Tag: window

by James Adam

The Ultimate Guide on How to Choose the Best Window Tint Percentage for Your Home


Homes

According to Energy.gov, windows without any tinting or film applied to them will lose about 30% of the energy used to heat and cool your home.

Conserving that energy is only one of the few reasons why people might install a home window tint.

If you’re thinking about doing it, you might be wondering what the best window tint percentage is. We’ll break it all down for you here!

Privacy

For those who mainly want privacy from tinting their windows, you should get a window film that has a lower tint percentage. If a window tint percentage is at or below 20%, that means the window will only let in about 20% of the actual light.

People install these tints in rooms that they want more privacy in, like bathrooms, bedrooms, or entryways. If you don’t have this type of tint on your home, everyone will be able to see directly into your home at night.

Before you start tinting your windows, make sure you know everything about it, especially if you’re going to do it yourself. Read more now!

Visibility

Maybe instead of privacy, you want more visibility in a certain room to display something off. Many store owners use these to display their window sections.

In this case, you should look for a film that has a lower percentage. Finding one with this will help to redirect the sunlight from your window and make it easier to see through the window.

UV Rays

You’ve probably heard of the UV rays from the sun being damaging to your skin, but they can also damage your home and furniture.

If you have some furniture near a window where the sun beats down, it could end up damaging or fading your furniture over time. Because of this, you may want to consider getting some window film.

Another reason people block out UV rays is if someone in their family has a skin condition that makes them sensitive to the light. Instead of blocking the rays out and not being able to see, they just stop the UV rays from getting in.

To be able to do this, you don’t have to get a very low percentage of tint either. However, the quality of the tint you purchase will really vary on how much UV rays it keeps out.

If you get a window tint that has a 90% VLT, you’ll be able to protect your family, health, and furniture and belongings.

Glare

If you already have tinted windows, it could reflect the sun and cause glare on your neighbor’s home. This is why it’s important to consider your neighbors and HOA (if you have one) before you purchase a window tint.

Try not to get one that is too shiny, which will automatically bounce all of the sun off. It might even violate your HOA rules, leaving you with some hefty fines.

To make sure that you don’t get a shiny one, try and get a lower VLT percentage. For example, if you get a 49% VLT, this will be the perfect balance to give you some privacy and also not offer a rude glare into your neighbors’ homes.

Energy Efficiency

If you want to improve the energy efficiency in your home, you should get a solar film.

This type of film is thicker than a decorative film, but it’s also thinner than a film you would use if you wanted security and safety. However, this film will also reflect up to 99% of the UV rays so that it won’t heat your home.

This will make sure that your home stays cooler in the summer months, warmer in the winter months, and also avoid any of the energy inside your home from leaking out.

Safety

Some people want to apply window tinting to keep their home safe.

If you buy a security film, it will normally come in a silver or even clear color. They don’t reflect too much heat, so you shouldn’t get this one if you want it to be energy efficient.

This film is also really strong. It will make sure that your window doesn’t break easily if there is a storm or someone tries to break it. Instead of shattering into little pieces, the window will just have one large crack in it.

Aesthetics

Some people don’t care about any of the reasons above and just want something that will make their house look nice. If you like darker colors, there are also some shades out there that will work well for your home.

In some cases, it could even increase your home value.

If you want a darker film for this, you’ll have to get a tint with a higher percentage, so at least 90%. You can even find some window tints that come in different colors and patterns if you want a certain look for your house.

Discover More About the Best Window Tint Percentage for Your Home

If you’re still confused about what the best window tint percentage for your home, you should first ask yourself what you want out of the window film.

From there, you’ll be able to figure out what’s the best one to buy. However, we know those home renovations of any kind can be stressful and overwhelming, which is why we’re here to help you!

If you enjoyed this article, make sure that you explore our website to find more articles just like this one!


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by James Adam

Upgrades to Elevate your Window Treatments


Homes

A great window can look even better by adding fabric, however, sometimes details like stitching ad trim can make a big difference. There are so many ways you can elevate your window treatments. Prior to making these changes, you should do a routine house window repair in each room. Upgrading can be a fast and inexpensive yet it adds fresh energy to a room. You may choose to improve on your current window treatments or buy new ones. You may consider blinds, drapes or even shades. Consider fabric instead of new blinds to save money and opt for a lighter fabric to allow more light into the room.

