Window Film FAQ’s

Oftentimes, we are filled with questions in our minds before we come up with a decision to have a window film installed in either our residential or commercial properties. Here are Daystar Window Tinting’s 30 most Frequently Asked Questions and our answer to each one of them.

1. How much does it cost to tint home windows?

On average, homeowners pay between $300 to $800 to tint the windows of their home. The price for the window film ranges from $2 to $100 per square foot, with an additional cost for installation between $5 to $10 per square foot.

2. Why should I have window film installed?

Depending on your need, there are several reasons to choose a window film. Window film can help reduce interior heat, utility costs and glare, increase privacy and fade protection, improve occupant comfort, extend air conditioning equipment life, and add protection from accidents, storms, earthquakes, and burglaries.

3. Is residential window tinting cost-effective?

Yes. Window tinting can block as much as 80% of the sun’s heat. This is especially beneficial during the winter season, as your window film retain interior heat, resulting in lower heating expenses. In the summer, it reduces the solar heat gain by blocking out the UV rays, which in turn will reduce the amount of time that your air conditioner needs to run. Thereby, decreasing your energy bill!

4. Is window tint applied on the interior part or the exterior?

It is advisable that window tints be applied on the inside. Initially, the film is laid out on the outside of a window and is cut out to fit. Then, those pieces are placed on a large piece of glass and trimmed before being installed on the inside of your home’s windows.

5. My windows seem to have “water bubbles” after tinting! Is this normal?

Also called blistering, water bubbles after window tint installation is nothing to be worried about. This is perfectly normal and should go away in time on its own after the film cures properly.

6. Are window tints an effective way to keep privacy in my office?

Yes, window tints are an effective factor in keeping your privacy in the office; you don’t need to shut the blinds to prevent the people from peeping in, as this is completely achieved through window tinting. It offers privacy without having to create closed cubicles or cave-like office nooks.

7. How much would I be able to save in my business if I decide on having commercial window tint?

As an entrepreneur, you can save as much as 10% on your monthly utility bills, which can add up to thousands of dollars per year in large commercial spaces.

8. How can a tinted security window film protect my business?

When potential robbers break the glass, the tough window film holds glass shards together so the window can’t be entered. Dangerous glass shards are held in place until they can be safely removed, and a new window is put in place.

9. Vandalism is a problem in my area. Should I push through with my plans of having a window tint installed in my property?

Safety and security window film can also help keep graffiti or etchings from becoming a permanent problem. A film that can ensure safety and security that is durable enough to withstand vandalism without harming the valuable glass beneath can be made.

10. Is it possible to see through mirrored window film in the evening?

When it comes to one-way mirror films, they still allow vision through the glass in most lighting conditions. The effect is reversed where the reflective ability is now on the inside of your windows, specifically, when it’s dark outside, and you have your lights on inside. You can’t easily see out, but everyone can see in with these conditions.

11. Is there a film that provides privacy during nighttime?

Yes, but no window film can completely block the view from the outside during nighttime while allowing you to see through it from inside at the same time. The only way to get complete nighttime privacy with a window film is by choosing a frosted or opaque type of film. These films will accomplish nighttime privacy, but in most circumstances, you will not see through the glass, either way, day or night.

12. How long does window film last?

Window tint films of high-quality often have a lifespan measuring years or even decades. Usually, high-quality professional window tinting lasts for 15-20 years with the right amount of care. Furthermore, dyed films with UV inhibitors in the Polyester tend to last longer than films without UV inhibitors.

13. How long should I wait after a window film installation before I can clean my windows?

It is advisable that homeowners do not clean the film for 30 days after installation. This will ensure proper curing of the special mounting adhesive to the glass. Your interior windows will not need to be cleaned after installation. However, it is ok to clean your exterior windows immediately after installation as long as there are no leaks in your window panes.

14. What is the proper way to clean my windows, granted that I have window films installed?

A clean synthetic sponge or a small soft cloth is recommended for washing the window film. For drying, follow this up with another small clean, soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee. For the solution to be used for cleaning, one ounce of liquid dish soap added to 1 quart of fresh water is ideal.

