Everything You Need to Know About Residential Window Film

Residential window film tints are trending in 2023 — they help homeowners save money on energy, increase home comfort levels, and secure more privacy.

Residential window film is an innovative feature that offers an array of advantages, from enhancing energy efficiency and security to improving the aesthetics of your home. Whether you’re exploring home window tinting for privacy or other reasons, we’re sharing everything you need to know about this handy window feature. We’ll cover the installation process, various types to choose from, benefits, and upkeep. 

Keep reading to become a home window film pro.

What Is Residential Window Film?

Window film, also known as tint, is a micro-thin layer of polyester or vinyl film applied to the interior or exterior surface of windows. It’s designed to regulate the amount of light, heat, and UV rays that can penetrate through the glass, providing an array of benefits for homeowners. Some of these advantages include improved energy efficiency, UV protection, enhanced privacy, and even safety features. With so many shades and types available, homeowners can choose the one that best suits their specific needs and style preferences.

Types of Residential Window Film

Each type of window film sports unique features and benefits; ultimately, decide your primary goal for installing the film to help you make an informed decision.

Here are four types to research when considering home window film installation:

1. Sun Control Window Film — Sun control window film aims to reduce the amount of heat and UV rays entering your home. It helps regulate indoor temperatures, cutting down on your air conditioning bill during the hot (and expensive) summer months. This type of film also minimizes UV radiation and glare, protecting your furniture from the dreaded fading from sun exposure.
2. Privacy Window Film — Home window tinting for privacy reasons is quite popular for ground-level windows. Privacy film is the perfect solution for enhancing privacy without sacrificing that glorious natural light. It comes in various opacities, allowing you to customize the level of privacy and light flow you desire.
3. Decorative Window Film — Decorative window film is an affordable alternative to decorative glass. This tint adds style and aesthetic appeal to your windows, turning bare windows into stunning home décor. It comes in a wide range of designs, patterns, and colors, making it a versatile option for your interior decoration dreams. Whether you want to create a frosted look or mimic the appearance of stained glass, decorative window film offers endless possibilities.
4. Safety and Security Window Film — Safety and security window film is designed to reinforce glass windows, making them more resistant to breakage and shattering. In the event of an impact, this film holds the glass fragments together, reducing the risk of injuries and deterring intruders.

Installation Process

Installing residential window film is best left to skilled professionals who will ensure precision. Here is a step-by-step overview of how home window film typically gets installed:

1. Measuring: First, a window film expert will measure your windows to gather the total square footage of glass. You can also measure on your own to get an idea of how much window tint you’ll need to budget for.
2. Determine the Type of Film: Next, your window expert will ask a series of questions to help you decide the type of film. They’ll need to know whether you prioritize home window tinting for privacy, comfort, energy efficiency, or decorative purposes. They’ll discuss each option’s capabilities and benefits to ensure the right fit for your unique needs.
3. Cleaning: Once you select your desired window film type, your installation professional will thoroughly clean and dry the glass.
4. Cutting: Next, the window film is cut to fit the specific dimensions of each window.
5. Wetting Solution: A wetting solution is then applied to the window's surface to allow for proper positioning and adhesion of the film.
6. Film Application: The film is carefully applied to the wetted glass surface, ensuring no wrinkles, bubbles, or creases. Professionals use specialized tools to press the film securely in place and remove any excess moisture and air that might have crept in.
7. Trimming and Final Adjustments: Now that the film is in place, it’s time to trim the excess and make any final adjustments to ensure a flawless fit and appearance.
8. Drying: The film needs time to dry and adhere completely to the glass surface. This process may take a few days, depending on the type of film and weather conditions. Your window film expert will discuss specific instructions for dry-time and continued maintenance.

Benefits of Residential Window Film

Residential window film offers numerous advantages beyond aesthetics alone. Let's explore some of the most compelling benefits that excite homeowners everywhere:

• Improved Energy Efficiency: Windows are a major source of heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Sun control window film reduces excessive heat loss and gain, helping to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while reducing the load on your HVAC system. This, in turn, leads to energy savings and lower utility bills that will keep your wallet smiling all year long.
• Increased Privacy: While curtains and blinds are common solutions for home privacy, window film offers increased privacy measures. Privacy window film offers an effective solution for enhancing privacy in your home without compromising natural light. This film is also strong enough to be used without the addition of blinds or curtains. Choose from various opacities to strike your ideal balance between glowy natural light and privacy.
• Safety and Security: Window film enhances safety and home security. Window film reinforces windows, making the glass more resistant to break-ins, violent storms, and accidents. If an accident occurs, the film will hold the shattered glass together, reducing the risk of injuries. You won’t need to worry about shattered glass spraying around your home and causing potential injuries to family members and pets.
• UV Protection: Ultraviolet light wreaks havoc on the skin and eyes as well as fades and deteriorates furniture, fabric, and flooring. Window tint blocks a significant portion of harmful UV rays that pierce through your windows. This added UV protection helps preserve your skin, eyes, furniture, flooring, and other furnishings.
• Eliminate Bothersome Glare: If the sun’s glare frequently interrupts your TV-watching time, window film can help! Sun control window film reduces glare, making it easier to work on computers, watch TV, or simply enjoy your view without squinting or sunglasses.
• Enhanced Design: Decorative window film allows you to transform the look of basic windows with a decorative touch. It's an affordable way to enhance the aesthetics of your home.
• Noise Reduction: Some window films help dull outside noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful home environment.

Maintenance and Care

Life is busy enough without worrying about constant upkeep to your residential window film — luckily, maintenance is straightforward and concise.

• Cleaning: Clean your window film as needed using a soft cloth and a mild cleanser. When finished, dry it with a separate clean cloth to prevent water spots. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the film. We recommend waiting at least a month after installation before cleaning.
• Maintain Window Seals: Ensure that your window seals are in working condition to prevent moisture from sneaking between the film and the glass.
• Avoid Scratching: Be cautious when opening and closing windows or using blinds and curtains. Rough handling might scratch or damage your investment.
• Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your window film for any signs of peeling, bubbling, or damage. Call your installation professional if you notice any of these red flags.

Cost Considerations

The cost of residential window film varies based on the type of film, the size and number of windows, and the installation company's rates. The cost typically ranges from $5 to $12 per square foot of film. While the initial investment might seem costly, the energy savings and long-term benefits make it a cost-saving solution over time.

Transform Your Windows with Snapguard Solutions

If you’re ready to enhance your home with residential window film, Snapguard Solutions has exactly what you’re looking for! From improving energy efficiency and protecting against UV rays to enhancing privacy and adding decorative flair, our window film solutions offer a wide range of benefits.

Our nano-ceramic window tint provides UV protection and preserves your furniture by preventing fading, peeling, and UV damage. Choose the perfect tint for your needs with seven custom shades available, ranging from the lightest to the darkest. Whether you’re looking for protection from the sun or a window film for privacy, we have what you’re looking for.

Installing our nano window film tint is a breeze. You can opt for professional installation or easily do it using our straightforward instructions and a heat gun. Our high-quality window film tint won’t turn purple as other low-quality options do.

Browse our selection and choose the perfect window film tint that matches your desired level of shade and design preferences. Contact us today with any questions!