Llumar DRN35 for Privacy?

[noobtintguy]

I have a street level house with lots of windows. I need recommendations for creating more privacy and prevent passersby from looking into my house.

I am looking for ways to increase the privacy during the daytime, but at the same time not diminish the amount of light. I'm in the West Coast Seattle area and love natural light and want as much of it in during the day. At night I have roller shades for privacy.

 

I've looked into mirror-tint and I like the amount of privacy for daytime. The problem is my Strata probably won't allow it because it's too obvious/shiny.

I've checked out frosted-tint but don't like how I can't look out from inside.

I've asked a local installer for help and he suggested the Llumar dual-reflective 25 window tint. This provides a little bit more privacy, but it blocks out too much light. It looks like staring through a pair of sunglasses. I want to let in as much natural light as possible.

He also suggested the dual reflective 35, which allows more light in, but loses too much privacy. There's barely any noticeable increase in privacy. My main purpose is privacy and UV protection and others is extra.

Is there anything else that can help?

 

My window is dual-pane tempered glass if it makes a difference.

The installer mentioned that high solar absorbance may shatter dual-pane windows, but thinks the Llumar DRN35 should be fine. I'm concerned about safety of window tinting too.

[Roach]

8 hours ago, noobtintguy said:

Is there anything else that can help?

 

No.

 

8 hours ago, noobtintguy said:

My window is dual-pane tempered glass

 

If the windows actually are tempered, then you don't have to be concerned with solar absorbance of the films. Tempered glass is heat-strengthened already so it can take a ton of heat without breaking.

 

8 hours ago, noobtintguy said:

recommendations for creating more privacy

 

Normal glass, generally, has about a 9% reflectivity rate. The DRN25 increases it to about 30%... the DRN35 is about 21%. So as you said, less reflective, which offers less privacy. 

 

Generally, the darker the film, the more reflective it is, giving you more privacy. Lighter films = less reflective = less privacy.

 

I looked up a 30% film from a different company just to check #s, and it was similar to the DRN35 specs. So those two films, the DRN25 & DRN35 will give you pretty much what you can expect in those shades. 

 

Like everything in life, there are tradeoffs. So you gotta look at each and decide what is more important. Need more privacy - you are going to give up the amount of light that comes thru the windows. Want more light? Gonna give up privacy. 

 

Unfortunately, that's just how it is. Whether you are looking for privacy, heat reduction, reducing fading, etc. 

 

 

ETA: Moved this from the main forum... 

 

Edited June 6, 2021 by Roach