heat) go and cellular shades (fabric coverings that trap heat in honeycomb-shaped cells) will typically run from $45 to $220 per window. However, you need to know the correct process on how windows are tinted.
2. Advantages & Disadvantages Of Tinted House Windows
Window glass tinting both has benefits and risks. In knowing which of these may apply in your situation will help you decide whether you should give it a go or not.
Among its advantages of course are lower heating bills, fading prevention, additional layer of privacy, glare reduction, and an added decoration to your home. Since tinting a house window blocks natural light coming from the sun, it also gives a cooling effect inside your home, and most importantly, window tints work perfectly on almost any window. Its versatility combined with its affordable price can truly transform your house without hurting your finances.
However, there is also some downside in window glass tinting especially for newly-manufactured windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings. These windows will not benefit much from residential tinting since one of the key reasons why people install window tints is to reduce energy wastage.
3. Different Types Of Window Film
Today’s window tints are now sophisticated with multiple layers of protection within a film that’s just a few millimeters thick. However, with the plethora of options out in the market, it can be difficult to know which film can enhance your privacy, security, curb appeal, and more. To know which is the right one for your home, let’s take a look at the most common types of window tint.
A. Solar Window Tint
Also known as “solar control film,” this is one of the most popular options on the market today. It’s also the best type of window tint for homeowners who live in a sunny area who wants to let a certain percentage of light in while keeping the majority of the sun’s harmful UV rays at bay. Some manufacturers make films that absorb and reflect up to 99% of UV rays!
B. Decorative Window Tint
Sometimes referred to as “dyed window tints,” decorative tints add aesthetic appeal to your home’s windows. They come in a wide spectrum of colors, patterns, and designs. You may opt to use them to enhance the appearance of a room, or to block visibility through a certain window of the home.
Decorative window tints can be colored, frosted, translucent, or even opaque. However, the decorative tint on most products is only visible from the inside, and that some types of decorative tinting do not block UV rays.
C. Safety & Security Window Tint
Security tints can be a great way to get a little more peace of mind. Security window tints are often the thickest films available, enhances the overall strength of the glass itself. Alhough the security film won’t reflect sunlight and heat in the way solar film does, it can minimize the damage of shattering glass. It also makes it difficult for anyone outside your home—such as potential intruders—to see inside.
D. Mirror Window Tint
Mirror window tints create a mirror effect on windows. This can be either a one-way or two-way effect, depending on the product you choose. In that case, the person on either one side or both sides of the window will see only their own reflection when they look at the glass.
Mirror tints tend to be popular with businesses that want privacy as well as a professional and glossy look to their windows.
E. Ceramic Window Tint
Ceramic window tints are more modern and expensive options on this list since ceramic film includes tiny ceramic particles.
Because of ceramic’s non-reflective and non-conductive property, these home window tints can help cut down on a significant amount of UV rays.
However, they are more costly than others becuase they’re durable enough to outlast other types of window tint, and they’re less prone to fading. In addition, they also significantly enhance a window’s strength.
4. Installing & Maintaining Window Tints
Installation requires meticulous attention to detail and knowledge of the tint materials that’s why most people hire a tinting professional to do the work. But if you plan on cutting expenses, you may try to do the DIY installation of window tints.
Keep in mind though that while window films are inexpensive to purchase, you don’t want to waste money if you install it incorrectly. Sometimes, it is most cost-effective to get a professional home window tinting company in to handle the installation.
To maintain window tints, some of the practical tips include: completely cure the window tint, regularly clean the tinted windows at home by avoiding using harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges.
Conclusion
Residential window tinting may be challenging project for some. However, learning the process can help you improve the aesthetic appeal of your home and its value. So if you ask if it is worth to tint house windows, the answer is an astounding yes!