A growing number of homeowners are researching home window tinting for a variety of reasons – it could be they are seeking increased privacy, wish to block summer heat or reduce glare, want to prevent illegal entry into their home, or are simply wanting a customized, frosted film for aesthetic reasons as well as privacy.
With so many window film options, and the different functions that window film can have, it is natural to feel confused about options and how much window tinting might cost.
If the foremost question in your mind is ‘how much does window tinting cost on average’, then this guide is for you.
How much does window tinting cost?
Calculating the average home window tinting prices in Perth is somewhat difficult since the total cost of this kind of job depends on how many windows you are seeking to have tinted, the total square metres of glass, as well as the film options you are considering.
The most important question we would try and resolve when we first have contact with our customers is what they are wanting the window tint or film to achieve – ie the purpose of the film– this will help determine the types of films available to meet this need, and thus, the costs.
Often, not all windows of the house will require tinting. For example, if you are tinting for solar heat rejection, you usually would not need to tint windows on the southern elevation of the house, as this side will not be receiving direct heat.
If you are tinting for privacy, but have windows of the house that already achieve privacy through fencing, gardens or roller shutters- these windows can also be excluded from the quote.
When quoting for security film, we would not recommend film for window that are already protected by other security measures, such as security grilles or security doors. If looking at a combined tinted security film for dual benefits of solar heat rejection AND security– we can still recommend a matching solar only film, without the security features, for the panels protected by grilles. This will reduce the overall cost, but will keep the aesthetic consistent, as well as ensure that you maximise your solar heat rejection by having this feature on all glass panels.
What factors determine window tinting prices?
As mentioned, window tinting prices vary based on the following factors:
- Dimensions or window sizes: The window dimensions or measurements are the primary basis for how much window tinting film will be used.
- Window type: Are the windows old, oddly shaped, or have small French panels? Certain window types or styles require more attention and time, which will affect the duration of the window tinting installation project.
- Factors that may affect the difficulty of the installation: Are some windows set very high, or are there skylights that need to be tinted? If the windows are difficult to access or require special ladders to reach, and if there are safety concerns – all these can affect the final cost of a home window tinting project. If there is an old window film that needs to be removed, that can also add to the overall service cost.
- Film type, quality and brand: High-quality films tend to be more expensive but have proven higher performance, are aesthetically more attractive and last longer, with longer (and often lifetime) warranties. With budget films, you do get what you pay for, and not all films are created equal. A lower cost film may fail earlier, be vulnerable to early colour change, and will be much lower performing.
How are window tinting costs calculated?
In order to understand the costs involved, it’s important to know how quotes are calculated. Often, customers are seeking a “square metre” price for film supply and install, however most film installers calculate quotes based on the square metres of film used, not square metres of glass area. This is due to films coming in set roll widths, which means that there is always an element of film wastage that needs to be accounted for.
As a ball park, if you measure your window area in square metres, and add on an additional 10-15% then this would usually get you pretty close to film usage square metres. It does vary according to the specific film type though and the different roll sizes available.
A high quality window film installer will always complete a thorough review of your job as a whole, and “nest” all of the different film panels to formulate a cutting plan to minimize wastage and reduce cost.
A quote will also include other cost factors such as removal of any existing window film; the need for any access equipment such as scaffolds, scissor lifts, or specialist ladders; the need for any additional security bond; graphic design costs; or higher time requirement. For example, a surcharge usually applies when film is required for multiple, very small panels, such as colonial windows, due to the extra time required for install.
Cost of different window film types, brands and what to opt for
The square metre pricing for different window films varies according to the functions of the film. Typically, higher performing films, OR films that satisfy more than one purpose, will command a higher price.
For example, a dual-purpose security solar film that prevents people from breaking into your home AND offers heat rejection benefits of window tinting will be more expensive than a clear security film that does not have heat rejection features. Likewise, an insulating window film that has benefits all year round (retaining heat/ preventing heat loss in winter and rejecting solar heat and keeping you cool in summer) will be a higher cost than a solar only window tint that only assists against summer heat penetration.
Ball park square metre figures are provided below for our most popular film types.
- Frosted window films start from $75/ square metre for an entry level film for internal application, and can increase to $120 and above per square metre if you were to have a highly customized digital print and/or computer cut design to your film. There may also be additional fees for graphic design/ artwork services.
