Archived Posts » 59,789,155
Window Tint for Homes: What kind? Does it work well?
3/21/2012 7:37:27 PM
Looking to put some window tint on windows in my house to keep it cooler.
How hard is it to do?
What kind is good?
Any tips for buying or putting in?
How hard is it to do?
What kind is good?
Any tips for buying or putting in?
3/21/2012 7:50:32 PM
doesn't keep light out or am I missing something.
3/21/2012 7:55:53 PM
Big sheets are a bitch to manipulate, without getting folds, or without dust. Get a pro. Look on Craigs list. It doesn't need to be a big company, just a dude with references, that will show up, and who does it every day.
It may be cheaper than doing it yourself, when you factor waste.
It sucks to give this advice on the DIY forum, but I have done large windows and cars. The learning curve is steep with this seemingly simple thing.
Make sure they have high quality tint. 3M is among the best, but there are others of similar quality. If they have a warranty, it is usually because they know they don't need it.
Keep in mind that you will also lose a lot of natural radiant heat in the winter, which may be more important to you than summer efficiency. Ask around and see if neighbors have tint and if they are happy with it. We use solar screens in AZ to cut down on heat transmission, and it seems to be more popular than tint. Screens are easily removeable, but are a hassle you may not want to deal with.
I ended up installing double pane, Low E, nitrogen filled windows. I am completely satisfied with them, but I did run solar screens for many years before I got fed up with the heating and cooling loss that came with my single pane, leaky windows.
It may be cheaper than doing it yourself, when you factor waste.
It sucks to give this advice on the DIY forum, but I have done large windows and cars. The learning curve is steep with this seemingly simple thing.
Make sure they have high quality tint. 3M is among the best, but there are others of similar quality. If they have a warranty, it is usually because they know they don't need it.
Keep in mind that you will also lose a lot of natural radiant heat in the winter, which may be more important to you than summer efficiency. Ask around and see if neighbors have tint and if they are happy with it. We use solar screens in AZ to cut down on heat transmission, and it seems to be more popular than tint. Screens are easily removeable, but are a hassle you may not want to deal with.
I ended up installing double pane, Low E, nitrogen filled windows. I am completely satisfied with them, but I did run solar screens for many years before I got fed up with the heating and cooling loss that came with my single pane, leaky windows.
3/21/2012 7:59:09 PM
I think Home Depot sells it and probably knows some installers. It will help lower your utility bill.
3/21/2012 7:59:51 PM
Originally Posted By BRONZ:
doesn't keep light out or am I missing something.
doesn't keep light out or am I missing something.
Thermal radiation is that concept you got wrong on your physics test, that what you are missing.
3/21/2012 8:02:41 PM
Originally Posted By centralflguns:
I think Home Depot sells it and probably knows some installers. It will help lower your utility bill.
I think Home Depot sells it and probably knows some installers. It will help lower your utility bill.
It is easy to beat their price on this one. I own stock in HD, but this is not the product I would spend a second in their store checking on.
