You’ve heard about residential window tint, but is it really worth the cost?
In most cases, the answer to that question is yes. But there are a few things you should know about tinting your windows before get started.
We’ve put together this guide to help walk you through the ins and outs of window tinting.
So let’s get started!
Not All Window Films Are the Same
There are several different types of window tint film, and they don’t all do the same thing. So before you start shopping, make sure you know what you want.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common window films.
1. Solar Film
Solar film reflects UV rays away from your home. This keeps the heat out of your house, which improves your energy efficiency.
2. Security Film
Security window film is much thicker than solar film. However, this type of film doesn’t reflect UV rays away from your home (at least, not a lot of them).
Instead, it prevents the glass from shattering if something—or someone—hits the window. This keeps you safe from sharp pieces of glass and prevents potential burglars from getting into your home.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of storms or has a high crime rate, this is a good option for you.
3. Decorative Film
This type of film turns plain, clear windows into beautiful, textured windows. You can use decorative film to increase your privacy or beautify your home.
The Benefits of Tinting Your Window
Tinting your windows isn’t just “another household chore.” Window film can help you save a lot of money, and it can give you a lot of other benefits, too.
Here are some of the most important.
Helps Control the Temperature
Remember how solar film reflects UV rays away from your home? That prevents the sun from making your house feel like an oven every time the temperature gets over 75 degrees.
Tinting your windows will keep the interior temperature at much more comfortable levels.
Lowers Your Energy Bill
Since your house won’t get as hot with window film, you won’t have to run the air conditioning as often. That means it’ll suck up less electricity, which will make your energy bill go down.
Installing window film costs a few hundred dollars, the film will pay for itself with how much you’ll save every year.
Gives You More Privacy
Some types of window film make your windows dark and difficult for people to see through. This means you can enjoy the added privacy without having to keep your curtains closed 24/7.
Protects Your Furniture
The sun’s UV rays don’t just make your house hot and stuffy, they can also damage your furniture and other belongings. Replacing faded furniture can be an expensive—and time consuming—task.
When you tint your windows, you protect your furniture from the sun, and you save yourself some money and hassle, too!
Keeps You Safe
The added privacy window film gives you can protect you from prying eyes. Security film also keeps you safe from storm damage, burglars, and other accidents.
Your safety, and the safety of your family, is well worth the cost of window film.
What You Need to Know Before You Tint Your Windows
While tinting your windows has a lot of benefits, there are a few things you need to consider.
Here’s what you need to know before you start installing.
It Might Void Your Warranty
If you still have a warranty on your windows, tinting your windows might void it. You might want to wait until your warranty expires before installing window film.
It’s Not a Good Idea If You’re Renting
You shouldn’t tint your windows if you’re renting your home. Otherwise, you might have to pay for window replacements when you move.
If you want to hang window film, you might be able to find temporary, removable window film. But it’s always a good idea to talk to your landlord first before you install anything.
Don’t Install Residential Window Tint on Your Own
Want to install residential window tint?
Don’t try to do it yourself! Tinting your windows is a tricky job. It might seem simple, but even small mistakes can create bubbles, wrinkles, or rips in the film.
And don’t make the mistake of thinking DIYing your way through the process will save you money. In most cases, it won’t. Remember, it’s easy to make mistakes. If you try to hang window film yourself, you’ll probably have to pay for a professional to come redo your windows later.
It’s always better to hire a professional to do the job.
Not sure who to call?
We can help! Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!