One great way to make your home look fresh and new without spending a lot of money is by adding a tint to your windows. This easy and affordable home renovation offers several benefits without a lot of work or expense. Tinted windows look classy and will save you money when it comes to home heating and cooling, too.
There are a few things you should know before adding home window tint, however. This is a project that will take time, effort, and research before you start. In the end, you will be happy with the results if you take the time to learn all you need to know before you start.
Read on to learn five important things you should know before tinting your home windows. Soon, you will be enjoying this fantastic upgrade and your neighbors will be so impressed that they, too, will want to follow suit.
Table of Contents
1. Types of Window Tint Film
There are three different types of home window tint. Each offers different benefits and is installed for a different reason.
Depending on your needs, you will want to choose the one that is right for you. This window film guide is very helpful in determining which is best for your situation but read on for a short summary.
Solar Window Tint Film
The goal of solar window tint is to increase energy efficiency. This type of window tint is a medium thickness and absorbs or reflects up to 99% of the sun’s UV rays. This helps homeowners to keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter without experiencing any massive fluctuations.
Further, solar window tint helps to reduce glare and protects home furnishings, art, and photos from fading. It also makes your home more comfortable year-round. You can purchase this type of tint in several different shades—which you choose is up to you, and you will likely want to choose one that complements your decor.
Window Tint Film for Security
Many people install window tint in their homes for security reasons. Whether you live in a home that is very close to your neighbors or one that is rather close to a main thoroughfare, you probably don’t want people outside looking in. This type of window tint is thick and dark and will keep activities inside hidden from the outside world.
Unlike solar window tint, security window tint does not absorb or reflect much heat, so it won’t be much help in decreasing your utility bills. However, it goes a step further in providing security to you and your family; if someone tries to break the window, it will hold it together rather than allowing it to shatter. This may be enough to stop a possible intruder in his tracks.
Decorative Window Tint Film
Decorative window tint does not provide any of the benefits of the solar or security tint, but its job is to look nice, and it certainly does. Many people choose decorative window tint to add a frosted look to add color that matches the overall look of the house.
Like security tint, some types will keep prying eyes from looking inside. Even so, it really is dependent on which design you choose—not all of them are successful in meeting this potential goal.
2. Window Tint Film and Warranty
Once you’ve decided on which type of window tint film is right for you, you should be aware that installing it may threaten your window warranty. If you have had windows installed recently, and the warranty is still valid, you will want to read the fine print before moving forward.
If you have an older house, you have nothing to worry about. But if you want to take advantage of your newer window warranty, you may want to skip the window tint for now.
3. Do It Yourself
Installing home window tint yourself is easy. It may seem overwhelming at first, but once you have done a window or two, you will see that there is really no need to hire expensive professional help to complete this project.
There are many guides and videos online that can walk you through the process, but the steps are really very simple. First, wipe down your windows with a lint-free cloth and make sure all dust and streaks are removed. Apply a solution of baby shampoo and water to the windows to make them shine.
Next, cut the window film you purchased to the proper size with a sharp utility knife, leaving 1/2 inch around the edges for error. Remove the adhesive backing from the tint and start at the top of the window. Work your way down and press out any bubbles. A squeegee or credit card will help with this process.
It will take four to eight days for the film to cure and then you can trim around the edges. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to know when the time has come.
4. Try Temporary Options for Home Window Tint
If you are unsure about whether or not you want window tint on your windows forever, or if you are a renter, you may want to try a temporary window tint film product.
There are fully temporary types of window film that can easily be moved and used again elsewhere. There are also semi-permanent types that can be removed with some effort. These may leave a residue that you will also have to remove.
Each of these is a great solution if you want to try it out for a short time to see if you like it before purchasing a permanent option.
5. Affordability
Adding home window tint is very affordable, especially if you install it yourself. However, even if you want to have someone else put it on, it is a far cheaper alternative to replacing your windows overall.
It’s also much more affordable than buying custom window shades for your windows if you want to block the sun or prying eyes. Too few people consider this wonderful option when trying to figure out how to renovate their home on a budget.
Happy Tinting
Home window tint can help you to breathe new life into your home while saving money on renovations. It looks great and is functional, too. No matter which kind you choose, and whether or not you decide to install it yourself, you’re going to be thrilled with the results.
For more great ways to update your space, make sure to read through the rest of our site.
