All over the San Francisco Bay Area, businesses are discovering the benefits and advantages of commercial window tint. ClimatePro has installed window tint (or window film) all over the Bay Area and even worldwide, and we’ve become the best-reviewed window tint installation company in the area. So, we know a thing or two about window tint.
What is window tint? What films are available for commercial customers? How much does window tint cost? How can you pick the right window tint installation company? We’ll answer all these questions in this post, our updated 2023 Business Owners Window Buyers Guide.
Table of contents:
- What is commercial window tint?
- What window tints are available?
- How much does commercial window tint cost?
- How to pick a window tint installation company
What is Commercial Window Tint?
Let’s start with the basics: what is commercial window tint? Commercial window tint is a thin laminated film, usually made up of multiple layers of material. It is applied directly to glass and can be installed on the inside or the outside, depending on the type of film. Window tint is often used to regulate the amount of sunlight that enters through a window.
Although the window tint may be thin, it is a very strong and resilient product. Many films are scratch-resistant. Some tints have an actual ‘tint’ that lasts for a very long time,
Window tint is often used for solar control, as mentioned earlier. There are also other applications: safety and security, heat and glare reduction, and even storm and vandalism protection. Let’s discuss in more detail some of the common types of window tint available and what they do.
What Window Tints are Available?
There are a variety of window tints available for commercial use. Some window tints cover a variety of needs, while others are more specialized. For instance, if you want to lower energy costs, reduce glare, and protect against fading, one film may take care of all 3. On the other hand, if you want to create a completely private workspace, you may need something more specific.
Here are the most commonly used and requested window tint options that we’ve used in projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area:
Safety and Security: Safety or security window tints are designed to strengthen your current glass windows. It’s an affordable way to make your workplace safer. The primary function of safety window tint is to hold glass pieces in place in the event of an impact. Security window tint offers a stronger layer of protection in the event of severe weather, earthquakes, or attempted forced entry.
There are a number of safety films to choose from. Here is a selection to consider:
If you want to make security window tint even more effective, you can augment the installation with an attachment system like 3M’s Impact Protection Attachment System. This innovative system attaches the security film to the window frame, making it even more secure.
If you’d like to see an example of 3M Safety Window Tint in use, try this one: Create A Safer Workplace with 3M Ultra Safety Film. Here’s another example in Berkeley.
Privacy Window Tint: If you want to create a more private workspace, privacy window tint can definitely help. There are generally two types of privacy window tint. One type increases privacy during the day. The second category is tints that offer several levels of privacy at both day and night.
One kind of daytime privacy tint is a one-way window tint. This kind of tint has a mirrored effect. During the day, when the light outside is brighter than the interior, it provides a high level of privacy. However, at night, once the interior lights are brighter than the outdoors, the one-way mirror tint is no longer private.
Another type of daytime privacy tint is 3M Night Vision. This film has a darker tint to it and allows much less sunlight in during the day. It can create a cozy and more private atmosphere during daylight hours, improve the view at windows and reduce eyestrain by cutting down on glare from sunlight
Are there tinting options that offer privacy both day and night? Yes. These kinds of tints are not actually tinted at all. They include frosted, blackout, and whiteout films. Frosted window film is a translucent product. It allows for some light transmission while offering a high level of privacy day and night. This category is a popular one and opens up a world of decorative possibilities. Frosted films can also come in decorative options like stripes, dots, or even custom designs. For instance, the 3M Fasara Glass Finishes series has over 100 decorative options.
Blackout and whiteout films are the true privacy champs. They don’t allow any light transmission at all. These two types are generally used in places where full privacy is needed. Storerooms, storefronts, garage windows, and bathroom windows are good candidates for blackout and whiteout films.
Would you like to see some examples of privacy films in use? Here are a few to consider:
- Create A Private San Francisco Office with Window Tint
- Decorative Privacy Window Tint For A San Francisco Office
- Privacy Window Tint for Novato, CA Offices
- Create Office Privacy with Window Tint
- Office Privacy Frost Film For San Francisco, CA
- Privacy Window Film for San Francisco Offices
- Privacy Window Film for a San Anselmo Office
- Frosted Privacy Window Film for Offices in Cupertino, CA
- Create Privacy with Decorative Film
- 3M Fasara Privacy Window Film for San Francisco
- Privacy Window Film for San Francisco Offices
Sun control window tint: Also called solar control window tint or film, they are designed to help you to minimize the negative impact of the sun. The sun is essential for life, but it also brings with it UV rays, heat in the form of infrared light, and glare. The right window tint can help to minimize these negative effects.
