Professional vs DIY Home Window Tinting

Homeowners experiencing fading of furniture, flooring, art work, personal belongings, heat gain, and annoying glare shining through their home windows often consider window film as an obvious solution. However the decision to hire a professional or install the window film themselves to save money leaves some homeowners feeling confused and overwhelmed.

Glass Type

Not all windows and window glass are the same. There are insulated glass units, argon gas filled units, low-e coatings, reflective coatings, and spectrally selective coatings. It is important to select a film that will work with specific window types. If the incorrect film is installed the window can be damaged and potentially cause glass breakage and/or seal failure in multi-pane window units. This can result in the costly replacement of the entire window. Most DIYers have neither the experience nor the access to information necessary to appropriately select the correct film for their glass type.

Window Film Quality

Home improvement stores often sell the most affordable versions of window films available on the market resulting in a selection of low-quality products. When you call a film professional for an estimate you’ll learn that most reputable installers have strong relationships with a manufacturer of the highest-quality window films available. Professional installers will also be able to offer a much wider selection of shades, colors, and film types. The window films shown to you by the pros should carry a Manufacturer’s Warranty protecting you from film failures, seal failures, and glass breakage.

Installation Skills

Like most skilled trades, professionally installed window film looks better, lasts longer, and performs as intended on the glass surface to which it’s applied. Professional installers also invest in quality installation tools and techniques to ensure the best installation possible. Most DIY homeowners are not willing to make the investment in time and tools, which is often reflected in the quality of the installation.

D-52 - Window Coverings Contractor

California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 8, Article 3. Classifications

A window coverings contractor installs or applies decorative, architectural/ functional window/glass treatment or covering products.

It is very important that the window film professional that you are hiring is Licensed, Insured, Bonded and is a California State Contractor.

By law, anyone in California who contracts for or bids on a construction project valued at $500 or more (combined labor and material costs) must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). To qualify for a license, a contractor must verify four years of journey-level experience in the trade, pass both a trade and license law and business examination, and post a license bond. Since 2005, all new contractors have been required to pass a criminal background check.

By using a California licensed contractor will insure the company you select is properly insured, has adequate experience, and has the credentials needed to provide a safe and professional window tint install.

Santa Rosa Window Tint is currently the only licensed, insured, and bonded D-52 contractor servicing Santa Rosa, California. We work with local contractors, architects, property managers, business owners, and home owners. We service Sonoma County, Marin County, San Francisco County, Alameda County, Solano County, and Sacramento County to name a few.

Please call-text-email Santa Rosa Window Tint for a free consultation today!