7 Residential Window Tinting Errors and How to Avoid Them

Tinting your home's windows properly requires knowing what can hinder your progress. Here are residential window tinting errors and how to avoid them.

Did you know that the proper window treatments can significantly lower your energy bill? Windows make a huge difference to your ability to heat and cool your home. You can lose up to 30% of your home heating in the cold seasons, while 76% of the sunlight hitting your windows can become heat in the warm seasons.

Tinting residential windows is one effective way to make your home more energy-efficient. The problem is that many homeowners make residential window tinting errors and don't get the most out of their window tint as a result.

What are these errors and how can you avoid them? We're here to help.



Read on as we talk about the seven most common residential window tinting errors and what you should do, instead.

1. DIY Window Tint Applications

Some homeowners attempt to apply window tint, themselves. It can seem like a good money-saver to purchase window tint film and tackle installation the DIY way, rather than paying for professional installation. The reality is that applying window tint isn't as simple as it might seem.

Without the proper adhesive or an even coating of adhesive, you can end up with air bubbles, peeling edges, and other issues that are unsightly and less than durable. If you apply window tint, yourself, you run the risk of having to replace it in a few short months, rather than having functional window tint for years to come.

2. Applying Window Tint to Unclean Windows

Before applying window tint to your windows, it's imperative that your windows are squeaky clean. Any dirt or debris will get trapped between the window and the film, creating noticeable imperfections. The debris can also create air bubbles and cause your window tint to peel away.

When cleaning your windows before window tint installation, make sure not to use rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol may be an effective disinfectant, but it leaves behind streaks on the glass that you won't be able to wipe away after the window tint film is in place. 

3. Not Understanding the Different Window Tint Options

Before you select your window tint film, make sure that you understand what you're paying for. Different window tint options are designed to do different things and have different aesthetics.

For example, you can choose between solar and decorative window film. If you're looking to block out UV rays and optimize energy efficiency, you will want to get solar window tint film. If your windows are already optimized for energy efficiency but you want to create more privacy or add visual interest to your windows, opt for decorative window film.

4. Hiring a Company That Doesn't Specialize in Residential Window Tinting

By browsing our website, you can see that Solarwaves Window Tinting provides auto, commercial, and residential window tinting. Our professional window tint installers have experience applying the proper window tint to all three types of windows. 

Many window tint companies specialize in auto window tint, specifically. While they do have experience applying window tint, they won't have the experience needed to apply window tint to residential windows. Don't pay for inexperienced installation when you can find a company that has years of practical experience working with residential window film.

5. Hiring a Company Without Checking Reviews

When you're getting ready to invest in a service for your home, you want to make sure that you're making a sound investment. Whether you're hiring a plumber, a landscaper, or a window tint installer, you should always check the reviews. Reviews can tell you what to expect from the products you're buying as well as the contractors' professionalism, pricing, and overall results.

Not sure where to find online reviews? Narrow down your options to a few companies and look them up on Yelp or Google Reviews. Check for five-star reviews and happy customers before making your final choice.

6. Prioritizing Price Over Quality

It's tempting to hire the window tinting company that offers the lowest prices, but this isn't always in your best interest. Low prices can indicate low-quality window tint film. Companies that charge low prices also may not hire the best installers, which means that you may end up with a finished job that you don't like or can't rely on.

At Solarwaves, we use LLumar window tint film because it's one of the best products on the market. We always take pride in every one of our installers, the training we provide them with, and the experience they bring to the job. We might not be the cheapest on the market, but that's because we prioritize client satisfaction.

7. Overlooking the Benefits of Residential Window Tinting

The biggest residential window tinting error is never getting residential window tinting, at all! Residential window tinting comes with tons of impressive benefits, beyond the energy efficiency we've already discussed.

By blocking 99% of UV rays, residential window tinting protects your furniture, carpets, drapes, and skin. When your skin is over-exposed to UV rays, it can lead to serious health problems, including skin cancer.

Window tint film can also boost your property value by boosting curb appeal and interior design. Window tint can give your home an updated look at a fraction of the cost of window replacement.

Avoid These Residential Window Tinting Errors to Get Great Results

Residential window tinting is a great upgrade for any home--as long as you avoid these common residential window tinting errors. The best way to avoid all of these areas is to hire window tint installers that you can trust.

Solarwaves Window Tinting is proud to serve homeowners, car owners, and commercial property owners in Cocoa, FL. If you're interested in window tint for your home, contact us and let us know about your property so that we can send you a free estimate.