Residential window tint not only gives windows extra strength and protection, but is also commonly used to lower energy bills at the end of the month. Other benefits to home window tint include giving you and your family the kind of privacy you should expect in your home, without decreasing the value of your property or having to give up the natural beauty of your yard.
But what exactly are the costs involved in getting home window tint installed? And can you do it yourself, or should you find a contractor to set it all up? These are common questions most homeowners wonder about home window tint, so here are a few guidelines to keep in mind whether you are going to do it yourself or let a professional handle it for you
EVALUATE THE SITUATION
Windows that produce too much glare or let too much sun inside the house are the main candidates for getting tinted. Because window tint is never installed on the outside of the glass and only on the inside, there is no need for ladders or dangerous platforms to elevate yourself. This makes most home window tinting a relatively easy do-it-yourself project.
CAN YOU DO IT YOURSELF?
Even in the trickiest of window locations, installation of the window film is generally considered to be an easy to medium job for those who enjoy home improvement. Home window tint companies are able to pre-cut the film you need to the precise dimensions you give them, and even ship it directly to your home.
Before you begin to apply the film, you will need to thoroughly wipe the window clean. Once it has been applied, a squeegee will be necessary to get the water out from beneath the window film. If you are not completely sure if DIY home window tint is for you, you can watch the Home Tint Install Video to get a better idea of what is involved.
WINDOW FILM COSTS
When looking at quality DIY window film, pricing begins generally no lower than $2.25 per square foot, reaching up to $4.00 per square foot for special window film types such as dual-reflective film as well as spectrally-selective ceramic films. It is advisable not to buy home tint at bargain prices, as it is more than likely that the film is low quality and won’t last.
Home tint brands found at outlets such as Home Depot, AutoZone, or Lowes are frowned upon by professional tint installers, and you would do well to avoid these budget brands. One of the most highly recommended products for DIY pre-cut window film is SnapTint Window Tint due to the following:
- It is fairly priced
- It is pre-cut to the desired dimensions
- It is professional-grade, and used widely by pro installers
- If you are going to pass on doing it yourself, the costs for professional installation ranges from $5.00 to $10.00 per square foot – although these prices may fluctuate depending on region and availability.
Professional installers will always give you a choice of different window film brands and products. When asked, they will be able to tell you precisely what brand they will be using for your specific situation, and why. If you cannot get a straight answer about the type and brand of product they are going to use for your home tint, we recommend that you seek out a different installer, or at the very least be cautious in proceeding.
HOME WINDOW TINT REDUCES RESIDENTIAL COSTS
Residential film can lower incoming solar energy in “hot spots” in your house by 33% to 66%, depending on the type of film used and constantly rising energy costs and oil prices. By reducing the solar heat, electricity usage in the summer is dramatically reduced as less power goes to fans and air conditioning, which lowers your home’s overall energy footprint.
The cost savings break-even point is commonly two to three summers for DIY window tint installations, so remember to factor this in when calculating the wider cost and benefits of self-installed home window tint. For professional installation, the break-even point can extend from four to six summers.
Considering that it will protect both your home and health for up to 15 years, home window tint is an excellent investment.
