Windows

Well made windows add beauty to your home both inside and out, but the benefits of luxury windows go beyond looks. High end window brands craft their products with close attention to the details of construction, hardware, and finishes, creating windows that are more durable and easier to use.

Choosing High-End Windows

Material is one of the main factors that sets high-end windows apart from their cheaper counterparts. The warm, traditional character of wood makes it a favorite for luxury windows, particularly on period-style homes, but it requires more maintenance than most other materials.

Durable hardwoods such as oak, mahogany, and sapele are popular choices, but you’ll also find high-end windows made from softwoods, such as pine, fir, and redwood. For improved durability, look for windows with wood interiors and exterior cladding of aluminum, vinyl, or fiberglass.

Steel and aluminum windows are well suited to the clean lines of modern architecture. Because steel is stronger than aluminum, it allows for smaller frame sightlines, but it will cost more. Aesthetics aside, metal windows aren’t ideal for homes in cold climates or those near the coast. For a contemporary feel without metal, some high-end window brands also offer windows in vinyl and fiberglass.

Energy efficiency is another important consideration, but a higher price doesn’t guarantee you higher efficiency. For good energy efficiency, look for windows with double panes and low-E glass. Double-pane windows filled with argon, xenon, or krypton are even more efficient.  

Beyond this, look for small details such as steel hinges, easy-to-use operators, and PVD finishes on metal windows.

High-End Window Brands to Watch

Marvin Windows and Doors

One of the best known names in high-end windows, Marvin entered the windows market shortly after its founding in 1912. Today, Marvin windows are still made to order one at a time.

The Marvin Essential collection, made with High-Density Fiberglass interiors and exteriors, and the Marvin Elevate collection, with fiberglass exteriors and wood interiors, are the more budget-friendly options.

For a fully custom window, look to the Marvin Signature Series. Here you’ll find the highly customizable Ultimate line, the minimalist Modern line, and the Coastline line designed with impact-resistant features for coastal conditions. Many windows in the Signature collection include innovations such as the easy-to-use Lift Lock hardware and the Lock Status Sensor for use with smart home systems.

Pella

Pella offers luxury wood, fiberglass, and vinyl windows in contemporary and traditional styles, as well as completely custom windows with a wide range of options. Innovation has been one of the company’s primary focuses since its founding as a window screen company in 1925.

The  Integrated Rolscreen retractable screen for single- and double-hung windows and the easy-to-use Easy-Slide Operator are two of the company’s recent developments. Most of the higher-end wood windows are found in the The Reserve and Architect series.

For an even wider selection, try Pella Luxury, Pella’s partnership with four other well reputed high-end window brands. These are Bonelli, known for aluminum windows, Duratherm, makers of custom wood windows, Grabill, makers of wood-clad windows, and Reilly, known for custom wood and metal windows.

Loewen Windows

This Canadian manufacturer opened as a lumber company in 1905 and entered the North American window market with demand for premade windows and doors rose after WWII.

By focusing on all-wood  windows and wood windows clad with extruded aluminum, the company has built a good reputation for creating elegant combinations of wood and metal. Coastal Douglas Fir is their standard wood, but they also work with Honduran Mahogany, white oak, and the chemically modified pine known as Accoya.

Loewen’s Cyprium Collection stands out for its blending of modern technology with the vintage charm of copper or bronze cladding aged with a hand-applied patina. Other innovations include their proprietary roto gear cranks for casement windows and their proprietary sash lock for single- and double-hung windows, both of which add durability and make the windows easier to operate.  

Kolbe Windows & Doors

A family-owned business since 1946, Kolbe produces windows primarily in aluminum and wood.

Windows in the VistaLuxe Collection feature clean lines and large expanses of glass with wood interiors and extruded aluminum exteriors that are well suited to modern architecture. Ultra Series windows, also made with wood interiors and extruded aluminum exteriors, are built for additional versatility and durability.

For more traditional or period-style homes, there’s the Heritage Series, which offers all-wood windows in a wide range of both common and exotic woods.

