Imagine if people could see right through the windows in your home! Nobody wants to live in a house where the windows provide zero privacy. While you can use curtains or blinds, sometimes this can get quite boring and not offer the best window privacy.
Frosting is an expensive option, and few people can afford it. However, we have a great solution in home window tinting for privacy, which is a less expensive solution. Window film for homes comes in an array of varying features. If you value privacy at an affordable price, you have many alternatives to choose from. Read on to learn how to save money with window tint.
What Are Your Options in Window Films for Privacy?
With privacy window films, you get various options, such as
Sun control or solar films
Blackout, Whiteout, frost-like(translucent) films
One-way or privacy mirror films
Decorative films
No film is perfect, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. You must choose what is most important to you and make some compromises when selecting a privacy film or tint.
Sun Control or Solar Films
Sun control or solar films are very popular with most people and come in several types:
Anti Glare
Sun blocking
Photochromic
UV protection
Dynamic
For more privacy, you need to go for a dark window film that provides 15% VLT (Visible Light Transmission). This VLT makes it harder for anyone outside to see into your home, giving you a significant amount of privacy.
Advantages
A solar control film allows natural light to come in. This type of film has low reflectivity and gives you magnificent views of the outside world. A darker film repels heat from outside during hot summer months and offers up to 99% ultraviolet (UV) protection. Repelling UV rays means that your furniture colors fade less, and the glare from television and computer screens lessens. Having a solar film also eliminates the need for blinds or curtains during the day. Window films also offer security in case of a break-in. The film prevents burglars from looking in and stops the window glass from shattering when broken, holding the pieces together.
Disadvantages
Darker films have higher reflection qualities as they have a mirror-like effect on the outside. The other disadvantage is that these films are more beneficial during the day when light is on the outside. At night when you have lights indoors, there is some visibility from the outside. In the evening, you must use blinds or curtains for absolute privacy.
Blackout, Whiteout, Frost-like (Translucent) Films
Blackout, Whiteout, Frost-like, or translucent films offer absolute privacy. These films specifically provide total privacy in a room. Blackout/whiteout films offer you 100% privacy by blocking out all light. The frost-like films are great for bathrooms as they give you privacy but let in 80% natural light and have a translucent finish on either side.
Advantages
Translucent films let in diffused light and let in soft light. When looking in through a translucent film, you only see blurred images. Blackout films block all light and provide privacy from the inside and outside. From the outside, the blackout films are shiny and reflective and look black from the inside.
The blackout films darken a room and are suitable for people who like to sleep during the day, like night shift workers. It also offers the best window film for privacy and is favored by people whose homes face busy streets or have nosy neighbors. Whiteout films look white on the outside and inside, allowing 80% of natural light in. They create excellent partitions in bathrooms, boardrooms, etc.
Disadvantages
These films provide privacy, but you cannot look out your window as they block all view. If you are the type that loves to look out your window for the view, these films are not for you.
One Way or Privacy Mirror Films
Privacy residential window film is great for providing privacy during the day. One way or privacy mirror films ensure that if someone tries to peek into the room they will see their reflection in the window instead. However, anyone in the room can see the person on the outside.
At night when the room lights up, you can see through the film, and you will need curtains or blinds. These films are standard in police stations where the victims can see the perpetrators in a lineup, but the criminals cannot see them. For this to work, the light inside the victims’ room must stay dim.
Advantages
This privacy tint for home windows is great for homes facing a busy street. People can easily see an intruder from the outside. Another great advantage is the affordability of the film compared to installing a one-way glass. The film is also very convenient and easy to install and remove.
Decorative Films
Window films can be very monotonous and boring. Beautiful window films make your home more vibrant and colorful. You can choose numerous decorative privacy window film designs, patterns, and styles that will transform your space without breaking the bank. Most decorative films provide UV protection and minimize glare.
Advantages
You can reuse some types of films, which means you can move with them if you need to move houses. Choose any design and have a customized film for your space.
Disadvantages
While generally affordable, they are more expensive than the other types of films. The patterns can prevent you from looking out the window if too heavily decorated.
Weigh each type of film's pros and cons and research the best window film manufacturer. Choose what you want, and schedule a consultation with a professional window film installer. Some installers may consult for free and provide film samples for you to choose from. Always ensure the installer comes on-site and presents the correct films that meet your privacy needs. So, if you ever need to learn more about window tints before installing them, you can call Sun Tint to answer any of your questions or to schedule a free estimate.