Have you ever thought about getting your windows at home tinted? Although it’s not as popular as putting up window treatments, there are many reasons why homeowners want to have their windows tinted. Some benefits of window tinting include:
- Protecting interior furnishing and upholstery from fading
- Blocking infrared solar energy that causes air conditioning-taxing heat gain
- Improving insulation while also preventing energy leaks and heat
- Reduction of power bills due to better insulation
- Enhancing outdoor visibility from the home interior
- Allowing more natural light into the home as opposed to other solar heat blocking options using solar window film
- Boosting safety and security with window treatments that provide added protection against break-ins and the shattering of glass
But if there’s one thing many homeowners are concerned about, it’s the window tinting cost – which is why some people attempt the DIY tinting of their windows. Still, how easy is it to tint your own windows? Is doing it yourself the best way to save money?
Here, we’ll do a DIY window tint vs professional installation comparison by showing the pros and cons of both options.
DIY Window Tinting
When it comes to DIY home window tinting, there are two distinct advantages: cost savings and the options available.
Pros of DIY window tinting
- More economical: The do-it-yourself approach originated from people’s desire to save money. Without the need to get professional installers and pay for labour, going for a DIY tint can definitely help you save money.
- Variety of options: Depending on your budget and requirements, you can choose from different tinting kits and packages.
While there are pros to the DIY process, there are also several disadvantages you need to be aware of before making a decision to proceed.
Cons of DIY window tinting
- Window tinting is not an easy job. Sure, the ad or kit itself seems to make it a breeze, but in reality, it isn’t. The difficulty of the job depends on the size and shape of your window. You also need to have the timing, precision, patience and right tools to do the job properly and get the results you want.
- Installation problems can be costly to repair. Mistakes are actually part of the learning process, but there’s no room for error with window tinting. Not knowing how to do your own tint and making mistakes during installation can cost you more than if you had professionals do the job the first time around.
- The absence of a professional touch. Since window tinting is a delicate task, you’ll also be missing out on getting the best person for the job to do it for you. In fact, you could be using the best quality DIY window tinting kit, but it could go to waste if you end up doing a substandard job.
- There will likely be no warranty on the film or installation. Most DIY kits don’t carry any product warranty leaving the cost on you should the film fail.
Professional window tinting
If you have the budget and want quality window tinting work, going for professional window tinting is usually the better choice. Here’s why:
Pros of professional window tinting
- Access to quality film types or materials: Professional window tint installers are in the business of window tinting, so they know which companies and specific products produce the best results.
- Functionality of the film: With a professional window tinting job, you are assured that the film you choose will produce the results you want, whether it’s to enhance your outdoor view from the inside or direct natural light into your home interior.
- Expertise: Professional window tinters have the skills and expertise needed to do a perfect job.
- Longevity: When window tinting is done properly, product longevity is assured.
- Warranty: Professional glass tinting companies will offer a workmanship warranty, while tinting material manufacturers also offer their own product warranty.
- Getting the right shade: If you have a specific shade in mind, working with professional window tinting installers is the better option as they’d know right away which manufacturers and products offer the tint you want. It might be harder to find certain shades if you depend on DIY window tint kits.
Enlisting the help of professional tint workers provides several advantages, although there are a few disadvantages you should consider, too.
Cons of professional window tinting
- Cost: You need to factor in the cost of paying for professional installers in your window tinting budget, aside from material expenses. Moreover, how much you need to spend on the tinting materials depends on the size of your windows and your home and how many windows need to be tinted.
So, deciding on taking the DIY window tinting route is not a simple matter at all, as there are several considerations to factor in.
So, what’s the verdict?
For sure, DIY home window tinting clearly appears to be the more economical approach compared to working with a professional. However, if you’re an amateur trying to do the work of a window tint installer, there’s a big chance you could botch the job – resulting in a waste of time, materials, effort and money.
Also, getting professionals to ‘correct’ an improperly done window tint job means you’ll have essentially spent more on your DIY attempt. You could have just asked the pros to do it the first time, right?
With professionals on the job, you have the assurance that you’ll get your money’s worth. They’re veritable masters at what they do and they have all the tools necessary to deliver a high-quality window tinting project.
So, if you need help with your home window tinting plans, make sure you contact Complete Film Solutions.
We have the knowledge, materials and expertise to deliver an impeccable professional window tinting job.