Kolbe’s windows are easily paired with automated home systems.

Fleetwood Windows and Doors

Fleetwood has specialized in aluminum windows and doors for contemporary luxury homes since its founding in 1961.

The company’s 3-Series line offers the Series 250-T casement, awning, and hopper windows and the Series 530-T thermal frame sliding and single hung windows, all designed for clean, linear sightlines. From the 3-Series, Fleetwood developed the Gen4 line with improvements such as larger glass panes and hidden weep slots.

In the Edge Collection, you’ll find the ultra-modern EDGE |f| window designed with nearly invisible sightlines to allow for maximum view.

Hardware such as the proprietary stainless steel Archetype Window Latch, made for comfort and durability, and stainless steel bearing rollers similar to those used on sliding doors help ensure years of trouble-free operation. Both anodized and painted finishes are available in several colors.

Arcadia Custom

Founded in 1930, Arcadia specializes in custom windows made from thermally-broken steel, thermally-broken aluminum, and wood.

From their factories around America, they offer a wide variety of window styles, including multi-fold and pivot windows, a selection of luxury hardwoods such as mahogany, oak, cherry, and walnut, and distressing options to suit historical homes.

Their Steel Look aluminum windows give you the sleek look of steel at a lower cost. With their Accoya wood windows, you can enjoy the ambiance of wood with lower maintenance requirements and greater durability. Arcadia’s Thermal Steel iCore precision machining and laser-cutting technology improves their windows’ energy efficiency and creates a polished finish.

Arka Windows and Doors

A relative newcomer to the window manufacturing scene, Arka focuses on high-performance windows in modern styles such as tilt-and-turn and panorama swing.

The Status Line offers all-wood and aluminum-clad windows, the Luxury Line includes thermally broken aluminum windows, and windows in the Modern Line are made with premium vinyl reinforced with steel.

All their windows are fit with double or triple panes for improved efficiency and multipoint locking systems for optimal security.

Hayfield Window and Door

Hayfield’s windows prove vinyl can look as luxurious as wood. From its beginnings as an aluminum storm window manufacturer in 1951, the company has since built its reputation on wood-look vinyl windows in both modern and traditional designs.

The Heritage series is where you’ll find the more traditional styles. These windows offer the option of a Durawood artificial wood interior. If you prefer the sleek finish of vinyl, the Vinyl Classics series has you covered.

Hayfield’s windows are designed and built to handle the often harsh weather of Minnesota, where they’re manufactured. For state-of-the-art efficiency, they offer triple-pane windows with krypton gas fill.

Windows and doors can account for as much as 25 percent of a home’s energy loss, but the right windows do a lot to bring that number down. In many climates, an investment in double- or even triple-pane windows pays you back with lower energy bills and a more comfortable home. More glass isn’t always better, though. Understanding how each type of window works will help you decide which one best meets your needs.

Single-Pane Windows: Affordable, but Inefficient

The standard window style until the 1960s, these windows consist of a single pane of glass in a frame. Because they’re so common, they’re easy to find in a wide range of styles and materials. If you’re upgrading or installing a window in a wall that can’t support the weight of double- or triple-pane windows, a single-pane window might be your only option.

Beyond this, the biggest benefit they offer is their low cost. Prices vary by window style, but on average, the purchase and installation cost of a single-pane window is usually not more than $200, while the cost for a double-pane model starts at around $350.

The downside is that they’re the least energy efficient. In a very mild climate, such as parts of California, Hawaii or the Southeast, your utility bills might already be so low that upgrading to double-pane windows won’t give you enough energy savings to justify the cost. Even in colder climates, single-pane windows aren’t always a home’s greatest efficiency weakness. If your home is drafty and lacks sufficient insulation, you’ll benefit more by solving those issues than by upgrading your windows.

If your single-pane windows have historic value or were artisan crafted for your home, you might prefer to keep them. In this case, you can optimize their efficiency by air sealing with caulk and weatherstripping, and by using storm windows and heavy drapes. In most climates, though, double-pane windows will keep you more comfortable and reward you with enough energy savings to recoup your investment.

