5 Myths of Window Film Debunked

Time and time again, we receive feedback from customers telling us how the quality of life inside their home has improved since installing window tint. We aren’t surprised. Window tint has multiple benefits for homeowners, yet there are some enduring myths around window tint that steer people toward more expensive (and often less effective) light control solutions.

Don’t let the following five myths stop you from choosing window tint to improve the quality and comfort of your home.

Everyone has seen bubbling, discoloured, warped window tint and it’s not pretty. It’s common for the DIY window tint kits to have an inferior product, that gets improperly applied. However, the window film we use is rigorously tested for strength and durability and is manufactured to prevent discolouration and extreme temperatures.

Not only that, but we apply tint all day, every day to a variety of glazed surfaces so you can be assured your windows will look great for years to come.

You can read more about why cheap window films bubble and turn purple right here. More importantly, you will read why ours won’t.

From the outside looking in, window tint appears to be very dark and sometimes people get the impression that tint will make their home feel dark and depressing from the inside. Not only does tinting come in a variety of different shades, but you can also reject all of the heat and UV rays you like without having to go completely dark anymore. Benefits include:

1. Light rejection makes your home’s interior less visible from prying eyes on the outside.
2. UV blocking protects your valuables, carpet, artwork and furniture from fading in direct sunlight.
3. It can help block out glare from direct sunlight, while allowing enough natural light to enter

It’s true tinted windows add a perception of high-class to almost any home, but more importantly, professionally installed window tint can block out up to 99% of harmful UV rays that can damage your home’s interior and that can lead to skin damage or even skin cancer. Tinting the windows in your home is more than a superficial investment, it reduces replacement costs for furnishings, increases the resale value of your home and most importantly, protects your health.

I am not sure how this one got started, but window tinting does not make your windows magically unbreakable. Commercial grade window film, the kind we install, does have the benefit of making glass more difficult to break and the adhesive assists with preventing the glass from shattering dangerously everywhere. Tinted windows can be a deterrent against burglary because it’s simply harder for burglars to asses the contents or determine how many occupants are inside your home.

If you are looking for true break-in security you should take a look at Security Window Films. These are formulated to withstand impact, explosions, and earthquakes, but they are not the same thing as standard solar window films.

When a commercial grade tint is applied professionally, window tinting enhances the glass, it doesn’t damage it. DIY tint is another story, because when applied incorrectly the glass can be scratched or damaged with residue left on all surfaces. Glass breakage during window film application by a professional should never occur. However, we have experienced very rare instances of glass cracking after window film installation.

Here’s what happens: Every solar control window film works by reflecting a portion of the solar energy striking the window. Because the film is applied to the interior side of the glass, a portion of the reflected energy is absorbed into the glass, increasing its temperature. Also, metallized window films absorb heat, some of which is transferred into the glass by conduction. Higher temperature subjects the glass to additional stress, especially at the edges. This stress is called thermal shock. Glass may crack under thermal shock if scratches or other flaws exist along the edge surfaces. This happens only in extremely rare cicumstances and the risks can be mitigated by professionals.

At Sun Shade we stand by our work, and the tint itself is under a manufacturers warranty, so there’s virtually no risk if damage does occur.

Do you have any questions about tint, but were afraid to ask? We’re happy to debunk any window tint myths, just stop by and say hello.