Adding window tint to your home can provide many benefits, from energy savings to UV protection. However, not all window films are created equal.
There can be major differences between high-quality professional-grade tints and low-quality DIY films. As you consider adding residential tint to your home’s windows, it’s important to understand those differences so you can make the best choice.
Film Quality and Construction
The first big difference between high and low-quality tint relates to the quality and construction of the film itself.
Professional-grade window films are made from high optical clarity polyester with special microscopic layers built in. This multi-layered construction allows professional films to reject up to 99% of infrared light that causes heat gain while still allowing the most visible light to pass through.
In contrast, cheaper “do-it-yourself” films are typically made from lower-grade dyed vinyl or urethane with no special light-blocking layers. This means they can’t selectively reject solar infrared light, so they just darken the visible light passing through, reducing clarity and giving an obvious dark look.
Performance Differences
The quality of the film has a big impact on performance and results. High-quality professional films can make your home more comfortable, save energy, and protect furnishings without heavily tinting the view.
Some key performance differences between the high-quality tint we provide at Sun Masters and low-quality tint include the following:
Heat Reduction
Professional films can cut heat gain through windows by up to 80%. Cheap films may reduce heat, but not by much since they can’t selectively reject infrared light.
Glare Reduction
High-quality films minimize glare without excessive visible light blockage. Low-quality films heavily tint the glass to try to reduce glare. Minimized glare is one of the biggest advantages for businesses that add commercial tinted windows to their properties. They reduce glare reduction, keep the interior comfortable, and let people from the outside see some of the action going on inside the brick-and-mortar location.
UV Blocking
Professional films block up to 99% of ultraviolet rays that cause fading. Cheap films have minimal UV inhibitors.
Appearance and Clarity
Appearance is another major difference.
Professional window films are nearly transparent and have a clear, high-definition look that doesn’t distort or heavily tint the view. Low-quality DIY films can give windows a noticeably dark or reflective mirrored look.
Professional films are also better at avoiding an interference effect called “iridescence,” which can give glass a hazy rainbow-like discoloration. Their high-clarity optical construction maintains the original visual aesthetics of your windows.
Lifespan and Durability
High-quality window tint lasts around ten years before needing replacement. Cheap films may need replacement after a couple of years as dyes fade, delamination occurs, and performance degrades.
Professional tint films also come with a lifetime warranty for maximized durability and performance over decades.
High-quality films use adhesives designed for long-term glass adhesion. Cheap films often use weaker glues that can bubble and peel over time.
Professional Installation
The quality of your window tinting relies heavily on the window tinting experts who get the job done.
Professionally installed films also give better results than amateur DIY film application. Experienced installers use specialized tools and techniques to maximize adhesion, avoid bubbles and ripples in the film, trim the film neatly to the frame, and ensure proper curing. Improperly installed cheap films are more likely to peel, bubble, haze, and fail prematurely.
Energy Savings
Going with high-performance professional-grade window film can maximize potential energy savings, while low-quality films have minimal effect on your energy bills.
The quality film’s IR rejection and heat gain reduction lowers air conditioning costs significantly.
Keep Residential and Commercial Window Tint High-Quality With Sun Masters DFW
When you consider all the factors and benefits involved with window tinting, it becomes clear that professional window films are a worthwhile investment for your home.
Paying a little more for quality upfront can save you money in the long run and provide a better experience compared to cheap DIY alternatives.
With so much at stake in terms of comfort, energy savings, security, and aesthetics, it makes sense to partner with the professionals at Sun Masters DFW. Our professional installation team has been keeping Dallas comfortable since 1978. We can help you find the perfect quality tint for your Texas home or business.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule your initial consultation.