Window Film Tint Level Facts Explained

Here at Orange County Window Film we often get asked–”Will window film darken my home’s windows?” The answer is–it depends. This is because how much your windows are darkened (or not darkened) is really up to you and the product you choose. This is one of the reasons we love window tinting for Orange County home–because the level of darkness is almost completely customizable for our customers. Meaning protection from the sun at the expense of clarity on your windows is a thing of the past with the latest advancements in window tinting. Read on to discover more about which films most affect the shade or clarity of your windows and how to purchase the film that best suits you shade preference, needs, and budget.

Which Types Of Window Tinting Affect Your Orange County Home’s Window Clarity

As stated, the type of film you choose will be what determines the level of darkness, opacity or reflectivity. So the power is yours to choose what you prefer. But keep in mind, the window film you choose should offer UV protection, heat rejection, glare control at the very least. Most films offer a basic level of added security–but if you are looking for more protection, specialty security film is a must. Below is a summary of window film levels and protection from basic to mid-range to premium, to give you an idea of how things work.

Basic Window Film: Is referred to as metalized or “dual-reflective” film. It is made up of microscopic pieces of metal which reflect and bounce heat and glare off a window- almost like a mirror. This window tinting is energy efficient and will reduce heat, glare, and utility costs, however, it is not always the right look for every customer.
Mid-Range Window Film: Is called dyed, pigment or hybrid window film. It uses a unique blend of dyes and pigments to absorb the sun’s heat and UV rays. This tint is energy efficient, reduces glare and solar heat gain. It is popular because it is not highly reflective which gives it a more natural look from both inside and outside. It will definitely save you money on the utilities in your Orange County home though. It does have its limitations in very sunny or extremely hot places though.
Premium Window Film: Modern premium window films are made from ceramic and high-grade metals. Ceramic is fantastic at heat absorption as it is used as an insulator on spacecraft and power lines. It is much better than mid-range film at absorbing heat and far more attractive than basic window film. What is great about this film is–you have so many choices in appearance! It comes in nearly any shade or reflectivity level, even to the point of reducing your windows’ natural reflective, enhancing your view.

Watch the video below to find out more about how window film will improve the look and function of your home:

As always, you pay for what you get, so we always suggest buying the best window film you can afford. Better window films, in the long run, will last longer and perform better on your home’s windows. For More information and to schedule a free consultation, contact us at Orange County Window Film today!

For the past ten years, Angus Faith has been helping property owners in the Orange County area overcome their architectural concerns by leveraging the power of window film and tint. Angus moved to the Orange County area from Scotland and though he is proud of his Scottish roots, loves his new home very much. Working with home and business owners in Orange County has been a rewarding experience and a challenge that he looks forward to every day. Angus' extensive knowledge of security, privacy, and energy efficient tint sets him apart as one of the leading professionals in the area. His vast familiarity with leading brands like 3M, LLumar, and Vista combined with his extensive experience working in the architectural industry gives him the unique ability to pinpoint a concern and effectively implement a solution that delivers lasting, satisfactory results.