Window Tinting - residential

Discussion in 'Discussion Group' started by Cleopatra, Jun 16, 2008.

  1. Cleopatra

    Cleopatra Well-Known Member

    Any opinions on DIY window tinting, say Gila products that are available at Home Depot? I grabbed some of the new Titanium but come find out it does nothing for winter. So, I am looking at Platinum but it appears to be tinted a little - no big deal it wil be on the back ofthe house - and maybe the half-circle window on the front of the house that makes my son's bedroom nice and toasty. Yeah, I know then it won't match the other windows - but we need some relief from the heat!


    Anyways...

    Installation ok? Did it work? How was your AC bill? Heating bill?
     
  2. le

    le Well-Known Member

    Never tried them but have not heard great things about the DIY tinting films. The film does all the work so you do not want to skimp on it. Will pm ya the name/number of a guy...
     
  3. Hught

    Hught Well-Known Member

    Not that it matters but it probably will come from the plant in Martinsville, VA and I was impressed with their operations and the care they put into their products (No, I do not get discounts 8) )
     
  4. Lookout55

    Lookout55 Well-Known Member

    I just ordered Energy film today. Home Depot is the only one who carries it but of course they don't stock it in-store. I was looking not so much for tinting but for something to keep the HEAT OUT and NO Adhesives. Here is the description:

    Energy Film is a thin, transparent window film that provides immediate year-round energy savings by retaining interior heat in the winter and blocking solar heat in the summer. Energy film is an inexpensive and easy way to make the home or office more energy efficient while providing UV protection. It is easy to apply and uses no adhesives.
    • Summer / Winter Insulating Film
    • Saves up to 12-18% of Annual Energy Costs
    • 99% UV Rejection, 85% Light Transmission, 65% Solar Heat Rejection
    • Easy Application without Adhesives
    Down side: Paid $34.98 for a 48x84 plus 7.41 shipping.
    But if it works it is very much worth every cent.

    Hope this helps.
     
  5. Cleopatra

    Cleopatra Well-Known Member


    Yes, this is along the lines of what I am looking for. Summer & Winter protection. Does it go on with a squeegee and baby shampoo? I had purchased the Gila Titanium, but took it back since it was only for summer. The next step down (and $10 cheaper per roll) was the Platinum that is 99% UV and up to 70% solar heat. But, this one had a tint to it.

    Keep me posted, please.
     
  6. Lookout55

    Lookout55 Well-Known Member


    We love it!! Our front bedroom has a big window at the top (that half circle window I don't know what you call it) anyway the heat has drastically gone down. We usually have to close off the room when the sun hits it because it makes the AC run constantly. The heat is not gone completely but there is a huge difference in temp.:hurray:

    Yes, it does go one with the soap and squeegee.
     
  7. Cleopatra

    Cleopatra Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the personal review! How was the installation? Are you both still alive afterward.. I know you are - but how is your hubby? :lol:
     
  8. Lookout55

    Lookout55 Well-Known Member


    Poor thing did it by himself so there are still some bubbles that need to be worked out. Over all though he did a great job!:hurray:
     
  9. Cleopatra

    Cleopatra Well-Known Member

    That's what counts. How is your elec bill? Was it a good ROI? Did you get the kind that helps in winter too?
     
  10. Lookout55

    Lookout55 Well-Known Member



    Not sure since we just put it up. I usually keep it at 77-78 in summer and 72-73 in winter and then not at all in the spring and fall. So we shall see. It was worth the price just for the comfort in the room. The box says it is for winter also.
     
  11. robbie

    robbie Well-Known Member

    I bought shades at Lowe's and keep them down and the house is great. A/C is on 78 and heat is on 69. Electric bill is very low.
     
  12. harleygirl

    harleygirl Well-Known Member

    The window up top is called a paladium window. That's all I have to add. :mrgreen:


    Oh and I'd invest in the window film as well - next house!
     
  13. kaci

    kaci Well-Known Member

    Well hurry up and find it, it is a buyers market right now ya know.
     
  14. Lookout55

    Lookout55 Well-Known Member

    Thanx:mrgreen:
     
  15. harleygirl

    harleygirl Well-Known Member


    DH looked at 3 today.

    No, not in your neighborhood :lol:
     
  16. harleygirl

    harleygirl Well-Known Member

    YW!
     

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