Home Window Tinting Services

Choosing between window tinting and blinds depends on your unique requirements and aesthetic considerations. Tinting offers several advantages over blinds, such as a sleek appearance that doesn't obstruct the view or create visual clutter. Tinted windows allow natural light to filter through while providing varying degrees of privacy and sun protection.

Home window film can benefit homeowners in many ways:

• Enhancing security: Window film forms your first line of defense against threats – natural or manmade. Glass Doctor can install specialized film that strengthens your windows and holds shattered glass in place, should it break. This window addition keeps your view clear, reduces energy costs and protects your home. Security film fortifies your home and prevents shattered glass from scattering and leaving the window vulnerable.
• Increasing privacy: Window films may increase your family’s privacy by obscuring the view into your home from the exterior without blocking your view of the outdoors.
• Providing UV protection: Properly installed, high-quality solar window film can block up to 99 percent of harmful UV rays, protecting your family from sun exposure and preventing your furniture from fading. Applying window tinting will protect your fabrics, carpets and hardwood floors from fading in the sun's rays.
• Increasing energy savings: Expertly installed window film reduces the transfer of energy into or out of your home, lowering cooling bills in summer and heating bills in winter.
• Reducing glare: A pesky glare can ruin the view from a room. Home window film can reduce glare, allowing you to better enjoy your space.
• Decorating: Window film can also serve a decorative purpose. It’s available in a variety of patterns, colors and textures. Tinted window film can be applied to everything – from exterior windows to glass showers, cabinet doors and tabletops.

While there is an upfront cost associated with the installation of window tinting films, many homeowners find the investment worthwhile for various reasons. Tinting can enhance energy efficiency, protect from UV rays, and enhance privacy. You’ll have to evaluate your specific preferences to determine whether tinting is ideal for you.

For homeowners seeking a balance between glare reduction, UV protection, and maintaining natural light, a neutral tint is an excellent choice. If you’re dealing with harsh sunlight, a medium VLT percentage, such as 30-50%, could strike a desirable balance between visibility and heat reduction.

You’ll want to consider your desired benefits and design preferences when choosing a window tint and film that works best for you.

Some popular varieties include:

• Metallic films: Metallic films contain tiny metallic particles embedded within the film layers. They’re generally more effective at blocking UV rays, making them popular for protecting against sun damage. Aesthetically, they appear more shiny and reflective from the outside and can be more expensive than other interior films.
• Neutral Films: Neutral films use non-metallic materials, such as ceramic particles, to achieve their tinting effect. They’re also effective at blocking heat, although they may not be as efficient as metallic films in extreme heat conditions. Appearance-wise, they provide a more natural, non-reflective look and are usually more affordable.
• Exterior films: Unlike traditional window films applied to the interior surface of windows, exterior films are installed on the outside. They’re designed to withstand outdoor elements to offer enhanced durability. Due to their installation complexity, exterior films may be more costly than interior films.

Only want specific areas of your windows tinted? No problem! Homeowners often choose to tint particular sections for various reasons, such as improving privacy or reducing glare in precise locations. The ability to selectively apply window tint allows for customization based on individual preferences.

Your window film is only as good as its application. It’s imperative that the tint or film is applied smoothly, without ripples or bubbles, to ensure the product’s efficiency and longevity. We recommend working with a Glass Doctor to complete your next residential window tinting project. Glass Doctor locations throughout the US have home window film experts who are ready to help. When you hire Glass Doctor, our local service professionals will:

1. Assess your family’s needs and provide home window film product recommendations
2. Thoroughly clean the interior of the window
3. Carefully install the window film
4. Trim the window film to fit your window perfectly
5. Squeegee and smooth the applied film to ensure a perfect finish

An added benefit of home window tinting is that many clients find cleaning and maintenance to be less taxing after film installation. This is due to the smooth, texture-free surface of the tinting film.

Steps you can follow to properly clean your tinted windows include:

1. Check material compatibility: Before cleaning your windows, ensure that your cleaning products are safe for tinted surfaces. Avoid using products containing ammonia or other abrasive materials, as these can damage the tint.
2. Dust removal: Use a dry microfiber cloth to gently remove debris from the window’s surface. This step helps prevent scratching during the cleaning process
3. Spray and wipe: Spray your solution onto the tinted window, ensuring thorough coverage. Avoid oversaturation, as excess moisture can potentially damage the tint. Then, use your cloth to softly wipe in a back-and-forth or circular motion.
4. Dry: Employ a new, clean microfiber cloth to extensively dry the windows. Avoid using paper towels or abrasive materials since these can scratch the tint. For a streak-free finish, consider utilizing a rubber squeegee to remove excess moisture.

Removing window tint film can be done with some patience and the right tools. It usually requires a razor blade, heat gun, cloth, and soapy water to slowly peel the film off from the corners of the glass.

A common DIY approach involves using a VLT meter. You’ll want to place the meter against the inside of the window, ensuring that it covers a representative area of the tinted glass. The meter will then provide a numerical value representing the VLT percentage.