The Best Window Film for Tinting (2021)

After being in the industry for over 50 years, our team often gets asked:

Is tinting house windows worth it?

We absolutely think so, but we don’t want you to just take our word for it. We understand your concern that this is a financial investment, so we want to put your mind at ease before you commit.

From privacy protection to reducing heat and lowering your utility costs, this article covers all the benefits that come with tinting your home and business windows.

18 Benefits of Window Tinting for Residential and Commercial Buildings

1. Prevents the entry of UV rays into a room

The majority of window films offer a 99.9% UV rejection without compromising the ability of light to pass through. There will be very little change to the crystal clear views you had prior to applying the film.

It should be noted that a small amount of low-grade interior-applied films offer 96% UV rejection. This is because their adhesives are lower grade and they don’t have high-quality UV inhibitors within the adhesive.

Most of the exterior-applied films have 99.9% UV protection as well but some will have a 96% UV rejection if the quality is inferior.

2. Protects your eyes and skin from harmful UV rays

All window films are medically rated and have received the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation as they are efficient in blocking 99.9% of UV rays.

The uv light film works as a sun filter, or virtual sunscreen, to protect your eyes and skin from UVA rays, which are the primary contributors to skin cancer. It’s like sunglasses for your windows!

Window films also help reduce sunburns, wrinkles, and sunspots on the skin.

3. Improves window efficiency and increases energy savings

According to the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences at Penn State University, “Windows lose more heat per square foot of area in winter and gain more heat in summer than any other surface in the home.” Some sources estimate that 25 to 30% of energy is lost through the windows alone.

Consider the fact that about 15 to 20% of the surface area of a home’s walls are windows— the percentage may be significantly higher in commercial buildings. Now, think about how much energy is being lost through your windows…probably a lot!

The good news is that window film is very good at reducing temperature fluctuations while improving energy efficiency. It basically acts as a layer of insulation, therefore homes and commercial buildings that have had window film installed will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Exterior window films tend to be a better option for those seeking the most heat rejection with the lowest risk of seal or thermal fracture. These films have the lowest heat absorption rate, making them a much safer film option for laminated and old annealed glass panels.

Eventually, the cost of having the film installed will pay for itself. The savings in your annual cooling and heating costs will be reflected on your electricity bill. There’s an approximate 15 to 30% savings, depending on the size of the home or building.

Another added benefit is the extended shelf life of heating and cooling units, which are likely to be used less frequently and therefore require less maintenance.

4. Reduces sunlight glare

Glare cannot be avoided altogether but it can be greatly reduced by films.
This, in turn, reduces the strain on your eyes and makes it easier (and more comfortable) to work on the computer, use your mobile phone, and watch TV.

Dark window films are used to reduce glare. Generally, window films with a 15%,10%, and 5% visible light transmission provide the best glare reduction for both commercial and residential applications. Dual-reflective window film with high exterior reflectivity is ideal because it reduces the amount of light coming in while providing the most glare reduction.

Professional installation of window film is highly recommended when wanting a darker tint, often darker window films have higher amounts of heat absorption and for dual pane windows that can be inssue.

The downfalls of installing the wrong window film on home windows can include seal failure, low e coating failure, and glass breakage.

Hiring a professional who is licensed and insured can avoid costly damage.

5. Improves aesthetics

Window film enhances the appearance of any home or building. Window tinting films provide a clean, natural, and professional look from both the inside and outside. They come in a variety of colors and shades (from invisible to dark).

Contrary to popular belief window films don’t have to be dark to reduce heat, block harmful rays, and can even help homeowners and building owners save thousands of dollars by avoiding unnecessary spend for new windows.

If you want to keep your windows clear, you can, with clear ceramic window films.

Decorative window films make a window look like it has etched glass. Because of the wide variety of options and solutions provided by decorative window films, there are thousands of variations and options to choose from. You can even have these films custom printed with your logos and signage.

6. Protects furnishings, merchandise, artificial turf, and vinyl siding

Window film helps protect rugs, carpets, hardwood floors, curtains, artwork, interior decorations, furniture, and other merchandise from dislocation. Fading is a process that occurs no matter what but because window film blocks 99.9% of UV rays, it will significantly reduce the fading process and increase the lifetime of your valuables and hard-earned possessions.

Untreated windows allow heat, UV, and visible light to wreak havoc on often expensive items such as paintings, leather, taxidermy, hardwood floors, and many more.

The Best Window tint films will block 99.99% of ultraviolet light removing over 40% of the sun’s damaging effects that fade valuables. Darker films block out visible light that contributes 25% of fading, and heat reduction films block out infrared light, the primary cause of heat gain, reducing 25% of the fading effects that the sun has on valuables. As you can see, window film installation is a great way to protect furnishings merchandise.

Businesses can greatly benefit from the solar protection window film provides to extend the longevity of their supplies and inventory, as well as those who have invested inexpensive furniture.

Turf Shield Window Film protects your artificial turf, natural grass, and vinyl siding from melting or shrinking by reducing the sun’s damaging reflection off of your home or business’ windows.

