Main Benefits of Tinting Your Windows at Home

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The general public perceives window tints to be a purely aesthetic feature that brightens the interiors of your living space while still allowing a view of the world outside. On that note, a sun-lit room can enhance the look of your space, but too much heat entering your home can increase your energy bills and even fade your furniture.

High exposure to sunlight also leaves the residents vulnerable to UV rays, glare, and a lack of privacy. In that regard, installing window tints may be a cost-efficient and effective solution to the problem.

Many may think that window tints are in conjunction only with cars or commercial buildings, but its benefits can be applied to enhance the appeal of your home. After all, more and more home-buyers and homeowners are falling in love with the idea of sun-lit rooms, so investing in high-quality window tints will make it possible for you to enjoy the sparkling seasonal frontage without the potential risks that come with regular windows. To that end, here are some benefits this window treatment option can offer to your house:

 

Benefit #1: Increased Security and Privacy

The most obvious benefit is the increase of privacy that window tints provide, which allows homeowners to go about their daily routine without any worry of unwanted, prying eyes and without having to keep your blinds closed all day. The best part is while it keeps the outside world from peering into your home, you can still have an unobstructed view of the great outdoors.

Another benefit is the added security. Window tints discourage intruders or burglars from entering your home. Windows or glass panels on doors are especially vulnerable to breakage, which many criminals may take advantage of. Therefore, having durable and shatter-resistant windows can help to deter potential danger from strangers. Furthermore, it protects you from natural disasters like hurricanes or storms as any small crack in the glass remains in place, preventing any shards from causing any further damage.

 

Benefit #2: Increased Heat Rejection

Window tints act as an excellent alternative for insulators as they keep the heat from seeping into the windows and spilling onto your home while preventing heat loss during the winter season. They also regulate the temperature of homes, especially when you consider how some rooms are hotter or colder than others, making your heater or cooling systems work harder than usual. This allows homeowners to save money on their heating and cooling bills, making it a cost-effective investment in the long run.

 

Benefit #3: Increased UV Protection

You may just be relaxing by the window on a sunny day, thinking that it’s okay to lounge for extended periods, but did you know that it’s possible to get a sunburn while you’re in the comfort of your own home, enjoying the AC? UV rays are powerful enough to enter through the glass and cause UV radiation exposure, which can worsen into skin disease or cancer to some. To that end, installing home window films filters out approximately 90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, protecting you and your furniture from taking any damage.

 

Benefit #4: Reduced Glare

When you’re hoping to watch some morning news or a mid-afternoon drama, the glare from your non-tinted, living room windows may block your TV, laptop, or mobile screen with the reflection of sunlight, car headlamps, or street lights. Window films, on the other hand, allow you to enjoy your time off without the annoyance of sun glare.

Cooltone has been providing window tinting and films solutions for homes throughout Brisbane for over 30 years. To arrange a free measure and quote, contact the team today.

 

Why Low-E Window Films are Better Than Exterior Shading Systems

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Sunlight is crucial to our health and well-being. However, being exposed to an excessive amount of it can cause many health issues. In addition to this, the summer heat is the primary reason for the significant rise in energy consumption during the hottest months. Therefore, you need a system to protect yourself, your family, and your property from these sunlight-related issues.

Most people opt for shade systems such as vertical fins, blinds, and window shutters. While these are all viable solutions to the issues of light and heat, they may not be as sustainable as window tinting. In this article, we’ll go in-depth to compare the differences between these shade system solutions and Low-E window films. With that said, let’s get to it.

Exterior Shade Systems

Exterior shade systems include everything that’s designed to help reduce the amount of light and heat exposure in the home. Some examples of these solutions include overhangs, curtains, louvres, and automated shade systems. You can choose how much light you want to allow into the house by closing these shades to provide some shadow and dim down the light exposure in the room. Depending on the type, angle, and style of exterior shading system you choose, you can keep out almost 100% of sunlight. However, some of these options may be less versatile than the others. For example, overhangs are usually fixed into the side of the house, making it a less versatile option overall.

You also have to consider the fact that these options may affect the aesthetic and curb appeal of your home. Having bulky window shutters on every single one of your windows may not provide the best look for your home. Additionally, you also have to think about the maintenance cost and extra time that you will have to put into keeping these solutions in the best condition possible.

