Are you thinking about getting your home windows tinted, but aren’t quite sure about the cost?
Residential window tinting offers a lot of benefits. It can help preserve your furniture, give you extra privacy, and reduce your energy costs by keeping your home cooler.
But, can you afford it?
Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about residential window tinting cost.
What is Residential Window Tinting?
Before we dive into the cost of residential window tinting, let’s first talk a little more about what it is.
Window tint, otherwise known as solar film, is a thin layer of film that you apply to your windows. The film that’s applied to home windows is very similar to the film that’s applied to car windows.
One of the main reasons people invest in residential window tinting is to block out some of the sun’s rays. This will help you stay cooler during the hot summer months and reduce your energy costs.
Residential window tinting can also help you save on heat costs in the winter, as the film helps to prevent warm air from escaping through your window.
Because it’s blocking out the sun’s UV rays, residential window tinting can also help to protect your skin. It also increases your privacy, as you can see out the windows but others cannot see inside.
How Much Does Residential Window Tinting Cost?
So, how much should you expect to pay for residential window tinting?
People pay anywhere from $300 to $3000 to have their home windows tinted. Your total cost will depend on several different factors, including:
- Square footage (ie, how many windows you have tinted and the size of those windows)
- Where you live
- The type of window film you choose
- Type of windows you own
- Installation and labor
- Improvements and upgrades
- Maintenance
Let’s take a closer look at how some of these factors can affect the overall cost.
Types of Window Tint
There are several different types of residential window tints you have to choose from, each coming with their own benefits and pricing. Let’s take a look at what the options are:
Obstructive Film
Obstructive window film is one of the most popular types of home window film, and it will cost you about $5 to $7 per square foot. This type of window film is great for those who want extra privacy, as it completely blocks out views from the outside.
Transitional Film
This type of film turns darker when it’s exposed to sunlight. Prices can vary greatly for this type of window film. You can click here to learn more about transitional window film.
Obscure Film
This type of film costs between $5 to $7 per square foot. It gives your windows a frosted or etched appearance, but it doesn’t block out any light.
Solar Film
Solar window film is sometimes referred to as E-film. It blocks out the sun’s heat as well as UV rays. This type of film costs between $7 to $10 per square foot.
Security Film
As suggested by the name, this film provides your home security against burglars, as it is shatter-resistant. It can also help increase the strength of your window glass.
You can expect to pay between $6 to $9 per square foot for this type of film.
Insulating Film
This film is best for those who want to lower their energy costs and better regulate the indoor temperature, as it helps prevent air transfer through the glass.
Insulating film costs $7 to $10 per square foot.
Spectrally Selective
This type of film filters out both heat and UV rays. However, the glass does not tint or darken as the sun’s rays grow stronger. The typical cost per square foot is $7 to $10.
Type of Window
How much you pay for window tinting will also depend on the type of windows you own. The larger and the more complicated of design, the more you can expect to pay.
Here are some average costs per square foot:
- Casement Windows: $5 to $6
- Skylight: $7 to $9
- Picture: $6 to $8
- Double-Hung: $5 to $6
- Sliding: $5 to $7
- Mullioned: $8 to $9
- Sliding Patio Door: $8 to $9
- French Door: $8 to $9
While these differences may not seem large, when you add up the total square feet, the costs can vary greatly.
Labor and Installation
The labor and installation costs will vary depending on your geographical location and the company you hire. On average though, you can expect to pay between $1 to $3 per square foot for installation.
Keep in mind though, that installation is a fairly straightforward process, and many homeowners choose to do it themselves. The installation process involves cleaning your windows, spraying them with a special solution, cutting the film to size, and then pressing it on the window. You can then use a squeegee to remove any air bubbles.
Upgrades
There are upgrades that you can get for your residential window film that can also affect the total cost.
Many homeowners choose to upgrade their window film to smart glass. Smart glass blocks out heat, light, and UV rays without the help of window film. It costs around $650 per window.
Some people also choose to remove their window tint, either to upgrade it or for aesthetic reasons. If you choose to have a professional remove it, you can expect to pay $3 to $4 per square foot.
However, you can also remove it yourself with the help of a spray solution and a razor blade.
Are You Ready for Residential Window Tinting?
Now that you know about residential window tinting cost, it’s time to decide if window tinting is right for your home. If it is, the next thing you need to do is figure out what type of window tint is right for your home.
Be sure to check back in with our blog for more home improvement tips and tricks.
