If you ask a window tinter about getting some window tinting done, whether it be residential or commercial, and theyll tell you there are a few things you should understand to ensure you make the best decision for your particular environment and application. The number one and undoubtedly the most crucial thing you need to understand about window film is the difference between good window film and bad quality film. And this is why: Good quality window film will last for the lifetime of your windows whereas poor window film will only last a few years, depending on the rigours of your environment.

HOW TO GAUGE WINDOW FILM QUALITY

The only way for a novice to discriminate between premium quality and low quality film is price and guarantee. When inquiring with a supplier, be sure to ask how long the film is guaranteed for. If it’s less than 12 years don’t buy it. And also look out for the shady operator who offers you a guarantee on cheap film and hikes the price, to make it appear like it’s good film, but will either not be around, or simply do nothing if you get back to them because your tint has spoiled.

Here’s the tip, (and by the way I’ve found this to be true with most things in life), if your only motivation in getting quotes is looking for the lowest possible price, then you will naturally gravitate towards the bad product and the real price you pay will be in 2-3 years when your windows start to blister, fade and/or peel and just look horrid. Be warned, the cheapest price is usually just a crap product! You can find lists of authorised installers on industry websites like the International Window Film Association, or look for an installer that offers a lifetime guarantee and has easy to confirm testimonials like this one.

REASONS FOR INSTALLING WINDOW FILM

There are a number of benefits you can get from window tinting, and each particular film you use will package some of these benefits, so the first thing you need to identify is the most important reason for installing window tint. Lets look at each advantage in a tad more detail so you can more completely the most appropriate solution for your circumstances. The core benefits of good quality tint are:

• Heat Rejection
• UV Rejection
• Privacy
• Style
• Impact Safety and
• Security

Lets look at each in a little more depth.

Heat Rejection: Premium window film rejects heat by blocking as much as 73% of Total Solar Energy through windows. That’s cool!

UV Rejection: Premium window film eradicates up to 99% of IR radiation from penetrating your windows. And as a bonus, it also prevents 93% of glare, which massively improves for your view and makes things look really cool!

Privacy: The right film will also provide daytime privacy, enabling everyone inside to be cooler, enjoy the views, and at the same time have total privacy from onlookers during the day.

Impact Safety and Security Films: These specialist films stop glass from shattering on impact. Safety films are designed to withstand the force of human impact, while security films can withstand a bomb blast without shattering. Since the collateral damage from accidents where windows are broken comes from shards of glass flying like shrapnel, or large sections of glass dropping like a guillotine, the major issues around safety are prevented. It also stops your windows from becoming a soft and easy entry point for criminals, because both the impact and noise required to gain entry is so noticeable thieves, would rather just move on in search of an easier, ‘softer’ target.

Style: Good quality window film also adds style to windows; and for many people it’s the aesthetic charm that tinted windows add that is the major reason for their installation.

ISSUES RELATED TO THE DARKEST LEGAL TINT

The next point I want to discuss is relevant to car/vehicle owners and it concerns installing the darkest legal tint on your car or truck.

Regulations in different countries and states are different, so check your local laws, but where Im from the darkest legal tint legally permitted on a vehicle is one with a VLT (visible light transmission) level of 35%, on all vehicle windows (excluding the front windscreen, which is not allowed to have any window tint except for a visor strip across the top). So here’s the critical point. Most vehicles already have a slight tint in the glass in their front windows, so this should be considered when adding tint to a vehicle. Here’s what I mean.

If the factory installed windows on your car already block 30% of light, when a film with the “darkest legal tint” of 35% is added to this glass, it will emit only 35% of light into a window that is already only emitting 70% of light, so the final VLT reading will be calculated by the addition of both tint ratings.

This is really important because if a driver by mistake fails to comply with tinting laws, the result can be a fine. But even worse, if a vehicle is involved in an accident and its illegally dark windows are considered by the court to be a contributing factor, this could mean the cancellation of your insurance policy, leaving you exposed to the full financial implications of the accident. And if that’s not bad enough criminal charge could apply if property is damaged or people are injured.

The final thing to remember is that by modifying a vehicle with illegally dark windows, the vehicle is deemed unroadworthy, which means you can’t drive the car again until it has been put through a roadworthy test, in which case the illegal tint will have to be removed. That’s why the combined VLT of both the glass and film really should be considered when you’re selecting the appropriate tint.

Summing up the critical points of from this article, when it comes to tinting windows, make sure you use a good quality product and that your installer has the expertise to be able to offer you the best solution for your situation, otherwise youll end up with headaches.

Conservatories are great structures to add to your home; the warm and cozy ambiance makes it a great place to lounge in or hold important business meetings. The glass walls and roof allow bright sunlight to pass through, making it a great greenhouse for your plants. No matter what purpose you want to use your conservatory for, determining which style you want can help maximize your plans.

To help you choose among the different conservatory styles, here is a list of some of the most well-known conservatory design styles:

• Capella / Orangery / Lantern

Basically, a capella or orangery conservatory consists of an atrium and a traditional style. The adjoining room inside is flooded with natural light, plus its grand interiors make it a top choice. The style has been around for years and has been a favorite among people who are looking for an extension that will blend perfectly into their home. Also, it is spacious enough to accommodate furniture.

The capella conservatory design is also known as the lantern conservatory style.

• Edwardian

Another popular conservatory style, the Edwardian conservatory is the very epitome of a traditional-looking conservatory. Its square or rectangular shape allows for maximization of the floor space, while the sloping glass roof helps make the conservatory appear even more spacious. It is perfect for families who love lounging in a light, relaxed space. The classic shape of the roof is perfect for both modern and period houses.

• Gable-End

If grandeur is what you are looking for, then a gable-end conservatory would be a great addition to your home. This style derives from the Georgian, with the gable-end being the modern counterpart. The roof front stays upright just like the ends of most houses. Like the Georgian style, it can be square or rectangular in style.

• Garden Rooms

Garden rooms are built the same way as most conservatory design styles, and are perfect lounging spots to place in the garden. Its also ideal as a play area for kids, for entertaining guests, or even a surrounding structure for a Jacuzzi. Garden rooms can either be octagonal (Coniston), square (Langley), and rectangular (Kensington).

• Georgian

The Georgian style features a square or rectangular shape, as well as a flat front. If you plan on laying out plants and furniture inside, the Georgian conservatory would make a perfect choice. The roof is high-sloping, creating a remarkable vaulted effect.

• Gull Wing

Elegance and contemporary are the two main characteristics of a gull wing-style conservatory. This type of conservatory style is perfect for covering wider areas, and can even be used for covering the full width of your property. The roof has wings that fan out from the central wall plate, earning it its name. A popular choice among DIY builders, this conservatory is praised for its spacious interiors and distinctive outside.

• Lean-To / Mediterranean

If you prefer modern style, then a lean-to or Mediterranean style is the best choice. This is probably the lowest priced style of conservatory, yet gives maximum usable space. Although it looks similar to the Edwardian, it can easily be distinguished by looking at the roof, which slopes down from the house to the front of the conservatory. This area can be used as a dining room, dance studio, office, a hobby room, or any other room that you want to add to your home.

• Pavilion

Another alternative to the classic Edwardian style, the pavilion style usually has square bases that allow maximizing of floor space. However, it has a traditional gable end and a pitched roof for allowing more light to enter the room. This is the perfect choice for modern homes.

• Victorian

  The Victorian conservatory style generally has traditional finials and cresting. In terms of size and practicality, they are the most versatile, making them one of the most popular conservatory design styles. They can complement almost any home design and can adjust to any size of space allotted for it.