Choosing Between Window Film and Double Glazing: The Benefits of Both
You’re here because you want to enhance the energy efficiency of your home (and specifically for the windows in your home). I get asked a lot about the difference between double glazing and window film. Actually I get asked which one’s better. Truth is there are benefits to both. And sometimes you want to DO both. Both options can significantly improve comfort and reduce energy costs. Today, let’s work at understanding the unique advantages of both—plus how they can work together—which can lead to incredible benefits.
We Get Asked A Lot About Tinting and Double Glazing
We just attended the Brisbane Home Show and over the weekend a number of people asked me to help them by answering questions about window films versus double glazing. There’s a case for each separately. AND there’s also a case for doing both. Read on to find out. Obviously, as the premier provider of window tinting services for car, office and home in Ipswich and Greater Brisbane, you can expect us to stand behind tinting as the best choice… however, that would be unfair to say it works best in all scenarios. We’ll leave it to you to decide. But just know, that when you come to 1300 Get Tint, we give you reliable, honest and trustworthy advice, backed up with expert film installations (on both single-pane and double-pane windows).
Understanding the Basics of Tinting and Double Glazing
Double-glazed windows consist of two panes of glass separated by an air gap (or gap with Argon, an inert gas). It provides excellent insulation and reduces heat transfer. This design helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer. However, while double glazing offers solid thermal performance, it might not fully address issues like glare or UV protection.
Window tint, on the other hand, is a film applied to the surface of existing windows, designed to block UV rays, reduce heat, and increase privacy. Tinted windows can help maintain a comfortable indoor climate by minimising solar heat gain (and they reduce glare), leading to lower energy bills.
Why Choose Both Solutions?
Well, we have had a number of clients but I’ll tell you the most recent story. They had double glazing installed throughout their home, which provided them with fantastic thermal protection and noise reduction. However, they discovered that they had challenges of North-facing and West-facing big expanse windows, which were trapping quite a lot of heat, (or losing it in winter). They contacted us and we were able to fix the problem with window tinting.
This combination has proven highly effective. The double-pane windows provide a robust insulative layer, while the tinted films enhance solar control by blocking significant heat and harmful UV rays.
By tinting their glass windows, we were able to double down on the insulative effects. And the client benefitted from all the glare reduction and furniture and flooring protection that window tinting is famous for. During summer, the tinted windows help keep their interior spaces cooler, reducing reliance on air conditioning. In winter, they provide an extra layer of insulation, maintaining a more stable indoor temperature.
This experience illustrates that if you would like to, you do not have to choose between tinting and glazing but can use both solutions (tinting double panes) to maximise energy efficiency and comfort in your home. If you’re facing similar challenges, consider combining double glazing with window tinting. It’s a practical approach that allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds—superior energy-efficient barrier and effective solar management.
Key Differences Between Double Glazing and Window Tinting
It’s worth taking a look at some of the key points about these 2 different solutions. I am not going into the type of glass for this article for the sake of simplicity, because there are options for the type of window glass including for example, low-e.
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Insulation:
- Double Glazing: Provides superior thermal barrier due to the air gap, keeping heat in during winter and out during summer. They reduce heat loss.
- Window Tinting: Primarily focuses on blocking solar heat gain, offering less overall thermal insulation, but also reduces heat loss.
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Noise Reduction:
- Double Glazing: Much more effective at reducing noise transmission.
- Window Tinting: Offers minimal noise reduction benefits.
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Cost of Window:
- Double Glazing: Without a doubt, this is a more expensive system to install. However, a great thing to recommend, is if you’re building from scratch or replacing all (or some of) your windows, then it’s worth exploring this option (and combine it with window tinting).
- Window Tinting: More budget-friendly and easier to install, and although some people opt for DIY, if you want warranties that last years if not a lifetime, then get professionals like us (at Matt Bull Window Tinting) to do it for you.
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Installation:
- Double Glazing: Involves replacing the entire window unit. This is not an issue if it’s a new build, or if you have to replace window frames.
- Window Tinting: Can be applied directly to existing windows, making it a quicker solution.
Which Should You Choose? Or When You Need to Make an Either/Or Choice…
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Choose Double Glazing When:
- You prioritize high energy optimisation and noise reduction.
- You’re planning new construction or major window replacements.
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Choose Window Tinting When:
- You want a cost-effective solution to reduce solar heat gain.
- Your existing windows cannot be replaced, or you are looking to minimize glare.
A Word of Warning Regarding Tinting Film Choices for Double Glazing
Please understand that you must always make sure the specific product being applied to your IGU (insulated glass unit or the part with 2 panes of glass) can be applied to double glazed windows. You cannot apply any film as there is a risk of glass shattering with the wrong product. It’s not a problem with the correct product. Please talk to professionals.
Maximizing Energy Efficiency with Window Tint and Double Glaze Solutions
Both window film and double glazed windows offer distinct advantages, and combining the two can lead to enhanced comfort and energy performance in your home. By leveraging the strengths of each solution—superior protection with double glazing and effective solar management from window tinting—you can achieve a more sustainable and comfortable living environment. Whether you’re considering a new installation or looking to upgrade your existing windows, exploring both options could provide the best solution for your needs.
If you have a limited budget and cannot afford or do not want double glazing, then window tinting is about the best bang for your buck you can make for energy efficiency in your home reno. Take it from me, we’ve installed tinting for thousands and thousands of customers and we’re here to help you and offer you the best advice, service and support.
For professional guidance, consider reaching out to experts for quality window films that complement your double glazing, ensuring you get the most out of both technologies to optimize your home’s energy use.
If you’d like some home window tinting, we’d be so happy to help you. Regardless of your budget, and whether you have single pane windows or double glazing, we have the right film solutions for you. Just call 1300 Get Tint on 0400 700 154.