Double-Pane Windows: A Happy Medium

In 1952, the Andersen Lumber Company, now the Andersen Corporation, introduced the Welded Insulated Glass window, the first double-pane window. By the late 1960s, these windows were in widespread use. Today they’re known as double-pane or double- glazed windows. You might also see the term insulated glass unit (IGU), which can refer to a double- or triple-pane window.

A double-pane window consists of a frame that holds two panes of glass separated either by air or by an inert noble gas with low thermal conductivity (usually krypton, argon, or xenon) to reduce the energy loss.

The cheapest models use ordinary air, which at least provides more insulation than a single pane. Inert gases are a better choice because they’re denser than air, so heat transfers through them more slowly. Each gas has pros and cons, but argon is the industry standard because it’s not only cheaper and more widely available than krypton, but it’s also a more efficient barrier in the 1/2-inch space inside most double-pane windows. In wider spaces, convection currents form and increase energy loss, rather than reduce it.

Krypton is denser than argon and a better insulator, but the improved performance doesn’t always justify the increase in cost. Even so, you might find it in narrow-profile double-pane windows with 3/8 inch or less between the panes. Xenon is highly effective, but also costly, so it’s usually reserved for cases where maximum energy efficiency is needed, such as in commercial buildings.

Built for efficiency, these windows are typically made with low-emissivity glass (low-e) glass, which is treated with a coating that reduces heat transfer. In a cold climate, upgrading from single- to double-pane windows can reduce your energy use by more than 20 percent. They’ll also keep you more comfortable, especially if you plan to sit anywhere near your windows.

Double-pane windows reduce noise, especially high-frequency noise such as the sound of lawn mowers and conversation. They’re less prone to condensation, meaning less risk of mold growth. Because they take more time to break through, these windows offer a little more security than single-pane models. They’re more common than triple-pane windows, so you’ll find a wider selection of styles. They can also increase your home’s market value. Even in an older home with walls made for single-pane windows, you might still be able to find a narrow, krypton-insulated double-pane window that fits.

The only real downside is the higher cost compared to single-pane models. While it might seem logical to upgrade a few windows at a time as your budget allows, you won’t see much, if any, energy savings until all your windows are upgraded. In a cold climate, gas-filled, low-e glass windows are preferable. If you’re in a milder climate and looking to save on costs, air-filled windows with low-e glass are a good compromise.  

Triple-Pane Windows: Ideal for Cold Climates

A triple-pane window is similar to a double-pane window, but contains three panes of glass and two spaces filled with inert gas. The inner pane is completely isolated from the external ones. The spaces between the panes range from 1/4 to 3/8 inch, meaning krypton is more efficient in these models. The extra pane allows for another layer of low-e coating. These windows range in thickness from 7/8 inch to 1 3/4 inch, with thicker models generally being more effective.

Because their construction is more complex and requires more, higher-priced material, they cost around 10 to 20 percent more than double-pane models. They’re heavier and bulkier than double-pane windows, so you’ll also need a wall that’s strong and deep enough to accommodate them. Installation costs are often higher, too. This is true of sash, casement, and single- and double-hung windows.

Triple-pane are more likely to form condensation on the exterior pane, and while that doesn’t affect their efficiency, it can be annoying. They offer little improvement in noise reduction compared to double-pane windows.

Not every home needs triple-pane windows for optimal efficiency. The added expense of these windows means they’re only really worth the investment in cold climates where the temperatures stay far below freezing for weeks. If you’re in Maine, Minnesota, Wyoming, or another state in a Northern or Continental climate, the boost in efficiency and comfort from triple-pane windows is more noticeable.

In a mild climate, the increase in efficiency probably won’t lower your energy bills enough to justify the upfront cost. In a hot climate, you might see no improvement at all.

Which energy-efficient windows are right for you depends on your climate and your home’s construction. Single-pane windows are adequate in the mildest climates, but anywhere else, you’ll be better off with at least double-pane windows. If you’re optimizing your home for long, cold winters and you’re not on a tight budget, triple-pane windows might be your best option.

