Window tinting is most often associated with vehicles. However, it can be an incredibly useful addition to your home, particularly in hot parts of the country. Home window tinting comes with a plethora of benefits, both stylistic and functional. We’ll take a closer look at various options below, including a comprehensive list of pros and cons.
What is home window tinting?
Window tinting is the process of adding a protective layer to your glass, which aims to deflect UV rays and in many cases, darken your windows. There are a number of different types of home window tinting, including:
- Solar window tint, which protects against UV rays, but typically doesn’t block much light.
- Decorative window tint, which adds an aesthetic touch to your home and is typically on the darker side.
- Mirror window tint, which creates a completely reflective surface, much like a two-way mirror, for both security and aesthetic purposes.
- Security window tint, aiming to darken windows so that passers-by cannot see into your home.
How does home window tinting work?
The film is applied to your windows by expert contractors, with plenty of experience in this process. The film sticks directly to the glass, and will not lift, so long as the process is done properly. Once the tint has bonded to the glass, the film is immediately effective.
Most tint films are made from polyester and contain metal and dye particles, which form the working parts. There are also residential ceramic window tints available, which block UV rays and heat more effectively.
The particles in the window tint film work by directly repelling sunlight and harmful UV rays. In fact, home window tinting can deflect up to 99.9% of UV rays. Solar window film is a very durable material, so it will continue to deflect harmful UV rays from your windows for years to come.
Darker tints also contribute to better home security, as they keep the interior of your home hidden from prying eyes. This is a popular option for homeowners who select a window film for peace of mind. Some of these darker home window tint options will also block UV rays, but others are for aesthetics only.
How much does home tinting cost?
Home window tinting costs will vary, depending on a wide range of factors that include the type of tint that is applied, the number of windows that you have, your location, and more. Therefore, there’s no set answer to this question, unless you contact a company for a quote.
However, some general parameters are available. It can cost roughly $40 to $210 per square metre for home window tinting. Of course, this depends on the quality of the film, the purpose, and the contractor that you choose to work with.
Does tinting your house windows reduce heat?
Yes, home window tinting can reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home which in turn translates to less heat entering your house, from direct or indirect sunlight. Many homeowners elect to tint their windows for this exact reason… in some parts of the country, the sun is simply too harsh for standard glass windows. If you’d rather not close the curtains to keep the heat out, a window tint is a fantastic option.
What type of window tint or film is best?
There is a wide range of window tint and film available on the market. Choosing the best one for your home will depend on your specific needs, as well as how much money you would like to spend. For example, if your sole requirement is to block UV rays, it is possible to use a film that doesn’t darken your windows at all but does prevent UV rays from passing through. On the other hand, if you are tinting to increase security, a darker tint will be more suitable.
If you’re unsure about which home window tint is best for your house, it’s best to speak to a home window tinting company like EverClear Window Tinting. Expert advice is invaluable and will ensure that you make the right choice for your windows.
The pros and cons of home window tinting
Home window tinting comes with plenty of advantages, as well as some disadvantages. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits, and the downsides.
The pros
These are just some of the notable benefits of home window tinting.
You can save plenty of energy
One of the most significant benefits of home window tinting is energy savings. By utilising specially designed energy-saving films, you can reduce the amount of heat entering your home by up to 84%. This means much less energy spent by your air conditioning unit, and more money saved on power bills.
Tinting blocks harmful UV rays
In Australia, we’re well-educated about the risks of spending too much time in the sun. If the sun is constantly streaming through your windows, you and your family may well be at risk of over-exposure to harmful UV rays. And no one wants to wear sunscreen in their own home!
Window tinting is a fantastic way to block UV rays and protect your family from sun exposure. These UV rays can also damage your possessions, and finishes. For instance, long-term exposure to sunlight can cause wood to fade over time, meaning expensive maintenance for your furniture or your hardwood floors.
Maintains a cool temperature in summer
It’s important to ensure your home stays cool in summer. Home window tinting is enormously beneficial during the hotter months. As we mentioned earlier, tint film can greatly reduce the amount of heat passing through your windows. In turn, that means more comfort for you and your family during summer and much-reduced glare from the sun.
A more secure home
Darker window tints and mirror tints add an extra layer of protection to your home. These types of films stop people from seeing into your home, giving you plenty of privacy. If you have expensive items on display in a visible room, dark window tinting can take the place of curtains, and give you peace of mind.
It can look great
The right window tint can look fantastic! Many homeowners opt for home window tinting as a purely decorative choice. Darker tints can work very well on more modern homes. If you’re building a new home, your builder can make recommendations for the right window tint during the construction phase.
The cons
While home window tinting has plenty of notable benefits, there are also some downsides.
Less natural heat in winter
If you’re lucky enough to get a sunny day in winter, home window tinting will keep some of that warmth and light out. However, you can avoid this by opting for a more moderate tint film, which reduces heat in summer but still allows rays to enter during the colder months.
Tinting is less effective when it’s dark
At night time, tinting is not as effective at maintaining privacy. This is because lighting from within the home will be visible from outside, meaning it’s easier to see into the room. This is something to consider if you are electing to tint your windows at home for purely security or privacy reasons.
It can look not so great
While window tinting can look excellent on many homes, there are some architectural styles that tinting just doesn’t work well with. This is why it’s important to work with a designer when deciding whether or not to add a tint to your windows. They’ll be able to give you sound advice, and ensure you’re adding to the look of your home.
Consider a home window tint installation today
Home window tinting comes with plenty of benefits for you and your family. If you’re looking for more privacy, want to save energy, or simply want to reduce the glare in your home, window tinting is the perfect solution.