7 Signs It's Time to Replace Window Tinting for Homes

Having reliable tints for your home's windows requires knowing when you need a replacement. Here are signs that it's time to replace window tinting for homes.

They keep your house cool, protect you from the dangers of UV rays, and give you privacy. We're not talking about shades or curtains. We're talking about window tinting.

Window tinting is ideal for just about any home. The tint is durable and can last a long time with the proper care. However, the day will come when you need to replace window tinting.



Fortunately, your window's tint will begin to show warnings that it's degrading and in need of replacement. Keep reading as we discuss seven telltale signs that you need new window tinting.

1. Replace Window Tinting When It Starts Peeling

Window tint stands up against the sun and lasts for years. This is impressive considering the damage that the sun does to your home, but all good things come to an end. The adhesive and the tinting material will eventually fail.

One unfortunate side effect is that the tint may begin to peel. In some cases, you can dampen the window and press the tint back into place. Most of the time, though, this is a clear sign that the tint is exhausted and has lost its adhesive effect.

This peeling will continue, and there isn't anything you can do to slow or stop it. The window will look worse and worse as time goes on. Schedule an appointment the second your window tint starts peeling.

2. Window Tint Cracks

Sun exposure can have other effects after tinting residential windows. The tint may become brittle and crack as the UV rays break down the material. This leads to ugly gaps that can then spread across the entire window.

These cracks look terrible and only get worse. They may cause sections to peel away or loosen from the window. It gives a dilapidated appearance to any home or office building.

There is no way to repair these cracks without a full tint replacement. Cracking tends to happen very late in a window tint's life, though, meaning your tint has served its time well. Contact your favorite window tinting service and schedule a replacement.

3. Fading Window Tints

Window tint won't remain at the same grade of darkness for its entire lifespan. Sun exposure can also reduce the effectiveness of a tint, making it get lighter. Other factors such as poor installation, or using cheap, low-quality film can produce the same effect at a faster pace.

Fading window tint may not be obvious at first. It may appear in the form of higher electric bills since your A/C has to work harder to keep the room at the same temperature.

You may notice that this happens in patches, or that the sun seems to shine brighter than it did before. Whatever the case, you should have a new window tinting installation.

4. Your New Window Tint Is Not Enough

Perhaps when selecting window tint for installation, you chose a lighter grade. You didn't want to reduce visibility so you could enjoy the view. Now the window is too dark for your taste.

Or, you chose one that was too light. You're not keeping the room as cool as you would like, you're getting sunburns, or you don't have the privacy that you expected.

Mistakes happen, but there's no reason to live with a window tint that you don't like. It will be a constant annoyance that causes more trouble than it's worth to keep it. Hire a better company this time and get a replacement that you'll keep for years.

5. Sun Damage to Your Home's Interior

Tinting provides necessary UV protection that can prevent sunburns. Sun doesn't just damage skin, though. It damages materials such as curtains, furniture, and carpet.

Without enough tint, UV rays won't just sunburn the building's occupants. It will degrade any material within range.

The clearest sign of sun damage is discoloration, specifically a lightening of the affected material. The material may become brittle or less durable. 

This can happen for the reasons mentioned above, so it's imperative that you replace the window tinting. Choose a darker shade this time to prolong the lifespan of furniture and carpet.

6. Bubbling and/or Bulging 

The same sun exposure that causes other problems for your tint can cause premature bubbling. This is, again, the adhesive failing as the sun's rays break it down. These may be clusters of small bubbles or large ones that spread outward with the passing of time.

There's no way to fix this. You need to have the entire window tint removed and replaced. Call your window tint company to have them come by and take care of it.

7. Purplish Blotches or Overall Color Change

To give you the beautiful, muted tint that a film provides, the dye mixes three colors together: blue, red, and yellow. The yellow dye in particular tends to be unstable. This means that it's susceptible to environmental changes that can degrade it.

This yellow part can break down from the very same sun exposure that damages everything else. It leaves behind only the red and the blue dyes, giving a purplish appearance.

This reduces the efficacy of your window tinting and just looks bad in general. It's also a sign that the tint is old and needs an upcoming replacement. It looks terrible, though, so you might as well replace it now rather than wait for it to peel or crack.

Get Your Window Tinting With SolarWorks

Window tinting is a great way to keep your property cool and give needed privacy for anyone inside. Unfortunately, the sun's rays can damage the tint, and poor installation or film won't last as long. Replace window tinting with a high-quality brand that will last for years and look great.

SOLARWORKS Glass Tinting does tinting for residential, commercial, and automotive applications. Get a free estimate and see the difference it can make for your property.