Window tint, also known as window film, is a transformative product. Homeowners all over the San Francisco Bay Area have discovered its benefits. Not only are there many window tint options available, but there are also several installation companies in the San Francisco Bay Area.
How much does window tint cost? How can a homeowner pick the right window tint? In turn, how can you find the best window tint installation company? To answer these questions, we’ve designed this 2023 Window Tint Buyers Guide for homeowners.
What is Window Tint?
It’s important to know what window tint is before you decide to have it installed. Window tint is a layer of film that is added to the interior or the exterior of your windows. Window tint can be added to glass doors, too.
For a more detailed and in-depth discussion on the history of window film and how it’s made, places see our comprehensive Window Film 101 Guide.
What Window Tints are Available?
Window tint is a very versatile product with multiple applications. Here are some of the most common types of films that our customers request in the San Francisco Bay Area:
Sun Control Window Tint: One of the most popular kinds of window tint, sun or solar control window tint is designed to minimize the damaging effects of the sun. While sunlight is essential for life, it can cause several problems for homeowners. Uncontrolled sunshine creates heat, which can increase your energy costs. Sunlight also causes fading to artwork, carpets, furniture, wood floors, and other surfaces. This happens due to the UV rays that the sun emits. 3M Sun Control Window Tints help to tame the sun.
By reducing UV rays by up to 99.9%, fading is greatly reduced. What about the sun’s heat? You can expect to see a reduction of up to 97% of the sun’s infrared light, with will reduce heat. This will help to lower the total heat from the sun by up to 60% of the heat coming through windows.
Another great benefit of sun control window tint is that it reduces glare from the sun. Glare causes eye strain and discomfort. It also makes it hard to use mobile devices and tablets. However, one of the biggest nuisances that happen with glare has to do with television viewing. Glare can make watching television very unpleasant. Often, we have to close curtains or blinds to reduce glare. Adding sun control window tint is a better way. You not only get glare reduction, but you don’t have to live in a dark cave to get it! It’s good for skylights, too.
Privacy Window Tint: This type of window tint is becoming increasingly common in the Bay Area. Generally, there are two kinds of privacy window tints: daytime privacy tint and frosted window tint. Daytime privacy tints are films with a one-way mirror effect during the daytime.
How does daytime privacy film work? One-way mirror film incorporates a metallic finish. It’s a very attractive film that gives you daytime privacy when the light outside is brighter than the light inside. In other words, during the day, sunlight is brighter than interior lighting. It does not offer privacy at night. You’ll need to add curtains or blinds for nighttime privacy.
Frosted window tint is a solution that offers daytime and nighttime privacy. It is a translucent tint that will give you the glow of daylight while giving you a high level of privacy. We’ve installed this film in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, living rooms, and on interior glass doors.
We’ve installed privacy window tints all over the San Francisco Bay Area. Check out some of our completed projects:
- Privacy Window Tint for St. Helena, CA Homes
- Privacy Window Tint for San Francisco Homes
- Privacy Window Film for Palo Alto
- Create Privacy with Frosted Window Film
Safety and Security Window Tint: Many homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes safer. Safety and security window tint is a great option. This film is designed to hold glass pieces in place in cases of breakage. Whether that breakage happens due to impact from attempted break-ins, earthquakes, or inclement weather, your family will be safer. Several window tints can strengthen your windows:
You don’t have to worry that safety window tint will negatively alter the appearance of your windows. Instead, they look great and have all the benefits of other kinds of window tint. This includes UV protection, glare, and heat reduction.
How Much Does Window Tint Cost?
Window tint costs vary based on a number of factors. One major factor is the type of window tint you want to be installed. Also, window tint costs can vary based on how many windows or doors you want to be covered. Generally, on average, a residential window tinting project can cost anywhere between $750 to $5000. Read our Window Tint Cost Guide for more information regarding costs.
What about a warranty? 3M offers a very comprehensive warranty that gives you peace of mind. Learn more about the warranty here.
Pick the Best Window Tint Installation Company
With so many options available, having the right window tint team on your side is a must. How can you find the best window tint company in the San Francisco Bay Area?
First, ensure that your contractor’s window tint installation choice is licensed and insured to work in California. You can check here for licensed companies. Since a reputation is worth its weight in gold, check to see how your installation company is doing. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start. These days, online reviews on Yelp and Google carry a lot of weight as well. Be sure to read the reviews to see how the installation company treats its customers. Aim for a window tint installer who has the best experience. For even more information to consider, read our Guide: How To Pick The Right Window Tint Company.
With over 40 years of experience, ClimatePro stands by its reputation as the highest-rated window film company in the San Francisco Bay Area. We are ready to help you to transform your home with the right window tint. Get a free estimate here or call us at (707) 569-9098.
