7 Window Tinting Mistakes to Avoid for Offices

Part of tinting your company's office windows correctly involves knowing what not to do. Here are window tinting mistakes to avoid for offices.

Utilities are a major expense for most business owners. In fact, the average company spends about $2 per square foot on electric, gas, and water every month.

The larger your building is, the higher your expenses will be and the more strain you’ll put on your monthly budget. Luckily, there are ways to reduce your utility costs every month without having to upgrade your appliances. All you have to do is install window tinting film on your office windows.

Though the process is simple, there are a few window tinting mistakes you’ll need to avoid to have the most impact on your utility costs. These are the most common mistakes you’ll need to avoid at all costs.

1. Not Researching the Types of Window Film

There are many different types of commercial window tinting films to choose from and the first option you find might not be the one you really want. Think about what you want the film to do.

Are you looking to bolster security or do you want to just reduce your electric bill? Identifying your goals will help you choose the right types of film for your building.

Once you have an idea of what you want the film to do, research the options available in your area. Read reviews and see what others have to say about the film’s performance. Try to find out if any professional installation companies carry the film you’re interested in locally.

The more you can research your options and understand which ones will work best for your building, the better your investment will be.

2. Going Too Dark in Common Areas

There’s a common myth that you have to choose the darkest window film possible to truly reduce your building’s electricity bill. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Window film comes in many different shades. Even clear window tints still block up to 99 percent of the sun’s UV rays from coming through your windows.

Since it’s the UV rays that create the heat buildup inside, you’ll end up saving money no matter what type of film you install.

Dark window tints have a place and can dramatically reduce glare in some rooms, but you don’t have to go as dark as possible. Think about how you want your office to feel before you choose your films.

If you want to keep it light and airy, install a lighter window tint. However, if you want to cut down on glare or improve privacy in certain areas, darker tints may be better.

3. Ignoring the Warranty Details

Every high-quality window film comes with a warranty from the manufacturer. This warranty protects you from having to pay for repairs or replacements stemming from a fault in the film itself.

Some warranties are more extensive than others and can provide you with many more years of protection.

Do your research. Read up on the warranties included with each film you’re considering. Find out what you have to do to keep those warranties intact and what types of activities will void them.

If you feel that the warranty isn’t comprehensive enough, look for a different window tint.

4. Trying to Install the Film on Your Own

One of the worst window tinting mistakes you can make is attempting to install the film on your own. While it seems simple enough, proper installation takes a lot of practice.

If you install the film incorrectly, it won’t be as effective. Worse, you could end up damaging the film in the process.

Instead of installing tinting film on your own as an attempt to lower your window tinting costs, hire an experienced professional. This way, you’ll know that the film gets installed correctly on each window in your building. Even better, you’ll preserve the manufacturer’s warranty for years to come.

5. Hiring the First Contractor You Find

Though hiring a pro is important, you should always take the time to research installation experts to make sure you find the right company.

Look at their reviews and online reputation. Research the types of film they install and work with and don’t hesitate to ask to see examples of their work. Reputable companies have experience working on buildings like yours and are more than happy to show you pictures of their completed projects.

Ask each company you speak with for an installation estimate as well as a written explanation of their workmanship guarantee. Compare this estimate against the ones from other companies and choose the contractor that offers the best quality installation at a price you can afford.

You may end up paying more for the service, but you’ll save time and money on future repairs.

6. Choosing Tint That You Can’t Maintain

Window tint is a low-maintenance improvement to office windows. However, some films still need maintenance and have specific care requirements you’ll have to follow. Otherwise, you could end up damaging the film.

Make sure you understand the maintenance requirements of each film you’re considering. If you think you can’t find the right types of cleaners or aren’t willing to put in the work, choose a different film.

7. Installing the Cheapest Tint Possible

When it comes to commercial window tinting film, you get what you pay for. Cheap films will work for a little while, but after a year or two, you’ll end up seeing discoloration and bubbling on the outside of the windows.

Instead of buying the cheapest tint you can find, invest in quality. High-quality films will last much longer than cheaper alternatives. Even better, they can add to your building’s property value when installed by a licensed professional.

Avoid These Window Tinting Mistakes

Installing window film is one of the best improvements you can make for your building. However, making sure that you install the right film the right way isn’t always as easy as you might think.

Avoid making these window tinting mistakes when shopping for and installing your window film and you’ll be in good shape. Just make sure you work with experienced professionals like Film Systems Of Florida and let them handle the installation for you.

Ready to find out which types of window film will work best for your building? Contact us today to schedule an estimate.

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