The natural light and airflow large windows provide are great for your well-being, but all that glass also makes it harder to control your indoor temperatures. While curtains and other window treatments help, they tend to get in the way. With window insulation film, you can control the warmth and light entering your home without obscuring the view. Window film offers measurable benefits, but these films work better in some situations than others.

An Easy Upgrade for Comfort

Window insulation film is a thin layer of plastic, usually polyethylene teraphthalate (PET), applied to a window to control heat transfer and light. It’s used to keep homes cooler in the summer and protect carpets and furniture from fading caused by ultraviolet light exposure, as well as to hold in heat during winter. Relatively cheap and easy to install, window film is a practical way to improve the performance of your old windows until you can upgrade to more energy-efficient windows.  

You’ll find two main types of window film on the market:

Solar control film – This film reduces solar radiation by reflecting the sun’s infra-red rays and absorbing its UV rays. Designed to last a decade or longer, it’s applied directly to the window glass.

Convection control film – This film works like double glazing to reduce heat conduction, creating a gap that slows the transfer of heat from the window to the air. It’s installed on the window frame and most often used in cold climates during winter, then removed in spring.

Getting the Most from Your Window Film

Whether or not window films are worth it for you depends on several factors, including your climate, budget, existing windows, and goals.

If your main objective is to keep your home cooler in summer and reduce your air conditioning bills, solar film is a good bet. Modern solar films can block as much as 55 percent of the outdoor heat. In a warm climate such as California, it can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 30 percent. These films also block 99 percent of the UV light that fades furniture while only minimally reducing visible light.

In cold climates, a solar window film applied directly to the window absorbs the sun’s warmth and re-radiates heat into your home’s interior. An insulating window film applied over a window can help the window retain up to 55 percent more heat in winter, potentially reducing your heating costs up to 30 percent. These films are less effective at reducing summer heat gain, though.

While that’s definitely a plus, it’s still not the same benefit you’d get from a double-pane window. A layer of plastic just isn’t thick enough to slow heat transfer the way a second pane of glass would.

Climate control window films run between $7 to $15 per square foot. DIY window insulation film kits are available for between $10 and $30, letting you insulate your windows for as little as $3 per window.

That’s much cheaper than double-pane, low-e windows, which cost between $30 and $55 per square foot. The price difference means window film is typically used as a budget-friendly retrofit to boost the energy efficiency of windows that are old, but still in good condition. On the other hand, professionally installed high-quality solar films can help a cheaper new window reach the same efficiency as a pricy low-E, triple-pane window.

Research Before You Buy

Before you settle on installing window film, check the warranty on your windows. Most DIY insulation films are easy to remove and won’t affect the window’s warranty. Solar films applied to the glass, however, can void some manufacturers’ warranties. On the other hand, some window film manufacturers are willing to match the window’s warranty.

If you opt for solar film, use the film’s light-to-solar gain (LSG) ratio to get the right type for your climate. LSG is the ratio of the film’s solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) to its visible transmittance (VT). If you’re trying to stay cool in a warm climate, choose a film with an LSG over 1, meaning a VT value higher than its SHGC value. If you’re in a cold climate and want to hold on to your heat, choose a film with an LSG of less than 1.

Not all films are as effective or durable as their manufacturers claim, so do your homework before you buy. Local glaziers and window film installers can offer recommendations, but it’s still wise to read each product’s specifications and reviews. For solar film, look for National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) certification.

The effectiveness of any window film depends on correct installation. For solar film, hire a professional who can apply the film without unsightly ripples and bubbles, or gaps that reduce the film’s efficiency and lifespan.

For a DIY insulation film kit, start by cleaning the window and frame to remove dust that could prevent the tape from adhering. Measure and cut the film carefully to avoid creating gaps. Apply the tape to the window frame, then attach the film starting from an upper corner. To finish, run a hair dryer on a high setting around the window frame to shrink the plastic and seal the edges. This final step isn’t essential for effective insulation, but it will give you a clearer, more attractive finish.

