During late afternoons on summer days, the lounge room that faces west tends to become the least comfortable room in the house. Light floods the area with sun pouring in, the TV screen fading and the use of blinds. Window tinting provides a means of preserving views without the heat and glare. However, the choice of the ideal film will depend on the knowledge of the characteristics of each film.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Windows
Windows provide access to light and views while allowing the passage of heat. Single-glazed windows, typical in Melbourne homes, allow the entry of direct sunlight that results in heat build-up in rooms in summer. The same glass allows for heat transfer out of the room on a cold night.
The west-facing living rooms experience the most significant heat gain in summer due to the low angle of sunlight hitting the glass, which normally happens during peak times when the room is active and air conditioning struggles to cope, resulting in closed blinds for hours.
The only remedy for this is installing double-glazed windows that prevent the entry of heat into the room. This is an expensive procedure. Residential window tinting Melbourne is an alternative way to enhance the performance of the current glass.
Every Film Has Its Strengths and Weaknesses
Many individuals think of tinting as dark mirrored glass, yet there are a variety of tints today. Each film has a particular application:
- Each film has different performance based on the characteristics of the film, glass and amount of sun exposure. Published specifications such as heat rejection and UV resistance of each film will give information on its capabilities. Such figures cannot be assumed to be applicable to all films on the market.
- A sample of a film or comparison of two products installed side by side is helpful as well. It gives one a chance to see how the film affects the light in the room.
Protecting Floors, Furniture and Screens from the Sun
Slowly but surely, strong sunlight is going to ruin the looks of your timber floors, rugs and the artwork hanging on your walls. It’s only when you move a couch that you’ll notice the sun’s damage: a darker patch on the floor that was once perfectly matched to the rest of the room. But there are solutions out there; quality films that have really high UV blocking will slow down the fading and let the room still get plenty bright.
Of course, health is a totally different story, and one that deserves some accurate information. If you’re in Australia, the official advice is that UV rays coming through ordinary house windows aren’t really a health risk, but of course, that’s only if you’re not one of the exceptions. People who spend loads of time close to windows in direct sunlight should be careful, as well as those with really sensitive skin that reacts badly to UV.
But it’s not just about the health risks that we need to worry about; it’s the glare that’s the real pain in the neck. TVs become unwatchable, laptop screens turn into a blur and even the most well-lit home office starts to feel really uncomfortable by mid-afternoon. That’s where film comes in; it softens up the harsh light so you can keep those blinds open.
Getting the Perfect View Without Sacrificing Your Privacy
Living in townhouses these days means that your neighbours are probably a lot closer than they used to be. And that can be a real problem when it comes to overlooking windows; you might end up with a living room or backyard that feels really exposed. That’s where reflective films come in; they give you daytime privacy while still letting you see out.
But here’s the thing: a lot of people are surprised to find out that reflective privacy only works when it’s brighter outside than inside. So when the lights are on in the evening, you might find that people outside can actually see in.
Frosted films are a good option if you’re really struggling with privacy, and they work best in certain situations:
The thing to do is mix and match different films room by room. You can get heat control in the living areas, while at the same time getting some frosting to keep prying eyes out in the bathroom.
Things to Check Before You Even Think About Putting the Film Up
Before you even start shopping for a film, you need to check what type of glass you’ve got in your windows. Some films won’t work on certain types of double-glazed or laminated units, and if you get the wrong one you might find that the glass manufacturer’s warranty gets voided. So it’s a good idea to get an expert to come and do an assessment before you make your final decision.
And then there are the rules to consider; you never know what might be lurking around the corner:
One more thing to remember is that new film takes a little while to cure, and it might look a bit hazy during that time. After that, just use a soft cloth and some gentle cleaner to keep it looking good. And don’t forget to read the fine print on the warranty; you want to know exactly what’s covered and for how long.
You might also want to consider what else you can do to keep your house cool and comfortable. Shading the windows from the outside can stop heat from coming in in the first place, and internal blinds can give you a lot of control over the light. So take a step back and think about what’s really going on in the room that’s driving you mad: is it the heat, the glare or the fact that people can see in? Once you know what your priorities are, you can start to think about which film is going to be the best solution for you.