15. Will window film kill my house plants?

If your house plant is already receiving enough light, having your windows tinted will do no harm. Some plants may go into shock while adjusting to the new lighting conditions. If this continues for longer than a week, we recommend that you move the plant to a location where it will receive more light. There are existing guidelines in determining what, if any, effect window film will have on a plant (e.g., light-colored plants need more light than dark colored ones). Additionally, there is one sample test which can be done before window film installation: Move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days and check its reaction.

16. Will window film stop the fading of fabrics?

There is a lot to consider about this matter, but UV rays are responsible for about 40% fading of a fabric, which is more than any single source. Window films block out nearly 100 percent of harmful and damaging ultraviolet rays, and they can deter the fading of the fabrics in your home.

17. Will tinting my windows keep my furniture from fading?

As previously mentioned, window films block 99% of UV rays, which are responsible for about 40% of the fading equation. With this in mind, window film is your best defense against fading.

18. Will window film break my glass?

With a properly selected, your windows are safe. All installers follow factory recommendations on film-to-glass. When this is done, the likelihood of breakage is minimal to zero at all.

19. What’s the difference between a film for home windows to that for a car?

The first factor in differentiating one from the other is with adhesion. Most of our residential films have a water-activated adhesive, which means it is not sticky to the touch, and you use the mounting solution to activate it during installation. The automotive adhesive is sticky to the touch, making it more aggressive for automotive applications. The second factor is the functionality and construction of the product. All our films are constructed for optimal performance for what they are intended to be used for. It is not advisable that films are mixed and matched.

20. Does window film affect my view?

No. Window films provide one-way visibility, meaning you will be able to see outside your windows, but individuals outside will not be able to look in. This means that you can still enjoy your windows as usual. Window films reduce glare, making it easy to look out and enjoy the view even on the sunniest days.

21. What are the laws on automotive window tinting?

Window tinting changes from state to state. Each state has specific laws and inspection criteria regarding tint. You can check https://tintlaws.com/ for standards that you should follow based on where you live.

22. How long do I need to keep my windows up after my car’s window film has been installed?

After installation, the tinted windows will need to remain up for approximately three days.

23. Does the tint go on the inside or the outside of my vehicle’s windows?

The case is the same as residential window tints: a vehicle’s window film is being installed on the interior. However, prepping may be done on the outside — for example,  the shrinking of the rear windshield.

24. How long does it take to tint the windows on my car?

Vehicles vary from one to the other. The average installation time is about an hour. Factors that may play a part in the time involved are: what kind of vehicle it is; the number of installers working on the car; if any unforeseen scenarios come up, such as a rear deck lid needs to come out; or If old tint removal is involved.

25. Is it okay to wash my car after window tint installation?

Yes. Since all the film is installed on the interior of the windows, the outside of the car can be washed.

26. When can I clean the interior part of my window after installation?

It is advisable that you do not clean or do anything with the installed window tint on your car for about seven days or a week.

27. Why should I install a decorative film?

Offices and businesses of any type can benefit from decorative window film mainly because it provides privacy day or night, while not sacrificing on natural light. Utilizing natural light and frosted window partitions in an office space is aesthetically pleasing and brings the illusion of more space. Something that opaque dividers and surfaces do not do.

28. What is the difference between Vinyl and Polyester, when it comes to decorative films?

Polyester is dimensionally stable, does not stretch, provides optical clarity, and allows for broader roll widths, a “green” product. Vinyl allows for heavily textured designs, more receptive to surface textures and more suitable for Plexiglas, Polycarbonate and Acrylic applications. Less optical clarity than Polyester.

29. What is the difference between air and water bubbles?

Air bubbles are caused by improper squeegee technique or not applying enough wetting solution during install. If air is trapped from improper installation, call your film installation provider. Usually, they would peel the film back, and reinstall following the recommended installation instructions. Water bubbles are pockets of water trapped under the film during installation or that collect after the film is installed and begins to dry. These are completely normal. In most cases, these should disappear in 5-7 days from date of install.