While most window insulation films can’t provide the same benefits as new low-E, double-pane windows, they can keep you a little more comfortable. Even a basic insulation film kit will do a lot if you live in a cold climate and have single-pane windows. If you’re in a hot climate, professionally installed solar film is an affordable way to protect your interior from the sun.

New windows should make your home more comfortable, but if they aren’t installed correctly, they’ll do just the opposite. Poorly installed windows can leave you with chilly drafts, damaging leaks, and high energy bills.

Spot the signs early, though, and you can get a bad installation job corrected before it causes any major problems.

Strange Noises

Squeaking, creaking or cracking noises when you open or close the window are often the first signs of a bad installation. These sounds usually mean the window is too tight or loose, or that the hinges, stays or other hardware were installed incorrectly.

They can also come from windows with low quality glass and frames, which deform more with temperature changes, and can become too loose or tight depending on the weather.

Noticeable Gaps

A fairly obvious sign of trouble, gaps between the frame and the window sill or wall mean the window wasn’t the correct size to begin with. Either the installer chose the wrong size of prefabricated windows or didn’t measure properly for custom windows.

Gaps like this can cause air leaks that waste your heated or cooled indoor air and water leaks that damage your walls and floors. Smaller gaps can be corrected with shims, backer rod and caulk or expanding foam, but fixing large ones might require replacing the window entirely.

Difficulty Opening and Closing

This problem usually shows up in double-hung sash windows, but it can happen with slider, casement, and awning windows, too. If a window was correctly installed, it should open and close fully and smoothly without any sticking.

If your window sticks so much you have to force it to move or it doesn’t reach the frame when you try to close it, you have a problem. Either the sash wasn’t properly aligned, or it’s the wrong size for the window. A window like this is liable to have gaps that will eventually cause leaks.

Drafts

If you’ve noticed the room where your new windows were installed suddenly feels drafty, the windows are probably to blame. Even gaps that are too small to see can still let chilly drafts into your home, along with excess humidity and outdoor air pollution.

This usually happens because the windows either weren’t fit or weren’t caulked properly. Incorrect installation can also cause the seal on a double- or triple-pane window to break, which can leave you with drafts.

You might be able to pinpoint the gaps just by holding your hand up to the window frame and feeling for air movement. If not, use a lit incense stick or HVAC smoke pen. Air coming through any gaps will blow the smoke around.

Smaller leaks around the frame might only need caulking, but if the seal on your double- or triple-pane window is broken, you’ll need a new window.

Water Damage

A badly installed window is highly likely to leak. At first, you might only notice slight dampness or mold under the window or along the window frame and sill. Over time, though, you’ll find peeling paint or wallpaper, puffy walls, large patches of mold growth, and eventually, rotting walls.

Leaks due to bad installation typically happen because the windows aren’t level. Other times, it’s a case of flashing that was poorly installed or broken. Using building paper in place of window flashing can also lead to leaks.

Because a leaky window can cause serious damage to your walls and floor, contact your installer as soon as you notice any signs of water infiltration.

Fog Between the Panes

Between the panes of a double-pane window is a layer of inert argon gas that slows down heat conduction and improves your window’s energy efficiency. If the window’s seal breaks, this gas escapes and water vapor can seep in. The water vapor condenses into fog or water droplets between the panes of glass.

If you see this, your window is permanently damaged, and you’ll need a replacement. If it’s a new window, damage during installation is the most likely cause. As long as the window is still under warranty, replacement shouldn’t cost you anything.

Bad Caulking

More than just a finishing touch, caulk plays an essential role in your window’s ability to keep out the elements. Your windows should have a visible, clean line of caulk around them. Caulk that’s uneven, patchy or generally sloppy suggests your installer might have been equally lazy with the rest of the job.

The exception is caulk on stucco, brick or textured siding, which can develop minor gaps as it dries no matter how carefully your installer applied it. Caulk takes several weeks to cure fully, so check it again a month after your windows have been installed.

