Block harmful rays without losing the views
As much as we love our bay windows and sliding glass doors, the many types of window tint for homes can take windows to the next level. Window tints either adhere or spray onto existing glass, increasing your home's security, efficiency, or style. You can even tint your house windows yourself if you're ready for a meticulous task. Let's walk through each type of window tint for home windows and the benefits of each.
While there are several types of window glass strong enough to withstand impact, installing new window glass is not always an option. Security window film adds extra strength to vulnerable windows to prevent shattering and breakage from intruders or extreme weather. This is one of the thickest films you'll find on the market. In addition to strengthening the glass, security window tint often keeps outsiders from being able to see inside your home as well.
Keep in mind that some darker tints can lower visibility for you as well, but most do not affect the amount of natural light your house gets. Most window tints cost between $2 and $14 per square foot, but hiring a professional local window tinter will push it to the higher end of the range.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strengthens window glass | May limit visibility |
| Reduces shattering | No UV protection |
| Can increase privacy | Can be costly |
Best for: Single-pane flat or float glass that requires extra security
The Department of Energy notes that we lose up to 30% of our home's heat from our windows. In addition to sealing windows and doors for the winter, adding an insulating window tint can help in cold climates as well. Some brands note that they can lower utility bills by as much as 40% by adding an extra layer to keep out cold drafts. Keep in mind that regions with both cold winters and very hot summers—such as the Northeast—should consider dual-purpose tints that work in both seasons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Keeps out drafts | May limit visibility |
| Lowers heating bills | Not ideal for all seasons |
| May include other features |
Best for: Homes in cold climates with minimal window insulation
Heat-control window film is one of the most popular types of window tints for homes. Similar to low-E windows, low-E window tint or other heat-controlling films block out solar heat by blocking UV and infrared rays. These rays can both raise the temperature inside your home and damage wooden floors or furniture. At the same time, low-E window tint will still allow short-wave sunlight to come through the window, maintaining the same sunny look to your home.
Low-E windows are one of the best ways to efficiently cool your home without making major changes. And while you'll see better results by installing low-E window glass in most cases, low-E window film is a great option for existing windows.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cools your home | Can be expensive |
| Blocks UV rays | Not ideal for cold winters |
| Allows light through |
Best for: Hot climates and properties with direct sun
A new window tint will take on average one to two weeks to fully cure. During this time, follow the manufacturer's guidelines closely when it comes to cleaning and using the window.
Whether the afternoon sun is affecting your work-from-home scene or keeping you from seeing the TV screen, this type of window tint may be for you. Glare-blocking window tint removes the harsh reflection from surfaces when the sun dips at a specific angle. Not only is this nicer on your eyes, but it can keep you from having to lower the shades every afternoon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lowers eye strain | Can lower visibility |
| Reduces reflective light | Not strong enough for all levels of light |
| Ideal for home offices |
Best for: Home offices and living rooms with TV or computer screens
Many homeowners choose window tints for their privacy-enhancing features. Either by dimming or reflecting light coming through a window, privacy window tints keep people on the street from seeing inside your house. Most brands offer varieties that minimally limit the visibility from indoors, but the percentages vary. You can also choose types of window tints that enhance privacy both during the day and night. These options allow homeowners with large windows or with first-floor street-facing windows to keep their privacy without losing natural light.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes in many styles | May lower visibility |
| Decreases external visibility | Can be costly |
| Enhances security |
Best for: Homes in busy areas
While decorative types of window tints are a bit more common for commercial buildings, there are some great options for residential homes as well. Tints that imitate stained, frosted, or etched glass can enhance both interior and exterior windows. They can also increase privacy in rooms such as the bathroom or bedroom without sacrificing all of the natural light.
In some cases, decorative window tints benefit the view from the inside of your home as well. If you have a window that faces a fence, brick wall, or highway, window tints can obscure the view for a more peaceful inside setting. Additionally, it's also a great temporary option, which is crucial when considering window films vs. tinted glass.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly customizable | May lower visibility |
| Enhances curb appeal | Doesn't block UV light |
| Blocks unsightly views |
Best for: Homeowners who want a style boost
