The two common ways of changing the appearance of residential windows are etched glass and tinting. While they offer almost the same benefits to the homeowner, etched glass is way more expensive than tinting. The common benefits of tint include increased safety and privacy, a controlled interior environment (in areas with extreme weather conditions), energy savings and others. For those on a budget, home window tinting is an effective yet affordable alternative to etched glass.
Below are the common types of this handy addition.
Decorative Tint
This is the thinnest amongst four tint variants and serves the basic purpose of appearance enhancement. For this purpose, they are available in a myriad of patterns and finishes — depending on the desired look — at the fraction of the cost.
For example, one can embrace the etched or frosty look without the accompanying costly sandblasting requirements. To attend to different customer requirements, tint installers often have different patterns and themes.
Solar Control Tint
Solar control tints consist of special layering and materials to block out the sun's infrared rays, which destroys furniture and interior fittings, anti-glare and insulation properties. The materials and layering technology depend on the required properties.
For example, ceramic films for superior heat blocking and insulation in areas where a reflective finish is not required, and metal finish for more mild applications. Solar control tint windows are in widespread applications in the tropics, as well as arid and semi-arid residential areas.
Privacy and Security Tint
These tend to be thicker than the other variants. The main purpose is to protect the residents from broken glass during storms and also enhance security by making the glass harder to break through. In other instances, this type of tint enhances privacy and is mostly installed in bathrooms, outdoor swimming changing areas and bedrooms.
For privacy purposes, you can either select the frosted option to completely block out the view or the textured type for distorted view. Due to the thickness and subsequent weight, privacy and security tints require reinforcements and anchoring to relieve stress on the windows and framing.
Knowledge of the different types of tint allows you to make informed decisions on the type to buy based on your specific requirements. In many cases, tint manufacturers combine different tint properties, especially for average residential requirements, such as anti-glare and privacy properties on the decorative-type tint. To optimise your installation, however, consult window tinting professionals for sizing, quotation and installation.