Low-E Window Film

There are many types of window films in the market and all of them offer different values and benefits that every homeowner can appreciate. When it comes to the best window film, Low-E films are almost always the best option. These top-notch films offer the most UV rays protection of up to 99% without interfering with the visible light transmission level of the windows. Additionally, they provide all-year-round temperature regulation by preventing heat exchange from occurring on both ends. Much like air pressure, heat will always find a way to equalise itself. During the summer, the heat will come through the window and remain in the room where it’s cooler. The opposite is true during the winter, as heat will escape from the warm interiors of your house, making it colder. Low-E films help to prevent this from happening, making it a complete solution to your energy consumption issue.

Unlike other exterior shading options, Low-E window films don’t block out the vision from the inside-out. Although it may dim down your view into the outdoors slightly depending on the tint level, the colour, and the texture of the film, it will not completely block out the view from the inside of your home. On the contrary, since the film blocks out a significant amount of light from the sun, it will make looking out the window much more pleasant, as there won’t be as much light and glare to put too much strain on your eyes.

If you’re looking for high-quality Low-E films, Cooltione is Brisbane Leading Expert in LowE window films, chat to our consultants today to discuss how we can help improve your HVAC with a Low E Window Film.

9 Things You Should Consider Before Tinting Your Windows

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Living in south-east Queensland can get quite warm and bright. This contributes to energy costs, as you turn on the air-conditioning in an effort to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If you’ve been facing this problem and decide to tint your windows, that’s a great idea, but here are nine things you’ll have to consider before tinting your windows.

 

1 – Window Films Vs. Factory Coated Windows

When looking to tint your windows, you are given two options: apply a film on the windows, or buy a pre-tinted window. Between the two, the most economical and easiest method is to use window films. However, factory tinted window do have very good performance in terms of reducing UV and infrared however, the costs at replacing glass fixtures can double if not triple the return on investment compared with a window film.

 

2 – Warranty

Before applying the film, check which window films on offer have the best warranty options, some manufacturers offer 10 to 15 years depending on the quality and brand of the film, so find out which one is right for you.

 

3 – Solar Heat Gain

If your sole reason to tint your windows is to reduce your energy bill, look for tints with a low coefficient for solar heat gain. The lower it is, the better the tint is at blocking out heat emitted by the sun.

 

4 – Visible Transmittance Value

Some window films block both heat and light from entering, meaning your room will be much darker. Look for a film that has higher visible transmittance value than it does solar heat gain coefficient. This way, you can cool your space down but still allow light to enter.

 

5 – Light-to-Solar-Gain Ratio

Sometimes, a film can list a light-to-solar-gain ratio. The number displayed is the visible transmittance value divided by the solar heat gain coefficient. The higher the number, the better.

 

6 – Blocking Colors

The window films usually block out a specific spectrum of light to allow as much light through while reducing heat into your home. This can cause your window to pick up a particular hue. Although not noticeable if the whole window is covered, make sure to test it somewhere to see how it looks before making the decision.

 

7 – Reflectivity

One of the ways you can block heat while allowing light to pass through is to use a reflective film or coating. These films reflect non-visible light, such as infrared, and can even make your window look like a mirror from the outside during the day and inside during the night.

 

8 – Overall Tint

If you’re looking for a more decorative film, some window films can make your window look etched or stained. However, these decorative films aren’t that good at helping you save energy. If you want a film that helps improve your privacy, look for tints that are darker and also limit heat entering your space.

 

9 – Durability

Films will last around 10 to 15 years if applied correctly. You can make it last even longer by asking a professional to install the film for you. They use a unique adhesive to stick the film onto the window.

 

With all the benefits a tinted window has to offer, it’s hard to overlook the value of having a window tint on your home or office. Keep in mind these nine things before making your decision.

Cooltone is one of Australia’s leading window tinting companies, providing high quality professionally installed films for homes and offices in Brisbane since 1981. Speak to us today to arrange a free measure and quote.

 

 

 

The Different Types of Solar Window Films and Their Uses

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Solar window films are made of a polyester base coated with scratch-resistant material, protecting the glass. They also reflect heat. Under freezing weather conditions, this coating can be applied in the interior of windows, reducing heat loss. The films also offer a higher degree of privacy.

Selecting a tint with higher reflective properties prevents any outsiders from being able to peer inside your home, but still allows those indoors to gaze outside. In case of impact, the films also make sure that the windows stay intact as much as possible.

Finally, solar window films help reduce room heat by reflecting solar heat. In summary, solar window films are an efficient and cheap way to reduce room temperature and your monthly utility costs.

