A Guide to Home Window Tinting

Posted by Jenni Barnett on Monday, October 10th, 2022 at 1:01pm.

With energy prices on the rise and the number of dangerously hot days increasing each summer, we’re all looking for ways to keep our homes cooler. Today, in our guide to home window tinting, we’re doing a deep dive on this affordable, energy-saving, privacy-boosting approach to preventing summer from scorching your home’s interior.


Why Window Tinting?

Window tinting is installed as an adhesive layer. We recommend it to enhance curb appeal, protect artwork and home furnishings from damaging UV rays, reduce your need for sunscreen indoors, improve your view of your home’s surroundings, reduce your AC costs, and shield your family and belongings from prying eyes.


Window Tinting Will Not Make your Home Colder in the Winter

In Middle Tennessee, we’re fortunate to escape the harsher winters seen in the North and Midwest. Still, none of us are eager to spend more money heating our homes, either. On its own, glass is a terrible insulator, so if your home has plenty of windows, you’re likely struggling to keep it warm without cranking the heat.

The good news is that window film will act as a barrier, reflecting heat back into your home’s interior once it’s been generated.


What Are Your Window Tinting Options?

In total, there are seven commonly recommended types of window tinting films, each of which brings specific benefits. Once equipped with information about each type, you will be able to decide which tinting solution will be best for your home and lifestyle.

Keep in mind that most window tints are available in a range of colors. If you’re imagining deep gray or shimmering mirrored tints as your only options, you may be pleased to know that options now include clear, pale blue, warm bronze, and frosted. 


1.) Solar Window Film

As their name implies, solar window films prevent harmful UV wavelengths from entering your home. This type of film will reduce over 80% of the heat generated by the sun, significantly reducing your home’s heating bills.

Additionally, despite standard windows blocking sunburn-causing UVB rays, skincancer.org reports that 50% of the UVA rays responsible for skin aging do pass through them. Because both UVA and UVB rays cause skin cancer, a desire to look our best isn’t the only reason to reduce the UV rays that can reach our family and pets within our homes.

2.) Decorative Film

While it doesn’t block a significant amount of heat, decorative window film does block most UV rays. However, it’s dyed, so it will also prevent you from looking through your windows to the outdoors. For this reason, we recommend decorative film for windows located atop soaring great rooms, within bathrooms, and anywhere you’d like to obscure a less-than-ideal view. 

Decorative window film is exceptionally affordable, easy to apply, and a breeze to remove and replace.

3.) Security Film

Security film fully protects your home’s interior from scouting thieves, increases your window’s strength, and can be purchased in styles that incorporate the sun-proofing benefits of solar film. If you need to protect your home from break-ins and extreme weather events, this is likely the best product for you.

4.) Mirrored Window Tint

Mirrored window tint works as a one-way mirror, which means you’ll be able to see out, but anytime it’s bright out, passers-by won’t be able to see in. Now, this does mean that once the sun sets, mirrored tints don’t provide privacy—but you’ll benefit from improved insulation around the clock.

5.) Ceramic Window Tint

This pricey window tint is impeccably modern. Made with recent technological innovations, ceramic window tints bring the same benefits of solar window film while lasting years longer and fading more slowly. Infused with ceramic particles, this type of tint strengthens glass and fends off UV rays.

6.) Metalized Window Tint

Like solar tinting, metalized window tinting reflects UV rays and keeps your home better insulated. Metalized window tints are manufactured with nickel, copper, and aluminum, so they create a high-shine finish that carries the hue imbued by the metal from which they’re made.

Hybrid metalized and solar window tints are also available, imparting a less intense tint and shine while offering the benefits of each type.

7.) Glare Control

Is there an area in your home where watching TV or working on your computer is nearly impossible thanks to intense glare? Glare control window tint will solve your problem. This type of tint will allow you to keep your beautiful view but will dramatically reduce glare.


Cost of Home Window Tinting

The cost of tinting will vary, depending on the number of windows you’ll be tinting, their size, the number of panes, and the type of film you’ve selected. Depending on the company you choose, the labor costs will likewise vary, so we always recommend obtaining quotes from several tinting services before you schedule the installation. In fact, the cost of residential window tinting prices can be anywhere from $2-$120 per square foot!


Two Caveats to Consider 

Your existing window warranty may be voided by third-party window tinting. Please contact your window manufacturer to find out whether you’re permitted to install window tints.

If you’re located within an HOA, you may be restricted to clear materials. Your HOA will be able to provide you with information regarding the type of tints that are permitted within their boundaries.


Maintenance

Professionally installed window tints can last 20 years or more and should carry a warranty. Because window film is less porous than glass, it’s easier to clean a tinted window than one that isn’t! 

Use only mild cleansers and very soft microfiber cloths or a sponge. Because it’s softer than glass, towels will likely scratch your window tint. Avoid getting water beneath the tint by using less water and drying your window thoroughly after washing it. If you leave moisture behind, it may seep under the tint, causing it to bubble up and separate from the glass.


Homeowners, have you added tinting to your windows? Are you pleased with the results? Are there things you’d do differently next time? Let us know in the comments below.

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