What to Remember When Tinting Your Home Windows
8th February 2022The principal purpose of home windows is to let in natural light. However, they also have a crucial role in regulating the indoor temperature and insulating the interior from weather changes.
Tinting your windows adds an extra layer of protection that not only helps regulate the indoor temperature but provides protection from UV rays around the clock, even when you choose to let natural light in. This helps you protect the furniture and furnishings from fading and ensures a cool interior even on the hottest summer days.
Inspect and Clean Your Windows
If you decide to add a tinted film to your home windows, you should prepare them before applying the tint. Your windows need to be squeaky clean before you even unpack the tinting material. Any streak or speck of dust will show under the film and prevent the tint from properly adhering to your windows.
For an optimal result, use a high-quality window cleaning kit if you do it yourself. Invest in cleaning solutions that do not leave a film and highly effective drying cloths, such as microfiber window cleaning cloths.
Measure Then Measure Again!
Once your windows are in pristine condition, you can then prepare the film for installation. First, measure each window carefully. Note down the dimensions and do the measuring again to confirm the size you need.
You will need to cut film sheets for each window, leaving one extra inch on all edges to give you some manoeuvring space. If your sheet is too small, placing the film might leave gaps on the edges. They are aesthetically unpleasant and will lead to the detachment of the film.
Choice of Tint
Depending on the look and the amount of tinting you want, there are a few tints to choose from:
- Solar Window Tint. The thickness of solar tint is between security tints and decorative tints. Solar window tints block out UV light by absorbing and reflecting them. A solar tint is not needed if your windows already have a low-E layer.
- Security Window Tint. These tints are meant to keep prying eyes away from what you have inside the house. They are the thickest tints and will also prevent the window from shattering in case of an accident or illegal entry.
- Decorative Window Tint. These tints come in patterns and colors and can be used as privacy tints.
Air Bubble Trouble
Air can get trapped under tinting material as you apply it to your window, creating air bubbles. These will cause your tinting film to detach from your window and lead to tears in the material. Remove air bubbles using a window cleaning tool like a squeegee. Apply even pressure and push the bubble towards the edge of the tint to release the air. Be careful to move your tool slowly to prevent damaging the tinting film.
Keep your tinted windows clean by using mild window cleaning supplies, avoid ammonia-based detergents, and polish them dry with a microfiber cloth. If you’re looking to purchase some window cleaning supplies, be sure to check out Window Cleaning Online, Australia’s leading supplier of commercial and residential window cleaning equipment.