Your windows play a vital role by bringing natural light and ventilation inside your home. However, the sun’s light intensity can cause indoor glare. Homeowners often encounter glare during winter, when the sun is low in the sky and shines directly into their homes.
Installing an anti-reflective window film is among the most effective ways to prevent glare inside your house. In this guide, our team at Sun Tint discusses how these anti-glare films work and explores their benefits.
What Is an Anti-Reflective Window Film?
An anti-reflective film for windows is a thin polyester coating that adheres to a window’s surface. Also called window tints, these thin non-reflective films combine physical and optical characteristics to control indoor light, temperature, and solar radiation.
Types of Non-Reflective Film
Window tints are available in two categories: reflective and non-reflective films.
A reflective film is ideal for homes with interiors that tend to heat up from sunlight. Reflective films have ceramic or metalized layers that direct infrared radiation away from windows. Examples of reflective films include metalized, hybrid, and ceramic films.
Non-reflective films don’t contain metallic layers, allowing infrared radiation to pass through. However, the polyester construction and other layers help control the visible light entering your home. Two types of non-reflective films exist:
Clear Anti-Reflective Window Film
Clear films are transparent with a laminated polyester construction and a UV inhibitor. Homeowners typically install these films to protect their windows against shattering due to break-ins, accidents, and natural disasters.
Dyed Anti-Reflective Window Film
A dyed window film is a non-reflective window tint for indoor glare and UV control. A dyed polyester layer is the “tint” that reduces the visible light passing through the film. On top of this polyester layer is a scratch-resistant coat for protection.
Visible Light Transmittance (VLT)
You can measure the degree to which an anti-reflection window film filters natural light in visible light transmittance (VLT). This measurement is a percentage ranging from 5% to 70%.
The higher a film’s VLT, the more visible light it lets through and the more transparent it is. For example, a film with 5% has a thicker dye layer, giving it a dark tint. As you can guess, this tint only lets 5% of natural light through, minimizing indoor glare.
Anti-Reflective Window Film Applications
Anti-reflective window films are popular for residential, commercial, industrial, and automotive applications. These films are available in various colors and densities, and we can provide a tinting solution that fits your unique requirements.
At Sun Tint, we can apply a non-reflective window film to any smooth glass surface. Usually, we apply these films to windows’ interior surfaces. However, if an interior application is not possible, we can provide an anti-reflective window film exterior installation.
Benefits of Anti-Reflective Window Film
Various types of window tints are available, so why should you consider anti-reflective window film? Below, we take an in-depth look at the features and benefits of anti-reflective films for windows.
Privacy and Security
The laminate polyester construction of a non-reflective window film adds structural integrity to a glass surface. As a result, a window with this film is not prone to cracking or shattering, even with the application of force.
Windows with a relatively low VLT rating also provides your home with privacy. Someone walking past your house cannot see into your home through the dye layer. By filtering visible light, these tints also give you privacy at night when the dominant light comes from inside your house.
Indoor Glare Control
Direct sunlight in your home is problematic for various reasons. Glare can cause eye strain, chronic headaches, and fatigue. Sunlight reflecting off of television and computer screens can also be an annoyance.
The most significant benefit of anti-reflective window films is that they effectively reduce glare. At Sun Tint, we can help you select a tint VLT rating that prevents glare while allowing sufficient natural light in your home.
Ultraviolet Radiation Protection
Most people know that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful to skin health. However, UV rays entering through your windows can also cause extensive damage to your interior surfaces.
Some anti-reflective window films feature UV inhibitors that prevent solar radiation from damaging your flooring, furniture, and electronics. If you notice signs of discoloration, fading, or cracking near your windows, you will benefit from a non-reflective window tint with UV protection.
Thermal Performance
Unlike reflective window films, some anti-reflective films allow infrared radiation through. However, these window films have excellent thermal performance and can reduce solar heat gain inside your house by up to 80%. In winter, these window films reduce heat loss by up to 30%.
Installing anti-reflective window films helps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during all seasons, reducing the workload on your heating and cooling system. The result is significant energy savings over the long haul.
Curb Appeal
High-end non-reflective coatings can enhance your property’s visual appeal. The scratch-resistant coating ensures that your windows are always in top condition, and these tints are easy to clean. The dye layers also provide windows with an attractive tint.
Is Anti-Reflective Window Film the Right Option for Me?
When choosing a window film for your property, you must consider your needs carefully. If you want to reduce glare and UV damage inside your home, an anti-reflective window film is ideal.
Sun Tint: Contact Us Today
At Sun Tint, we pride ourselves on supplying and installing top-of-the-line window tints throughout Kentucky and Indiana. Whether you need tinting for your business, home, or vehicle, our experienced team can provide a custom, long-lasting solution.
Please schedule a consultation to learn more about the window films we have available. After learning more about your needs, we will provide you with a recommendation and free, no-obligation estimate.
Contact us today if you want to reduce indoor glare and ultraviolet damage with an anti-reflective window film.