Even though summer’s officially coming to an end, we’re happy to say the calls for residential window tinting still pour in. Tinted window film is an effective way to increase the energy savings in your home, while protecting home furnishings, diminishing harsh glares, and gaining a bit of privacy. As you begin to collect quotes for whole-home window tinting, there are a few things you need to know in order to choose a professional window tinting company that is providing a high-quality product for a reasonable cost.
Here are things to consider when reviewing various window tinting bids:
Do It Yourself. This is the cheapest way to install window films….at first. The problem is that most DIY window film installations are scrapped before they are even completed (which is a waste of money), and we end up fielding calls from frustrated husbands/wives who want their window film job to be done right. While the DIY method may initially save money, installing high-quality window film to be attractive, energy efficient, and long-lasting is much harder than it looks in the instructions or online videos.
Quality of the Window Film. Obviously, we all want to save money when we can, but poor-quality window film will look terrible, will not perform as well when it comes to blocking UV rays, and can cause window damage that your window manufacturer’s warranty may not cover. Always ask prospective vendors and/or your installer which window film products they use. You want to make sure the products are nationally recognized such as Madico, Llumar, and HanitaTek.
Heat Protection. You may get a great deal on a high-quality tinted window film, only to find little to no change in your heat protection. High-performance heat protection will actually save you money when it reduces your home’s solar heat gain. If your window film installer doesn’t understand how to assess windows to determine the right tint grade for their exposure, you will lose out. Have the company come to your home and take a look at your windows’ size and orientation to determine the best product for the most heat protection. Otherwise, you could be wasting your money.
Rebates. Does the company supply window films that qualify for a rebate? The good news is that the US Government has extended many of the energy-efficient tax incentives for the 2013 tax year. One of those is for commercial and residential window films. However, not all tinted window film products qualify for the incentive. Make sure you install a qualifying window film to earn credits for next year’s taxes.
Warranties. Ask about their warranty offers. In some cases, window manufacturers will void their warranty after a window film installation. Professional-grade window film manufacturers will often provide a strong warranty because they believe so strongly in their product’s performance, and this warranty is passed on by the installer. If your window film installer doesn’t offer a solid warranty, don’t use them. You want to know that the installer stands by his/her work and that your windows will be enhanced and protected as advertised. Window film warranties range from 10 years to a lifetime, depending on the product and manufacturer.
So before you choose the company with the lowest bid, make sure you have done your homework and know you’re purchasing quality window tinting from a company with an excellent reputation – like us! Daystar Window Tinting Inc. has built a solid reputation as a professional window tinting installer since 1976.
