We have written a lot about the benefits of a home window tint in the past. If you have done any amount of research on a home window tint, you know that reduced energy usage is a huge driving factor for people who choose to have a tinting service done on their house. Heating and cooling bills can be drastically decreased while still allowing natural light into your home without damaging UV rays. During the hot summer months we have here in Nashville, tinted windows help homes retain the cool air put out from air conditioners, reducing daily utility costs by several dollars in some cases. Here is a look at the different types of home window tints and how they differ:
Dyed Window Tint Film
Dyed film is more common on vehicles than on houses, but can still be used to block out sun rays. Dyed tint is cost-effective and uses a dye place next to the adhesive of a tint film before being applied to the window. The dye absorbs a portion of solar heat without letting it pass through a window. It will typically appear opaque and dark from the outside.
Metallized Window Film
Metallized film uses small metallic particles that are impossible to see to deflect light away. Metallized film is often used in areas where natural disasters are more likely as the metallic particles actually strengthen the window as well. However, the metal content in the film can disrupt GPS and cell phone transmission, one of the reasons that it is becoming less popular.
Carbon Window Tint Film
A carbon window tint is the next step up from a metalized window tint. Rather than metal, this type of film uses a carbon particle mixed in, so it does not harm any satellite communication. Carbon film offers all the same benefits of dyed and metalized film, but blocks a higher percentage of sun rays and does not fade as easily over time.
Ceramic Window Films
Ceramic is the gold standard when it comes to window films. It is not dyed or made of metal like most other films are. Ceramic film works by using nanotechnology to combine many small particles to absorb light rays, preventing penetration and reducing glare. Ceramic window films are the most durable, having no fade over time. Many people love ceramic film because of its health benefits. The best ceramic films block out 99% of UV rays that can lead to wrinkling or skin cancer. It also performs the best at protecting furniture from fading. What isn’t there to love about ceramic window films?
Those are the four major types of window tint. Here are different applications of how they are used in the home:
Solar Control Film
Solar, or heat controlling films are a very popular type of window film in warm cities like Nashville, and are typically the main reason that people will have their home windows tinted. Solar control films can be any variety of material, and allow sunlight to come in while keeping harmful UV rays out. With solar control films, you benefit from the Vitamin D the sun provides while keeping your home cooler than you would with a traditional window.
Frosted Window Film for Privacy
This type of window film is used primarily in bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Frosted windows are a nice touch in bathrooms as they eliminate the need for curtains that can be damaged over time and make a room feel smaller. A nice thing about using frosted film for privacy is you can choose which panels you want frosted and which ones you don’t.
Mirror Window Film for Privacy
Mirrored films are applied to the exterior of houses so that people can’t look directly into a room. If you have a bedroom facing the street or a large living room window on the front side of your house, this can be a nice touch. Mirrored films still allow light in, but keep peering eyes out.
Decorative Window Films
These are not the most practical films for heat blocking and cool air retention, but are rather designed to be a defining design feature in your home. Decorative window films are a classy and subtle way to express an artistic style without being overly obnoxious or colorful. Often times they are used on interior windows in doorways.
Home Window Tinting in Tennessee
There are a variety of pricing options and applications when it comes to window tinting for homes. If you have any questions about which type of film would be best for what you want to accomplish in your home, reach out to us! We are happy to work with people in the Nashville area to do our part in making their home a comfortable place.