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By Amanda Lutz Updated January 30, 2024 window film designs
Typical costs range from $5 to $19 per square foot.
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Residential window tinting typically costs between $5 and $19 per square foot of glass for an average cost of $30 to $114 per 6-square-foot window*. Most people associate window film with car window tinting. But applying tinting film to residential windows has benefits, too, such as energy savings, increased privacy, higher curb appeal, and better security. Old windows, in particular, benefit from tinting that blocks heat and UV radiation.
In this cost guide, we break down window tinting pricing details so you’ll know what to expect.
*All cost data in this article is sourced from Fixr, Angi, and HomeAdvisor.
The total cost of your tinting project will depend on the type, size, and number of windows you have, plus the type of tinting material you purchase.
Replacement windows on average range from $300 to $1,200.
Single-hung windows on average cost $150 to $400 per window.
Double-pane installation typically ranges from $450 to $1,000 per window.
Standard single- or double-hung windows cost the least to tint, especially if they’re on the first floor. Small, rectangular, flat windows cost less to tint than large, curved, or multipaned windows. Below are common residential window types and their approximate window tinting prices per square foot .
The type of window film you need will depend on why you’re tinting your windows. Many homeowners choose solar film , which will cut down on the amount of heat and harmful UV rays that enter your home. Other film types can protect privacy, increase security, or simply add to a home’s decoration. Here are the most common types of window tinting film .
Each film type’s cost varies by quality and thickness. You can also use permanent spray tint, which is less expensive but also less effective against UV rays than window film . Here are the costs of common window tinting materials.
The number of windows you want covered—and thus the amount of material you need—will significantly affect the total price. The price ranges in the table below assume a window tinting film cost of $4 to $14 per square foot and a standard window size of 24-by-36 inches—totaling 6 square feet of material per window. Here’s what you can expect to pay for window tinting based on the number of windows you have.
If you opt for professional installation , you must factor labor into the cost of window tinting . The prices above account for professional window tinting services , which usually come to $1 to $5 per square foot . Installation costs depend on your geographical area and its general cost of living. Note that window tinting companies often have minimum charges of about $250, so they’re unlikely to make a house call for only one or two windows.
While the above factors will definitely affect your project’s cost, the following will only apply to some window tinting upgrades.
If your windows are already tinted and you wish to remove or replace the film, you can have a professional do this for about $3 to $5 per square foot . Although you can do it yourself, you risk scratching the glass.
Replacing your window glass is an alternative to installing window film . This may be a better option if you need to replace old, leaky windows or if adding tinted film would void your windows’ warranty . Low-emissivity (low-e) glass is specially treated to block heat and UV radiation the same way solar window film does. A standard window with low-e glass costs roughly $650.
Another high-end option is smart glass , which adapts to changing light conditions to block or allow in certain amounts of light. Photochromic glass does this automatically in the same way as transition eyeglasses. Electrochromic glass does this with the push of a button instead, allowing you more control over privacy no matter the time of day. Smart glass costs about $50 to $100 per square foot . By comparison, smart films that provide similar functionality cost $30 to $45 per square foot .
If you need privacy or sunlight blocking beyond what tinted film can provide, consider purchasing window treatments . Curtains, blinds, and shades all provide varying levels of sun protection and allow you to customize the amount of light entering your home. Whereas tinting is permanent, window treatments offer adjustability. Here are average costs ranges for common window treatments :
Here are some of the top benefits of window tinting .
As windows let in natural light , they also let in heat due to the greenhouse effect. This requires your air conditioning to work harder, increasing your energy bill . Solar window tinting can block heat from entering, reducing your home cooling costs by up to 30%. If you have older, less efficient windows, tinting them will be more cost-effective than replacing them and will provide similar benefits.
One way solar film increases energy efficiency is by absorbing heat. The film’s dark tint prevents heat from passing through the window’s glass, keeping indoor air cooler while still allowing you to see outside. Note that since solar film will raise the glass’s temperature, it should only be installed on windows that are rated to handle the extra heat.
Over time, UV rays cause irreversible sun damage to carpets, furniture, wall art, and other home furnishings. Fading and discoloration are common, as UV radiation breaks down dyes, stains, and even fabrics. Solar and security window tinting film block much of this UV radiation, but decorative film may not. Spray tints block some UV radiation, but not as much as film does.
Tinted windows don’t reveal streaks or fingerprints as much as bare glass ones do, meaning they’re easier to keep clean. Additionally, if the window breaks, the film will keep the glass together instead of sending the pieces scattering. Then, you can simply pop out the pane and replace the window without worrying about broken glass falling on the floor.
Privacy films create the appearance of frosted or decorative glass to obscure the view from outside without blocking light. This is especially helpful for bathroom windows or windows that are close to a street or neighbor’s house.
While security window film won’t completely prevent glass breakage, it makes it much more difficult for a potential intruder to get inside your home by breaking a window. Similarly, if debris hits the window during a storm or natural disaster , the cracked pieces of glass will hold together instead of shattering.
Solar window tinting doesn’t just protect your home and furniture, it also protects your skin. Although you’re exposed to much less UV radiation while in your home than you are outdoors, sitting by an untinted window still poses a slight risk. Since unprotected exposure to UV rays increases your chance of developing skin cancer, window tinting can help mitigate this risk.
Window tinting application is a home improvement project you can take on yourself. However, if your project is large-scale or you have minimal DIY experience, you may need to hire a professional.
Window contractors will install tinting film or spray for the cost of materials plus labor. The project will cost more overall than if you did it yourself, but professionals have the experience and tools to apply film neatly and quickly. You may have to pay more for difficult-to-access or oddly shaped windows. However, you’re more likely to have properly installed film without tears or air bubbles.
You can tint home windows yourself, but it requires great precision and detail work. Here are the basic steps involved:
Remember, you must cut the film to the right size, apply it to line up perfectly with all window corners and edges, and smooth it free of air bubbles. Otherwise, the film will be highly noticeable, and it may not stay on the window as long. While you can do it yourself, you may get more attractive results by hiring professionals.
When looking into professional installation , here are some tips to keep in mind:
When applied properly, window tinting film can reduce energy costs , increase privacy, and even provide extra security to your home. You can tackle window tinting yourself, but note that it requires a lot of precision work. If you prefer, you can hire a window tinting company to apply it for you. You’ll pay more to account for labor costs, but you’ll benefit from the contractor’s expertise.
The amount of window tint you need will depend on the total square footage of the windows you wish to cover. To determine a window’s square footage, measure its length and width, then multiply the two figures together. If all your windows are the same size, you can multiply the square footage by the number of windows you wish to tint to determine how much product you need.
Home window tint longevity varies, but the typical range is between five and 20 years.
Which windows you should have tinted depends on the type of window tint you want. Solar film will be most effective on windows in rooms that receive lots of natural light. Privacy film is often applied to bathroom windows. Security film may be most useful on first-floor or street-facing windows.
Applying DIY tinting spray to your windows is the most cost-effective way to tint home windows, though spray tints aren’t quite as effective at blocking heat and UV radiation as film.
If you hire a professional to complete a tint job, they will most likely supply window film. Many professional window contractors will have access to tint film at wholesale prices, so ask your contractor if they can supply the type of film you want.
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