I need to tint my window. It is too bright at night when all lights are on. Installing window treatment is challenging. Does anyone know a good window tinting product/service? Somebody mentions there is a product that blocks light outside but light from inside looking out is not altered. That will be ideal for me if it really works that way.
3m has lots of options and a professional installer will know which options will meet your needs. The products can also help with heat and other things. Make sure to get referrals on the install. This is one of those things you do not want to pick the cheapest quote…you will have bubbles or other issues.
1 Like
Not sure what you really want. Do you want the light coming from outside blocked? Like blackout drapes? Or do you want to have lights on inside without anyone looking from outside being able to see you?
My light is too bright for the neighborhood at night. I’d like to block that without compromising the view during the day. Is it even possible?
Yes, look at the 3m link I shared above. I think they will tell you that the security tint will do what you want. We have several different applications for different areas at work. Some windows we do not want people to see in but we can see out. It cuts the interior light in evening as well.
2 Likes
@Pathnottaken That is super! Who installs them? Do I talk to a window contractor? Or glass contractor? Is it really clear clear when you look out from inside? Sometimes, they say you won’t notice the difference but the difference is so plain. I wouldn’t want to compromise the view. Also, the glaze is double pane with IR UV protection. In some forums, they said you can’t use film on insulated glass. Does it apply to this film? You are so helpful.
There are companies that do residential window tinting. These companies can recommend products based on your needs. We have insulated windows and were able to use the film–this was 15 years ago and I don’t remember the name of the product. It’s held up quite well. Do you know a local interior designer or an architect? One of them should be able to give you recommendations for companies that do this work.
2 Likes
I got some tinting quotes last year. Unfortunately at the time they were suffering supply chain issues like everyone else and a lot of tints were not available.
There are tints that are reflective from the outside for privacy - usually you see these more in commercial settings than residential, but may be what OP is looking for.
There is a slight risk of heat buildup inside the IGU (insulated glass unit of double-pane windows) in hot climates. Basically the film itself heats up from absorbing the heat of the sun causing warming of the air inside the IGU, meanwhile it’s also reflecting heat from the house side back into the IGU. This can cause heat-related failure of the seals of the IGU due to pressure and temperature differences vs the outside environment. There might be a similar risk in cold climates but I don’t know anything about that.
You will definitely have some loss of light. How much depends on the film you choose. Tints are described by how much light they allow to pass. 35% is a medium tint you typically see on cars. 15% and lower is a “limo tint”. Once you get above 50% they’re barely noticeable. 80-90% is about equivalent to a bug screen.
But a lighted window at night is going to look bright from the outside regardless. It’s just the nature of the beast.
3 Likes
@anomander I was afraid of that. If you block it out, you get blocked in. I guess we don’t have technical breakthrough on that yet.
How about electrochromic film? Something like this?
2 Likes
Yet again, a college website has stuff directly relevant to something we need to do in our home. We have huge windows in our house, with beautiful views in the back. The back is also directly facing the setting sun in the west and it can be blinding.
Whoever owned our home before had done tinting, but sadly someone left some Christmas decorations stuck to the film for several months. When we finally removed it, the adhesive on the decoration removed the tinting (I guess heat and time made it really sticky). Now, one of our windows has a non-tinted area that looks remarkably like Santa Claus.
Just before the pandemic, I had a tinting company come out. It’s not cheap, but I felt it was something we needed to do. In any event, all that went by the wayside during the pandemic.
For us, our glass is not shatterproof, and earthquakes are an issue here in NorCal. I would like to get something that is both security and light obscuring in terms of tinting. The sun can be really bright in the afternoons here. Any suggestions would be most welcome.
I have bookmarked this thread, as I’ve already learned a great deal. The 3M link is fabulous, as I’ve always been a fan of their excellent products.
4 Likes
There are companies that are 3m certified that do windows and/or glass. Some of the older companies around have carved out unique niche businesses with awnings, window tinting, siding… get references and as others said ask about the lead time needed when ordering. One may have enough business to keep a certain level of stock while a small shop may need to order it in and with things now, that could take months.
As far as clarity and view, no issues. A few areas we removed old dusty drapery and tinted and it transformed the spaces.
The experts will know about the heat retention issues and will not recommend something that will do damage or will make you sign a waiver that you are requesting something they do not recommend doing. Just get a few people t come out and give you quotes.That will not cost you and they will tell you what is possible.
2 Likes