Leftover Mess

Even the most skilled window installation job can make quite a mess. That’s why installers generally advise you to move furniture out of the way or cover it and cover the floor.

No matter how much mess they make, though, reliable installers take the time to clean up thoroughly by removing debris and sweeping up dust. An installer who skips cleanup is likely to have skipped steps during the installation, too.

Also, pay attention to the window glass. Window installers use a variety of adhesives, fillers, caulk, and other sticky stuff that can end up on the glass. Most installers will clean the glass, but there’s always a chance they’ll miss spots.

Check your windows after installation and let your installer know about any spots so they can clean immediately to prevent staining.

A few small smudges or streaks are no problem, but if your installer left your window a mess or left any permanent stains, it calls the rest of their work into question.

No Warranty

Your new windows should come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If you didn’t get a warranty, it’s a red flag that your windows weren’t installed correctly. Every window manufacturer provides specific installation guidelines that must be met in order for the warranty to be valid.

If your installer didn’t give you the warranty, it suggests they made mistakes or cut corners in a way that voided the warranty.

By inspecting your newly installed windows and looking out for signs of trouble, you can protect your home from a lot of potential damage. If you suspect you’ve got a case of poorly installed windows on your hands, contact your installation company. They should be able to correct any problems at no extra charge.

Jalousie windows are a classic feature of mid-century modern homes, and during the height of their popularity, they offered a number of benefits over standard windows. As more homes were equipped with modern heating and cooling, though, some of these benefits became disadvantages.

Nowadays, jalousies are largely restricted to spaces without air conditioning.

The Rise and Fall of Jalousies

Jalousie windows, also known as louvered windows, consist of horizontal glass, plastic, metal or wood panels on a track in a window frame. Using a crack or knob operator, the panels can be opened and closed like the slats of Venetian blinds.

Although first patented in 1901, it wasn’t until well into the 1940s that these windows really took off. Between that time and the late 1960s, they became a common sight in the south where summertime ventilation is critical, and winters are mild.

In colder climates, they appeared on enclosed porches, gazebos, and sunrooms. They were also commonly found on mobile homes.

By the 1970s, more homes had some form of electric air conditioning, and these breezy windows turned into a liability because they waste air conditioned indoor air. When the 1973 energy crisis hit, and cooling prices rose, the popularity of jalousie windows fell into sharp decline.

Pros: Cooling Breezes and Convenient Privacy

Although not as popular as they once were, jalousie windows are still a practical way to enjoy airflow and privacy together.

Convenient Ventilation

Jalousie windows are most often used in warm climates because they provide ventilation while keeping the sun and rain out. Even when fully open, the angle of the panels deflects sunlight and rain, and slows down airflow to keep things in the room from blowing around. Adjusting the panels lets you direct the airflow and sunlight that enters.

In hot, humid climates before air conditioning became prevalent, these cooling breezes were essential for comfort. While jalousie windows aren’t as useful in homes with A/C, they’re still helpful on enclosed porches and other spaces without cooling.

With the jalousies open, you can enjoy some fresh air without getting rained on and read a book without glare and wind interfering.

Flexible Privacy

Jalousie windows let you have the window almost completely open for ventilation while still obscuring the view into the room. When the panels are angled down, air can still enter from beneath, and you can still see out, but passers-by can’t see in.

This is one reason this type of window is so often used in bathrooms. On the other hand, you can still get a completely unobstructed, albeit less private, view by fully opening the panels.

Multiple Upgrade Options

If you decide your jalousie window no longer suits your needs or your home’s aesthetics, you can change the window’s whole look just by replacing the panels.

Switch from clear glass panels to frosted or tinted ones for more privacy and better light control. Go for aluminum panels if you want the option to block the light entirely. Upgrade to wood panels for a customized, high-end look or for windows that blend in better with your new wood siding.

Cons: Air Leaks and Vulnerability to Damage

In addition to their inefficiency, jalousie windows also tempt burglars and require more upkeep than standard windows.

