Commercial office buildings and storefronts are featuring glass more than ever, as builders aim to achieve a sleek, modern and open look. But using glass has some pitfalls, including increasing energy costs from solar radiation. The more windows you have, the greater the amount of energy likely to be wasted. While newer buildings generally have more efficient low-E windows, business owners may still have to deal with hot spots, glare, faded furniture and other annoyances.
Tinting for your windows or glass doors offers a number of benefits, from lowering utility costs by reducing solar radiation in the summer or helping to retain heat in the winter, to minimizing glare that can make your business’s interior uncomfortable for employees and customers alike. But before you make an investment in window tinting you probably want to know all the ins and outs.
Benefits of Commercial Window Tinting
Besides lowering interior temperatures by as much as 15 degrees and minimizing glare, here are some additional benefits of commercial window tinting:
- Depending on the type of film chosen, window tinting can Increase privacy while allowing those inside to still be able to look out.
- Window tinting can eliminate harmful UV rays that can cause skin damage and cause furniture, carpet and window treatments such as blinds and drapes to fade.
- In a hot, sunny climate, window tinting can make a business seem more inviting as a refuge from intense heat in the summertime. Restaurants in particular can benefit from the appeal of cooler-looking, darker glass storefronts and windows.
- Window tinting can increase employee productivity by reducing glare on computer screens.
- Tinting may help reduce the visibility of dust on your storefront glass or windows so that they don’t need cleaning so often.
- Thicker, security-type window film can reduce the likelihood of glass shattering when an incident of burglary, vandalism or an accident occurs. This can also increase employee security by reducing the chance of injury.
What Type of Window Tinting?
Installing the cheapest window tinting isn’t recommended, as it may fade rather quickly. Good quality film can last for many years – even decades.
Many factors affect longevity, including thickness, as well as the presence of UV inhibitors in film. Dyes and metals may also be added to the film to increase its ability to absorb or block heat. Carbon window tint film is well known for its ability to block infrared rays, while keeping heat inside in the winter. Ceramic is a more expensive type of film that does an even better job blocking heat while also allowing natural light inside.
Whichever type you choose, take into account the various factors affecting your building, including type of windows and glass, the orientation of the glass windows or storefront to the sun, and the presence of humans and furnishings in front of the glass.