Window Film: Pros and Cons
Window coverings vs. window film: which is better? What do you think? It’s a question that many of our San Francisco Bay Area customers have asked. In this post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of each. Then, we’ll offer you a surprising compromise.
Window film has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses. What are some of the advantages of window film?
Believe it or not, cost is one advantage. Window film is a less expensive choice when compared to custom window treatments. The average cost of installing window film is $588, vs. the average cost of window treatments is $699. Speaking of saving money, window film can help to lower your heating and cooling costs by acting as a layer of insulation on the glass itself. In fact, some window films are so strong that they can even act as a security barrier. It can hold the glass in place in case of break-ins or natural disasters like earthquakes and storms.
Window film is also easier to maintain. With simple cleaning solutions that you would normally use for cleaning glass, your window film can stay clean and clear. When it comes to UVA protection, window film really shines. While allowing sunshine to flow into a home or office, window film filters up to 99% of the sun’s harmful rays. This is really the best of both worlds: sunlight and skin cancer and anti-fade protection in one product.
Another advantage of window film is its temperature control benefits. Again, by acting as an insulator, window film can reduce heat gain by rejecting up to 60% of the sun’s heat. As we’ve already mentioned, you get the benefits of sunlight while saving money on your energy bills.
What are the disadvantages of window film? While there are some really cool decorative films out there, window film doesn’t offer you the design advantages that window coverings do. You simply can’t customize window film to the same degree. When it comes to privacy, window film offers a few options. Except for blackout films (which comes in black or white), window films don’t provide the same kind of complete privacy that closed window treatments do.
Pros:
- Price: professionally installed window film is usually more affordable than custom window treatments.
- Energy efficiency: Window film is a more energy-efficient solution. By rejecting up to 78% of solar heat, it is can eradicate hot spots during warmer months. During colder months, window film can act as an insulation barrier, reducing cold spots.
- UV protection: Window film blocks 99% of UV rays, reducing fading and the potential for skin damage. Ultimately, window film increases the lifespan of your home furnishings, saving you money in the long run.
- Maintenance: Window film requires little maintenance. Simple cleaning procedures, similar to cleaning glass, are all that’s needed. Since they don’t collect dust as window treatments do, they are also more hypoallergenic and hygienic.
- Safety and security: window film can create privacy without obscuring light during the day. It can also serve as a barrier, preventing the broken glass from entering a home or office by holding it in place.
Cons:
- Complete privacy: except for blackout films, window films don’t provide complete privacy that closed window treatments do.
- Decorative: While there are a lot of decorative window films available, there are considerable more decorative choices for window treatments
Ready to get started? Call the ClimatePro team at 707.755.7337 or get a free quote online today.