Revive exiting window coverings

  • You should clean your current window treatments by removing all debris and dust from the drapes, dust plastic and metal blinds and use polish where applicable. Take out old curtains and throw them in the washer.
  • You can utilise old drapes and sew patterns into them or sew patches of colored cloth on them.
  • Get creative and glue on some ribbon at the edges or add on embellishments. Allow the glue to dry completely then rehang the blinds.
  • If you have wood blinds, you may refresh them by applying a stain.

Replace old window treatments

  • You may decide to replace old window treatments if they cannot be revived. You can take down the old window coverings using a screwdriver. You are advised not to let one end drop as you are unscrewing it.
  • Measure the area that you want your new treatment. Make a note of the measurements so that you can easily refer to it at a later stage.
  • You may now choose your preference: shades, blinds or a light colored curtain made from fabric. You may want to consider which would work best for you, which matches your home and the cost involved.
  • Place all the tools you will be using in front of you. Ensure to refer to instructions given with any of your new treatments before you begin using them.

 Window Treatments

Shades – They come in a vast selection of high-end fabrics and materials. They are perfect for privacy and controlling light in the home as well as protection from harmful UV rays.

Blinds – Blinds offer total control of light and they can be customised. You will find various types of blinds to suit your budget.

Shutters – They offer a modern and up-market look and feel to your home. Shutters are crack resistant and don’t get damaged easily.

Drapery – Fabric curtains are the choice for many people. They add a rich and classy feel to your home and offer control of light and privacy.

You have so many options to choose from when you decide to upgrade your household windows. A few simple changes will make all the difference and transform your home from drab to fab. You should follow a step-by-step guide if you plan on doing it yourself.

by Incredible Planet Staff

Benefits of Window Tinting Your office


Business

There are many advantages that come with window tinting your office building. One of the undeniable merits is that it makes your premises look great in the eyes of your clients. It could even get you new hires and buyers! Even for your suppliers, tainted office windows have a huge impact. Below are the top benefits of installing tinted windows in your workplace.

  1. It reduces unwanted solar heat

Tinting an office is the most effective way of minimizing the excess solar heat that is transferred through the windows. Well-tinted windows can reduce indoor heat by around 78%. What a good way to cool off the sun-drenched spots in your office! You can finally control the hot areas of your working place. you can take advantage of these wonderful benefits by getting touch with Sunshine Coast Window Tinting company today!

  1. Tints block harmful UV rays

If you didn’t know, window tinting can block 99% of the UV rays, besides reducing direct sun heat. As such, it protects your valuable furnishings from the detrimental effects of UV rays. Moreover, it acts as a sunscreen for the skin, safeguarding you and your office workers against UV.

  1. It reduces heat loss

Tinting the office windows is another way of controlling the indoor temperatures. By reducing heat loss, you can save on your cooling costs. This is because a cool environment increases the efficiency of the HVAC system, leading to reduced power bills. For the same reasons, most architects, engineers, and designers recommend window films to reduce indoor heat and consequently lower the cost of cooling an office or home. Summer heat and winter cold cab get inside your office through the windows. The good news is that a window tint film would reduce such leakages, making your office energy saving. Imagine the hot sun hitting your thermostat head on half the day in every room of your office premises. That means your AC would be running more than necessary. But if you install window films, you can save thousands of dollars on your cooling bills for years.

  1. It minimizes safety environmental hazards

If you don’t want to expose your office to vandalism and intruders, consider tinting your windows. Window tints can be the safety nets you just need to keep off burglars. Most of the tint films are shutter-proof. They also prevent damage from scraping and paint. There are even high-end tints that can protect a building from a bomb blast. They may not prevent debris from flying in but will drastically reduce the extent of damage and flying glasses getting into the office. Shattered glass is hazardous during a bomb blast as well as in other natural calamities like earthquakes and storms. Special tints are designed to hold the glass together even when it breaks. As such, you have no worries about the minute shards that fly into an office. Like the safety glasses, tint films make windows less hazardous.

  1. It complements the office design

If your office takes a contemporary design, your designer can help you pick a window film that complements that design. A tint is a special finishing. It is not just functional but also an aesthetic element. It is a great way to enhance both the interior and exterior decors of an office. It makes your workplace look more elegant and you don’t need to break into a bank to do it.

  1. Quick installation

If you call a professional to install a window film, the disruption of your work schedule will be infinitesimal.

