When people think of tinting their windows, most often, their minds will go to vehicles. However, one of the most advantageous uses of window tinting is for homes, not cars. Window tinting refers to the process of applying a transparent sheet of film to glass.
Home Window Tinting Pros
Window films have a plethora of benefits, including, but not limited to, reducing your energy costs and decreasing the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Window tinting can be grouped into three different categories:
- Solar window tinting, which provides UV protection and all the benefits of window tinting, but without the darkened look.
- Security window tinting includes one or more layers of polyester film to offer extra protection against break-ins.
- Decorative to make windows and doors look aesthetically pleasing.
However, not all window films are the same.
Many offer various benefits, so choosing the best product for your home is imperative. Adding the right tint or film to your windows is an investment in your home that will have ongoing advantages throughout your home’s life span.
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Curb Appeal
Your home is not just the place where you reside. It is an investment, meant to provide financial security for you and your family. An easy way to increase your home’s value is to make improvements to the exterior, which is referred to as curb appeal. Window tinting is a quick and easy way to add lasting value to your home. Paint shades, architectural styles, landscaping, and design elements need frequent updating as tastes change. Choosing to tint your windows provides protection and creates an aesthetic that can last for years with minimal maintenance.
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Privacy
Maintaining the privacy and security of your home is critical. Adding tint to your windows makes it more difficult for people outside the building to see into your home.
Often, bad actors will look through windows for enticing valuables or check to see if anyone is home. With tinted windows, most of the light hitting the glass will bounce back, creating a mirrorlike effect, making it more difficult to see inside your residence.
Privacy films can also be decorative and come in a variety of colors and patterns. You can choose from options such as etched patterns, stained glass, or opaque frosted. Clear films are also available for those looking to increase the safety of the glass without aesthetic changes.
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Security
Tinting your windows with security film can stave off everything from intruders to natural disasters such as storms, fires, and earthquakes.
In one of these events, the security film will help hold the glass together longer, thus decreasing the chance of injury. In the event of a home invasion, it would take a more considerable amount of effort for the intruder to breach the glass and gain entry, giving you time to react and call the authorities.
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Saving Money
Another major pro or benefit of residential window tinting is that when installed correctly, the right window film can help you save money on your energy bills by insulating your windows.
In the heat of the summer, tinted windows will reject the sun’s heat, reducing the amount of air conditioning needed to achieve indoor comfort.
Films can also help keep heat inside, making it warmer in your home during the colder winter months, which saves on heating costs. The result is a noticeable reduction in energy use, which helps cut down on costly utility bills.
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Reduce Glare
Have you ever been working on your computer, or watching your favorite sports team go for the big win with your buddies, only to find it hard to see the screen?
The glare of the sun’s rays on electronic devices can make it difficult to decompress and enjoy your online shopping experience or the most memorable moments of your favorite film. While solutions such as curtains and blinds are a preventive measure, they must be closed to block out the sunlight, leaving you in the dark.
A major benefit of window tinting is that it allows for greater enjoyment of these activities by reducing the sun’s glare while still allowing natural light into your home.
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Solar Protection
Window tinting also helps block harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause damage to electronics, fabrics, and furnishings. Some solar window films can block up to 99.9% of UV rays. When you tint your windows, you are protecting these items from fading and discoloration, extending the lifespan of your possessions.
Home Window Tinting Cons
Potential Warranty Restrictions
Before adding tint to your windows, check with your window manufacturer to confirm adding window film will not void your warranty.
Many window manufacturers will not cover damages caused by modifying windows due to the potential of certain types of films causing harm to certain window glass. Reputable window film manufacturers offer warranties that help match the life of your window warranty.
Tinting can take away too much sun’s energy
If you live in a place that is usually cold and the sunlight is scarce, window-tinting might not play in your favor. You may want to keep as much passive solar heat as possible.
Choose your shade wisely as different levels of darkening provide different results. You may even consider varying the levels of tinting in different areas of your residence based on the amount of sunlight hitting each area.
When choosing the right film to tint your windows, here are two important things to remember:
Type of Film
Not all films are the same. Make sure you have selected the right one for your needs. Working with a professional can help you identify what products will be the best fit for your home.
Glass Compatibility
All films are not compatible with every type of window. Windows that are made of basic flat glass (also known as annealed glass), annealed glass that has been heat-treated, or insulated glass, which is made up of two different layers of glass and commonly known as double-paned glass, are the best candidates for tinting. Work with a professional to ensure you know what type of glass you are working with before applying window tint.
Is Tinting House Windows Worth It?
Yes, it is.
Older windows benefit the most from tinting as they do not have a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating that comes standard with newer windows. By tinting older windows, you will increase your home’s energy efficiency by keeping heat out during the warmer months and retaining more heat in during colder months.
Tinting your windows is an inexpensive way to add value to your home.
Furthermore, there are far more pros than cons with window tinting so the decision is usually an easy one for homeowners.
Once window tint has been applied, you will be able to clean your windows the same way you did before. Typically, residential window films come with a lifetime warranty, so you know your investment will be protected should any issues arise.