The residential window tinting business has come a long way from what it used to be. Today’s modern options are highly sophisticated, usually with numerous layers of protection inside a film only some millimeters thick.
While most people will do it for curb appeal or privacy, there’s a lot more functionality behind the thin sheet of plastic applied to your windows.
For instance, tinted windows have emerged as an innovative and low-cost method of saving some money on energy bills. Traditional, clear glass windows let sunlight in, and the subsequent heat that penetrates the room sequentially raises the temperature inside the house. When the warmth becomes unbearable, the occupants will be compelled to turn on the air conditioning, using up more energy.
But with window tint, most of the heat and sunlight gets blocked, thus helping regulate internal temperatures and significantly reducing the need to use the air conditioning.
If you like to consider upgrading, here are a few facts you should know before installing window film on your windows.
- Always Use Reputable Tint Shops
Whether you are doing residential window tinting or commercial window tinting, you should always seek a reliable and proven professional to do the job. A poor tint job can make the situation even worse than it was before. Hiring technicians who have proven experience installing window film should be your very first course of action. Window tinting in Seattle, WA is done by reputable and experienced companies such as Brower Tinting & Graphics.
- Understand Your Reasons for Tinting
As highlighted earlier, the aesthetic appeal is not the only reason people tint their windows. Here is the list of various reasons people install tint:
Security
Tinting may not prevent burglars from breaking in, but the film can hold the glass in place longer to make forcible entry more difficult. When the glass stays in place, those extra seconds could deter criminals or buy the alarm system enough time to contact the authorities. If you live or work in a storied building, windows on the ground floor are easy targets for burglars so that you can tint them for exactly this purpose.
Residential and commercial window tinting used for security purposes is the thickest tint of all, which means they are not the most effective at absorbing or reflecting heat. It is one of the main uses of automotive window tint. Their goal is to prevent windows from shattering completely. Privacy window films are also used to protect the privacy of the house occupants.
UV Protection
If your windows let in a lot of sunlight, it is possible to absorb an unhealthy amount of harmful UV rays from sitting in front of them for several hours a day. UV radiation places people at risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer, and constant exposure to sunlight over time increases this risk.
The solar tint film is very thin, so it does a better job of absorbing and reflecting up to 99% of UV rays allowing a comfortable temperature inside the building. Window film can also be used as paint protection films to prevent pint from the elements of weather.
Glare Reduction
Harsh sunlight can make you uncomfortable and less productive if you are working. Blinding glare on the computer and TV screens is annoying if you cannot always move to another location to avoid it. Tints reduce the brightness that may distort how you view your screen.
Aesthetics
Tints are a decorative feature as well. They act as a visual upgrade that enhances the appeal of a home or commercial building, giving it a sleek and sophisticated appearance.
Note that decorative tints optimize privacy and beauty over functionality. Still, the added privacy and security benefits will make the property sell better should you decide to sell in the future.
- Window Film and Window Glass Compatibility
The type of tint you get will be determined by the reason you are getting it in the first place.
As such, you should not use solar UV protection film if your goal is security, as they will not be thick enough to do the job. If your goal is to beautify your property, then avoid the thick and blocky security tints.
Note that if you install tints that are not compatible with the window glass, you risk damaging the windows.
- Temporary Tints vs. Permanent Tints
If you are not the owner of a residence or business complex, getting temporary tints would only make sense. These tints are easily removed, and they are not much of a hassle to clean off. This makes them perfect for renters or those unsure if they want to commit to tinted windows for the long term.
Keep in mind that some types of tints like solar and security tints are available only in permanent forms.
- Window Tints May Invalidate Your Warranty
If your windows get damaged after you have installed tints, you may find that your homeowner warranty won’t cover the damages. Many window manufacturers do not cover defects caused by modifying windows because aftermarket window films may cause damage to certain types of glass.
Before installing tints in your home, confirm whether or not the window manufacturer’s warranty covers the application of window films.
- Only Windows Without Energy-Efficient Coating Should Get Tinted
If you are going for solar tints, you should know that they are best applied to older windows that do not have a low-emissivity coating. The low-emissivity coating is a thin layer of metal oxide that blocks out heat.
So if your windows do not have this coating, feel free to proceed with the tinting. However, many newer windows today already come with low-emissivity coatings, so you won’t save all that much on energy costs by installing an extra layer of tints on them.
- Maintenance
Because different tints have different applications and physical qualities, they will have different degrees of maintenance.
Thinner temporary or semi-permanent tints are low maintenance. They are naturally water-resistant, and many come with scratch-resistant coatings. Thicker security or riot tints, however, may require a different approach.
Try and bring this up with your installer so you can know all the details beforehand.
Get Your Windows Tinted Today
Many benefits come with residential or commercial tinting. Given that it is a long-term investment, you want to try and get everything right from the onset. For this reason, let Brower Tinting & Graphics tint your windows so you can achieve your goals, whether they include visual appeal, security, or reduced energy bills.
Give us a call today on 425-251-3263 to schedule an appointment with us or answer any questions you might have.