  1. Window tinting adds on to your comfort

If you have ever been to a restaurant near the beach with clear glasses, you will notice that no one wants to sit near the bright dead zones as they are too hot. This could happen to your office and the problem is that there might not be extra desks for the employees who are sun-drenched. What will happen to those workers? They will suffer and probably seek employment elsewhere out of resentment. Luckily, window tinting can keep off the hot sun rays and still allow sufficient light to brighten your office. You and your employees thus enjoy a cool indoor environment.

  1. Warranty plan

If you contact a professional service, your windows will be backed by a warranty. It’s, therefore, a risk-free investment.

Most people think that window tinting is only reserved for cars. What they don’t know is that the benefits of glass-tinting automotive can be passed on to an office. Designers encourage commercial tinting to help you defend the comfort and health of a workplace as well as improve energy efficiency and aesthetics.

Whether you are being bothered by snow reflections, direct sun, surrounding buildings, or nearby water, a window film is a perfect solution to help minimize the irritating glare.

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by Incredible Planet Staff

Why An Insulating Blind Is The Right Choice For Your Home


Homes

Blinds are so much more than simply window-coverings. Blinds have a much more functional role to play: to protect the carpet and furniture from sun damage, to provide privacy, and the most important of all—to provide insulation.

Yes, certain types of blinds provide insulation, acting as a form of temperature-regulators. They can help keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Research suggests that one-third of your home’s energy is lost as a direct result of uncovered or badly-covered windows.

Having a proper shielding blind installed can help prevent this energy loss. Insulating blinds are a worthy investment that will yield good returns by way of lower energy costs and better comfort.

If the blinds in your home facilitate insulation, there’s no doubt that you will save a lot of money over the years. Just by preventing the energy loss, you will noticeably increase your home’s comfort level.

Types of Insulating Blinds

Not all blinds have insulating properties. Here are a few types of blinds that are known to be quite effective when it comes to temperature control.

Honeycomb Blinds

When it comes to insulation, honeycomb blinds are one of the most popular choices. They have a distinctive design that aids in insulation. The honeycomb-pattern has pockets of air that help regulate temperature.

They help to lock in the heat during the cold winter months, and are effective at blocking out the sunlight, thereby keeping the house cool during the sweltering summer months.

The fact that they are very aesthetically pleasing is an added bonus. If you are looking for blinds that are cost-effective, functional (insulating, light and noise cancelling), durable, and budget-friendly—then honeycomb blinds should always be on the top of your list.

Roman Blinds

Roman blinds are a very popular option for contemporary homes that prefer a classy look with a modern twist. They are elegant and eye-catching while still managing to be understated. If you are not a fan of overly fussy designs with too many details (e.g. curtains with pleats or lace trimmings), then the roman blinds are a great option for you.

They come in a sturdy material and are basically just made up of one piece of material. This means that you won’t have any annoying gaps to deal with. And that translates into better insulation, complete blocking of sunlight (no more glares on television), and a very clean look when the blinds are drawn.

If you want to give your bedroom or living room an inexpensive makeover, try installing cellular blinds. They will instantly turn your bedroom from a standard bedroom to a luxury suite.

Customized Curtains

Curtains can provide good insulation when they are customised for that exact purpose. With extra lining and the right measurements, curtains can be effective at shutting out the cold and shunning the punishing summer heat.

Curtains are a little high maintenance though; they require regular cleaning to keep them looking their best. So, if you’re not up for such regular care, then honeycomb or roman blinds are the best maintenance-free options available.

Final Thoughts

When thinking about home décor, most people tend to spend a lot of their time and money on furniture, art décor and other pieces while window coverings take a backseat. But what you need to remember is that your window coverings are going to last for a very long time.

Picking the right type could make or break your home’s look. When choosing window coverings, you need to keep two factors in mind: the style and the functionality. Do the blinds go with the rest of your house? Your blinds should be in keeping with the style of your home.

So, if you are going for a classic look for your house, then your blinds need to reflect that theme. The second part is the functionality. You need to be practical about your choice. Do the blinds provide insulation? Are they capable of cutting out light completely and providing you with total privacy?

Beautiful blinds that are not functional are a waste of money. So, don’t settle for less. Look for style, quality, affordability and functionality when it comes to blinds.

When you opt for insulating blinds you will have a positive impact, not just on your bank balance, but also on the environment. You will reap the benefits for years to come. Reduced energy bills are a welcome change in every home owner’s monthly expenses.

Being eco-friendly is not just about the big ticket times, like driving a fuel-efficient car and installing solar panels on your roof, it can be something as simple—and sensible—as installing insulating blinds to cut down your energy usage.