If you are considering the use of tinted window film for your home, ask yourself these questions. Do you live in a home with old, energy-inefficient windows? Have you gotten an estimate for installing the newest energy-efficient windows and been dismayed by the cost? This might be a sign to consider the use of tinted window film.
Treating windows with the right window film is one of the easiest and most economical ways to boost energy efficiency. But that’s not all. Certain types of window films are equipped with additional benefits for added reinforcement, UV protection, security, and safety. Here are some of the advantages of having a professional treat your existing windows with the proper type of film.
The Advantages to Consider
Different films provide different features and advantages. Here are some of the features that you can benefit from with tinted window film.
Prevent Property Damage from UV Rays
Have you ever noticed how curtains, drapes, and upholstered furniture near the windows fade over time? This damage is the result of prolonged UV exposure to the sun. To combat this from occurring, some window film products deliver 99.9% UV blocking capabilities.
Protect Your Own Health
While typical window glass can block a certain type of UV rays (UVB) half of the sun’s ultra-violet light is in the form of UVA. Even while enjoying Florida’s delightful sun inside your home, without blocking more of the UV rays you are putting yourself at further risk for exposure damage and skin cancer.
Block Infrared Solar Energy that Causes Heat Gain
Anyone living in Florida knows the massive impact of a sunny window on increasing the temperature inside on a summer afternoon. If you are sitting by a window receiving direct sunlight, it’s going to feel like an oven. That is unless the window is equipped with a tinted solar-reflective film. Such products are designed to block 97% of infrared light, which in turn can minimize the heat gain all while enhancing comfort, saving money on energy bills, and extending the life of your air conditioning system.
Control Energy Leaks and Loss of Conditioned Air
With products like 3M™ Thinsulate™, low emissivity capabilities improve the insulation value of a typical single-pane window close to that of a double-pane window, and of a double-pane comparable to that of a triple-pane. This advanced yet invisible insulation technology helps retain the cool air or the heat during the rare weeks of colder weather in Florida.
Bring the Outdoors in Safely
Another common feature found in certain types of window film is lowered interior and exterior reflectivity. In essence, this feature enhances outdoor viewing from the inside while maintaining an attractive look from the outside. It can also reduce the glare experienced inside making it more comfortable to watch TV or work on a computer screen during daylight.
Redirect Natural Sunlight Deeper into Your Home
With daylight redirecting window film, as much as 80% of sunlight can be redirected up onto the ceiling, casting light as deep as 40 feet from the window into a room. In fact, according to 3M™, there’s a link between enhanced natural light and increased productivity and mood. Hospitals have even shown improved patient recovery with daylighting effects from such window film. Imagine, a window film that can lift your spirits, give you energy, and make you feel healthier.
Enhanced Safety and Security
Some window treatments are able to provide all the previous benefits as well as added protection against forced break-ins and natural disasters. Not only do these safety and security films prevent shattering, but if a window breaks, the film helps hold the glass together, thereby preventing flying shards from causing injury. Break-resistant glass can also thwart a burglary attempt as these films will deter threats immediately.
Take Advantage of Energy Tax Credits
While a lot of homeowners see the energy-saving benefits of investing in window tint, they don’t always take into consideration additional opportunities to recoup their investment. Under current legislation, the US Department of Energy allows you to claim up to 30% of the cost of a qualified product, including installation fees.
The Disadvantages of Tinting Home Windows
Not all tinted window films are created equal – selecting the right window treatment is critical. Not only is it important to choose the proper window film for your needs but cutting costs with a cheaper tinted film can limit the benefits of heat retention, sun control, UV blocking, and other aspects that might be important to you. The disadvantage of cost-cutting is increased when homeowners try to do it themselves without the guidance and skill of a professional window film installation company like Total Shield Protection.
Certain Films Can Invalidate the Window Manufacturer’s Warranty
Home window tinting might help create an energy-efficient home by regulating the inside temperature, however, some tints and films might void the window. For this reason, it is important to work with a professional dealer and installer who offer a window film that replaces the window manufacturer’s warranty.
Depending on the Size of Your Home, Film Can Be Costly
There are considerable costs with any home improvement project. Window film installation or tinting is no exception. For larger homes, a professional installation might cost several thousands of dollars in total. However, when you factor in the long-term energy savings with such an investment, the payback can be as soon as just a few years.
Is Tinted Window Film Worth It?
We think the choice should be obvious when you consider all the benefits. From improving the energy-efficiency, safety, and security of your windows to enhancing UV protection for humans and property, and visibility to the outdoors, the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages. This is so when the choice you’ve made is for certain window film products that deliver on these capabilities and provide years of ROI.
Our window film installation services and options include:
Residential and commercial window film installation
A variety of shades, colors, and strengths of tint for decorative, security and solar protection. Yes, you can select a film that serves all three purposes.
Total Shield Protection is your trusted source for solar rejection, impact resistant, and privacy window film installations as well as professional window washing, pressure washing, and paver sealing.
Home Guide to Residential and Commercial Window Film Services
This informational resource is a home guide that contains everything you need to know about window film installation services, all in one place. It is designed to enable residential and commercial property owners to make informed decisions when it comes to investing in window film.
We’ll teach you about the different types of window film, the benefits of window film installation, and also provide valuable insight on how to find superior service providers that will get the job done to your satisfaction both efficiently and affordably.
Download this Free Resource on Choosing Window Film and Tinting for Your Home
Our Service Area
Total Shield is currently providing services in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Osprey, Port Charlotte, North Port, St. Pete, Nokomis, Englewood, Punta Gorda, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Parrish, Riverview, Brandon, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Seffner, Seminole Heights, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs, Zephyrhills, Myakka, and Arcadia.
