One question many homeowners have is whether or not window tint can keep their homes cooler. As it turns out, tinting the windows of a home is an effective way to reduce the temperature inside. Tinted windows do more than provide privacy – they also minimize the amount of sunlight that enters, resulting in lower interior temperatures. You may find it quite impressive that window tinting can have such a profound effect on the temperature inside a home when you consider how thin the film is. Once you understand the scientific principles that are at play, however, it is a lot easier to understand why tinted windows do such a great job of keeping homes cool.
Understanding How Tinted Windows Help Keep Homes Cooler
Understanding How Tinted Windows Help Keep Homes Cooler
A CLOSER LOOK AT HOW WINDOW TINT BLOCKS UNWANTED HEAT
When tinted film is applied to a house’s windows, it helps block out the sun. The film that is used in the tinting process is mostly made up of polyester. With certain films, small fragments of metal and thin layers of dye are also used on the film’s topmost layer. Together, the film’s individual layers prevent solar heat gain while still letting an adequate amount of light through.
Nano-carbon ceramic films are a relatively new introduction to the window tinting industry. These window films use a combination of carbon and ceramic particles to create a film with greater heat-blocking capabilities and richer coloring. Even though films that incorporate nano-carbon ceramic technology are superior at blocking out heat, they provide excellent visibility in a wide range of outdoor lighting scenarios. Thanks to its superior ability to retain its color, this film also lasts for many years before needing to be replaced.
One way to judge the effectiveness of a specific window tint is by looking at its rating for light transmittance. This measurement, which is determined by the transmission level of visible light through the window tint, is expressed as the VLT%. The tint’s ability to absorb light, on the other hand, is expressed as its VLA%. Finally, the measurement that is used to show the amount of light that is reflected off of the window tint is expressed as its VLR%.
Since these terms can be a little bit confusing, it is often helpful to look at an example. Imagine if you had a vehicle that didn’t have tinted windows. In this case, the windows transmit approximately 90% of the visible light. Based on this, the VLT% of the glass is 90. That same untinted glass only absorbs about 5% of the light, meaning that it’s VLA rating is five. The remaining 5% of visible light is reflected off of the surface, giving it a VLR rating of five, as well. In this case, the vast majority of visible light is allowed to get through to the inside of the vehicle. As a result, the inside of the home can get quite hot.
IS WINDOW TINT EFFECTIVE AT MINIMIZING HEAT?
Ratings for light transmittance are only used to indicate the percentage of light that is blocked by the window tint. They don’t provide any real information about the cooling level that the windows provide. When you look at the research, however, there are a lot of studies that have been done that answer the question of whether or not window tint has an effect on heat. For instance, F.M. Nasir and M.A. Jasni conducted a study in 2012. This study showed that tinted windows were effective at blocking out heat.
At one point in the study, the research seemed to indicate that sunshades did a better job of blocking out heat than tinted windows. As it turns out, however, the cooling characteristics provided by sunshades only affected the region near the windows in question. When used in a home without tinted windows, sunshades only lowered the temperature inside the vehicle by approximately 2°C. By way of comparison, adding tinted windows to a vehicle lowered the temperature throughout the vehicle by as much as 8°C.
The scientific research provided by Nasir and Jasni shows that window tints are effective at blocking out heat. One point worth considering, however, is that the tints used in the study were a lot weaker than many that are available, only blocking out between 65 and 85% of the infrared light. Based on that, window tints with higher infrared-blocking rates could keep the temperature inside of the vehicle even cooler. This information makes it clear that window tinting is an effective way to lower the temperature in interior spaces.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINIMIZING HEAT INSIDE A HOUSE?
If the temperature inside your home climbs too high, it not only poses a health risk but can also cause the inside of your vehicle to deteriorate more quickly. When you look at a house, a high percentage of the total surface is made up of windows. Windows allow both light and heat to enter the vehicle. Sunlight streaming into the home through the windows can cause the temperature inside the vehicle to rise by as much as 19° or more in 15 minutes or less. The temperature continues to rise with ongoing exposure to the sun, climbing as high as 50° higher than the temperature outside after about two hours.
