Have You Tinted Your Home’s Windows?

Windows are an important architectural feature of any home. Whether your home has 10 small windows or 40 windows or varying size, your windows let in natural light and enhance the beauty of your home. While you want to let in light, the sun’s harmful UV rays can actually cause damage to your home and furnishings. And though you would probably love to leave your window curtains or shades open all day to let in light, you probably do not want to give everyone a front row seat into your home. Residential window tint is the optimal solution to all your window shade, privacy, and aesthetic appeal needs.

Residential window tint, also known as architectural window film, is an excellent way to enhance the exterior appeal of your home while simultaneously protecting your home’s interior and furnishings effectively. And, depending on the type of window film you choose and the opacity, you can achieve varying levels of privacy depending on your preferences.

Homeowners need not worry their view will be diminished once architectural window film is applied. The film is specifically designed to maximize the quality of the view from your windows while dramatically improving your home’s energy efficiency. When professionally installed, residential window film enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal, improves energy efficiency, protects your home’s interior, and adds value to your home!

What do know before tinting home windows?

One of the efficient and economical way to boost the energy efficiency of the home is hinting the windows. This process involves using self-adhesive polyester coverings to cover the glass panels. It improves security, lowers energy bills, and improves aesthetics as well. However, homeowners should keep certain things in mind when they are looking to tint their windows. It will ensure the best results for them.

Different types

One can find three main types of tint films on the market. Each of them serves different function and provide different benefits. The first option recommend for most homes is a solar film. It improves the energy efficiency of the home by absorbing or reflecting UV rays. This helps to regulate the indoor temperature and keeps the room cool even in harsh climates. The increased comfort provides better energy savings as well. This film is available in neutral colors such as silver and copper. Security films is the thickest of all. It doesn’t absorb or reflect heat. But, it can deter intruders in the event of a storm. The thick layer prevents window glass from shattering into pieces. This restricts damage that could put the residents at risk. The last type is decorative tint films that improve privacy and aesthetics of a room. The bold colored film is also available with etched patterns like stripes.

Compatible

As discussed above, each window film provides different benefits. However, they are not compatible with every window type. Some are mostly used for security and decorative purposes, while other uses are focused on blocking UV radiation. These variations are common to all three different types of window glass films. People should check manufacturer’s recommendation or refer their literature when choosing a film for their house. It is essential to identify the compatible film to avoid any headaches in the near future.

Warranty

Typically, applying window film could invalidate the window warranty provided by manufacturers. Many companies do not cover defects caused by aftermarket films because of their policy. But the risk is worth taking considering the fact that tinted windows offer better protection for a house, along with some other benefits. Therefore, check whether the manufacturer support the application of window film before tinting windows.

Cost

Most tint films are cost-effective. People can find films priced between $2 to $4 per square foot on the market. They should visit any nearby home improvement store and find reasonably priced products. There are some online shops accessible for this purchase. In general, window films are a lot cheaper than other kinds of window treatments. It can block UV radiation better than solar screens. Moreover, people can easily install them in DIY processes. This cuts down the cost necessary for hiring a dedicated team to do the installation.

DIY

As cited earlier, window films are easy to install. It is a task that any homeowner can do without any help. However, they should follow the manufacturer recommended steps to ensure proper installation. Make sure to get all necessary tools before applying the film on windows.