Hello World! Welcome Friends! Tinted windows are typically seen in cars. However, this handy feature has been gaining popularity with homeowners over the past few years. Similar to the films on your vehicle, these tints can give you extra privacy or shield you from the sun.
Is the cost worth it? Can your family benefit from the perks, or will the drawbacks outweigh the good? Let’s take a look.
Types of Window Films
Window films come in a few different varieties depending on your needs.
Solar
Solar films are what most people think of when considering tinting their windows. They can block up to 99.9% of the dangerous UV rays that hit your home. Solar films also shield your eyes from some of the sun’s brightness. In the daylight, people outside your home won’t be able to see in, so they also grant you some extra privacy.
Security
Security tints do exactly what it sounds like — secure your home. They form a protective layer over your windows, holding them together in an emergency. If an intruder or natural disaster attempts to break the glass, the thick film will keep everything in place for a while instead of shattering right away.
Decorative
Some films are purely decorative — you can buy them in various colors and textures. Popular options include faux stained glass and frosted surfaces. While these types of tints won’t offer much protection in an emergency or block UV rays, they can offer some privacy by distorting the visual.
How to Install Window Films
If you decide to move forward with tinting your windows, the installation you choose will determine your overall cost bracket and finished appearance.
Professional
With a professional job, you’ll need to pay for supplies and labor, which can get expensive. However, the finished product usually looks more refined than any DIY job. You may need to wait longer until an expert becomes available.
Some professionals work with specific suppliers, so you may be locked into a handful of product options and costs if you work with them.
DIY
With a DIY installation, you can cut labor costs and buy whichever product you prefer. However, you may end up with minor imperfections you wouldn’t see in a professional job. You can get started as soon as you’ve gathered your supplies, but with work, kids and other responsibilities to handle, your project may take longer to complete.
Pros of Home Window Tinting
Tinted windows can be a huge asset for any family, providing added benefits over traditional windows without enhancements.
1. Lower Cooling Costs
Solar-tinted windows prevent some sunlight from coming into your home. It also absorbs some heat, keeping warm temperatures outside and the inside of your home much cooler. This phenomenon can save you a significant amount on your energy expenses in warm months.
2. More Privacy in the Day
Your eyes may be the window to your soul, but you probably don’t want your house windows to give people a look into your life.
Like tinted windows in a vehicle, solar films can give you privacy from peering eyes during the day. Light will reflect off the surface and keep your home and family safer. Your kids can play and get changed in their room in safety. Certain decorative films can also provide privacy by distorting the view.
3. Increased Curb Appeal
Make your guests feel welcome or draw in buyers by adding curb appeal with tinted windows. Your house will stand out on the block with traditional solar films are something even more decorative.
4. Safer Sunshine
Solar films block out most UV rays so your family stays healthier inside your home while still enjoying the sunshine. Light can filter through, but you run far less risk of developing skin cancer or getting burns while indoors behind these tints.
5. No More Glare
The light filtering benefit of solar films means they help reduce glare while still allowing the sun to illuminate the room. You can watch your favorite shows without having to close your curtains and turn off the lights.
6. Better Security
While any film will strengthen your windows somewhat, security tints will provide the best coverage. The thick layer will hold the glass together in case of accidental breakage during a natural disaster, intentional break-in or even your kids’ roughhousing.
Cons of Home Window Tinting
Like any home upgrade, you’ll have to weigh potential drawbacks since no solution is ever perfect.
1. Higher Heating Bills
Window tints are quite effective at keeping heat from sunlight out of your home. However, if you live in a cold climate, this may be the last thing you want. You’ll need to spend much more on heating during the winter to compensate for the lack of sunshine.
2. Less Privacy at Night
Solar window films provide excellent privacy during the day when the reflected light obscures the view to the inside. However, you won’t see the same effect at night when you have lights on in your home. Any passersby can see into your house as they usually would. You’d still need a backup screen like a curtain.
3. Costly
To get your windows tinted, you’ll either have to pay with your time or money. If you lack both, this may not be the best option for your home right now. Having a professional install the films will cost more money than a DIY job, but the latter will take some extra time and effort on your part.
4. Low Return on Investment
Tinted windows may be an excellent option for your family’s needs, but a potential buyer may not see them the same way. These films can be lumped in with other similar upgrades, like a pool, that are nice to have but won’t necessarily raise your selling price. Besides, some prospective buyers may even view them as a negative and need to factor in the cost to remove them.
Is Window Tinting the Right Choice for You?
Does window tinting sound right for your home and family? Base your decision on the climate where you live, your budget and your needs.
If you’re trying to make upgrades to sell your house, this may not be the enhancement for you. However, window tinting could be a good choice if you’re trying to make your current home safer for your growing family. Remember, you’ll need to select a particular type of film since they perform different functions.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
10 Tricks to Make Sure Your Vacation Home Is Ready
How to Choose the Perfect Fence for Your Backyard
Springtime Home Improvements to Consider This Year
A Step By Step Guide to Bedroom Interior Design Projects
How to Refresh Your Living Room on a Budget
The Main Types of Dishwashers for Your Home
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Toodles,
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