DIY window tinting

For residents of southern regions or people whose windows face the sunny side, a hot season comes in summer. And in the literal sense of the word. The sun's rays warm the room to unimaginable temperatures, respectively, you can forget about a comfortable stay. There are two ways to solve the problem: live with curtained windows or tint windows. The second option is more profitable and we will tell you why.

Advantages and disadvantages

Window tinting has its advantages and disadvantages. Having examined all sides of the issue, you can make an informed decision: do you need a tinting film or not. Let's start with the benefits:

• The film is installed on all types of windows, including glazing of a balcony or loggia. Its intended purpose is the absorption of ultraviolet rays. The material copes with this task perfectly, passing only 1% of ultraviolet. As a result, the room does not heat up, in addition, furniture and wallpaper are protected from burnout.
• The protective film prevents heat loss, respectively, toning the loggia, you will make it suitable for living at any time of the year. We immediately specify that without a heating system, living on a balcony in the winter will be very difficult.
• It performs tinting and protective functions. Glazing a balcony is a great solution, but if your apartment is located on the ground floor, there is a risk that the window will be broken. For example, children playing in the yard accidentally get into the loggia window with a ball. If you omit the cost of restoring the window (this responsibility can be assigned to the parents of the bully), the security issue remains. Broken glass can injure people on the balcony. If a tinting film is applied to the windows, the trauma risk of the situation will be reduced to zero: the fragments will be linked by the film.

• Thanks to tinting, you will be perfectly able to see everything that happens outside the apartment, but you won’t be able to look inside the room from the street. Accordingly, residents of the first floors can do without curtains during the day.

Protective films also have disadvantages:

• Only a certain spectrum of rays passes through the tint of balcony windows and loggias, respectively, in the apartment there will always be twilight.
• Protection from sunlight in winter will have a negative side: the apartment will slowly warm up. This is especially noticeable if the city has heating problems.
• It will not work to completely refuse to install the curtains: when it gets dark outside, the light turned on in the rooms will provide excellent visibility from the street.

However, even despite the existing shortcomings, window tinting is very popular.

Varieties

The film designed to protect the loggia and windows in the apartment is of several types. Each category has certain properties:

1. Sunscreen. Such a film is capable of absorbing up to 80% of ultraviolet rays. This is the best solution for residents of the southern regions who are forced to live in the summer with a constantly on air conditioning.
2. Mirror. In addition to the main function, it prevents viewing from the street, although in the dark the mirror effect begins to work in the opposite direction. Looks good on glazed balconies and loggias.
3. Protective. Such a film not only absorbs the sun's rays, but also makes the glass more durable. It is recommended for installation on the first floors of apartment buildings and in the private sector.
4. Matt Just note that a matte film is not the best option for tinting a loggia or windows in an apartment. Frosted films are designed to decorate glass partitions, mainly in office buildings or hospitals. However, the opaque film will make it difficult to see from the street, and absorbs a certain amount of sunlight. Therefore, if desired, can be used in residential premises.

DIY tinting

One of the indisputable advantages of tinting is the simplicity of its application. Even women can tint windows in the apartment. Here is the technology for applying a protective film:

• The glass surface must be thoroughly washed and degreased. If this is not done, the film will not adhere to a contaminated surface. It is better to repeat the procedure two or three times.
• The film roll is rolled on any flat surface, a piece of the right size is cut out. It is recommended to leave 1-2 centimeters of margin at the edges.
• The protective layer is removed from the surface of the film. So that the adhesive base does not stick spontaneously to the hands or windows, it can be moistened with a solution of soapy water.
• The film is applied to the top of the glass, and is gradually smoothed down. Try to keep the surface level: the wrinkles and bubbles formed must be removed immediately.
• The applied film is leveled with a rubber spatula, the excess is cut off.

As you can see, there is nothing complicated. It is worth noting that window tinting needs regular maintenance. Therefore, wipe the surface periodically with a damp cloth. The use of detergents on an abrasive or chemically active basis is unacceptable.