When you are choosing what film or covering to put on your windows, there are so many criteria to consider. Do you go for simple curtains or blinds? Opt for frosted glass or go for tinted windows instead?
Here we will take a thorough look at tinted windows to see if they really live up to the hype and if they are the right fit for your home or business.
What are the pros of tinted windows?
There are a great many benefits to getting your windows tinted, some financial, some aesthetic, and some that will improve your day-to-day life and peace of mind. Here are some of the top reasons why so many people are getting their windows tinted, and why you may wish to as well:
- Protection against the sun’s harmful rays – one of the key purposes of tinted glass is to protect you and your possessions from damage. UV rays still penetrate glass, and over time can harm you and cause your carpets and furniture to fade. The right tint can prevent over 99% of these rays from penetrating.
- Protection against glare – glare from the sun can hit TV and laptop screens, and indeed your eyes, making you feel the need to close your curtains or blinds and rely on electric light as you are working or relaxing at home. Window tint stops this glare so you can keep your curtains open.
- Security – the right tint can also offer an increased level of security for your home. The film helps keep the glass intact longer, putting off the casual burglar and giving you extra time to react.
- Greater privacy – certain tints can make it more difficult for passers-by to see into your home.
- Allows light to enter – while the harmful UV rays are stopped, natural light is still allowed to filter through tinted glass. This means less reliance on artificial light and the joy of being able to look out your windows whenever you want.
- It saves on electricity and saves you money – one of the most important benefits in today’s world is that tinting your windows can save on your energy bills. Being able to keep your curtains open means more natural light and therefore less electricity. The tint also prevents some of the sun’s heat from entering, so in the warmer months you will save on air conditioning bills.
With all these and more reasons, it is easy to see why so many people are opting to get their windows tinted in their homes and offices. If you are interested you can install your own window tint cheaply, or get a professional company like SolarGraph Window Tinting in Sydney to give you a quote and ensure that the job is done perfectly.
What are the cons of tinted windows?
There are downsides to pretty much everything, and window tinting is no exception. Take a look at some of the cons of tinted windows and see if on balance, you feel that choosing to get your windows done is the right move for you:
- Loss of warranty – many window companies will void your warranty if you do anything to alter your windows, including applying window tint. This could risk becoming very expensive if something did happen and your windows had to be replaced. Make sure to check your individual policy before making any changes to your windows.
- You need the right windows – some types of glass and window films are not compatible, so make sure you do your research or ask an experienced company for advice before you attempt to install the tint.
- Less worthwhile in colder regions – if you live somewhere that doesn’t see much sun, you may find that many of the benefits like energy saving and UV protection don’t really apply to you.
- You need the right kind of film – it can be difficult to decide exactly what kind of tint you want for your windows. You could opt for something more decorative or something that is purely for solar protection, or a mix of several options. Once you have picked your tint, it is essential that you get a film that is of the right quality.
- Installation can be a little tricky – if you aren’t sure how to go about it, or have bought an inferior product, installing your window tint can quickly become a nightmare. You can get air bubbles trapped, overlap lines, and generally end up with a final result far worse than if you had just left your window alone.
Many of these cons can be overcome simply by doing your research, taking the time to really think about what you want and then finding it, and allowing a professional window tinting company to do the job for you.
If you still are not sure which kind of window tint, if any, is for you, contact a reputable company near you today and ask for their advice.
How long does glass tint last on a window?
Finally, you will want to know how long you can expect your window tint to last once you install it. Some homeowners will be happy to hear that it is not a permanent treatment – window film does come off and so you can change your mind about it later.
You will find that the longevity of your window tint depends largely on the quality level of the tint you installed in the first place, among other factors. Standard or average window film can be expected to last roughly five years, sometimes a little longer, which can be a good thing if you aren’t sure if you want your windows tinted for life.
The very highest quality window tints can last upwards of 20 years, so again you should do your research and decide which kind of tint you want, and if it is worth spending more now to save on having to reinstall more tint in a few years’ time.
Final thoughts
Window tint has a huge amount of benefits, including saving you money on your bills and providing an extra level of security, privacy, and protection from the sun. While there are some downsides, getting your tint installed professionally can overcome most of them without any hassle, and you can soon find yourself with fantastic window film that lasts and lasts.