If you get into a home that is extremely hot inside, it can cause problems like heatstroke and dehydration. Even though you may not experience any initial symptoms, these problems can begin when the temperature of your body reaches about 104°. Imagine how much damage could occur after being repeatedly exposed to high temperatures in your house.
For instance, if the plastic parts in your Home’s interior are exposed to high levels of heat for a long period of time, they can give off benzene gas. This gas negatively impacts human health. Not only does benzene have cancer-causing properties but it also can result in immunodeficiency problems and anemia. Problems like these can be avoided simply by opting for tinted windows on your home to keep the heat level down inside.
ARE TINTED WINDOWS A GOOD CHOICE FOR BLOCKING HEAT?
Tinted windows are highly effective at blocking heat. They help keep the rays of the sun from raising the temperature inside your home. This not only makes your home more comfortable but also helps protect your health. It seems strange that manufacturers are still making Homes without tinted windows since scientific studies have shown that they are so effective at blocking heat. Even if your current home didn’t originally come with tinted windows, you can always have tint applied to take advantage of its heat-blocking benefits.
Call us today or contact us now for more information on window tint safety and finding the right window film for you!
WINDOW TINTING IN HOUSTON – THE INVISIBLE GUARDIAN ANGEL THAT PROTECTS YOU
There are numerous benefits that are offered by window tint and the best news of all is that it is invisible! Many important functions are performed by tint including saving money on your utility bills, protecting you against UV rays, and protecting you against skin cancer. These benefits are all made possible by the fact that tinted windows form a barrier in between you and the outside world and weather elements so that you can enjoy the comforts and safety of your home.
Window Tint Benefits
One of the best benefits that window film has to offer is that it can be invisible and see-through if you want it to be. Having a darker tint is another option, which in busy neighborhoods is often a necessity. Apart from providing your house with that final touch for maximizing curb appeal, several important benefits are offered by residential window tinting.
Saves Furniture
The life of your furniture gets extended when there is no sun shining through the windows and onto your furniture and walls. Direct sunlight on walls has a tendency to discolor paint, which gives a room a bit of an uneven appearance when there are also areas that the sun does not affect. If you have made a significant investment in the interior contents of your home then we recommend that you maintain your furniture through protect it against direct sunlight. An easy way of preventing damage and your furniture from weakening is to use window tinting.
Reduces Glare
Window fill reflects the sun’s heat along with the glare that gets generated. It can be very annoying when glare from the sun comes in at the wrong angle and it may impact your employees’ productivity and also the comfort of your office or home. Cooking, reading, working on a computer and watching TV all may be affected by the glare. It isn’t serious, but it can be very inconvenient.
Save On Energy Costs
When the sun’s rays are prevented from penetrating your office or home, you will save on your utility bills by not having to use your air conditioning as much. With window film you won’t need to cool down or heat up as much as you would without having the film.
Improved Privacy
If you house is located in an area where there is lots of foot traffic ever day or is on a busy street, then tinting your windows can give you some much needed privacy. People passing by won’t be able to look inside of your home and your family will be able to feel secure inside your house.
Enhanced Safety
Using security window film can help to deter intruders from having access to your house since it makes it harder to penetrate the glass than if it didn’t have any protection. Thieves would prefer avoiding a house that is going to potentially cause them problems due to how much time it will take them to gain access. That along with the fact that you can darken the color of the film means there will be fewer prying eyes on your home or office. Other safety aspects including preventing your windows from getting shattered during severe weather conditions, attempt burglaries, and stray balls like footballs and baseballs. If a window does break, your family will be protected from glass related injuries since no glass will be flying around.
Protect Against Skin Cancer
When it comes to UV rays from the sun, they are both dangerous and sneaky. They cause premature aging and damage your skin. UV rays may affect you while under cover, on the beach, inside your office, in your car, and other places as well. It comes through windows, but it won’t if it is blocked out. It is possible for UV rays to penetrate through windows, so if you are sitting right next to a window and there is sunlight stream in, then you could be at risk for developing UV damage. That is why window tint can protect you against skin cancer.