30. What are the best surfaces for a decorative film?

You need a flat and smooth window to install decorative window film properly. That being said, any window that has some texture to it would not be a right candidate for window film. Otherwise, most films can be installed on glass, Plexiglas, double or triple pane windows, plate glass, and gas-filled windows.

The Different Levels of Window Tinting

If you’re looking for ways to improve your home at a low cost, then you should consider upgrading your windows with the use of window tinting. Window tinting involves the application of a film to the glass on your windows that help reduce the amount of sunlight coming through your windows without blocking it. The following are some of the things you should know about window tinting.

Visible Light Transmission

The different window tints that are available are measured in visible light transmission or VLT. The higher the VLT percentage is, the more light will be let in through the window glass. For example, if a window tint is rated at 25 percent, it means that it will block 75 percent of the sunlight while allowing 25 percent of it through the glass.

The Benefits of Using Window Tints

There are many benefits that can be enjoyed through the use of window tints. Depending on the VLT of the window tint, some window tints are more effective at providing certain benefits than others. The following are some of the benefits different levels of window tinting can provide to your home:

• Reduce UV damage – UV rays are known for causing damage to carpeting, drapes, wood flooring and furniture over time. The longer these things are exposed to UV rays, the more likely they are to lose their color and begin fading. The use of window tint will help reduce the amount of UV rays that come through your windows, thereby helping to protect anything that’s sitting in direct exposure to your windows. The lower the VLT is, the more UV protection the window tint will provide.
• Improve privacy – The problem with using curtains and blinds is that although it provides you with complete privacy, they will completely block the sunlight as well as your view outside. This is why window film is such an effective alternative. The lower rated the film is, the more privacy you’ll get. For the living room, something like a 35 percent to 50 percent film may be enough to give you the privacy you need – but in the bedroom and bathroom, you may want a lower rated film, such as a five to 15 percent VLT film, for complete privacy.
• Improve security – As a direct result of improving your home’s privacy, the use of window film will also increase your home’s security. This is because potential thieves will have no idea what kind of valuables your home contains since they won’t be able to see through your windows from a distance. It will also be difficult for them to see whether anyone is at home or not.
• Improve insulation – The more sunlight you block, the more insulated your home will be, which can have a big impact on cooling your home in the summers. You may want lower VLT film for certain rooms that face the sun during the summer season for this very reason.
• Improve curb appeal – Even a slight tint can help improve your curb appeal because it reduces the ability to see inside, which helps to give the home’s exterior a cleaner look. Just keep in mind that your HOA may not allow tints that are rated too low as they can cause glare outside.

These are some of the benefits that you can enjoy when using window tint. Many of these benefits depend on the levels of tinting that you use, so be sure to consider the reasoning behind why you want to tint certain window in your home in order to determine the best VLT options for each space.

Using Window Film to Enhance your Home or Business

Over the past decade, window film has seen some dramatic improvements – not only to its strength and versatility but also to its affordability. In fact, it is now one of the considered an integral part of both interior and exterior windows in most businesses and homes.

Here are some of the particulars of the reasons why:

Aesthetics – Window film will definitely add a distinctive look to contemporary-styled homes but can also add an air of elegance to more traditional ones. Businesses can use commercial window film to add privacy to their spaces – inside and out. Window film comes in a variety of styles from clear to smoky and in a variety of simulated textures such as etched, cut, sandblasted or textured glass. Window films are also manufactured to mimic the look of dichroic glass – that is ones with color. For those with modernist eye and taste, these films can make for a truly stunning exterior on any type of residential or commercial building.

Safety – At a minimum, the least expensive grades of window film will block dangerous UV rays and distracting glare from the interior of a space. Higher grades of film also add shatter protection. If a window is shattered, the shards of broken glass will be contained by the film and remain relatively safe for anyone in or near the space. The window also maintains much of its resilience against the elements until it is repaired. Even a window damaged during a hurricane will still keep most of the wind, water, and debris out of the house.

