Are you starting to feel like your San Antonio area neighborhood is getting a little bit crowded? Does it seem like every time you look out your window, someone is nearby, maybe even peeking in your windows?
If so, you’re onto something. San Antonio is one of the fastest-growing cities in America. While this is great news for our local economy, it can spell trouble for your privacy.
The good news is that you don’t need all new panes to create privacy windows. The right window film can reduce visibility from the outside in so that you can relax in your own home.
What are the best privacy window films for homes? Read on for our complete guide.
Why Use Window Film to Create Privacy Windows
When you’re seeking solutions to improve your home privacy, you have a few different options, including traditional blinds, curtains, or shutters. Why do our clients prefer window film over other window solutions? Read on to find out.
Cost Effectiveness
Like with any home improvement project, it’s always important to think about cost. When it comes to window treatments, you should consider both the cost of installation and the impact your window treatments will have on your property value.
The cost of window film installation varies based on things like the number and size of windows you want to treat. However, our clients are always pleasantly surprised when they receive their estimate.
Unlike window treatments that require structural changes to your walls, window film has no negative impact on your property value. We can quickly remove window film as needed and you’ll never know it was there.
Privacy Without Darkness
Most homeowners value the natural light they get in their homes. Natural light can have a positive impact on your mood, make your home look bigger and more welcoming, and reduce the need for daytime energy consumption. With all those benefits, do you really want to sacrifice natural light for privacy?
With window film, you can enjoy both. While privacy window film reduces visibility from the outside, it doesn’t block natural light. In fact, many 3M window film options can filter out damaging UV rays while preserving indoor sunlight.
Increased Safety and Security
With the right window film, you don’t have to accept a lack of privacy during the day. This is crucial when you consider that most burglaries, contrary to popular belief, happen during the day.
By reducing visibility into your home, privacy window film can reduce your home’s appeal to burglars and vandals. Not only will they not be able to see valuable items, but it will be harder to determine that you’re not home.
Many of our 3M window film options can increase home safety by acting as a shatter barrier. If a person, object, or storm system causes your windows to break, the film will hold the broken pieces in place for safe and easy cleanup.
Energy Efficiency
If there’s one thing our clients always want to know more about, it’s the science of 3M window film. One benefit we can’t go without mentioning is the increase in energy efficiency.
The sun does more than provide natural lighting throughout your home. UV rays can damage your home’s interior and furniture while also contributing to sun-related skin problems. They can also cause heat gain, making it difficult to cool your home during San Antonio’s hot summer season.
Many 3M window film options can keep UV rays out. The Solar Control Window Film, in particular, blocks up to 99% of UV rays. Next summer, your HVAC won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable.
Types of Privacy Window Film
There are many different types of 3M window tint film for home use. Let’s take a look at the best window films for privacy and how to decide between them.
Reflective Window Film
Reflective window film creates a mirror effect for anyone trying to look into your house. In other words, they’ll see themselves and the street around them when they look. From the inside, however, you’ll still have a clear view.
You can enjoy that reflective quality from several of our window film options, including films designed to block UV rays and reduce glare. Anything more reflective than these two is typically reserved for commercial use and may not suit all styles of residential architecture.
Frosted Window Film
Frosted window film is by far the most popular option when it comes to increasing privacy. You’ll often see frosted film used on bathroom windows or interior windows because of how well it can obscure the view. Plus, frosted window film is a much more affordable alternative to new frosted window installation.
Frosted window films can come in many different designs if you’re only looking for partial privacy. By opting for a design over full coverage, you’ll still be able to see outside while enjoying increased privacy.
Decorative Window Film
Finally, homeowners can consider decorative window film when looking for a creative way to increase home privacy. Decorative film comes in a variety of colors and patterns. As a result, it can add character and texture to your home, serving both a practical and aesthetic function.
Decorative window film is not the best option if you’re hoping to reap additional benefits like UV protection or glare reduction. It also does not provide quite as much privacy as reflective or frosted film. We often recommend using decorative window film for interior glass or in rooms that aren’t street-facing.
Call Fletch Window Tint for More Privacy at Home
If your neighborhood is starting to feel a little bit crowded, you’re not alone. As San Antonio’s population continues to grow, residents can start to feel like they’re on display while spending time at home. It’s time to create privacy windows using privacy window film.
Fletch Window Tint has earned the trust of thousands of homeowners, car owners, and business owners since opening for business in 1989. If you’re looking for quality, customer service, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, contact Fletch Window Tint today.