UV tint for home windows

[caspian65]

Originally Posted by bannedontherun

What's the square footage on that quote? For a good quality 4 mil film e.g (Armorcoat, Huper Optik,3M) with no edgelock, it should run you about $7 a sq/ft. I've never heard of tinting skylights, BTW.

The quote is for 128 sf. There were 2 options, one for V33/Ne film at $1198 and then Enerlogic 35 for $1800. We really did not want tint, our interior designer said that there was film that was clear and would cut down on UV to help minimize fading of furniture/drapes/rug. The fella that came out for the estimate said the only way to prevent fading was tint.

I'm sure the windows themselves have a certain UV rating, especially the skylights. Are there markings on the glass or would I need to know the original manufacturer name and model to determine a factory UV rating?

[bannedontherun]

Originally Posted by caspian65

The quote is for 128 sf. There were 2 options, one for V33/Ne film at $1198 and then Enerlogic 35 for $1800. We really did not want tint, our interior designer said that there was film that was clear and would cut down on UV to help minimize fading of furniture/drapes/rug. The fella that came out for the estimate said the only way to prevent fading was tint.

Your interior designer is correct. Here is a link to Solargard/Armorcoat 4 mil clear specs. Even clear blocks out 99% of UV light. It's a fine, quality tint and it's all I installed when I tinted, (with the exception of Madico on occasion which also makes a clear). I'm not familiar with the 2 products you mentioned. I believe you can also get 2 mil thick tint ( more like car tint) but most people in FL wanted the added safety/security features of 4 mil and 4 mil isn't that much more cost than 2 mil. Maybe try and get a qoute from a Solargard/Armorcoat installer in your are. Your quotes can vary depending if you're dealing with a smaller tint company where the owner himself will do it or it's sub-contracted out from a larger home improvement company whose primary service is something other than tinting.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...47883778,d.eWU
I'm sure the windows themselves have a certain UV rating, especially the skylights. Are there markings on the glass or would I need to know the original manufacturer name and model to determine a factory UV rating?

I really can't answer your 2nd question.

[caspian65]

Thanks, this is great information, very much appreciate the input!

[Talltinter]

Enerlogic is a low-e film. It is designed to hold more heat in during the winter months. In Zone 2(south US), in my opinion you really don't need it because we spend more money staying cool than staying warm.

If you want to just reduce fade and stay in the Vista line, look at a lighter film. There are many other great brands out there.