Security – Business and home owners can use window film to add privacy to their locations. This fact means that the sanctity of your home, as well as valuables and other security devices, are protected from prying eyes looking through the windows. Secondly, potential thieves also cannot tell if the home is occupied or not without actually alerting the owners by knocking on the door or otherwise making contact. Finally, high strength window film can also form a barrier against intruders if they do break the glass. In most cases, it is impenetrable even when the actual glass has been shattered.

Affordability – Compared to the cost of window replacement, the addition of window film is extremely affordable – and you get all the same benefits of reduced heat transfer. The end result is a significant lowering of the cost of heating or cooling a home. In addition, if a treated window is broken for any reason, the cost of repair is also lessened as the removal and disposal of the damaged materials is much easier and quicker to accomplish.

All About Window Tint Curing

Window tinting might have made an excellent beginning in the automotive industry, but as fabrication evolves, it’s become increasingly useful in residential homes. Tints of today can block glare to prevent your furniture from bleaching by as much as 99%. It also acts as a privacy screen and improves the versatility of the plants you can grow in atriums. It even prevents shattering and improves energy efficiency. To keep the tint in its best condition, it needs to be cured well before washing and handling.

Tint Curing

Every tint has its own curing requirements. Generally speaking, you should leave your standard film to cure for between three and five days before applying any fluid. Summer might reduce the curing period to two or three days. It’s the sun that cures a tint, so you need to adapt to cloudy weather. A north-facing window will cure faster. Heavy gauge safety film applied during winter can take a full month to cure. Heavy and sputtered tints take longer to cure than other film.

The cure time exists to allow the application solution and water between the glass and film to evaporate. The film is fully effective during this time, but it’s unlikely to achieve its final aesthetic until a week has passed. Expect your tint to have streaks, haze, and other imperfections before the cure time has been reached. The rate of your cure is also affected by the type of glass and the window’s construction. Although the cosmetic appearance of the tint might be attained sooner, warranties are usually limited to film that has been cured for the advised amount of time prior to usage.

Challenges

• Bubbles: Tints usually have bubbles during the first week, but these will go down by themselves. The higher the quality of your tint, the longer the bubbles will take to disappear.
• Sun Blockage: Clear film is a competent sun block. You simply need to use more layers to reach the maximum blockage of 99%.
• Pre-tint: The quality of your tint is heavily reliant on how well your windows are prepared prior to application. They must be thoroughly cleaned.
• Color: It’s normal for a tint to be off-color before the curing phase is complete.
• Dirt-bubbles: A perfectly-washed window should not trap dirt bubbles beneath a tint. For best results, it wouldn’t be remiss to dust the entire room before washing the window and applying the tint to prevent dust from blowing onto the glass before application.
• Edge preservation: Before curing, the edges of the tint will not adhere entirely, so they need to be treated with the utmost care.

The smoother the glass, the better a tint will seal. Scratches and imperfections don’t let the film cure entirely, particularly if dust particles are trapped by them. Before application, pay particular attention to these areas during cleaning. Most decorative windows are smooth on one side. It’s generally advised to tint indoor surfaces, but if your decorative glass only has a smooth surface on the outside, this will lend itself to curing far better.

Cleaning Cured Window Tint

Once the film has cured, the surface must be correctly cared for. While a mild ammonia solution can be used if it’s thoroughly rinsed off afterward, it’s safer to stay away from any industrial and abrasive cleaners. Tints are not scratch-proof, only scratch-resistant.

Furniture and floor treatments are expensive, so don’t expose them to needless sunlight that will cause cracks and fading. Window film can adapt to an enormous array of needs and makes an excellent defense against burglaries.

Staying Safe, Preventing Vandalism and the Protective Benefits of Window Film

Since everyone is trying to save more on their utility bills you might be surprised to find out about one of the quickest ways to save. Window film can potentially reduce both your heating and cooling costs dramatically and provide a viable alternative to replacing slightly drafty windows in your home.