7. Boosts privacy

Certain window films provide daytime privacy and are good options for the rooms that face the sidewalk or street, such as bedrooms and bathrooms.

The best films for privacy are typically those that are reflective, dark, opaque, or translucent (semi-private). These films help reduce the transfer of light, thereby making offices and homes that are dimmer than that of the exterior light appear more private. Keep in mind that the opposite effect occurs during the night-time hours, especially when the interior lights are turned on at night.

Decorative films provide a layer of privacy for offices and conference rooms.
Generally, these films are installed on the interior for commercial offices, but they’re also a great storefront signage option. As before-mentioned, there are a wide variety of decorative films to choose from.

8. Safety benefits and shattered glass protection

Security film is designed to prevent the glass from shattering when it breaks. While it doesn’t protect the glass itself from breaking, it holds all the pieces and shards of glass together.

In other words, the glass becomes a safety barrier between the exterior and interior of a home or business. This can be extremely beneficial in the event of an attempted burglary or natural disaster.

Not all films have the same strength and breaking durability. Security window films are designed for blast mitigation as well as intruder delay. Solar and decorative window films are not designed for impact.

9. Crime deterrent

Privacy and security films are highly recommended for homes and businesses, especially those that are located in busy areas.

Privacy films reduce the view from the outside to the inside, therefore help to protect your valuables from being seen by prying eyes. Potential intruders will be less motivated to steal from you if the interior is obscured and they can’t see what you own.

Security film protects doors and windows from a strong impact force and makes it difficult for thieves to enter.

Anti-graffiti films are designed to protect windows from vandalism. These films provide a sacrificial layer that can be applied to glass and other smooth surfaces. They are specifically intended to be scratched, etched, and painted, thereby protecting the surface they are attached to. Because these films are sacrificial, they are manufactured to be removed and replaced every 3-5 years.

10. Insurance benefits

Security window film is eligible for discounts through some insurance companies because it helps to further secure a home or building.

11. Easy to install and replace

Film acts like a surface coating and can be applied to the interior or exterior of a window.

The installation and removal process is easy and hassle-free. If the film ever needs to be removed, the window will not be damaged.

12. Fast and time-efficient installation

Installations typically take 3-6 hours but depending on the amount of windows this timeframe can increase well beyond a few hours. For commercial window film applications, it can take several days or months to complete.

Keep in mind that some films require a silicone sealant in which the completion of the project may have to be extended for an additional 14 to 30 days. This process requires that the film cures before the silicon is applied. The silicone sealant is primarily used on exterior films.

In any case, installing window film is much faster than replacing an entire set of windows. A major benefit is that you will not need to move your belongings out of the room they’re in and you’ll see the results immediately after the installation is complete.

13. Cost-effective upgrade

Installing window film is considerably cheaper than replacing all the windows of a home or commercial building.

14. Easy to clean

It’s easy to take care of windows with protected film but you still have to use caution because they’re not scratch impervious. Here are a few tips for post-installation care:

– DO NOT CLEAN, TOUCH, OR APPLY ANY OBJECT TO THE FILM FOR 30 DAYS AFTER INSTALLATION. Allow 30 to 90 days for curing to take place. In some environments, the film will dry faster, and we encourage you to keep all the windows closed as much as possible during this time.

– Use an ammonia-free solution for cleaning. You can make your own window film cleaning solution by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of Dawn dish-soap with 16 ounces of water. This is the best for your windows, however, if you prefer to buy glass cleaner, purchase an ammonia-free window cleaning solution, such as Ammonia-Free Windex or Ammonia-Free Spray Away.

– It’s recommended to use a squeegee for cleaning but be gentle. There is a hard-coat and scratch-resistant coating on each one of our films that needs to stay intact or else it loses its impermeability.

– Do NOT pressure wash.

15. Long-lasting solution

Window film is made from high-quality materials.

Interior window films have a longer life expectancy as they are not exposed to the elements (fallout, wind, heat, and water).

Exterior and anti-graffiti window films have lower life expectancy as they are inherently designed to be sacrificial layers.

You can maximize the lifespan of window film by keeping it clean and by avoiding sharp objects from poking and/or scratching the film.

16. Environmentally friendly

Commercial and residential HVAC systems have been found to be one of the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Window film, on the other hand, makes a positive environmental impact by greatly reducing the amount of energy that is used for heating and cooling. Not only are you saving money on electricity, but you’re also helping reduce your carbon footprint.

17. Property value increases after installed

Window film gives doors and windows an elegant appearance. It provides a great return on investment for high-end homes, offices, and commercial buildings.

18. Lifetime warranty

Our window films come with a satisfaction guarantee and lifetime warranty. We also carry a $1,000,000 liability policy for your peace of mind.

Window film is an investment that will serve multiple purposes and benefits. With a combined experience of over 50 years, our window film experts can help you decide on the type of film that will best suit your needs.

Our team at RC Window Films is available and ready to answer any questions you may have. Call (833) 910-3456 for a free consultation or get your instant residential quote here.