Choosing a residential window tinter

May 31, 2006

Hello,

I see that most of the contributions to this forum are by professional window tinters. I'm looking for your expert opinion on how to find the right window tint contractor to tint my home. What questions should I ask, how do I know I?ve found someone qualified for the job? How do I decide what type color/darkness of tint to use? What kind of warranty/guarantee should I expect?

I've quickly found that the flashiest yellow pages ad doesn't necessarily mean the most knowledgeable/capable people. I've had some bad experiences with contractors in the past, so I'm looking to do my homework on this one before hiring someone to tint my home.

For reference, I?m in the Southern California (Pasadena) area and I?m looking for tint to improve thermal efficiency of my home (lower my AC bill), and to help reduce fading of upholstery, carpeting and hardwood floors while still maintaining as much natural light in the home as possible.

Thanks in advance!

Fritz

May 31, 2006

A shop can sell the best film in the world but if their installer can't put it up properly then it is of very little value to you. Most good residential installers will have a long list of satisfied customers that will be happy to refer you. Ask for referals and make sure you get the same installer that did the job.

May 31, 2006

I'm in so cal (Corona area) and can tell you to check the contractors license number always, run it at the california state license board website, make sure it is current, you want a lifetime warranty on the film against bubbling etc., I dont know of a flat glass company in Pasadena, most I know are in Orange and Riverside counties, defintely check out the panorama films, I wish you good luck!

tintslut · May 31, 2006

choose the Company with the Hottest sales reps :rollin

May 31, 2006

Thanks for the replies!

vclimber - Thanks for the tip on getting references. It agree that any reputable installer should be able to provide a reference ? I?ll be sure to ask. Would an installer typically provide residential references? I can?t see a homeowner agreeing to have a tint company?s prospective customers stop by to peek in their windows ;o) I suspect that a few commercial references (local businesses) would probably me a more likely scenario. :o)

Tintchick ? Thanks for tip on checking with the license board and the warranty. I?m checking out the panorama films (from your web site) right now? That looks like good stuff ? better specs than the Stainless Steel SolarGard that has been recommended to me so far. How much of a premium should I expect to pay for the Panorama? My current estimates for the SS Solargard range from $--- - $--- for about 200 SqFt of windows (fyi ? they are dual pane).

Tintyoda ? All the sales reps have been guys ? very not hot.

A few other questions:

1. Is there a typical range of shades (Visible Light Transmittance) that are commonly used in residential? How do I determine which shade to use? I know that the customer is always right ;o) and I can have whatever shade I want, but I?m looking for some guidelines on what is typically chosen here in So-Cal.

2. I?m considering a security film for my sliding glass doors for burglary prevention (at least slow them down & make them work harder) as well as breakage safety ? any thoughts on that?

Thanks again!,

Fritz

Roach · May 31, 2006

All the sales reps have been guys ? very not hot.

:DD I'm a sales guy and I've been told by many ladies that I'm hot. :DD

May 31, 2006

Thanks for the replies!
vclimber - Thanks for the tip on getting references. It agree that any reputable installer should be able to provide a reference ? I?ll be sure to ask. Would an installer typically provide residential references? I can?t see a homeowner agreeing to have a tint company?s prospective customers stop by to peek in their windows ;o) I suspect that a few commercial references (local businesses) would probably me a more likely scenario. :o)

Thanks again!,

Fritz

[*]401831

Usually, a customer will tell me that I can use them as a reference and my new customers call and talk to them. I typically send them to the closest commercial job with the same type of film so they can go see it for themselves.

May 31, 2006

Sounds like we're doing the sales person's job. LOL.

Shade is completely up to you. Most residential customers want light film unless they're trying to reduce glare in a certain room. For instance, I installed 50% on my whole house except the living room got 20%.

To really make the S&S film help slow down someone you'd need to have it physically attached to the frame. Depending on how they do it (wet glaze or another attachment system) it can look good or bad. You'd have to ask them which they use.

May 31, 2006

Sounds like we're doing the sales person's job. LOL.
Shade is completely up to you. Most residential customers want light film unless they're trying to reduce glare in a certain room. For instance, I installed 50% on my whole house except the living room got 20%.

To really make the S&S film help slow down someone you'd need to have it physically attached to the frame. Depending on how they do it (wet glaze or another attachment system) it can look good or bad. You'd have to ask them which they use.

[*]401928

There are some 6-8mil Security/Solar Films out there too. You can get the best of both worlds. Attachment system on a slider is a must-do. :DD

June 1, 2006

Hello,
I see that most of the contributions to this forum are by professional window tinters. I'm looking for your expert opinion on how to find the right window tint contractor to tint my home. What questions should I ask, how do I know I?ve found someone qualified for the job? How do I decide what type color/darkness of tint to use? What kind of warranty/guarantee should I expect?

I've quickly found that the flashiest yellow pages ad doesn't necessarily mean the most knowledgeable/capable people. I've had some bad experiences with contractors in the past, so I'm looking to do my homework on this one before hiring someone to tint my home.

For reference, I?m in the Southern California (Pasadena) area and I?m looking for tint to improve thermal efficiency of my home (lower my AC bill), and to help reduce fading of upholstery, carpeting and hardwood floors while still maintaining as much natural light in the home as possible.

Thanks in advance!

Fritz

[*]401685

Call BEST. They'll help ya