Window film itself is typically made from highly resilient polyester, which has the added benefit of adding dimensional stability and providing just the right amount of clarity depending on your needs.

Polyester is also a great material to work with because it can accept a wide range of treatments, dyes and tinting without sacrificing all of the energy-saving benefits that window film has to offer commercial and residential customers.

Can Window Film Actually Improve Your Safety? 

The answer is yes. Whether you’re a business owner or property manager looking to improve the security at your brick-and-mortar locations or a homeowner looking to keep your family safe, window film can improve your safety.

Tinted window film is designed to reduce heat gain, glare and the amount of solar radiation that penetrates your home. This can help keep your family safe in the near term by preventing exposure to UV radiation and, as an added benefit, preventing cooling bills from getting out of control.

At the same time, window films can improve the decor of your home or workplace by allowing you to fine tune the color and level of tint that you feel best complements your property. You might be surprised to hear that window film can also increase your physical safety and deter vandalism as well.

Protect against accidents and vandalism. The damage from vandals or natural disasters like storms and earthquakes can be bad enough. An added insult to injury is the theft or property damage that can result from these events.

Window film is designed to significantly aid in holding glass together after a break-in attempt or natural disaster. This means that homeowners can sleep a bit easier at night knowing that a wayward tree branch following a storm or break-in attempt won’t necessarily threaten their safety.

The same goes for businesses since window film can keep broken glass from shattering into hundreds of pieces and resulting in workplace injuries or further loss of property. Businesses actually save in two ways – from protecting against property loss and mitigating the chances of a disruption of business activities.

Homeowners, landlords, and property managers also might want to look into installing window film since it can dramatically deter the chances that a break-in attempt snowballs into real damage.

Window film – due to its ability to prevent windows from fracturing into hundreds of pieces – can slow down would-be acts of vandalism and cause criminals either to ditch their original plan or take much more time trying to break in. Those added seconds can make all the difference.

Improve aesthetics, privacy, and security simultaneously. Window film can allow you to let in as much natural light as you want without sacrificing the privacy and health of your family or employees.

You can also create an aesthetically pleasing and elegant sandblasted or stained glass window treatment look without breaking the bank or sacrificing workplace efficiency. The really nice thing about window film for businesses is that you can emblazon your company logo on window film.

All in one go you could essentially reduce glare and heat gain in your conference rooms while improving insulation in the cooler months and enhancing your property’s security year-round.

Adding window film essentially gives both homeowners and businesses the chance to improve their aesthetics, privacy, and security simultaneously.

Why Does Window Tinting Peel?

There are many problems which can result in the tint of film on your windows peeling away, especially if you’re dealing with an older window, a DIY installation, or the work of less experienced professionals. Understanding why window tinting peels can help you minimize the problem and avoid it in the future—the more uptime you keep on your window tint, the more efficiency you’ll gain.

There are five consistent sources of peeling you know to be aware of:

Adhesive problems

This can be a cause of peeling if the tint installed in your windows wasn’t of sufficient quality, was stored improperly before use, or was installed incorrectly and didn’t set correctly. If the window is dirty during installation, was exposed to cleaning or weather too soon after installation, or underwent any other strenuous activity in the days shortly after installation, all of these things could have compromised your adhesive, leading to problems sooner or later.

Air bubbles

Usually, an issue caused by improper installation, even minor bubbles can eventually lead to peeling. Over time, bubbles can shift towards the edge of your window and loosen the tint, resulting in major damage. It’s best to avoid bubbles in the first place with careful installation and repair them early to avoid headaches down the line.

Moisture

Excess moisture, especially during or shortly after installation of new window tint, can cause imperfect installations to come loose and peel away—sometimes sooner, sometimes later. This makes it important that you stay alert to condensation, bad weather, and high humidity around the time of installation. Moisture trapped in your film is even worse than air trapped in your tint film and will cause the same issues in a fraction of the time.

Static

Improper handling of static during installation can increase the likelihood of air bubbles and other installation problems, as it tends to make the film harder to work with. This is more a contributing factor to other problems than something inherently likely to cause peeling; it’s good to ask about before installation, but not at all relevant to an older tint peeling.

