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The U.S. Department of Energy released a report that stated that as much as 25% of a building’s heating and cooling costs are directly affected by heat loss through windows or, conversely, by the excessive absorption of heat. Though windows allow the light to shine in along with the beauty of the outdoors, they also are a home’s main culprit when it comes to wasting energy. This is why here in Los Angeles, residential window film is such an important enhancement to any home’s value, given the hot summers, warm winters, and the costs of air conditioning. Window film also does double duty in providing privacy while allowing plenty of light to enter and by allowing more than adequate visibility from the inside looking out. In doing so, window film also blocks harmful ultraviolet rays. However, not all window film is equally effective, so it’s definitely worthwhile to know the difference in the four main types of film. Dyed Window Film Dyed window film is the least expensive and least functional of the different types of film. It blocks light by adding dye into the film in a layer that is next to the layer of adhesive, which in turn is then applied on the window to reflect away the heat. The dye acts to absorb the heat into the film and, consequently, keeps it from entering the building through the glass. Its main use is more for appearance since it looks opaque from the outside, thus providing some privacy, yet still allows for those inside to see out. Since this film uses a dye, it does tend to fade over time and the reduction in heat isn’t high. Metallized Window Film Metallized window film also keeps heat out by reflecting it away just like dyed film. However, instead of using dye to absorb the heat, metallized film uses tiny metallic particles embedded into the film that are invisible to the naked eye. In addition, the metallic material also strengthens the structure of the window and, in automobiles, adds to the shatter-resistance of the windshield. From the outside, metallized film appears shiny rather than flat and opaque like dyed film, and it’s also more resistant to scratches. Whether in a home or a vehicle, a major drawback is the fact that the metallic content has the propensity to interfere with cell phone and GPS transmission as well as radio reception. Carbon Window Film Carbon film definitely provides better results and doesn’t have any metal content, so the cell phone, GPS, and radio transmission issue is a moot point. Carbon film tends to be dark with a matte finish, so it is more attractive and tasteful to use as an option for home windows. This film blocks about 40% of infrared light, which is the wavelength that produces heat and, consequently, it is as effective as other types of film in blocking heat. Unlike dyed film, carbon does not fade with time and it will also prevent most fading to any upholstery. Ceramic Window Film Ceramic is the best quality window tint film available, though it is also the most expensive. Since it contains neither dye, metal, nor carbon, but ceramic particles instead, it is non-conductive and nonmetallic. This type of film is a recent addition to the market, but it has proven its reliability and performance. Ceramic film reduces up to 50% of the heat that enters a building through the windows, yet allows maximum visibility both during the day and at night. Similar to carbon film, ceramic film will not block cell phone, GPS, or radio transmission. Like metallized film, it renders windows highly shatterproof and also surpasses other films in resistance to fading and glare. Ceramic is also highly effective in blocking up to 99% of dangerous ultraviolet light from entering the house from the outside. Whichever type you finally select, there’s no doubt that here in Los Angeles, residential window film is worth the investment!
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