Sun control window tint reduces UV rays by up to 99.9%. This is a powerful benefit, as UV rays are responsible for fading and sun damage. Floors, furniture, art, and textiles are protected from the sun and last longer.
Business owners are often trying to find ways to save money. Installing window tint can help to reduce your energy costs. By filtering out and reducing infrared light, window tint helps to turn down the sun’s heat. This makes it easier and cheaper to cool your workplace. With less heat and hotspots, you’ll reap the benefits.
Glare and eyestrain are other byproducts of unfiltered sunlight. Glare makes it really difficult to interact effectively with coworkers. Additionally, in this world of digital screens, glare can make using devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops very difficult. Sun control window tint reduces glare, helping to create a more comfortable and productive work environment.
What sun control window tints are available for businesses? Here are some of the most commonly installed tints in the Bay Area:
Anti-graffiti window tint: To safeguard your windows from the lasting impact of graffiti and vandalism, 3M offers window tint that protects your windows. When professionally installed on your windows, anti-graffiti window tint becomes an unseen barrier. It keeps graffiti, scratches, gouges, and chemical abrasives from damaging what’s underneath.
Besides the protective nature of anti-graffiti window tint, it is less expensive than replacing damaged windows. Since it can be easily replaced, it’s a very cost-effective solution. Furthermore, it’s not just for windows. It can be used on mirrors, polycarbonates, and other surfaces. Ask a window tint specialist for more details. Take a look at this Berkeley, CA, business that was recently transformed with anti-graffiti window tint.
Decorative Window Tint: If you want to reinforce your brand, inspire your workers, or add a touch of style to your workspace, consider decorative window tint. The ClimatePro team has installed decorative window tint all over the Bay Area. We’ve seen it used in storefronts, offices, restaurants, medical offices, and more. Not only do we have an extensive catalog of ready-to-go decorative films, but we are also able to create custom designs as well. With a very talented graphic designer on staff and the Bay Area’s best installation team, we’ve got you covered.
Smart Tints and Films: ClimatePro offers smart tints that showcase how advanced window tint technology has progressed. For offices with conference rooms, consider Casper Cloaking Window Tint. This innovative tint obscures digital screens to the outside view. This means that when you pass by a window with Casper Cloaking Tint installed on it, you can’t see what’s on the digital screens in the room.
The second tint is Avery Dennison Vela™ Smart Film. When switched on, Avery Dennison’s Vela™ Smart Film is transparent or see-through. But when you switch off the film, it is transformed into an attractive frosted film. Private and visually appealing, this is a great option for conference rooms. One more benefit of Vela Smart Film: when the film is turned on, it can serve as a whiteboard surface. Pretty cool, right?
How Much Does Commercial Window Tint Cost?
The cost of window tint depends on two factors. First, what kind of window tint do you want to be installed? Secondly, where do you want the window tint installed? Let’s discuss this.
The cost of your window tint installation depends on the kind of window tint you choose. Even in the same film category, there are usually at least three different options. An economy, intermediate and premium version is generally available for most tints.
There are additional factors to consider when determining cost. How many windows will be treated? What are the conditions of the project? Will it require additional installation equipment? When would you like the window installation done? All of these factors play a role in the final cost.
For a more comprehensive guide to window tint cost, please see our Window Tint Cost Guide. There you will find in-depth information on cost, including estimated costs for each level of window tint in multiple categories.
How to Pick a Commercial Window Tint Installer
Now that you know how flexible and useful window tint can be, it’s time to choose an installation company. How do you pick the right window tint company? Here are some factors to consider.
First, ensure your contractor is licensed and insured to work in California. This license is a protection and assurance for customers. Next, you’ll want to learn about their reputation. The Better Business Bureau is a great place to start, as is reading online reviews from Google and Yelp. You’ll want an installation team with the most experience and a clear understanding of window tint. For even more information to consider, read our Guide: How To Pick The Right Window Tint Company.
Choose the Best – ClimatePro
With over 40 years of experience, ClimatePro is the most highly-rated window film company in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since each commercial place is different, it is beneficial to have at your disposal a team of well-trained and seasoned window tint professionals. This is what you get when you work with ClimatePro. Let’s work together today. Call us at (707) 569-9098 today, or fill out our free estimate from here.