Improper cleaning

Using the wrong cleaning agents on a window with tint installed can cause serious damage to the tint, leading to premature aging and peeling. This is a very common cause of issues, as many of the most popular window cleaners fall into this category, such as normal blue Windex. Anything ammonia-based is likely to be a problem, as are a number of other cleaners; do your homework and see if there are any specific recommendations from the installer or manufacturer of your window tint.

Old tinting

Nothing lasts forever, especially when you’re looking at something exposed to the elements and the rigors of daily life. Paint, roofing, drainage, and of course window tinting all have a lifespan. If your tinting reaches the end of its own, no amount of repair will keep it from becoming a problem; you’ll need a fresh installation. To get a good idea of how long your tint should last, reach the manufacturer’s specs—though your specific experience may vary with conditions.

Parting thoughts

As you can see, most problems with peeling tinting track back to the initial installation. With a well-handled installation, your window tint should last very close to the manufacturer stats. With a poorly handled one, you might see your tint within hours, days, or months of installation. Some tints may fail to do their job properly, but look fine. It all depends on the specifics of the problem. Avoid these problems and the uncertainty–make sure the job is done right.

5 MUST Ask Questions For Your Potential Window Film Installer

Smart homeowners know the value of protecting valuable property while making sure harmful UV rays and other potential property damage is headed off. This is why knowing what questions to ask your window film installer is critical to good decision making for your home, property or business.

1. Why Do I Need Window Film?

Advances in high technology have delivered new varieties of window film in a micro-thin layer of metallized or dyed polyester. It is installed on the inside of windows.

• The type of film used varies, while dramatically reducing heat, glare, and UV rays. Most films reduce 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays. This prevents furniture fabric from fading, heat building up in the home along with many other benefits
• Reflective films are for daytime privacy as well. Thick, strong versions provide safety from earthquakes while adding security. They also protect window glass from acid-etching events, or from scratching

2. Why Metallized Or Polyester Color-Stable Films?

Because you never want to see bubbling. This indicates the film is:

• Very old
• Very cheap
• Improperly installed

Window film raw materials include:

• Polyesters
• Adhesives

Polyesters and adhesive materials deliver safe, scratch-resistant coatings.

3. Does My Window Film Have Guarantees?

A quality warranty should cover 100% of materials and labor.  It should guarantee the safety and security of the product, and your windows.

4. How Do Sun Control Films Work?

Window tinting films reduce solar heat, UV rays and glare by reflecting and absorbing the sun’s energy.

Non-reflective dyed films are not as effective for heat reduction, although they work very well for heat and energy absorption. They work best for glare and fading reduction.

Metal films are designed to increase the reflectivity of the glass. These films deliver moderate to exceptional heat reduction according to the quality of the product.

5. Do I Need Film On ALL Of My Windows – Or Just The Ones Facing The Sun?

It is recommended that all sun-facing windows be treated. Less direct sun requires a lighter film. Every window transmits UV even if they do not receive direct sunlight.

• Window film is easily removed and replaced
• Nothing completely prevents furniture fading. It is caused by ultraviolet light, solar heat and visible light – so tinted films will prolong your furniture life two to five times longer

Popular films maintain the naturalness and clarity of your windows. In some cases, the glare and heat of the sun require the installation of a more tinted film.

All sun-facing windows should be treated. If some windows receive less direct sun,  a lighter film is used for protection and uniformity.

• All windows will transmit UV, even those not facing direct sunlight

Ultraviolet protection endurance has been tested. Decades after application you will still have only 1% ultra-violet transmissions through your windows. Many residential tints come with a lifetime warranty.

Return On Your Investment Comes In Many Forms

There will always be some protection against shattering in the rare event of breakage. Any building in an earthquake zone should apply a Scotchshield Safety Film. This is thicker and stronger because it is specifically designed for this occurrence.