Poor Energy-Efficiency

While these windows are great for temperature and humidity control in an unair-conditioned home, once you have air conditioning, they become a major cause of energy waste.

The window panels never close completely enough to form a tight seal, so they leak air. Your cool air conditioned air escapes while hot, humid outdoor air comes in. Your A/C then has to work harder to keep you cool.

In winter, jalousies cause chilly drafts. Modern versions are manufactured with better air sealing than older models, but even then, they’re among the least efficient window designs available.

If your home doesn’t have air conditioning or you prefer natural ventilation, jalousie windows might still be a sensible choice for some rooms. Just remember that you’ll need to install a window screen because bugs can find their way through gaps in the panels even when the window is closed. When winter hits, install shrink film or interior storm windows to keep drafts at bay.

If you do use your A/C regularly, though, jalousie windows will raise your cooling bills.

Weak Security

Jalousies are notoriously easy to break into. A would-be burglar can remove the panels quickly and quietly just by prying out the metal clips that hold them in place. There won’t be any sound of breaking glass to alert you or a neighbor. Thanks to their reputation, just the presence of these windows on your home makes it a target for burglars.

You can improve a jalousie’s security by installing a metal window grille over the window’s exterior, but that affects the aesthetics of your home.

Need for Frequent Maintenance

Because jalousie window panels open horizontally, they collect more dust, pollen, and other debris than standard windows. The window’s uneven surface means you can’t just wipe it clean as you could with most windows. To really get a jalousie clean, you’ll need to remove each panel by taking out the clips holding them.

These windows also have more moving parts and are exposed to the elements more than other windows, so they’re more likely to develop mechanical problems. The operator and tracks are prone to forming rust that can make them stick. The panels break easily because they have no reinforcement.

On the plus side, most repairs are simple enough to do yourself. It’s usually a matter of removing the damaged part and installing a new one.

When they first came on the scene, jalousie windows were a boon to anyone living in a hot, rainy climate. With today’s efficient air conditioning, though, these windows usually do more harm than good in terms of comfort and energy savings.

That said, they’re still a wise choice for enclosed porches, sunrooms, and other spaces where you want to enjoy natural breezes. They also add an authentic touch to a mid-century modern house, although they’re not well suited to most other architectural styles.

Your windows might give you a great view, but they also let in summer heat, glare, and damaging UV rays and give would-be thieves a chance to browse your valuables. With window tinting film, you can enjoy your view without the downsides.

While window tinting can keep you cooler and protect your privacy, not every tinting film works the same way or is suitable for every home. To get the results you want, take some time to learn how residential window tinting works.

Pros: Lower Cooling Bills and Improved Home Security

Tinted windows let you enjoy you home more in summer, discourage burglars, and help your furniture last longer.

Cooler summer temperatures – Home window tinting can block up to half the sun’s heat in summer, potentially reducing your summer utility bills by as much as 30 percent. Tinting is an easy, inexpensive alternative to replacing your existing windows with low emissivity (low-E) or triple-pane models.

In certain locations, such as California and Arizona, some utility companies offer rebates to customers who install home window tinting.

Less glare – In addition to holding back the heat, window tinting also tones down the light that enters. You can keep your curtains open without irritating bright sun in your eyes.

Better home security and safety – Dark home window tinting obscures the view into your home so potential burglars can’t easily see your valuables as they walk around casing the neighborhood. You can keep your curtains open to enjoy the daylight and the view, but still feel safe.

Tinted security film adds another layer of protection by preventing broken glass from shattering. A potential burglar would need to tear their way through the film, rather than quickly stepping through the broken window. It also keeps you safer in an accident and after storm damage.

Protection for carpets and furniture – By blocking 99 percent of the sun’s UV rays, solar window tinting protects your carpets, walls, soft furniture, and other surfaces from fading and early deterioration. This is especially helpful if you have dark furniture, which tends to show fading quickly. You won’t end up with a bleached out spot on the carpet just because you didn’t close the curtains on summer days.

