When we do manage to move to a new home, we expect privacy to be an absolute requirement. The idea that our neighbors or the outside world, in general, can peep through your windows and see what you are doing sounds violating for a lot of people. It can also make your house a potential candidate for crime, so the fewer people can see into your house from the outside, the better.
One way you can obtain privacy is by having high walls or natural greenery block areas where your house is mostly visible. Now, if you happen to have a house with lots of windows or big windows and glass doors, then your house is probably visible to most people. The best thing you can do in this scenario to protect your house is to opt for a one way window film. This film will help keep your windows covered in a manner that no one from the outside can see in. If you happen to be interested in getting a one way window film installed for your home, you can visit the website for more information on the subject.
The Types of Privacy Films
There isn’t just one type of window film when it comes to maintaining your privacy there is a significant variety of them, and we will go through them quickly to help you get a better idea of your available options.
- Tints/Solar Window Films – Solar window films are pretty popular and are used as privacy films as well by a lot of people. A lot of people will opt for darker tints on their window and this tint can be seen as reflective from outside. However, the biggest problem with solar window films is the fact that they are not useful during the night since your indoor light can be seen from the outside at times.
- Translucent/Frosted Window Films – Frosted window films can help provide you privacy while still allowing natural light to enter your windows. However, the biggest problem with frosted window films is that you will not be able to see out through them either.
- Decorative Window Films – Decorative window films are great because you can get your window painted and designed, so you can add personality in your windows. However, this can get expensive, and at times can end up obscuring your ability to see out through the window as well.
One Way Window Films
If you are interested in getting the best possible window film for privacy purposes, then your best option in this way would be to opt for a one way window film. The outside glass is given a highly reflective finish so the outer surface of your window ends up acting like a mirror. This means whoever tries to view your window from the outside will only be able to see their reflection as opposed to being able to see inside, and while they will not be able to see from the outside to the inside, your visibility will not be compromised and you will be able to view the outside. One way window films are a great way to get absolute privacy and you will find them being used mainly in commercial buildings that are usually made entirely of glass/windows.
These window films are created by placing a very thin layer of reflective metal between the top layer and the bottom layer of your windows. Once sunlight directly hits your window, the metal will reflect the light and in this manner create a one-way mirror for the outside world.
Now there are some drawbacks to one way window films and one of them is the fact that they are essentially useless without direct sunlight. These windows films will not work if they are not exposed to direct sunlight, so that means that areas of your house that do not get direct sunlight will have to opt for something else. Similarly, one way window films do not work during the night either. So if you still want your privacy during the night, you will need a backup measure like opting for blinds or curtains to cover the view to the interior of your home.
The Benefits of Window Films
It is important to note that there are many different types of window films, however, most of them tend to offer similar benefits including:
- Protecting your privacy – Window films, especially tinted or frosted films prevent other people from seeing into your house while all the while allowing you to be able to look outside your house without any difficulty. This is great since it allows you to protect your home and your privacy.
- Reduced Sun Damage – If direct sunlight is falling into your home from your windows, then your flooring, furniture, and the like become vulnerable to sun damage. To prevent the sun from discoloring and making your interior dull, opting for window films will help since most of them are capable of filtering UV rays or at least lessen the impact of the sun rays.
- Reduced Heating Bills – If you want your house to stay warm without affecting your HVAC bill then having large windows with a film is useful since your house will naturally stay a little warmer when sunlight happens to be filtering through your windows throughout the day.
- Reduced Shattering – Having a protective window film can serve as an added security measure since it reduces the likelihood of your windows shattering during rough conditions or on impact. While it does not offer heavy-duty protection, it still does its part.
You now have a basic idea about the choices that are available to you when it comes to privacy window films. At the end of the day, you will have to weigh the pros and cons of each film and decide which one you feel will best meet your privacy needs. If you still find yourself struggling and want to get a professional opinion, you can call in window film experts like Smartfilm Mesa and have them come to inspect your home and then recommend the best possible solution for your dilemma.