Window Tinting vs Solar Screens: Are there Differences?

I have been in window tinting over 20 years and the debate on whether solar screens or having your windows tinted is your best option depends on what you are looking to accomplish. Manufacturers dealers of both products are quick to point out the obvious advantages of their product over the competition. You could use both. The #1 reason people look into solar screens or window film is heat reduction. Here are the major differences between the two products:• Window tint can reject up to 90% of solar heat energy in the summer
o Solar screens also can reject up to 90% in the summer
• Window tint slows heat loss through the windows in winter
o Solar screens cannot do anything to prevent winter heat loss
• Window tint can reject 99% of ultra violet (UV) rays that cause harm
o Solar screens can reject up to 90% of the UV rays
• Window tint reduces annoying glare by filtering out solar light transmissions
o Solar screens reduce glare by reducing the amount of light
• Window tint helps hold broken glass together
o Solar screens, well, simply cannot
• Window films are virtually maintenance free and easy to clean
o Solar screens must be taken down to properly clean screens
• Window films can enhance the beauty of your home
o Solar screens fail to enhance the beauty your home
Since window tint is applied to the inside face of your windows, it is not subject to the outside elements of weather, making it last longer than solar screens exposed. Older technology films over time lost its visibility qualities and experience peeling and bubbling. In these cases, the window film that was considered high grade then still lasted over 20 years in its effectiveness to reduce and control energy use. Solar screens, only after a few brutal years outside in the elements and they already have lost their new look.
Window films were initially developed in the 1960’s to control interior heating from solar radiation and to prevent heat loss through the glass to the outside. Solar screens are mounted on the outside and away from the glass and can only work to reduce energy use in hot weather months. It is the glass that is critical. Applied to the inside face of the glass, window film then can work as a protective metalized type barrier, reducing heat gain in the summer months and reducing heat loss in the winter months.
Window tinting your home or office will save you money year around on your power bill by reducing your energy use. Plus, by reducing your energy use, you then are not wasting energy and doing your part in helping the environment.
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