Which window tint is right for you?
With summer on the way, we’ve seen a huge influx of enquiries about window tinting. We all love getting out in the warmth, but our harsh New Zealand sun means we have to slip, slop, slap, and wrap before a big day at the beach. The same is true for our homes - heat, glare, and the UV index can be a massive problem for you and your décor. Window tints are a great solution, but there’s an overwhelmingly huge range on the market.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most common summer problems and the types of window tints you can consider.
Heat and glare
The hot kiwi sun rips through our windows, making heat and glare a super common problem here. If you’ve got seats near a window or feel like you need to wear your sunnies in the house, we reckon you need to think about a bit of a tint. The great news is you don’t need to go too dark to relieve some of the heat and brightness in your home.
Fading of furniture, art, carpet and flooring
NZ has a naturally high UV index, as you might know from how easy it is to get sunburnt! UV rays from the sun can also fade colours in your furniture, décor, and carpet, and even damage wooden flooring. Choosing the right window film can slow this process down considerably, keeping your home looking fresh.
Daytime privacy
Longer days in your Auckland home can mean being visible to neighbours and passers-by for longer! If you’re looking for more daytime privacy, window tints help to let all that extra daylight in while keeping prying eyes out.
Sun control window films
For all of these common summer issues, you’ll be looking for a sun control window film. There are a variety of different types of sun control window film out there. It’s professionally applied to the inside of your windows and works to reduce heat, glare, and damaging UV rays, protecting you and your home décor. Although they’re commonly as referred to as window tints, not all sun control window films look alike, or even tinted!
You can choose from a range of looks, from the classic, mirrored tint to a ‘no tint’ look depending on the appearance and functionality you prefer.
Reflective film
Metallised film offers the classic tinted window look and comes in a range, from lightly reflective through to a full-on mirrored effect. This film reflects light, giving your windows a silver look from the outside. Though silver is the standard, you can also choose a bronze-reflective film which gives your windows a bronze-coloured look from the outside. This is also available in varying levels of reflectiveness.
It’s important to note that reflective film is different at night. You’ll find that it has a mirror effect from the inside looking out at night. Also, reflective film will give you more privacy in the day, but not at night. If you’re wanting to keep your night-time views or need night-time privacy without blinds/curtains, be sure to discuss the best option with a professional. There are plenty of different options to suit!
The ‘no tint’ look
More and more people are wanting the benefits of sun protection without the reflective, tinted look. If you want to reduce heat, glare, and fading without the need for extra daytime privacy, you can opt for a ceramic film. Ceramic film is barely visible, reducing your heat and glare without noticeably changing the appearance of your windows. You won’t find the tinted look that you get with reflective film. There are varying levels of protection, depending on how much heat and glare reduction your space needs.
Other window films
For non-solar protection, there are plenty of other window films available, such as:
Day and night-time privacy through frosted films
Keep your home warmer with an insulation film
Security film prevents glass from shattering - to help prevent break-ins or keep accident-prone house members safe
Decorative film
Installation
Window films, or ‘tints’, should always be applied by a trained professional. To make your final decision, get in touch with your local window tinting expert to ensure you’re choosing the best film to suit your home.
We offer window tinting throughout Auckland and the greater Auckland region. We’re a 3M Gold Partner with over 15 years of experience.
For more info on window films, get in touch! We’ll talk you through your options with advice, samples, and a free quote.