If you’re thinking about getting some window tinting, whether it be residential or commercial, then there are a number of points you should know and understand so you make the best decision for your particular environment and application. The first and undoubtedly the most important thing you need to know about window film is the difference between good quality window film and bad quality film. Why is this so important? Good quality window film will last for the lifetime of your windows whereas poor window film will barely last 2-3 years on average, especially in a hot climate.

HOW TO GAUGE THE QUALITY OF WINDOW TINTING FILMS

If you arent a professional, the only way to discriminate between premium quality and poor quality film is price and guarantee. When making enquirers with a supplier, ask how long the film is guaranteed for. If it’s not at least 12 years save yourself the pain. And also look out for the shady operator who offers you a guarantee on cheap film and hikes the price, to make it seem like it’s good film, but will either not be around, or simply do nothing if you get back to them because your tint has degraded.

Here’s the tip, (and by the way I’ve found this to be true with most things in life), if your only consideration in getting quotes is looking for the lowest possible price, then you will naturally gravitate towards the bad product and the real price you pay will be in around 3 years when your windows start to blister, fade and/or peel and look unsightly. Be warned, the cheapest price is usually the rubbish product!

BENEFITS OF INSTALLING WINDOW FILM

There are a range of benefits you can get from window tinting, and each particular film you use will encapsulate some of these advantages, so the first thing you should be sure of is the most important reason for installing window tint. Lets look at each benefit in a tad more detail so you can better recognize the most suitable solution for your application. The main advantages of good quality window tinting are:

Heat Rejection: Good quality window film rejects heat by blocking as much as 73% of Total Solar Energy through windows. That really is cool!

UV Blocking: Premium window film eradicates up to 99% of infra red radiation from penetrating your windows. And as a bonus, it also prevents 93% of glare, which massively improves for your view and means things look cool!

Privacy: The right film will also provide daytime privacy, enabling everyone inside to remain cool, enjoy the views, and at the same time have total privacy from prying eyes during the day.

Impact Safety and Security Films: These specially designed films stop glass from fragmenting on impact. Safety films are designed to withstand the force of human impact, while security films can withstand an explosion without shattering. Since the collateral damage from accidents where windows are broken comes from shards of glass spraying like shrapnel, or large sections of glass falling like a guillotine, the major risks around safety are avoided. It also stops your windows from becoming a soft and easy entry point for burglars, because both the force and noise required to break and enter is so noticeable thieves, would rather simply move on in search of an easier, ‘softer’ target.

Finally of course there’s the matter of style. Good quality window film also adds style to windows; and for many people it’s the aesthetic charm that tinted windows add that is the primary driver for their installation.

ISSUES RELATED TO DARK TINT ON CARS AND VEHICLES

The next point I want to discuss is relevant to drivers and it concerns installing the darkest legal tint on your car, truck or work vehicle.

The darkest legal tint permitted in most countries where window tinting is regulated is one with a VLT (visible light transmission) level of 35%, on all vehicle windows (excluding the front windscreen, which is not allowed to have any window tint except for a visor strip across the top). There are sometimes exceptions allowed on windows behind the driver. But here’s the critical point. Most cars already have a slight tint in the glass in their front windows, so this needs to be taken into consideration when adding tint to a vehicle. Here’s how the maths looks.

If your factory windows on your car already block 30% of light, when a film with the “darkest legal tint” of 35% is added to this window, it will emit only 35% of light into a window that is already only emitting 70% of light, so the final VLT reading will be finalised by the addition of both VLT ratings.

This needs to be considered because if a driver inadvertently fails to comply with tinting regulations, the result can be a fine. But even worse, if a vehicle is involved in an accident and its illegally dark windows are considered by the court to be a contributing factor, this could mean the nulling of your insurance policy, leaving you exposed to the full financial implications of the accident. Additionally criminal charge could apply if property is damaged or people are hurt.

The last thing to consider is that if you install illegally dark window tint, the vehicle is deemed unroadworthy, which means you can’t drive the car again until it has been put through the pits, in which case the illegal tint will have to be removed. That’s why the combined VLT of both the glass and film really should be considered when you’re selecting the appropriate tint for your car.

Summing up everything I’ve discussed, what’s the critical takeaway from this article? When it comes to window tinting, make sure you use a good quality film and that your installer has the knowledge to be able to offer you the best solution for your circumstances. Find a good installer who offers quality film and has easy to verify testimonials, something like this, and check out your local industry association.

Conservatories and greenhouses used to be interchangeable terms, with the single function of being a refuge for plants against extreme weather conditions. Fortunately, because of technological advances leading to more affordable indoor climate control, conservatories are no longer out of reach for the average household. If you still havent made up your mind about adding a conservatory, here are the top ten practical uses that might just change your mind:

1. Office or Library because conservatories are made up mostly out of transparent material, theyre the most well-lit places during the day up until the early afternoon. With an intense, natural light source beaming down from the ceiling, you not only get a beautiful view of the sky and your surroundings, but you also get a good dose of vitamin D.
2. Indoor Garden conservatories were originally created to keep plants happy and healthy while keeping away uninvited rodents and other animals that munch away all of your precious plants if left outdoors. By keeping plants in your conservatory, you get the fresh air and beauty that plants offer without attracting pests common to the outdoors.
3. Gym by working out exposed to the rays of the sun, you help your body release more serotonin, which boosts your mood and keeps you energetic all throughout the day. Combine this with the endorphin-boosting capability of exercise, and youve got yourself a natural mood and energy boosting routine.
4. Sun room in some countries where sunlight isnt a common sight, its appearance can come with a little drizzle of rain or pelt of snow, which makes it impossible to read a book or share a meal with friends outdoors. Fortunately, sunrooms provide a sanctuary from rain drops, snowflakes, and other elements that would prevent you from enjoying the sight of the sun.
5. Dining room by starting your day with a healthy dose of sunlight, even the most reclusive night owls get a chance to enjoy a meal with a friend or a family member.
6. Indoor Planetarium a lot of people associate conservatories with daylight activities, but at night, conservatories can actually act like a planetarium, letting you see the mystical nighttime sky without being a sitting duck to mosquitoes, badgers, etc.
7. Bedroom artificial light has made it harder for people to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning. The pineal glands, which are in charge of producing melatonin that helps people sleep only work in the dark, whereas serotonin, which helps your body perk up is produced when the body is exposed to sunlight. By letting the moon and the sun tell you when to sleep and wake up, you get much more energy out of the day and much more rest out of the night.
8. Living room the beauty of having a conservatory as your living room is that you can put in a lot of light-loving plants. Some people also add reef or planted aquariums, as natural sunlight gives the corals and plants enough energy to grow and thrive without needing expensive, artificial light.
9. Kitchen having a kitchen in a conservatory not only allows you to cook meals with a clear view of nature, but you can also grow several types of herbs, vegetables, and fruits that you can readily pick for whatever dish you want to make.
10. Indoor pool or hot tub the great thing about having a pool or hot tub inside a conservatory is that heavy rain or snow wont ruin the fun. With the appropriate heating or cooling devices, you can produce the perfect climate for indoor swimming without blocking the sun.