Blinds, shades, curtains, and window films are among the variety of window treatments homeowners use to:
- Functionally decorate a space
- Block heat and damaging UV rays that fade furniture
- Increase privacy
- Reduce sun glare and brightness
- Add a decorative flourish or emphasize branding
- Blackout a room for a more conducive sleeping environment
Each solution is suited for solving specific situations. Pairing window film with a complementary window treatment can help you reach the ultimate performance you desire from your windows and more thoroughly enjoy your space.
Install Window Film and Curtains For 24/7 Performance
Let's look at the example of why privacy window film pairs well with curtains.
During the daytime, window film blocks the view from outsiders looking in, allows light in, helps conserve energy by blocking heat, prevents UV rays from fading your assets, reduces bright sun glare, enhances the appearance of your window, retains heat in the winter, and optimizes the view from inside looking out. It does all of this while being as thin as a sheet of paper and adhering directly to your glass. At night, however, the level of privacy provided by window film decreases drastically due to the home's interior lighting being brighter than outside, which is a great reason to consider the added layer of privacy provided by curtains.
When closed, curtains can provide privacy day or night. Heavier weight curtains that touch the wall on both sides and have pelmets can effectively reduce heat and even help absorb sound. The most prominent disadvantages of curtains (compared to window film) are that they tend to obstruct your view outside, limit the light you may want in during the day, be bulky, and require constant opening and closing.
By combining curtains and window film, their advantages provide a complete solution so you can more fully enjoy your windows.
Reasons Why People Haven't Tried Adding Window Film
Some people haven't considered the idea of pairing window film with their current window treatment mostly because they didn't think about the benefits of using both. Others may hesitate due to believing myths about window films. Here are a few common myths we address:
MYTH #1: Window film can cause the glass to break: Professional window film installers follow all manufacturers' recommendations to ensure they install the correct film for the type of glass and window to avoid this issue.
Ironically, security window film is installed by people looking to reduce the effects of window breakage. Window panes can break as a result of external elements like intruders, blunt object, or storms. If the breakage and shattering are not controlled, the glasses can injure family members, employees, or clients. The window film acts as a binding agent, which restricts the movement of the broken pieces. That said, it pays to install a window film that minimizes the potential damage of a broken window.
MYTH #2: Window film can void your window warranty: This is sometimes the case. However, window film often comes with a limited warranty covering glass and film replacement if breaking occurs. You can learn more about the 3M window film warranty we provide with every installation.
MYTH #3: Window film makes your windows too dark: With many shades of window film to choose from, you can decide which options best meets your needs. That means your windows will only be as dark as you desire them to be.
MYTH #4: Window film is only beneficial in the summer and warm weather and can make your house colder in the winter: Window film is actually an energy-saving mechanism. It is a year-round solution that insulates a building from heat transfer. After installing a high-quality tint, the windows emit less heat in the winter/ cold days and repel heat in summer/warm days. As a result, the air conditioning unit consumes less energy to achieve the desired temperatures. Besides, the HVAC is not overworked, which leads to lower load time and runtime on the system. Consequently, the overall power bill reduces, and the lifespan of your air conditioning unit increases!
These myths about window films are half-truths often exaggerated out of proportion to deceive consumers.
Let Us Help You Maximize the Performance of Your Windows
Installing window film in addition to other window treatments offers tremendous benefits to your property. Meridian Window Tint is an authorized window film dealer designated as Southwest Idaho's 3M Prestige Premier Dealer. We serve Boise, Nampa, Eagle, and surrounding Idaho areas. We have a reputation in the industry for long-lasting decorative window films, commercial window tinting, residential window tinting, and more.
Submit our contact form or call Meridian Window Tint at (208) 258-7260 for a free consultation.