Is window tinting a big con?

Filed under Insulation, Window Insulation.

March 11th, 2010

I got a quote for window tinting large glass sliding doors as well as large areas of glass windows. The salesman left an example of the “most efficient” film in keeping out the heat. I stuck it to one of the sliding doors and placed a thermometer behind it. I then compared the temperature between it and another thermometer placed on the normal glass. The thermomete recording the tinted part recorded higher temperatures than the non tinted thermometer. I concluded that it was the temperature of air rather than sunlight needing reflecting that was determining the warmth of the glass. Therefore, I really need a way of keeping the glass from being heated by the hot air outside (rather than needing to reflect the sun’s rays). So, it seems to me that many people don’t really need window tinting, and that salesmen selling such products aren’t taking the customers’ real needs into consideration. Would you agree?
It seems to me that what most people really need is a way of keeping the glass cooler. Is there such a product that isn’t too expensive?

regards

4 Comments

charles, May 11th, 2010 on 6:04 am

Hey there.
I lived in a house that got so hot in summer that it was almost unbearable. We got UV film put on the windows (not sure if it’s the same as you got quoted for), and the room has been considerably more comfortable since then. I highly recommend it.
I’d suggest that your test wasn’t the most scientific, so the result you got was probably not very reliable.
Charles

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editor, May 11th, 2010 on 9:21 pm

Hi Charles, Thanks for your feedback. I’m interested in the brand of film you used, as we have had some enquiries recently from people who are keen to put UV film on windows to protect books, carpets etc.

How long has the film been in place and is it lasting well? If you could reply through the forum or email me directly on wellington@energyadvice.org.nz, I’d be really interested to hear.

Cheers,

Sarah Free, energy advisor

Reply
Iain Dwyer, May 24th, 2010 on 10:25 am

Hi Ive been tinting windows for bout 9 years now, Your test cant have been accurate as the tint needs to be on all windows effected by the sun for the whole day or atleast from before the sun heats the room for you to really notice the benefits. Reflective films reject more heat although can look funny on some buildings i would suggest using a neutral coloured film with low internal reflection. A decent brand 35% film should stop about 50% of heat and about 60% glare. the darker you go the more heat you stop
Cheers hope it helps
Iain Dwyer
Just Tints
0210368998

Reply
Rolf Stucki, June 21st, 2011 on 9:31 am

I just found this today, so, sorry about the delay.
Keeping your home cooler is the objective solar film achieves. Instead of 100% of the heat entering the room, a lot is reflected, some is absorbed and some is transmitted. The heat you feel on the glass is part of the absorption. Overall, your room would have a significantly reduced heat gain, depending on the film type chosen. Go on my website, http://www.tintpro.co.nz to get more info. We work with Master Tinters NZ, so would have someone qualified near you to give you better advice.
Finally, believe me, good window films are doing an exceptional job.

Rolf Stucki
Tint Pro

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