Window tinting can be a great idea for HDB owners because it reduces heat and glare from the sun. So if you want your house to look cool from afar (and within), window tinting is a fantastic option.
Not only are these tinted windows a smarter way to protect your family’s privacy, but they also offer protection against Singapore’s scorching heat and incoming UV rays. After all, a quality window film works by blocking up to 99% of the sun’s UV rays, which reduces how much heat comes in through your windows.
If you have pets, it can also help to keep them cool inside the house especially during the hottest summer days.
However, while tinting works great in reducing glare during the day, it does block the outside light at night. So, you won’t be able to see outside as clearly as everything has a dark tint to it. Instead, the reverse takes place and anyone outside will be able to see inside more clearly at night.
How do window tinting and window glass differ?
Window glass is transparent. It lets light in and out, but no matter which way you look at it, the glass doesn’t offer much protection from heat or UV rays.
On the other hand, window tinting uses a special kind of film that blocks 99% of UV rays while still letting light in.
There are several kinds of window films that you can select for your home:
- Clear Sun Film – Offers clear views outside with increased comfort indoors.
- Nano-Ceramic Film – Great if you don’t want to block out too much sunlight but would like privacy.
- Sputtered Film (Low emissive) – Blocks over 99% of UV rays, blocks up to 85% of visible light. Great for blocking out sunlight and reducing glare from electronics inside the home.
Regardless of which one you choose, anyone can benefit from window tinting as it offers benefits both day and night.
Choosing The Right Film
If you’re just starting out with window tinting, chances are you don’t know much about the different types of films available. So let’s take a closer look at each one:
Clear Sun Film
Offering two to three per cent visible light transmission (VLT), clear sun film is ideal if you want to enjoy a clear view of the outside world. But it’s also very transparent, so anyone looking from the outside will have an equally clear picture of what’s going on inside your home.
What does this mean?
If you’re worried about keeping things private or if you want to protect against heat and UV rays without blocking out too much natural light, then this is a good choice for you.
Nano-Ceramic Film
This type of film offers more protection from heat and UV rays due to its high visible light transmission rating (VLT), which varies depending on how dark you would like the tint to be. In most cases, nano-ceramic films transmit less than three per cent VLT, making it ideal if you want to keep prying eyes out.
Sputtered Film (Low emissive)
Similar to nano-ceramic film, this type of tinting offers stronger protection against heat and UV rays due to its high VLT. However, sputtered films are known for their low emissivity levels which helps prevent scalding in occupied spaces as well as furniture near windows from fading over time. If you have wooden furniture around the house or plants near your window, this feature would be great for you.
Choosing The Right Type Of Tint
Once you know more about the different types of films available, it’s important to choose one that best fits your particular situation. Even in Singapore’s naturally hot and humid environment, there are different conditions to consider. Some prefer to leave their air-conditioning on throughout the day. Others may want a more environmentally friendly solution but still keep their homes as cool as possible at all times. Then there are the lucky few whose apartments receive the natural sea breeze.
Another factor would be how dark you want the tint to be. Some films offer a clear view of the outside world while others reduce light transmission by up to 85%. If you plan on sleeping during the day or have frequent gatherings, then darker films would be better for maintaining privacy.
Just remember that even if you install window film inside your house, people from outside will still be able to see clearly into your home at night as the source of light affects the visibility.
If you would like to learn more about which type of tinting is best for your home, do speak with our team of experts. We’ll be able to guide and advise you on an appropriate solution for your home.