Fast and obvious investment paybacks vary. They depend on:

• The amount of sunlit glass exposure
• Type of glass
• Cost of the application
• Type of film
• Costs of fuel used in the home, and other variables

You should see paybacks in the 2-5 year range if not sooner. It is easy to analyze the potential energy savings in any residential or commercial property. Simple window-cleaning products are all that are necessary for maintenance. The warranties are only good if the window-tinting is installed by professionals.

Earthquake Safety for Your Business

Earthquakes are a concern for you if you live anywhere on the West Coast – particularly because of the San Andreas Fault and the lines that radiate throughout that region. Although there are certain building codes that have emerged in recent decades to ensure that structures handle the stress better; windows are still generally considered to be the weak link.

However, window film has proven to be quite good at minimizing the flexing that glass undergoes in the event of sizable tremors. During an earthquake of sufficient intensity, the glass will normally flex and twist to the breaking point, since it is rigid by nature, and cannot sustain the same amount of flexing that the other building materials can under normal manufactured conditions.

How Does Window Film Fare Under Earthquake Conditions

Normally, when glass fails under stress, the shards fly in multiple directions at high speed, endangering people in all directions. Some of the largest earthquakes on record have occurred at night; since people are sleeping, there’s no chance to protect oneself from the sharp debris – which can cause death, in addition to significant injuries.

Furthermore, even if the glass shatters and doesn’t directly strike anyone, the chaos and panic from a late-night awakening during a catastrophe means that people will be stampeding barefoot on broken shards of glass all about. There’s a very high likelihood that power will be out, as well, which means that it would be difficult to locate any glass – even if you have the presence of mind to be wary of it.

Window film is constructed such that the particles that comprise the window are held together with a super-glue-type adhesive; this layered construction means that if the window gives, it doesn’t hatter outward and spread sharp shards haphazardly. This so-called safety film actually makes the window much stronger, in the first place; it has a much greater capacity to repel attempts at breakage. In fact, the safety film can be made thick enough to withstand blast forces – but you probably wouldn’t ever consider these for a residential property.

So What Is The Difference When The Glass Does Break?

The window film that comprises safety glass can sustain a lot more damage; when the force is great enough, it spiders without throwing shards all over the place. A tremendous amount of force will simply make the window fall directly downward as a whole piece, unlike unprotected glass. Furthermore, safety glass tends to remain in the frame even when the glass, itself, is mostly destroyed with spidered cracks all through the frame. The only thing you suffer is diminished visibility in such cases.

Window film has met with such success, that it is used in embassies worldwide, as well as buildings in sensitive industries. The strength is rated by thickness, and there are standards for general safety – this is the type you’d consider for a residential property. It not only protects you from the outside elements, it’s also a comforting thing to have if you’re in an area that is earthquake prone.

Considering Window Film for Your Home

The idea of a bright, sun-drenched home has great appeal for most of us. However, depending on your climate, the direction in which your home is oriented, and how dense or how sparse your property’s shade covering is, too much of a good thing can be, well, too much. There will be times when you need to cut back on the amount of sunlight penetrating your home. Window tinting, also known as window film, is one cost-effective way to do just that.

What Is Window Tinting?

If the term window tinting brings to mind thoughts of crudely bubbled coatings on car windows from the ’70s, then be assured times have changed and the product has improved greatly. In fact, when the application is done right, you won’t even notice it’s there.

As with car window tinting, home window tinting allows natural light and warmth in, as well as a view of the world outside. But it also helps lower your utility bill by reducing solar heat gain that makes your air conditioner run longer, and may make your home uncomfortably warm.

Window tinting is applied directly to glass windows in the home. It is installed in addition to shades, drapes or blinds, allowing you to leave them open for a view outdoors while minimizing glare, heat gain, and harmful ultraviolet rays.

It is usually sold in home improvement stores as a lightweight, nonadhesive vinyl film in rolls. You can have your windows professionally tinted, but a professional installation may be harder to remove if you decide you don’t like it.

Benefits of Window Tinting

As the Department of the Interior points out on its website, windows account for a staggering amount of wasted energy annually from lost heating and air conditioning. Window tinting is designed primarily to address heat gain, so that you save money on cooling costs.

