Windows are integral to a home’s functionality and ambiance. These enhance the home’s aesthetic appeal, let in natural light, improve the home’s ventilation, and create a visual connection to the surrounding outdoor environment.
However, these home components also expose homes to excessive heat, harmful UV rays, and potential privacy concerns, prompting modern homeowners to address these issues through solutions like window tinting Edinburgh.
While the window tinting procedure may seem straightforward, careful considerations are necessary before installation. This includes determining the best level of tint shade percentage.
With many window tinting products available in the market, selecting the best window tint percentage for your home can be challenging. However, a few aspects can assist you in weighing your options.
Consider the Purpose of Window Tint in Your Home
Defining the purpose of investing in window tinting Glasgow for your home will help you determine the best residential window tint film and percentage level. In general, you can use window tint films on your home windows for the following purposes:
- Security & Privacy: Window films can obscure the view of valuables and activities within, limiting visibility from the outside and making it harder for potential intruders to scope for items to steal.
- Decoration: Window tint films can complement interior and exterior home designs by adding a subtle touch of elegance.
- Temperature Control: Window films can act as a barrier against heat gain in the summer. It can also bolster your windows’ insulation properties, preventing heat from escaping your home during the cold temperate seasons. These features prevent temperature imbalances and maintain optimal temperatures regardless of the season.
- Energy Efficiency: Window tinting can help optimise your home’s energy performance since window films block solar heat from entering the home and prevent indoor heat from escaping through the window. Boosting your home’s energy efficiency can reduce cooling and heating costs and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Glare Reduction: Window tint films can effectively reduce glare, one of the factors that causes visual discomfort.
Familiarise Yourself with Window Tinting Key Terms
To make an informed decision, being familiar with key terms associated with window tinting is crucial. These play a significant role in understanding the performance of different window tints.
- Visible Light Transmission (VLT) refers to the amount of visible light that passes through the window film/glass system. Expressed as a percentage, a higher VLT means more light is transmitted, resulting in a brighter interior.
- Infrared Radiation (IR) Rejection measures the window film’s ability to block heat-producing infrared radiation. Generally, the higher the infrared rejection, the more effective the tint film is at reducing heat entering the window.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Rejection pertains to the window film’s ability to block UV rays, which is one of the major factors that increases the risk of cancer and premature skin damage among individuals as well as causing premature fading or damage to interior furnishing, fixtures, and furniture.
- Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER), expressed as a percentage, provides a holistic view of the window film’s overall performance in keeping out solar energy (UV, visible light, and IR).
- Visible Light Reflectance (VLR) is the exact opposite of VLT. VLR measures the amount of visible light reflected by the window film. A certain level of VLR can contribute to privacy during the day; however, excessive reflectance may affect your home’s aesthetics.
- Absorbance refers to the window film’s ability to absorb and disperse solar energy. A window film with higher absorbance produces less glare and helps in reducing the amount of heat entering your home.
- Reflectance measures the amount of solar heat reflected away from the tinted window. A window film with a higher reflectance has a greater ability to block UVA, UVB, and IR and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
Understand the Different Residential Window Tint Percentages
Similar to automotive window films, window tinting products for residential use come in different tint percentages. The percentage is typically based on the VLT rating of the window film. Here are the window tint percentage options you can choose from:
- 90 to 100% VLT – Window films with 90 to 100% VLT are nearly transparent and allow maximum light to pass through. Clear window films are used primarily for UV protection and heat reduction and may not provide much privacy.
- 70 to 80% VLT – Window films with 70 to 80% VLT provide a slight shading effect while still allowing a significant amount of light to enter your home. Light tints can be used for subtle privacy and glare reduction.
- 50 to 60% VLT – Window films within these percentage levels strike a balance between visibility and privacy. Medium tints also offer better heat rejection, glare reduction, and UV protection.
- 30 to 40% VLT – Window films with 30 to 40% VLT provide significant heat reduction and bolstered privacy and security. These are commonly used for areas where more privacy and light blocking are desired (i.e., bedrooms, home theatres, and media rooms).
- 20 to 30% VLT – Window films within these percentage levels are commonly used for maximum privacy and heat reduction. These tint films are also used for spaces where blocking out light is a priority.
- 0 to 10% VLT – Window films with 0 to 10% VLT can block almost all light and provide the highest level of privacy.
Conclusion
Selecting the best residential window tint shade percentage goes beyond aesthetics; it addresses specific needs and concerns regarding security, privacy, temperature control, and glare, among others. Hence, it is necessary to undertake a thoughtful assessment of the purpose of window films and the tint levels suitable for your home.
If you are still unsure of the best window tint film and suitable tint shade percentage for your home, you can leverage the expertise of window tinting technicians and installers at Global Tint UK.
Global Tint UK is a reputable window tinting company that prioritises expertise, quality, and customer satisfaction by providing premium quality window tinting products, high-quality installation, and long-lasting results.
Browse our website to learn more about residential window films. You may also get a free quote by contacting us at 0800-158-8005 or filling out our contact form.
READ MORE:
Residential Window Tinting FAQs
How Residential Window Films Can Add Value to Your Home
Three Common Mistakes You Should Avoid When Tinting Residential Windows