One Of The Most Common Window Film Questions Answered
One of the most frequent questions we at Salt Lake City Window Tinting is–”Will window film darken my home’s windows?” The broad answer is–How much your windows are darkened (or not darkened) is dependent on the product you choose and what level and application you use it for. Read below to find out which films could affect the shade or clarity of your windows the most and how to choose the film that best suits you shade preference.
How WIndow Film Shading And Reflectivity Work
As mentioned, the type of film you choose in your home will ultimately determine the level of darkness, opacity or reflectivity–which means the power is yours to choose what you prefer. so it’s really up to you as the consumer! With such a wide variety of films on today’s market, there is never a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to film. As a consumer, you will want to thoroughly consult with a window film professional on the types of window films they offer for your particular needs, but at the bare minimum window film should offer UV protection, heat rejection, glare control and some level of added security. Below we have outlined the different levels of window film from basic to mid-range to premium, so you will have an idea of how things work going into our conversation.
Types Of Window Films And Their Opacity And Reflectivity Levels
Basic Window Film: Is typically called metalized or “dual-reflective” film. It is made up of microscopic pieces of metal which reflect and bounce heat and glare off a window like a mirror. This type of window film is energy efficient and will reduce heat and glare, lowering utility bills. However, it is not always the aesthetic and style customers want on their homes
Mid-Range Window Film: Is called a dyed, pigment or hybrid window film. It uses a special blend of dyes and pigments to absorb the sun’s heat and UV rays. This film too is energy efficient, reduces glare and solar heat gain, saving you money but is more popular because of the reduced reflectivity and more natural look from both inside and outside.
Premium Window Film: Today’s modern premium window films are made from ceramic and fine metals. Ceramic is extremely heat-absorbant and used as an insulator on spacecrafts and power lines. Better than mid-range film at absorbing heat and much more attractive than basic window film, this film comes in nearly any shade or reflectivity level, even to the point of reducing your windows’ natural reflective, enhancing your view.
For more information on choosing the right window film for your Salt Lake City home, watch the video below:
As always, you pay for what you get, so we always recommend purchasing the best window film you can afford. Better window films will last longer and perform better throughout the life of the film. For More information and to schedule a free consultation, contact us at Salt Lake City Window Tinting today!
About The Author: Mike Kinsey
Mike Kinsey is the head of operations for Salt Lake Window Tinting, one of the largest and most highly regarded window film companies in Utah. For the past decade, Mike has been using his extensive product knowledge, construction experience, and project management abilities to recommend window film solutions that help property owners achieve their architectural goals. From helping customers fight climbing energy costs to implementing effective security and branding solutions, Mike does it all. He oversees every project from start to finish and is the main point of contact for customers. Mike is certified by 3M, EnerLogic, and AIA for continuing education and is well-versed in the nuances of both commercial and residential installs.
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