Will Window Tinting Make My Windows Dark?

Homeowners here in the Fort Worth area sometimes think twice about buying window film because they think it is just like installing shades or curtains–something that blocks out light and views. Admittedly, here in Fort Worth sun control is important. Also, nobody wants to block out our amazing views! So how do you get both? Window film! While there is a little truth to the fact that early films used to darken windows–not the modern films of today. Window film technology has changed a lot since then and a lot of today’s window films are powerful at blocking sun but still crystal clear. Some of today’s advanced films actually absorb the harmful rays of the sun and many times are invisible.  

How Window Films Works

Most window films and tints will not darken your windows or block the Fort Worth views you love so much. But what they do block is UV rays that are harmful to humans and home furnishings (UV, UVA, and UVB). It does this through spectral selection; blocking harmful rays while letting in the rest of the sun’s innocuous rays. Depending on which film you decide on the film will work through different mechanisms; each with varying opacity. Most films are made out of polyester, ceramic, or metal glazing. Polyester films are the clearest but also tend to be less advanced. Ceramic films allow you to choose your opacity level. Metal films are the least transparent but mostly used when sun control and privacy are needed and usually on commercial applications.

Window Film Comes with Visible Light Transmission Options 

When it comes choosing how transparent or opaque you want your window tint to be–one number to look at is the visible light transmittance(VT). This number represents the amount of light in the visible portion of the spectrum that passes through a film. The higher the VT the more daylight will be let in and the more transparent the window will be. The lower the number, the less visible light that beams into your Fort Worth home and the more effective a film will be at things like glare reduction and/or energy savings. This means you, the consumer, can choose your level of transparency. And, even nearly clear films are powerful solutions to energy consumption and glare-reduction–but not as good as those that are darker.

For more information on clear to tinted window films for your Fort Worth home, contact us today!

Mike Kinsey

Mike Kinsey has installed over 250,000 square feet of window film. As the Operations Manager at Fort Worth Window Film, he manages all commercial and residential window film installs in Fort Worth as well as day to day operations such as customer support, training, and sales. With a background in construction and project management as well as over 10 years of working in the tinting industry, Mike is an expert in his field. His product knowledge is extensive and ranges from energy efficient and security technology to decorative, privacy, and custom branded films. This expertise is backed by years of ongoing professional development as well as certifications from 3M, EnerLogic, and AIA for continuing education.