Cons: Visible Wear and Less Winter Warmth

In a cold-winter climate, you might not always appreciate the reduced sunlight. Getting window film installation right is tricky, and a small error during a DIY installation job can mean failed film.

Fewer benefits in cooler climates – In a cool climate, solar film can reduce the amount of winter sunlight and warmth coming through the windows so much that you’ll need to raise your thermostat to compensate. That can counteract any savings you might have gained in summer.

No extra privacy at night – If you’re considering window tinting for security reasons, remember they offer much less protection after sunset. Even with tinting, if you have your lights on and curtains open at night, passers-by can still see into your home.

Installation difficulties  – Installation is more difficult on windows with multiple small lites (panes of glass). Thick window frames and protruding latches can also interfere with installation. On windows like these, the film is more likely to crease or bubble.

Maintenance and wear – Home window tinting typically lasts for at least 10 years, but can often keep doing its job for up to 30 years. Within the first five years, though, it often develops minor creases and bubbles. These flaws don’t impair the tint’s function, but they can look unsightly. Even if the film is installed correctly and well maintained, you’ll eventually need to replace it.

Risk of thermal breakage – Window film increases thermal stress on the window. If the film is installed incorrectly or the window has a slight crack or another flaw, the glass can crack. Even a barely visible fracture puts your window at risk, so if your windows are older, inspect them thoroughly before you apply a film.

What’s more, some windows and films just aren’t compatible. Solar film isn’t recommended for single pane windows larger than 100 square feet, and not all films can be applied to metal-frame windows.

Depending on your window manufacturer, applying window film could void the warranty. Some tinting manufacturers offer to match the window manufacturer’s warranty, though, so you’ll still be covered.

Potential fire hazard – Highly reflective window film can create glare that can annoy your neighbors and produce concentrated heat that can burn their lawns and damage their property. Some evidence suggests these windows can even start fires.

Choosing the Right Tint for Your Needs

Before you start shopping around for home window tinting, get clear on your goals. Many window films can do multiple jobs, but they don’t all work the same way.

The most basic window tinting film reduces sunlight and glare, but does nothing else. If you want to control both the light and heat coming in, look for solar or low-E film. Want to let visible light in, but keep UV rays out? A spectrally selective film lets you do that. This film is even available in completely clear designs that won’t dim your view at all.

If you’re aiming to improve your light and heat control, look for a film that carries the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label. The NFRC is an independent, non-profit organization that tests and certified window products for energy efficiency.

On home window tinting products, the NFRC label tells you about the product’s energy efficiency based on its solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) and visible transmittance, which indicate how well the film blocks heat and light respectively.

If strengthening and shatter-proofing your windows is one of your goals, you’ll need security film. Unlike ordinary window tinting film, this film is designed to resist impact and tearing. Combined solar and security film isn’t uncommon.

If you’d like more privacy and want to add visual interest to your room, look for a decorative window film with a frosted or stained glass pattern.

Correct Installation Matters

You can install window film yourself, but the job requires close attention to detail. First, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the window. A mixture of 1 qt. water and 1 tsp. baby shampoo is ideal for cleaning because it dries clear. You might also need to scrub the window and clean dirt from the frames. Any traces of dust, grease or cleaning products on the window can prevent the film from adhering correctly.

Wet the clean window with the water and soap mixture, apply the film from the top of the glass downward and the liner outward. Once the film is on, remove the liner while spraying it down to prevent static. Then carefully squeegee the window from the center outward to remove the water and air bubbles.

Finally, use a razor blade to trim the film to fit the window, leaving a 1/16th inch gap between the film and window frame.

Follow the application instructions precisely, or you’ll end up with dust specks and air bubbles, which are unsightly and, in more severe cases, can cause your film to fail early. If you want a flawless application without the hassle, talk with a window film or residential glass specialist.

With the right home window tinting, you can enjoy your home’s view without uncomfortable summertime heat buildup or glare in your eyes. Solar films with security features help reduce the risk of break-ins, too. Before you buy, though, do your research to make sure you get the film that performs the way you want.