Home Window Tinting: How to Choose the Best Window Tint for Your House
There are many fantastic benefits you'll get from tinting your home windows. Read more as we explain how to select the best window tint and the different types.
If you're like most homeowners, you want to get more from your windows. In any case, windows are a fantastic source of natural light. But they also contribute to heat gain and heat loss, accounting for 25-30% of your home's heating and cooling needs.
Furthermore, many homeowners dislike the lack of privacy provided by their windows. This is where window tinting comes into play. Having your home windows tinted provides a number of advantages, one of which is increased privacy!
However, one frequently asked question by homeowners is, "What is the best window tint percentage for my house?"
Since every home is unique—and because everybody has various goals for their home window tinting—it's impossible to provide a simple answer.
However, a few aspects can assist you in weighing your options and determining the best types of window tints for your needs. Read on as we take a closer look at them now.
Consider Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
Before purchasing window tints for your home, you must understand the VLT percentage. You may be tempted to think the percentage listed for a window tint is a measure of the level of darkness of the tint.
However, VLT percentage simply measures the amount of light that a window film will allow to pass through your window. The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint. Thus, a film with a 0 percent VLT will be a total blackout.
So, how do you choose window tint VLT percentage?
First, you must look at the two options; the quoted VLT and reflectivity percentage. The two options will help you know how the tint will appear and the amount of light that will pass through.
Consider Their Insulation Capabilities
Are you considering improving your home's energy efficiency?
Then, you should get a film that is designed for insulation. These films are thick, but not as much as you would expect with the film designed for security.
Insulations tints block 99 percent of UV rays from the sun, which enable them to regulate temperatures in your rooms. Despite blocking a large percent of UV rays, insulation tints will still permit plenty of light in your house.
Additionally, insulation films will still prevent your furniture from fading.
Choose the films mainly with a copper or silver coatings design. However, it is essential to ensure the film is compatible with the glass type to avoid damaging the seal.
Privacy Enhancement
If your neighbors can look directly through your windows, it is time you consider enhancing your privacy.
If you want windows tints mainly for privacy purposes, you must choose a double reflective window with a VLT of 20 percent or below. Such stains will also be great for your large windows, without blinds or curtains.
Despite blocking people from seeing your interiors, the best home window tint will still allow you to see outside clearly. Darker options can be an excellent option for some areas in your home, like bathrooms, entrances, or bedrooms.
Improve Home Security
Apart from cameras and security alarms, you can still prevent criminal attacks on your home by using security films. These films provide you with tangible protection against criminal activities that involve unauthorized access to your house.
When choosing a window tint for security, consider a film with a thickness not less than 8 mils. It is a durable option that will add a layer of protection to your glass window and keep away potential burglars.
Thinks About Aesthetics
Window tints can indeed complement the look and the theme of your home.
It would be best to choose decorative tints not only for aesthetics, but also for their functionality. For instance, when your house has a lot of green plants, it would be logical to go for dark shades.
However, before choosing a tint for aesthetics, always remember to consider your walls, furniture, and flooring. This will ensure the choice of color matches your living space.
You can get any color or pattern to give your home a unique look. However, decorative films are expensive than any other film. Some colors and patterns may also block your view.
Do You Wants Tints for Redirecting Sunlight?
Do you have a room window that faces the sun directly?
When the sun rays enter your room through a specific window, they will make your home heat up and thus increasing the cost of cooling. Furthermore, sunlight may make you feel uncomfortable, since you can't read or watch your favorite TV show.
You can consider a window tint with a VLT of about 20 percent to prevent such situations. It will bring a good balance by blocking some sun rays while allowing enough in.
Consider Reducing Glare
Is the sun glaring into your room and hindering your productivity or focus?
Well, you can reduce much of the light that comes through your window by installing a glare control film. These tints are the best option homeowners can use on any sunny window. It will block most sunlight and make you comfortable while working with monitors.
Glare control tints reduce visible light, while allowing natural light to pass through your windows. Choose a film with a VLT ranging between 10 to 15 percent if you want a window tint that will effectively control glares.
Choose the Best Window Tint Today
The best window tint for your home is one that matches your need and is compatible with your glass. However, you must have a clear idea of what you want for your windows. However, you can hire professionals who will not only help you choose the right film, but also with the installation.
At EcoArc Home & Office Window Tinting, we are a professional residential and commercial window tinting company operating in Western North Carolina, East Tennessee, and Upstate Southern Carolina areas. We install quality films to enhance your home's appearance, comfort, and functionality.
Contact us today to get a free estimate.
