7 Common Errors in Residential Window Tinting and How to Avoid Them

Tinting your home's windows properly requires knowing what not to do. Here are common errors in residential window tinting and how to avoid them.

The global window film market reached $11.04 billion in 2022 and could grow by a CAGR of 5.3% by 2030. More homeowners are requesting energy-efficient windows! A few benefits of tinted windows include comfort, energy savings, and temperature control.

If you're making these errors in residential window tinting, however, you won't improve the energy efficiency in your home. Instead, your energy bills will continue to rise.



Read on to learn more about the window tinting process to ensure you don't make these costly mistakes!

1. Hiring Without Research

One of the biggest mistakes you can make before even starting the window tinting process is hiring the wrong company. Do your due diligence to ensure you hire an experienced, licensed window tinting company. Not every company in your area offers window film options that align with your needs or budget.

If you know of friends or family members who have requested a residential window tinting service in the past, ask for a referral. Otherwise, begin searching for companies online.

Determine how long each company has run and operated. An established business won't disappear overnight. You can rely on their experience and expertise to make more informed decisions regarding your window tints.

Confirm that the company specializes in residential window tints. If they're new to providing residential window tinting as a service, remove them from your list of options. Their lack of experience could do more harm than good.

Don't trust a company blindly, either. Instead, take the time to read testimonials and reviews. You can find reviews on the company's website, BBB profile, Google Business listing, and Yelp. Make sure each company on your list has a glowing reputation. 

Their reputation will speak to their ability to meet your needs and expectations. If past clients have filed serious complaints against the company, keep searching. Otherwise, you could experience the same problems. 

Make sure each company can walk you through their window tinting process. If they don't have an efficient process in place, they could waste your time. They might make a mistake when applying your film, which can cause the film to peel over time. 

2. Tinting Without Cleaning

Before choosing a window film, take the time to clean your home's windows. If your windows aren't clean, they'll ruin the appearance of your new tint. The tint might not remain in place if your windows are filthy.

If the tint is applied to dirty windows, you may notice spots under the film. You'll have to remove the film to clear these spots or streaks.

Dirty windows usually don't respond well to adhesive film.

Make sure to clean your windows on both sides. Use window cleaning products the morning before the tint is applied.

Don't clean your windows with rubbing alcohol, which can leave residue on the window. Otherwise, the tint won't stick to the glass. Rubbing alcohol can cause the tint to loosen over time as well.

You could waste time and money applying tint to your windows as a result. 

3. Prioritizing Price

Don't make the mistake of prioritizing prices when choosing window film. The cost of window tinting can vary based on the type of tint you select on the company's experience. 

Ask three local window tinting companies for an itemized list of all the services and tints they offer. Comparing costs will help you determine the average price. If one company's pricing is higher than the rest, ask why.

4. Not Considering Tints

About 30% of your home's heating energy is lost if you have old or inadequately sealed windows. Meanwhile, about 76% of the sunlight on standard windows enters your home to become heat. Choosing window film can help block solar heat gain, protect your home from ultraviolet exposure, and reduce glare. 

Take the time to compare different window tint options before making your choice.

For example, you should choose solar window tints if you want to improve your home's energy efficiency. This type of tint is thinner than security film. It absorbs or reflects up to 99% of the sun's UV rays to regulate indoor temperature.

Solar film is ideal if you want to reduce glare, increase comfort, improve energy savings, and prevent interior furnishings from fading.

Security film is ideal if you want to deter burglars. It's the thickest option. If a storm or home intrusion damages your window, the film can also prevent the glass from cracking.

Decorative film is the thinnest option. It can beautify your home. 

Note that not all films are compatible with all types of glass. Make sure to talk to an experienced window tinting professional to determine which options suit your home or goals. 

5. Neglecting Your Warranty

Before choosing a window tinting company, determine if they offer a guarantee or warranty. Ask if they'll return if the tint starts to peel and how long their warranty lasts. Finding a company that offers a warranty will protect your best interests.

Confirm that the film won't invalidate your window manufacturer's warranty before the film is applied. Some window manufacturers don't cover defects caused by modifying windows. 

6. Installing Yourself

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is applying the window film on your own. If the film isn't applied properly, it could peel. You could damage your windows, causing you to void the window manufacturer's warranty.

Instead, hire an experienced window tinting company. 

7. Not Considering Aesthetic

Remember, window tinting can improve the appearance of your home. However, you should choose an option that complements your home's architecture and style. If there's a clash, the film won't improve your home's value.

Instead, look for a company that offers a range of films in different styles and shades. 

Avoid These Errors in Residential Window Tinting

Making these common errors in residential window tinting could waste your time and money. Instead, choose an experienced residential window tinting company. Leveraging their experience and expertise can help you avoid these costly mistakes.

With their help, you can simplify the window tinting process to start reaping the benefits of window tinting immediately.

Eager to get started? Latitude 33 Window Tint here to help.

Contact us today for a free estimate.