Disadvantages of Home Window Tinting

Home window tinting may seem like an easy way to reduce heat and glare in your home. But before committing to apply window film, it's important to carefully weigh the downsides. Tinting windows can lead to some unexpected problems down the road.

Potential Downsides of Home Window Tinting

While window tinting does offer benefits like UV protection and privacy, it also has some significant drawbacks homeowners should consider.

Increased Energy Costs

Dark window tinting reduces the amount of natural daylight that can enter a home. With less natural light available, homeowners often have to turn on more artificial lighting during the day. This added lighting usage leads to higher electricity bills.

Darkened Interior Spaces

Heavy window tinting can make indoor spaces feel darker and smaller. Rooms can take on a gloomy, cave-like feeling. This depressed ambiance may not be ideal for many homes. Extremely dark window tinting may violate local regulations as well.

Reduced Visibility

While tinted windows block visibility from the outside, they also reduce visibility looking out. This makes it harder to see kids playing outdoors, cars driving by, or animals in the yard. Lighter sheer window films help maintain visibility better.

Signal Interference

Reflective metallic window tints can potentially interfere with cellular signals, WiFi, and other wireless communications. This interference depends on the type of film used. Testing signals before and after application is wise.

Visible Window Films

Some darker or reflective window films are easily visible from outside the home. This can create an unpleasant mirrored look on windows that detracts from home aesthetics. Lighter tints help windows maintain their clear glass appearance.

Added Installation Costs

Professionally installing window tinting film can cost $3-$12 per square foot. The expense grows quickly for larger homes. DIY installation can save money but makes mistakes more likely.

Replacement and Removal Costs

Window tinting may need replacement 5-15 years after installation. At $3-$8 per square foot, replacing window film is an added future expense. Removal can also be challenging and expensive if films were installed improperly.

Window Damage Risks

Improper tint installation risks permanently damaging window seals, especially on insulated windows. Cracks and leaks caused by unskilled DIY film application can void window warranties and reduce resale value.

Performance Issues Over Time

Window films are susceptible to bubbling, cracking, peeling, and discoloration as they age and degrade in the sun. Adhesion and performance issues are more likely with cheap DIY films. High-end professional films last significantly longer.

Limitations on Windows Types

Tint adheres best on single pane glass windows. Performance and adhesion are reduced on dual pane and gas-filled insulated windows. Special films are required for these window types that increase costs.

Cleaning Difficulties

Films applied to the interior side of windows can be harder to reach and clean over time. Dust and dirt accumulation between the film and glass are also more visible compared to exterior film placement.

Unsuitable for Some Windows

Severely damaged, leaky, or rotting windows are not good candidates for tint installation. The weak glass and seals will eventually cause the film to fail. Upgrading problem windows first is ideal.

Issues With Low Quality Window Films

To save money, some homeowners opt for cheap window tinting from inexperienced installers. However, inferior quality films come with their own set of disadvantages.

Reduced Durability and Faster Fading

Discount films fade, bubble, crack, and peel from windows faster than high-end products. Replacing failing cheap tints ends up costing more in the long run. Paying for quality tinting the first time is wise.

Excessive Glare and Distortion

Poor quality tint films are more likely to create unpleasant glare, distortion, and double-vision effects looking through windows. This hampers visibility and can cause headaches for home occupants.

Dark Tint Reduces Safety

Extra dark cheap window films can dangerously reduce outward visibility for driving or walking around a home at night. Only light to medium tint darkness should be used for safety reasons.

Inferior Heat and UV Rejection

Quality tint films are engineered to reject up to 99% of infrared heat from sunlight. Cheap films often have weaker heat rejection allowing more heat to enter the home.

Film Adhesion Problems

Low-grade tint adhesives are not as strong and resilient as high-end adhesives. This results in more bubbling, peeling, and lifting at window edges as films lose adhesion.

Voided Window Warranties

Using amateur DIY installers or cheap tint films often voids warranties on windows. Damage caused during poor installations is not covered either. Only hire experienced pros.

Bubbling From Bad Applications

Rushed or unskilled DIY film application causes air bubbles to be trapped under tint. This looks unappealing and impacts visual clarity. Professional installers take time to apply films correctly.

Reduced UV Protection

Quality tint films block up to 99% of UV rays that cause fading and damage. Cheap films provide weaker UV protection, allowing more fading to occur over time.

Hidden Dangers of DIY Window Tinting

To save on installation costs, some homeowners attempt DIY window tinting. But without proper training and experience, the risks of failure or damage are high.

Meticulous Cleaning Required

Windows must be cleaned thoroughly before film application. Any debris or dirt will show under the film. Inexperienced DIYers may not adequately prep windows.

High Risk of Mistakes

Applying film smoothly without bubbles, creases or gaps takes training. The margin for error with DIY tinting is high. Even tiny debris causes defects.

Difficult Precision Trimming

Trimming tint film around edges and openings requires a very steady hand. Inexperienced DIYers will likely cut poorly and create an unprofessional appearance.

Weak Infrared Heat Rejection

Most amateur-grade DIY window tint films do not reject infrared heat well. Homes will absorb more heat compared to professional IR-rejecting films.

Window Seal and Glass Damage

Mistakes with sharp razor blades can easily damage window seals, frames, and the glass itself. Cracked glass or severed seals require expensive window repairs.

Long Term Failure Risks

Improper film application and lack of surface prep will eventually cause tint failure. Problems like bubbles, discoloration and peeling don't appear until years later.

Demanding Dry Application Conditions

Tint films must be applied in meticulously dry conditions with no humidity. DIYers may lack ability to control environmental conditions.

Voided Warranties

Any damage caused during amateur DIY tinting voids warranties on windows. Only professional installers will guarantee their workmanship.

Unskilled DIY film application can lead to distracting bubbles, glare and distortion. This hampers visibility and safety around windows.