How to Choose the Right Vinyl Window Film for Your Home
Vinyl window films offer multiple benefits that curtains and blinds do not. Getting vinyl window film installed means your home can have the privacy it needs along with protection from harmful UV rays while still benefiting from an abundance of natural light streaming in through the glass.
Vinyl window films come with a variety of functions and opacities which can make choosing the perfect window film for your home a difficult choice to make. Read on to learn about their functions and the various factors you need to take into account while choosing a window film to suit your needs.
Understand What Window Films Can Do For You
Do you have a window that faces a busy street? Or windows that get the full brunt of sunlight in the summer? In the first case, you may want to protect your home from prying eyes while in the latter, protection from harmful UV rays might be your priority. Or you may have a window that’s public-facing and receives lots of sunlight in which case you may want your window films to offer privacy and sun protection too. Evaluating what you need from your vinyl window films is the first step toward choosing them. Vinyl window films offer one or more of the following functions:
- Privacy: Window films can offer varying levels of opacity to increase privacy in your home. They can also offer one-way mirror effects so you can see out, but no one can look in during the day. You can also get blackout window films that do not let any light in or out.
- Insulation and UV Protection: Solar window films offer relief from excessive sun exposure and help block damaging UV rays to protect you and your furnishings from sun damage. They can also target spectrally select rays from the sun to reduce glare and heat to reduce energy bills.
- Security: Security window films strengthen the glass of your windows by holding the glass together even if it is smashed by a fallen tree or an attempted break-in. It also minimizes the risk of injury caused by glass shards.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Vinyl window films come in a variety of tints and shades to match the décor of your home. You can also opt for a frosted window film that gives the appearance of etched glass. Textile films look like soft cloth to give your windows a soft textural appeal.
Compare Performance
Now that you know what window films have to offer, it’s time to compare the characteristics of the different vinyl films on offer. For example, if you need protection from UV light then compare spec sheets of different solar films from the manufacturer to see what suits your needs and budget the best.
An experienced vinyl window film dealer will be able to guide you and help you understand the information on spec sheets.
Multiple Window Films
Remember, you can have different types of window films around your home. You can pick and choose them for functionality as well as to match your décor. For example, you may want to install frosted window films in your bathroom windows so that you have privacy at night too. However, a textured window film may be more appropriate for a cozy den or recreation room.
You can also ask for a custom design to match your décor if you need to.
Factor in Costs
Always opt for high-quality vinyl window films from reputed manufacturers. While this may cost a little more than DIY window films found on the internet, opting for certified and tested window films means that you will get the functionality you need from your window film. Window films from reputed manufacturers are durable and come with a warranty so you know your investment is protected.
Although vinyl window film is relatively inexpensive compared to blinds and curtains, it’s also a good idea to compare the cost of different window film options as well as their installation costs. Most professional window film installers are happy to visit your home to give you an estimate of what the entire process will cost you.
VanCity Window Film
VanCity Window Film is an authorized 3M dealer that is proud of the customer service we have to offer. Our highly knowledgeable team is happy to guide you every step of the way – from picking the right vinyl film for your needs to a professional, clean installation.
Get in touch with our team to get a quote today.