Window tinting is an excellent solution to solve a myriad of sun-related issues in a home. When it comes to window tinting, most homeowners want to reduce the amount of heat and glare that comes through the windows while gaining added privacy from prying eyes. Window tinting is an effective and economical solution for homeowners to reduce their air conditioning costs and protect their furnishings from sun damage. Buying window tint films can get complex when you don't know what to look for. Luckily, this guide is designed to help you consider these essential features when buying window tint films for the windows in your home.

A Film that Reflects Glare and Reduces Heat in the Home –– Reflective Films

While all window tint films have a degree of reflection, reflective silver and bronze films reflect harsh sunlight back outside while offering enhanced privacy in the day. You can reduce the amount of heat in your home drastically without your home feeling dark. Window tinting can block up to 80 percent of heat from spreading through your home. Reflective window tint films will easily reflect solar energy from the window. But they can make the home feel dark, as they block out the sun. New reflective window films are being designed to reflect sun glare effectively, while retaining sufficient light needed for indoor comfort. The window glass must be thoroughly cleaned before applying the film, because reflective window tinting films show imperfections more than non-reflective films.

A Film that Controls UV Rays from Entering the Home –– Solar Films

Nearly 99 percent of all non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by excess UV radiation. So you'll naturally want to block as much as possible from entering your home. High performance solar window tinting films can keep harmful UV rays out by up to 99 percent –– effectively protecting you from the harmful rays while you're indoors. Solar films contain a dye that absorbs solar radiation before it enters the home. Solar films come in a range of colours from transparent to dark grey.

A Film for Providing Added Safety to Glass –– Safety Films

Safety window tinting films are visually transparent and clear –– allowing some degree of light to come through the window, while fortifying the glass so it isn't as delicate. Safety films contain elastic components that hold the glass in place, even if it breaks. Thicker safety films are naturally stronger and will reinforce the glass more securely.

What to Buy?

Homeowners should assess their priorities before choosing window tinting films –– but most would ideally like a combination of all these features to protect their windows. Newer solar-control films on the market offer reflective and safety features for superior thermal performance and visibility. Newer window tinting films should meet all these standards.

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