Home Window Tinting

Learn about Glass Doctor’s home or residential window tinting services. We install home window tint film to reduce energy costs, protect your family or furniture from UV rays, and enhance safety or increase privacy for your residential area. Contact your local Glass Doctor® today for fast, affordable home window tinting and window film application services.

What is Home Window Tinting?

Unlike low-e glass, home window tinting is an after-market product, most often a window film applied to the inside of the existing window. Films of various shades and tints are available to block out just the right amount of light and heat to meet your needs. Applying window tinting will protect your fabrics, carpets and hardwood floors from fading in the sun's rays. Security film fortifies your home and prevents shattered glass from scattering and leaving the window vulnerable.

Benefits of Home Window Tint

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Home Window Tinting Options & Styles

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.

Home Window Film Installation Process

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 technicians 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

Cleaning & Maintenance for Your House Window Tint

An added benefit of home window tinting, 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:

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.

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

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.

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.

Home Window Tint Levels

There are many different window tint level options. The window tint level right for your home will depend on several factors including where you live, which direction your windows face, and your personal preferences for light blocked. Our local professionals can help you select the one that works best for you and your home.

• Clear (90-100% VLT): Untinted films are designed to permit maximum visible light transmission while still providing some UV protection. They’re preferred among those who desire minimal change to their window appearance.
• Light Tint (70-90% VLT): Lightly tinted films offer a slight reduction in glare and heat while maintaining sound visibility. They’re popular for homeowners who want a subtle tinting effect.
• Medium Tint (30-50% VLT): Medium tint films provide increased privacy and can significantly reduce heat. They offer a noticeable shading effect while still maintaining reasonable visibility.
• Dark Tint (5-30% VLT): Darker tint films offer enhanced privacy and substantial reduction in glare and heat. However, they may limit visibility, especially during nighttime. Dark tints are commonly chosen for bedrooms or other areas where privacy is a priority.
• Privacy Tint (5-20% VLT): Privacy or reflective films not only reduce glare and heat but also make it difficult for people outside to see inside. These films often have a mirrored appearance from the outside, offering maximum privacy.

Home Window Tint - FAQs

Is home window tinting worth it?

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.

What tint is best for house windows?

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.

Is window tinting better than blinds?        

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.

How do I remove window tint at home?

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.           

How do I check the window tint percentage at home?

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.

Find Home Window Tinting In Your Area

If you’re looking for expert home window film or home window tinting services, you’ve come to the right place. Our local technicians are eager to help you reduce glare, protect your family and possessions and reduce energy costs with this innovative product.

Ready to get started? Call 833-974-0209 or request an appointment online to learn more about residential window tinting in your area or other home window repair from Glass Doctor.

*Not all Glass Doctor locations offer this service. Contact your local Glass Doctor to learn more.