How Much Does Home Window Tinting Cost? | 2024 Guide
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Residential window tinting costs typically range from $5 to $19 per square foot of glass, but most homeowners will pay around $30 to $114 per 6-square-foot window. Most people associate window film with car window tinting. But applying tinting film to residential windows has benefits, too, such as energy savings, increased privacy, higher curb appeal, and better security. Old windows, in particular, benefit from tinting that blocks heat and UV radiation.
In this cost guide, we break down window tinting pricing details so you’ll know what to expect.
Note: All cost data in this article is sourced from Fixr, Angi, and HomeAdvisor.
Major Cost Factors of Home Window Tinting
The total cost of your tinting project will depend on the type, size, and number of windows you have, plus the type of tinting material you purchase.
- Window type: Larger and multipaned windows will take more materials and labor to install.
- Film type: Solar, security, and privacy window film all have slightly different price ranges.
- Number of windows: The more windows you need to cover, the more film you’ll need to buy.
Window Replacement Cost
Replacement windows on average range from $300 to $1,200.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows on average cost $150 to $400 per window.
Energy Efficient Upgrades
Double-pane installation typically ranges from $450 to $1,000 per window.
Cost by Window Type
Standard single- or double-hung windows cost the least to tint, especially if they’re on the first floor. Small, rectangular, flat windows cost less to tint than large, curved, or multipaned windows. Below are common residential window types and their approximate window tinting prices per square foot.
| Type of Window | Cost Range (Materials and Labor) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Picture windows | $5–$10 per sq ft | $7.50 per sq ft |
| Sliding glass doors | $5–$12 per sq ft | $6.50 per sq ft |
| Standard flat windows | $5–$19 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft |
| Hurricane window | $7–$15 per sq ft | $11 per sq ft |
| French door window | $10–$19 per sq ft | $14.50 per sq ft |
| Skylight windows | $11–$19 per sq ft | $15 per sq ft |
Cost by Type of Film
The type of window film you need will depend on why you’re tinting your windows. Many homeowners choose solar film, which will cut down on the amount of heat and harmful UV rays that enter your home. Other film types can protect privacy, increase security, or simply add to a home’s decoration. Here are the most common types of window tinting film.
- Carbon film: Blocks sun glare and offers UV protection
- Ceramic film: Allows in visible light while blocking infrared radiation to reduce solar heat
- Decorative film: Blocks or diffuses light to improve privacy or create an aesthetic effect
- Metalized film: Uses nickel or aluminum sheen to reflect heat and increase privacy
- Security film: Strengthens window glass to prevent shattering due to break-ins or natural disasters
Each film type’s cost varies by quality and thickness. You can also use permanent spray tint, which is less expensive but also less effective against UV rays than window film. Here are the costs of common window tinting materials.
| Type of Tint | Cost Range (Materials and Labor) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon film | $5–$10 per sq ft | $7.50 per sq ft |
| Ceramic window tint | $5–$10 per sq ft | $7.50 per sq ft |
| Spray tint | $5–$11 per sq ft | $8 per sq ft |
| Metalized film | $6–$8 per sq ft | $7 per sq ft |
| Decorative window film | $6–$13 per sq ft | $9.50 per sq ft |
| Security window film | $7–$19 per sq ft | $13 per sq ft |
Cost by Materials
The number of windows you want covered—and thus the amount of material you need—will significantly affect the total price. The price ranges in the table below assume a window tinting film cost of $4 to $14 per square foot and a standard window size of 24-by-36 inches—totaling 6 square feet of material per window. Here’s what you can expect to pay for window tinting based on the number of windows you have.
| Number of Windows | Cost Range (Materials Only) | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24–$84 | $54 |
| 2 | $48–$168 | $108 |
| 3 | $72–$252 | $162 |
| 4 | $96–$336 | $216 |
| 5 | $120–$420 | $270 |
Labor Cost
If you opt for professional installation, you must factor labor into the cost of window tinting. The prices above account for professional window tinting services, which usually come to $1 to $5 per square foot. Installation costs depend on your geographical area and its general cost of living. Note that window tinting companies often have minimum charges of about $250, so they’re unlikely to make a house call for only one or two windows.
Additional Cost Considerations
While the above factors will definitely affect your project’s cost, the following will only apply to some window tinting upgrades.
Existing Tint Removal
If your windows are already tinted and you wish to remove or replace the film, you can have a professional do this for about $3 to $5 per square foot. Although you can do it yourself, you risk scratching the glass.
Tinted Glass
Replacing your window glass is an alternative to installing window film. This may be a better option if you need to replace old, leaky windows or if adding tinted film would void your windows’ warranty. Low-emissivity (low-e) glass is specially treated to block heat and UV radiation the same way solar window film does. A standard window with low-e glass costs roughly $650.
Another high-end option is smart glass, which adapts to changing light conditions to block or allow in certain amounts of light. Photochromic glass does this automatically in the same way as transition eyeglasses. Electrochromic glass does this with the push of a button instead, allowing you more control over privacy no matter the time of day. Smart glass costs about $50 to $100 per square foot. By comparison, smart films that provide similar functionality cost $30 to $45 per square foot.
