Window coverings
Window coverings are a booming business. As options continue to develop and expand so do our needs as consumers. Ultimately, traditional window blinds have their place, but they don’t come anywhere near the benefits of window film.
Window coverings are a dime a dozen, and you can buy them anywhere. Wait. That sounds an awful lot like an old country tune. But truly, there are numerous options and not all of them are quality. There. We said it. It pays to know what your needs are and how to get the most from your investment.
But when it comes to overall cost-effective choices, window tint films win in the end. And we’re here to tell you why.
Window blinds
Quality matters. In all things really. But especially when it comes to window coverings. Window blinds are no exception.
There are ready-made, corner store cheap blinds and there are custom-made professionally installed blinds. You can spend as much or as little as you would like. But in the end, you want to be sure that all of your needs are met. And those needs might be more than just blocking out sunlight.
Window blinds and drapes can block out the light, but… then you have no light. If you would like to block ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, while retaining natural light – then window film is the most obvious choice. Window tint film has built-in benefits that other window coverings don’t have.
Benefits of window film
There is more to window film than what meets the eye. Moreover, the options and purposes are vast. Some window tint films block out heat, while others can hold in heat. Most quality window films resist tearing and can hold together shards of glass if broken – whether that be from storm winds or an attempted break-in.
A summation of window film benefits is as follows:
- Safety and security
- Defense from damaging UV and IR rays
- Increase interior comfort
- Reduces glare, particularly on computer screens
- Prevents interior furnishings from fading
- Reduces energy costs
Yes, most window tint films provide all of this and more. It is the best way to retain natural light within an office or commercial building while blocking out harmful UV or IR rays. Infrared rays are responsible for the fading of furniture or damaging art. Distracting glares that impede employees’ productivity are greatly reduced if not prevented altogether. You can see how your investment in window film will provide you far more benefits than blinds alone.
Window film cost
Most clients are pleasantly surprised at the cost-effectiveness of window tint film. For the many benefits that it provides, professionally installed window film is an option that simply can’t be beat. Window film can average $6 to $8 a square foot installed. Now, that’s a bargain!
When comparing the benefits of blinds versus window films, there is no contest. Commercial window films win hands down. But the bottom line is for most commercial building owners, price matters. Let’s compare the two.
Window blinds cost
Sure, you can go to the local discount store and pick up less expensive blinds for $15-$20 per window. But those aren’t very attractive and most of us want our office space to be clean and functional, rather than cluttered or dated. Less expensive blinds can crack, tear, and discolor with time.
Custom blinds can be much more expensive. Typically, the price includes installation. However, you can expect to spend $20-$30 per square foot on average for these services. Luxury blinds can be upward of $50 a square foot. Of course, the type of blinds you choose, as well as the company that you purchase from all weigh in.
Ultimately, installing custom blinds in a large office building is two to three times as expensive as implementing window film. Moreover, those blinds won’t age as well as commercial window film. Additionally, window films work 24/7 without anyone having to open or close them to get the perfect amount of light or to prevent glare. And when comparing lifespan and warranties, window film wins every time.
Professional window film
When using high-quality window tint, you can expect a longer lifespan of the product. 3M window films come with a 10 to 12-year warranty if they are installed by a 3 M-certified installer. Another high-end window film is Solar Gard. This company provides a 12-year warranty on all commercial building installations.
In addition to these manufacturer’s warranties, NGS adds another 2 years to the warranty. Thus, clients have up to a 12 – 14 warranty on commercial window film installations. We guarantee the quality of our workmanship and only use the best products.
At NGS we hold 3M’s premier certification, elite dealer status. An elite dealer is one who has demonstrated the highest level of product knowledge, the application process, and client service. If you are considering a window tint installation for your commercial building, we can answer any questions you may have. Moreover, we provide complimentary building perimeter hardening assessments, as well as energy building modeling assessments. Reach out today to learn more!
Photo by Pierre Châtel-Innocenti
