Pros and Cons of Solar Film for Home Windows

Heat and UV rays still find ways to enter through our glass windows. That’s why we opt for window treatments. It is where solar window tints excel, protecting you and your family members as well as your furniture from the adverse effects of the sun rays. However, it may still have some disadvantages depending on the home’s unique circumstances. Take note of the following pros and cons before deciding on installing one.

Pros:

1. Variety - There are lots of things a solar film in your window could offer apart from protecting your investments to UV rays. It comes in wide choices of colors, designs, and opacity. You could pick from absolute clear, dark, to frosted with the very same level of UV rays protection but with different level of view from the outside. Moreover, films are readily available at most home improvement stores and even online in a custom fit size for your windows and roll thickness. Hence, tinting your home’s windows even those that have unusual shape is easy.

2. Affordable - Solar window shades, blinds, and drapes have high upfront cost. On the other hand, window films due to availability in numerous stores make its price competitive among others, so you could easily scout for the cheapest one without compromising on quality. Moreover, as it comes in different volume of rolls, you could install it in several windows first then buy again for the other windows if you have the budget.

3. Easy installation - Films are lightweight and non-adhesive. Which means there is room for corrections when you do not do it right not unless it dries. All you need are a measuring tape, sharp utility knife, wet sponge, and plastic card. Cut the film to your window’s length, wet the glass surface, place the film, smooth out the bubbles towards the sides of the window, and cut out excess films once it dries using a utility knife.

4. Security - The film can also hold the fragments of the glass once it encounters accidental or intentional breakage. Hence, it secures your family from being injured as well as despise burglars or prevent them from entering your home.

5. Savings - When your indoor home temperature is optimal, you also minimize the need for cooling units that could mean significant savings on your monthly utility bills.

Cons:

1. It voids the warranty - As some low-quality window films have the ability to absorb heat and not reflect it, heat concentrates on the glass. The tendency is, when glass reaches its maximum heat limit, it breaks or cracks. However, your windows manufacturer or contractor would not cover it on their warranty if they see a protective film on it. Hence, you should opt for high-quality films.

2. It does not reduces glare - It does not mean it reflects heat, you would also get rid of unnecessary sunlight and glare completely especially if you would opt for clean ones. Moreover, clear ones do not also regulate peeking and view of your home from the outside. Even if you choose a tinted one, your home would still be visible during night time when the inside of your home is brighter than its outside environment. You could either put a drape or install other window coverings on windows that face direct sunlight.

3. Limited versatility - Once you install it on your window and you opt for tinted films, you cannot remove it just to let some light, or you will open the window which is not optimal if you have a hot weather outside unlike shades or blinds that could be easily pull up.