If you’re tired of the sun glaring through the windows or just want a little more privacy for your home, it might be time to consider tinting your windows.
Window tinting is for more than just aesthetic and privacy.
From thin and decorative to strong and secure, there are many different kinds of window tinting with different benefits. Some types are designed to reduce glare and protect against UV, while others will increase a window’s strength and make it shatter-resistant.
Read on to learn more about the various types of window tint and how they can benefit your home.
Solar and Metalized
Solar and metalized window tints are popular for their ability to let light in and block harmful UV rays and glare. Their ability to deflect sunlight also helps regulate the temperature inside a house for increased energy savings.
The main difference between solar and metalized tints is that solar tints use dye and metalized tints use tiny particles of metal, such as copper, aluminum, or nickel. The dye of the solar tint gives the window a lighter, more traditional appearance, and metalized tints have superior thermoregulation properties.
If you find the right window tint installer, you may be able to get the best of both worlds with a hybrid option. Hybrid windows combine the lighter look of a dyed window tint with the improved temperature regulation of metalized tints.
Decorative
Decorative or dyed window tints are for interior aesthetic appeal.
From the exterior of your home, you will only be able to see an opaque tint, giving the room extra privacy. From the inside, the window can be colored, frosted, translucent, or opaque and may come in a wide range of patterns and designs.
However, decorative windows are the thinnest type of tint and do not always block UV rays.
Security
Security tints are thick and durable. While they cannot block sunlight and heat like solar film, it does increase the overall strength of a window’s glass and decrease the damage of shattering glass.
This is ideal if you are worried about home break-ins, especially since security tints make it difficult for someone to see inside your home through the window. The increased strength provided by security tints is also useful if you live in an area with heavy storms that may cause damage.
Glare Control
Glare control window tint is popular for at-home offices because of its ability to decrease glare when looking at devices.
It makes it easier to see the screens of phones and computers, which increases productivity and decreases eye strain. It also reduces the amount of glare on TV screens, so it is easier to see what you are watching.
Mirror
While mirror tint is a good home window tint, it is also a popular option for businesses because of the professional, glossy look it provides.
Mirror tints create a one-way or two-way mirror effect, greatly increasing the privacy of a room. One-way mirror tints are especially ideal for houses that want extra privacy but still want to let in plenty of natural light.
Ceramic
Ceramic tint uses tiny ceramic particles instead of the various dyes that are used in most other types of window tint.
Ceramic window tinting has a variety of properties that make it a bit more expensive than other tints. It is non-reflective and non-conductive, blocking a substantial amount of UV rays. Plus, they are less prone to fading than other tints and significantly increase the strength of a window.
Choosing Between Types of Window Tint
There are many types of window tint to choose from, and it is important to make sure you get what you need.
When choosing between the different types of window tint, consider what will work best for your home. Some homes are better served by a strong, shatter-proof glass, while others benefit more from UV protection and energy savings.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out some of our other quality articles on windows and exterior design.