Window Treatments
If you need privacy or sunlight blocking beyond what tinted film can provide, consider purchasing window treatments. Curtains, blinds, and shades all provide varying levels of sun protection and allow you to customize the amount of light entering your home. Whereas tinting is permanent, window treatments offer adjustability. Here are average costs ranges for common window treatments:
- Blinds: $2–$25 per window
- Curtains: $50–$600 per window
- Window shades: $65–$175 per window
What Are the Benefits of Home Window Tinting?
Here are some of the top benefits of window tinting.
Energy Efficiency
As windows let in natural light, they also let in heat due to the greenhouse effect. This requires your air conditioning to work harder, increasing your energy bill. Solar window tinting can block heat from entering, reducing your home cooling costs by up to 30%. If you have older, less efficient windows, tinting them will be more cost-effective than replacing them and will provide similar benefits.
Heat Absorption
One way solar film increases energy efficiency is by absorbing heat. The film’s dark tint prevents heat from passing through the window’s glass, keeping indoor air cooler while still allowing you to see outside. Note that since solar film will raise the glass’s temperature, it should only be installed on windows that are rated to handle the extra heat.
Home Furnishings Protection
Over time, UV rays cause irreversible sun damage to carpets, furniture, wall art, and other home furnishings. Fading and discoloration are common, as UV radiation breaks down dyes, stains, and even fabrics. Solar and security window tinting film block much of this UV radiation, but decorative film may not. Spray tints block some UV radiation, but not as much as film does.
Lower Maintenance
Tinted windows don’t reveal streaks or fingerprints as much as bare glass ones do, meaning they’re easier to keep clean. Additionally, if the window breaks, the film will keep the glass together instead of sending the pieces scattering. Then, you can simply pop out the pane and replace the window without worrying about broken glass falling on the floor.
Privacy
Privacy films create the appearance of frosted or decorative glass to obscure the view from outside without blocking light. This is especially helpful for bathroom windows or windows that are close to a street or neighbor’s house.
Safety
While security window film won’t completely prevent glass breakage, it makes it much more difficult for a potential intruder to get inside your home by breaking a window. Similarly, if debris hits the window during a storm or natural disaster, the cracked pieces of glass will hold together instead of shattering.
UV Protection
Solar window tinting doesn’t just protect your home and furniture, it also protects your skin. Although you’re exposed to much less UV radiation while in your home than you are outdoors, sitting by an untinted window still poses a slight risk. Since unprotected exposure to UV rays increases your chance of developing skin cancer, window tinting can help mitigate this risk.
Professional vs. DIY Home Window Tinting
Window tinting application is a home improvement project you can take on yourself. However, if your project is large-scale or you have minimal DIY experience, you may need to hire a professional.
Professional Home Window Tinting
Window contractors will install tinting film or spray for the cost of materials plus labor. The project will cost more overall than if you did it yourself, but professionals have the experience and tools to apply film neatly and quickly. You may have to pay more for difficult-to-access or oddly shaped windows. However, you’re more likely to have properly installed film without tears or air bubbles.
DIY Home Window Tinting
You can tint home windows yourself, but it requires great precision and detail work. Here are the basic steps involved:
- Thoroughly clean the window surface.
- Cut the tinting film to the exact shape and size of the window.
- Spray adhesive onto the window or peel the backing off of self-adhering film.
- Press the film onto the window.
- Use a squeegee to remove air bubbles.
Remember, you must cut the film to the right size, apply it to line up perfectly with all window corners and edges, and smooth it free of air bubbles. Otherwise, the film will be highly noticeable, and it may not stay on the window as long. While you can do it yourself, you may get more attractive results by hiring professionals.
How to Hire a Professional
When looking into professional installation, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Some states require window installers to have a special license. Although no license is needed to install tinting film, you may have better results from a licensed window contractor.
- The contractor you choose should be bonded and insured.
- Check the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) page, and review ratings on online review sites.
- Ask about warranties on both the products and labor.
- Get estimates from at least three local contractors before hiring one
Our Recommendation
When applied properly, window tinting film can reduce energy costs, increase privacy, and even provide extra security to your home. You can tackle window tinting yourself, but note that it requires a lot of precision work. If you prefer, you can hire a window tinting company to apply it for you. You’ll pay more to account for labor costs, but you’ll benefit from the contractor’s expertise.
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Home Window Tinting FAQ
How much window tint do I need?
The amount of window tint you need will depend on the total square footage of the windows you wish to cover. To determine a window’s square footage, measure its length and width, then multiply the two figures together. If all your windows are the same size, you can multiply the square footage by the number of windows you wish to tint to determine how much product you need.
How long do tinted windows last?
Home window tint longevity varies, but the typical range is between five and 20 years.
Which windows should I have tinted?
Which windows you should have tinted depends on the type of window tint you want. Solar film will be most effective on windows in rooms that receive lots of natural light. Privacy film is often applied to bathroom windows. Security film may be most useful on first-floor or street-facing windows.
What is the cheapest way to tint home windows?
Applying DIY tinting spray to your windows is the most cost-effective way to tint home windows, though spray tints aren’t quite as effective at blocking heat and UV radiation as film.
Will a pro supply window film for a tint job?
If you hire a professional to complete a tint job, they will most likely supply window film. Many professional window contractors will have access to tint film at wholesale prices, so ask your contractor if they can supply the type of film you want.
