If you reside in Nevada, window tinting is a wise investment, but not just for your car. Getting a window tint installed for your home can benefit you in more ways than one. With summer approaching fast, you need to protect yourself from that blazing invasive sun.
It’s essential to get your daily dose of vitamin D, but you also need to take all things in moderation. After all, stepping indoors should give you a break from the sun. Learn everything you need to know about home window tinting and arm yourself and your home correctly.
What Is Home Window Tinting?
Window tinting is a thin film applied to existing windows to help improve energy efficiency, protect from UV rays, and keep temperatures steady. Instead of installing brand new, expensive energy-efficient windows, you can have window tint installed as a low-cost alternative.
Different Films, Different Benefits
You can install three different window tints in your home: solar, security, and decorative. Each one serves a specific purpose and provides a distinct benefit. Ideally, you would want home window tinting in Las Vegas to provide all three benefits.
Solar Protection
Manufacturers recommend the solar film if your main goal is to improve the energy efficiency in your home. This tint is thicker than the decorative film but thinner than the security option. The solar film absorbs and reflects up to 99 percent of UV rays from the sun, protecting you from direct sunlight and further limiting the risk of cancer-causing UV radiation indoors.
In addition to UV ray protection, the film helps regulates the indoor temperature, so your home’s rooms stay cool in the summer. You won’t have to adjust the central air conditioner temperatures constantly. Tinting residential property windows immediately improves the energy efficiency in your home by keeping it at a constant temperature.
The solar film also reduces glare and protects your furniture from experiencing wear and tear. The UV rays can cause fading on your furnishing and flooring, but the film’s reflective property prevents this issue.
Home Security
Security film provides protection in two ways. First, the film protects you and your home from experiencing window damage due to storms. Second, the tint discourages burglars from approaching and entering your home.
This film is the thickest of the three and offers the most protection. In case of a storm or a home invasion, the film prevents the window from shattering completely. The tint does not prevent forceable entry, but it does hold the glass in place longer.
With this film, you also get more privacy because it limits the view of your home from the outside, which discourages thieves or nosy neighbors from peeking in.
Decorative Appearance
Decorative film is the thinnest of all the films, and it mainly serves one purpose: enhancing your home’s beauty. The film absorbs and reflects minimal heat, but it does give your home a sleek and sophisticated look. Like the security film, it also adds some privacy to your home, which is always a plus.
Manufacturers mainly sell this tint as a transparent or bold-colored film in various patterns. If you want to add an exterior design to your home, consider the decorative film and get the extra privacy as a bonus.
Film and Glass Compatibility
Because each film offers different benefits, not all windows can match up with each film’s unique purpose. Fortunately, security and decorative films block minimal heat and don’t place much thermal stress on windows.
If you have windows that can’t handle this pressure, focus on only installing security or decorative film. Manufacturers will tell you to apply these films solely to basic flat glass windows, heat-treated windows, and insulating windows. Check with your manufacturer to see which type of windows you have in your home.
Insulating consists of two layers of glass with an intervening layer of air. These windows will experience minimal risk or damage with security or decorative film. If you have trouble determining which film is best for your glass, remember that heat-treated windows tolerate exposure to high temperatures. Remember, some windows can withstand the heat, and others cannot.
Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?
Technically speaking, you can install window tint yourself, but we don’t recommend this. The installation process requires meticulous attention to detail and knowledge of the shades and even the type of windows you have. Always go with a professional with delicate jobs like this.
Furthermore, installing film has many moving parts, from properly washing your windows with the correct shampoo to cutting and measuring the film correctly and adhering to the backing to the windowpane.
There is an art to window tint installation, and professionals went into this business for a reason. Professional teams like the experts at Blackjack Window Tinting won’t use the wrong film or accidentally crack your costly double pane windows. Instead of risking any DIY mistakes, choose a team you trust to get the job done right.
Check Your Window Warranty
Some window tint installation could void your window manufacturer’s warranty. Check the contract before making any decisions. Keep in mind any rules and guidelines the film manufacturer has for film installation to avoid denied damage claims.
Accidents happen every day, and you wouldn’t want your windows to fall subject to one only to find you have no coverage.
Care and Maintenance
With proper installation and care, window film can last up to 10 or even 15 years. Continue to clean your windows as usual but stay away from abrasive chemicals that could potentially damage the film.
Consider trading in paper towels for soft sponges and using natural chemicals instead of harsher alternatives. Liquids like vinegar, water, and dish soap should do the trick. Use a squeegee to get any extra water or polish off.
Let the tint cure thoroughly before the first wash. You wouldn’t want to disturb the installation process before completion. For additional protection, apply silicone polish annually and make the warranty on the film last even longer than 15 years. Your tint can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Lastly, look out for any slight moisture from the installation process causing your windows to fog up. In about a day or two, that issue should clear up. If not, call your manufacturers and notify them.
Blackjack Window Tinting offers high-quality services that protect your home from that unforgiving Vegas sun. We can tell you everything you need to know about all types of window tinting. For more information on how window tinting can protect your home, visit our website.