- Security films can start from $90/ square metre for a very basic, entry level safety film that is designed more for injury prevention from accidental glass breakage or to bring older, 3mm thick glass up to modern building standards. There are then several levels of safety, security and solar-security window films available to choose from depending on your needs. A top of the range, dual benefit, spectrally selective, solar security film would top out around $200 per square metre, delivering high performance, cross laminated, multilayer construction for the absolute strongest defence against break in AND highest performance solar rejection.
- Solar window films can start from $90/ square metre for an entry level, metallic, reflective window film that is ideal for privacy and solar heat rejection. Non metallic window films are increasingly popular for their beautiful aesthetic, lighter appearance (visible light transmission), and higher performance in heat rejection due to infra-red heat blocking as well as solar heat blocking. Ceramic window film starts from $120/ square metre, and the newest technology, high infrared rejection solar films start from $140/ square metre for internal application and slightly higher for the externally applied films (ideal for double glazing and low-e glass).
- Insulating window films, like solar-security films are a dual purpose film. Expect to pay a minimum of $180/ square metre for this highly specialized and sought after window film.
- Don’t forget though – these costs are all based on square metres of film used, not square metres of glass in your windows, so apply these indicative costings with care! Pricing is often excluding GST, so you will also need to check whether quoted prices include GST. As mentioned before, there are often additional costs associated with existing film removal, types and sizes of windows, and access issues. It is always recommended to have an onsite quote completed with a reputable window film company to ensure that your quote covers all of your needs, and the best film possible for your purpose is chosen. Most window film businesses will offer a window tinting quote free of charge.
Popular window tinting film brands:
- 3M
- Suntek
- Llumar
- Solar Gard
- Avery Dennison
Where to buy window tint film for homes?
Homeowners who want to buy window tint film for DIY projects can find low-end films at Bunnings, on eBay or Amazon.
The downside? DIY window film install is much more difficult that you might think – window film is very thin and thus very vulnerable to creasing and handling issues. Window tinting can look terrible with film contamination, hairs, bubbles, dust and creases in the hands of an inexperienced person. DIY also means no warranty. You may end up spending more money if needing to have multiple attempts to get a good result, compared to paying a professional to do it right the first time.
Most high end and professional window films are only available through licensed or authorized installers, and typically are not usually available as a DIY option, unless you live in a remote area that is not serviced by an installer.
How much does window tint removal cost?
The cost of tint removal depends on the type of film to be removed, the level of access to the panels, and sometimes also affected by whether you have already attempted to remove it yourself. Removal of window film requires special tools and techniques to ensure that both the film AND the adhesive residue is fully removed for a clean result. Many DIYers will attempt self-removal and remove only a single layer of film, or will remove the film and leave the adhesive behind, which can then be extremely difficult to remove.
Film removal from low-e coated surfaces is not recommended, as the low-e coating is likely to be extremely damaged in the process and will leave your window unsightly. A reputable film company would never recommend installing film in the first instance over the top of a low-e coated surface for this reason (as well as installing window film over any low-e surface negates all benefits of low-e coating, as well as voids your warranty on low-e glass).
On average, allow between $30 and $35 per square metre plus GST for film removal.
Does window tinting (installation + film) usually come with a warranty?
All professionally installed window films come with a warranty. Depending on the type of window tinting film and manufacturer, the warranty duration can be anywhere from 1 year to the lifetime (that you are the owner of the house). Warranty duration may also depend on the application type – internally applied films will typically have a longer warranty than externally applied films that are exposed to the elements.
What’s involved with getting a quote?
The easiest and best way to get a quote is to ask for an onsite visit. This will allow the film installer to measure all of the panels, assess your glass type, identify any access issues, and make recommendations for film types based on your orientation to the sun, potential security vulnerabilities, privacy and other requirements.
If you are in the building phase, many film installers can also offer a ballpark quote based on provided house plans and elevations. This is very handy for budgeting during your build. This is usually followed up with a site visit once your build is nearing completion, to confirm film types, sizes and final cost.
Professional home window tinting by Complete Film Solutions
Are you thinking of getting your windows at home tinted?
If you have questions about window tinting or if you want a quote, please contact Complete Film Solutions. We offer a range of window film options to suit your budget for your home window tinting project.
