DIY vs. Professional Window Film Installation: Which One Is Better?
It's tempting to go for a DIY window film installation to cut costs, yet it's best to hire experts. Here are the benefits of hiring window tinting experts.
The automotive window tinting industry was valued at 3.65 billion dollars in 2021. And it's expected to rise by at least 5% over the next few years.
This growth comes as a result of more people seeing the value in window tinting. It's an easy application process, and it has several health and security benefits. And it works on basically every type of window!
Keep reading to learn more about window film installation, and why it's always better to get it done professionally.
What is Window Tinting?
Window tinting refers to the process of putting a dark film over a window. Window tinting has three distinct applications:
- residential window tinting
- automotive window tinting
- commercial window tinting
We offer specialized window tinting installation for all these types of windows. Click here to learn more about our options.
Benefits of Window Tinting
There are three main benefits of window tinting.
The first is that it offers protection against the sun. Most of us know we have to protect ourselves against harmful ultraviolet radiation when we're outside. But we need a different kind of protection when we're inside, and window tinting is one of the most efficient ways to do this.
The second benefit is security. By darkening your windows, you're able to make it harder for outsiders to see into your car, home, or business building. Some types of window tinting film are even reinforcing, so it's more difficult to break.
This means criminals are deterred from trying to break in, and it's easier to spot them when they're scoping you out as a target or in the act of robbing you. There are limits on this though, as some areas have legal requirements about how dark window tinting can be.
The final major benefit is that it helps with temperature regulation. Tinted windows can cool buildings when it's warm since it's harder for sunlight to get inside. And when it's cold, tinted windows insulate the building by trapping heat inside.
This way window tinting reduces the costs of regulating the temperature of the building.
DIY Window Tinting vs Professional Window Tinting
Now that you're convinced window tinting is right for you, you've got to start thinking about installation!
There are benefits and disadvantages to both professional and DIY installation. But in the end, a professional installation will be more efficient and save you time and money in the long run.
Application
If you're doing a DIY window film installation, you're probably going to make a mistake. That's totally normal and nothing wrong with that! But it does mean you'll need to do a few attempts before you get it right.
But the professionals have way more practice when it comes to window tinting film installation. This means the application of the tinting film is always going to be perfect on the first attempt.
Professional window tinting installers also know how to take precise measurements, apply the film lubricant, and identify the type of glass and film required. When you consider which way is best for a flawless window tinting film application, it's definitely going to be the professionals.
Cost
When looking at the cost of professional window tinting, it's the one consideration where it doesn't beat DIY installation. But, that's only when considering the immediate cost.
When you buy the film yourself, you only need to pay for the film and any applicator tools you might need. But when you get a professional installation, you have to pay for the materials, as well as the cost of the labor of the company.
This comparison makes it look like professional installation costs more. But professionals will do a better job of installing the tinting film, so you'll only have to buy the materials and pay for the labor once.
Whereas if you do it yourself and you do a bad job, you'll have to buy new materials every time until you get it right.
Matching Window Tinting Film and Type of Glass
The standard DIY window tinting film that you can buy as a consumer might not be the best option for your needs. Different types of windows are made with different types of glass. Some glass may even have protective reinforcement or anti-glare film on it, which changes what types of film can be used on it.
When installing the window tinting film, the type of film you should use depends on the type of glass you have. If you mismatch these, you might have issues with the film peeling off prematurely, air bubbles, or poor temperature regulation.
A professional is trained to know what tinting films work with each type of glass.
A professional is also able to talk to you about which benefit of tinting is most important to you. Some window tinting films are designed for maximum security and privacy, but others are designed with a focus on temperature regulation.
When you get professional installation, you increase the quality of the film you get and how well it works for your windows.
Get Professional Window Film Installation
There are so many benefits when you get a window film installation. You protect yourself from harmful UV rays, you protect your belongings from potential crime, and you can save money through temperature regulation.
And while DIY installation can save you money in the short term, professional installation will save you time and money in the long run.
Come to Solarworks Glass Tinting, if you've got any questions or would like an installation cost estimate, contact us. We're here for all your window tinting needs!