Here are the different kinds of films and their main uses:

 

Dye Films

As the name would suggest, these films have a layer of a dyed film attached to the interior of the window. You might think that this will cause the room to heat up because the film will absorb heat. However, what really happens is that the temperature is transferred into the glass and carried away by the wind. Moreover, the dark tint is perfect for those looking for some privacy.

 

Deposited Films

A deposited film is created through a deposition process. In this process, a film is inserted into a tank filled with metal ingots of either nickel-chrome or aluminium. Air is then sucked out of the container, reducing the pressure and creating a vacuum.

After the air is completely sucked out, the empty space is then pumped full of argon gas. Heat is then applied to the tank. The heat causes the metal to release particles that coat the film. This results in a thicker film than most, which limits its applications. However, this thickness makes the film darker and much more reflective.

 

Sputtered Films

 Instead of going through a deposition process, the film goes into the sputtered process instead. Similar too the deposition process, the sputtering process takes place in a vacuum chamber. A film is placed in a tank, along with the metals, before the air is sucked out. Argon gas then fills the chamber.

This time, instead of heating up the tank like the deposition process, the metal is put through atomic manipulation. During this process, the metal is blasted by charged ions, discharging the metal atoms and releasing them from the metal. These free metal atoms then land evenly on the polyester film’s surface. Sputtered films are superior in blocking UV radiation, but they cannot effectively prevent heat from passing through the glass.

 

Hybrid Films

As the name suggests, this film is a combination of metal and dyes. Because of this, it benefits from both applications while limiting its disadvantages. The film is slightly less reflective and lighter in colour compared to its metallic counterparts. Still, it maintains the ability to block the heat because of the dyed layer.

Cooltone are experts in providing the best window film solution for clients throughout South East QLD, we have been working with the residential, construction and commercial markets since 1981. Contact our skilled and experienced team today to discuss your next project or arrange a free measure and quote.

 

 

 

3 Types of Window Films – a Guide for Buyers

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Window films offer many benefits for homes, offices, and establishments. However, even as most types of window films provide the same set of benefits regardless of where they are used, each place has certain characteristics. You may have to use a specific type of window film that meets your needs.

 

  1. Solar Control window film

As its name implies, this type of window film is intended to reduce glare and radiation coming through the windows. Most people buy this type of film because of its purpose. With a solar control window film, you can keep your indoor temperatures cool without having to use curtains and blinds. This type of window film also lets in natural light and keeps your view of the outside unobstructed. Solar control window films also make it easier to watch TV or read text on laptop screens because it reduces glare.

Because of the way it keeps off infrared and UV radiation, solar control films can help you cut on energy costs. Your air conditioner would consume less energy as it would be easier for your cooling unit to maintain tolerable temperatures. Less energy consumption means lower electricity bills.

The UV radiation can cause your furniture, flooring, window treatments, artwork, and other furnishings to look dull and faded. With a solar control window film, you can keep the UV out of your room, protecting the surfaces of your interior and fixtures.

 

  1. Decorative window film

If you want to recreate a cathedral window style in your room, you can use decorative window film. It can come in many shapes and designs, such as snowflakes, frosted textures, and a kaleidoscope of colors. You have many styles and options to choose from, and you can use one that fits your style. You can even have a custom-designed window film for advertising, branding, or attracting the attention of passersby.

Decorative films can also help reduce glare, similar to a solar control window film. Its textures can be designed to diffuse the intensity of sunlight as it strikes one’s eyes. It is also a quick and cheap fix for homeowners or establishment owners to conceal unflattering parts of their building’s interior. Decorative films can also be used to add privacy to interior spaces such as the bathroom.

 

  1. Security window films

Security window films let shattered glass break intact, reducing or eliminating the formation of shards that can harm anyone who happens to be near the window when it breaks. These films are sturdy that it can keep your windows together even as an accident or projectiles such as hailstones, balls, or rocks shatter the glass’s surface. Some types of window film are so strong that they can even render a window bullet-proof. This type of window film is the most expensive among the three types of window films.

Some security window films make the windows appear opaque when viewed from the outside, although it can retain the view of the outside from within. Depending on your privacy needs, you can have a window film that essentially blocks you from view.

Cooltone have been installing Solar Control Window Films, Decorative and Safety and Security Films since 1981 and have built a reliable and trustworthy reputation in the Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast markets. Contact our team today to find out how we can tailor a solution to improve your home or office.