Some of the benefits of window tinting in the home to consider:

1. Cutting down on the amount of ultraviolet radiation entering the home will protect furnishings, such as furniture, carpets, and flooring, from fading. Window tinting can also protect the home’s occupants from cancer-causing UV rays.
2. Diminished solar gain helps you keep the thermostat higher during the cooling months, so that you’re not warming up the home and causing the air conditioner to run longer. That translates to energy savings, as well as savings on repairs to the A/C. Window tinting or film can also help you hold onto warm air inside the home in winter.
3. Window tinting/film reduces glare, so that you can watch television and see your computer screen without having to draw the curtains or close blinds or shades.
4. Window tinting is less expensive than replacing your inefficient windows with more efficient, so-called low-emissivity or low-e windows. These cut down on glare and heat gain while allowing some rays of the light spectrum into the home.

What Type of Window Tinting to Install?

If you live in a warm climate where the majority of your energy costs are for cooling, you may want slightly darker window tinting. Do remember, however, that the darker the window tint, the less light will get in, and so you should balance cutting solar gain in the summer with how much sun you want to let in over the winter.

So before you make an expensive investment replacing older windows with more efficient models, consider the benefits of window tinting. You may be able to reduce solar gain by as much as 75 percent for considerably less than you’d pay for new windows.

5 Reasons to Hire a Pro

While it’s certainly possible to purchase window film and install it on your own, the benefits of hiring a professional to install your film should not be underestimated. Unless you’re extremely cautious, informed, well-equipped, and willing to do it all again down the line, you’re going to see a lot of major and minor advantages by leaving the task to professionals.

Here are 5 major ones to consider:

Aesthetics.  Perhaps the biggest immediate benefit you’ll see from professional installation for your window film will be the quality of the finished product. When you install your own film, you usually end up with several aesthetic problems: bubbles in the film, poor shade matches, etc. The end result is quite noticeably different: a professionally installed film looks like part of the window, whereas amateur installations usually look like a piece of plastic stuck on top. If you want to make sure your windows look at great while they save you money on energy, you’ll probably want to work with professionals.

Warranty.  Most window film you buy is going to come with a warranty—but that warranty quite frequently only holds up if it’s professionally installed. Install your own window film, and you’ll either not be covered, or only be covered for a trivially short amount of time. Compare that with a professional installation, which triggers the manufacturer’s warranty and likely comes with come guarantees of its own; if nothing goes wrong, you’re not out anything with DIY, but if something goes wrong, you’ll be very glad you chose professionals.

Tools.  Installing tinting film takes a few tools your probably don’t have sitting around the house just for the basics. To get it right the way a professional team would, you’ll need to invest in a few more than that. Altogether, doing it yourself only makes sense from a financial standpoint if you already have all the tools you need—and aren’t worried about anything else on this list costing you money down the line. Otherwise, it’s going to come out about the same, with a host of other benefits, if you leave it to a team that already has all those tools at hand and knows how to use them.

Damage.  Any job that involves a bunch of tools and windows has a potential to go poorly. The nature of window film adds another potential problem to the mix: improperly applied film can pool temperatures in unusual ways, in turn causing your window to expand and contract—and thus shatter. If you’d rather not have your purchase of new window film turn into a purchase of new windows, go with a professional.

Newer Technologies.  The latest and greatest window films often take more advanced knowledge to install, making it even less likely you can manage a flawless DIY installation. Talking to a professional about your options might reveal interesting choices for aesthetics, additional energy savings, privacy, convenience, and more. It’s well worth discussing the possibilities with someone who knows what’s new, what works, and what’s nonsense.

Of course, these aren’t the only reasons to consider a professional—but they’re the biggest, and probably make the case without any help. By investing a little bit today, you’ll get a faster, better looking, more reliable, more modern installation than you could get by pinching pennies with DIY. Treat this as an investment; you may not see huge benefits today, but you’ll be very glad you left it to a pro down the line.