UV tint for home windows (how much, Home Depot, furniture, installed)

[caspian65]

Looking for recommendations on a good type of UV tint/film to use on 10 sun room windows and 2 skylights. Don't want to spend a fortune, but don't want our new furniture and rug to fade.

Looking for clear as we don't want to diminish the amount of light.

Thanks for any help.

[ShaneSA]

If you are going to do it yourself, Lowe's or Home Depot sell film for windows. It's not difficult. The skylights may be more difficult just because of where they are located. If you want a company to do it, check with Thad Zeigler or Samuel's Glass to see if they do it.

[calnbs]

Yeah, I bought mine Window Films online from homedepot.com. Best you have at least two people to do it. I did it to all my windows. Let's just say, it wasn't perfect. LOL. I can definately feel the difference having those films on my window but I did go for the darkest/reflective one.

[Oberon476]

If your primary concern is fading, you need to keep in mind that visible light, as well as UV, does contribute to fading.

While blocking just the UV will slow fading, it won't eliminate it.

If you want maximum protection from fading you should consider a film that blocks both UV and is tinted to block some visible light as well.

If you have dual pane windows with a LowE coating then you are already blocking a percentage of both UV and visible light as a function of the coating (how much of each is dependent on the coating used). Adding an after market film to a dual pane window can sometimes result in damage to the glass/IGU and will almost always void your window glass warranty, however a clear UV-blocking film is very unlikely to result in window damage.

[caspian65]

I received the first quote and had no idea this was so expensive ($1200 for 10 windows, 1 door and 2 skylights). We paid a lot for the furniture, but I just can't see justifying the cost of window tint. Seems like everything is getting very expensive these days.

Maybe I'll just buy a roll of the stuff and do it myself.

[titaniummd]

I have some unconventional shaped windows (shaped like a half moon). Do I have those installed on those, too?

[davebarnes]

3M - Sun Control Window Films
Learn about the features/benefits so you know what YOU need/want in a film.

We had it done.
Window wall with 3m Prestige 40 for $800. Easily worth it. The wall face directly east.

[patrickbuzacott]

I’m not too keen on window tinting, it makes a room look too dark; I’d go for window frosting as it does not only block out UV rays but it also helps improve ventilation and privacy.

[harry chickpea]

Originally Posted by caspian65

I received the first quote and had no idea this was so expensive ($1200 for 10 windows, 1 door and 2 skylights). We paid a lot for the furniture, but I just can't see justifying the cost of window tint. Seems like everything is getting very expensive these days.

Maybe I'll just buy a roll of the stuff and do it myself.

If it is a true pro job, that seems a fair price. Two guys for a day, materials, re-do if there is a problem, no seams showing, tight edges, proper cleaning before applying the film. If the references checked out, I probably wouldn't balk (and I'm cheap).

[bannedontherun]

Originally Posted by caspian65

I received the first quote and had no idea this was so expensive ($1200 for 10 windows, 1 door and 2 skylights). We paid a lot for the furniture, but I just can't see justifying the cost of window tint. Seems like everything is getting very expensive these days.

Maybe I'll just buy a roll of the stuff and do it myself.

What's the square footage on that quote? For a good quality 4 mil film e.g (Armorcoat, Huper Optik,3M) with no edgelock, it should run you about $7 a sq/ft. I've never heard of tinting skylights, BTW.