When it comes to window tinting, one of the best things about it is that it’s an investment in your office or home and only represents a one-time cost. That makes it very easy to maintain and its benefits far outweigh any initial cost. When window film is used it maintains your windows’ natural appearance and still does the job of protecting your office or household against harmful UV rays, still allow good light in, and reduces energy transfer.
Call us today or contact us now for more information on window tint safety and finding the right window film for you!
THE VALUE OF MULTI-LAYER ANTI-GRAFFITI WINDOW FILM
What Multi-Layer Anti-Graffiti Window Film Can Do For Your Business
Critics and commentators have debated whether or not graffiti is art for generations now. If you’re a business owner in Texas and you’ve ever had to deal with the hassle and expense of cleaning graffiti off your premises, you have a pretty firm bias against graffiti. Texas property damage laws include graffiti as a form of damage, and in the right circumstances, this form of vandalism can earn perpetrators a five-year prison sentence. From a practical point of view, just getting rid of graffiti so that it doesn’t impact your business can cost you thousands of dollars. The latest technological refinements in window film give you a powerful tool you can use to protect your property from graffiti as well as other forms of vandalism. This article will familiarize you with the details of anti-graffiti window film and all of its benefits.
Anti-Graffiti Film: How Does It Work?
The anti-graffiti film is one or more protective layers applied to windows or mirrors. Most products in this field deliver multi-layer protection when applied to vulnerable surfaces. In most cases, paint and other markings applied to a protected surface can be removed with ordinary household cleaners. The anti-graffiti film can even protect your glass from more serious forms of malicious damage, like scratching and etching. In cases like this, the top layer of the film is removed to remove the damage. Manufacturers produce this polyester film in a range of different thicknesses. This lets you pick the right level of protection for your business’s specific needs. Filmed glass cuts down both your risk and the cost of getting rid of graffiti; the film is much cheaper and easier to replace than the glass beneath it.
Additional Benefits Of Anti-Graffiti Film
Besides the obvious job of protecting your windows and mirrors from vandalism, the anti-graffiti film can do some other helpful tasks as well:
Preserving Other Window Films
Lots of businesses rely on other sorts of window films on their premises. Commercial window tinting, for example, increases privacy and security, and films are also often used for marketing purposes. The great thing about the anti-graffiti film is that it doesn’t interfere with these other treatments in any way. In virtually every case, anti-graffiti window film can be applied right on top of other films. The film is clear and optically neutral; it does not change your windows’ colors or reduce the amount of light coming through them.
Discouraging Vandals In The Future
Graffiti is a classic example of a problem that requires strict vigilance. One vandal tagging your property can serve as an inspiration to others. Tags, etchings, and other signs can multiply rapidly if you don’t take immediate steps to remove them. Anti-graffiti film simplifies that process tremendously. All you need to do is wipe down the film or remove a layer to restore your business’s pristine appearance. Remember that graffiti is a way of attracting attention; if vandals know graffiti on your building is removed quickly, they will turn their attention elsewhere in search of more-permanent settings.
Blocking UV Rays
Because of the multiple layers used in the anti-graffiti film, it can actually be manufactured to handle multiple jobs. That includes blocking out sunlight’s unhealthy UV rays. Some films are so well-made that they can guarantee 99 percent protection. UV blocking also helps your business by reducing the amount of unwanted heat getting into the building. Bring up UV protection with your film installation company to see what level of protection is best for you.
The Importance Of Professional Installation
While anti-graffiti window film can deliver potent benefits, it needs to be installed properly to do so. This job needs to go to trained and experienced professionals. That’s why Sundown Tinting is always upfront about the professional credentials of our installers. All of them are certified and thoroughly experienced in handling our full range of window film products. They handle residential, commercial, and automotive work with equal skill. If you’re ready to fight back against graffiti, contact us now. We’ll happily provide the perfect anti-graffiti film product – and the skilled installation it requires for maximum effect.
Call us today or contact us now for more information on window tint safety and finding the right window film for you!
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