A guide to window film pricing
When considering window tinting for your Houston home or business, one of your biggest concerns will likely be window film pricing. We know how important pricing is to our potential clients at Window Film Houston, so we strive for 100% transparency in our costs throughout the process.
From our initial consultation, until the final punch list is complete, we will always clearly outline all costs, options, upgrades, and discounts. This is because we know how critical pricing is to budget correctly for the expenses you will incur and properly calculate ROI. You cannot make a good business decision without understanding how much you will spend. With that in mind, we have taken our “clarity in pricing” concept to the next level by assembling a quick reference guide.
Below is a rough outline of costs for various films and services. You can use it to understand how much money you will spend, how we stack up against competitors, and to decide if window tinting makes sense to you. This guide is similar to the steps we will take you through in our free consultation. Reviewing it is the perfect way to prepare for the questions we will ask you. Remember to jot down any questions you may have after reading our guide. We at Window Film Houston will happily answer them during our consultation.
Window Tint Pricing Depends On Problem Are You Looking To Solve
Needs for window film always vary from customer to customer, but an excellent way to figure out which film is for you is to identify what problem or set of issues you are trying to solve with window film. This guide is a starting point for which film suits you, and it will help you estimate pricing.
The most common problems window film solves
- Glare From The Sun (Especially on South or Southwest Facing Windows)
- Fading Floors, Furniture Or Rugs
- Security Concerns
- The Building Is Too Hot In The Summer
- The Building Is Too Hot In The Winter
- High Utility Bills and HVAC Maintenance
- Not Enough Office Privacy
- Concern About Harmful UV/UVB/UVA or RF Waves
- Looking For Green Energy Options/Energy Efficiency
- Exterior Of Windows Need An Upgrade/Refinishing
- Need Graffiti Removal Or Protection
General Window Film Price Estimates
Window film prices are usually calculated per square foot. Prices vary depending on the type of film and the brand. However, here are some general estimates on commonly used films:
Spectrally selective: costs around $9-18 per sq ft; used for blocking out heat, glare, and uv radiation
Low-e film: costs around $20 per sq ft; used for year round climate control and energy savings in dual climate regions
Safety/security: ranges from $8-16 per sq ft; used for protection against forced entry, accidents, and inclimate weather
Bullet resistant: costs around $125 per sq ft; used to strengthen glass and protect against impact, ballistics, and severe danger
Security attachment systems: costs $2-5 per linear ft; used to attach security window film for increased impact resistance
Decorative/frosted: cost $6-12 per sq ft; used for creating privacy or decorative features
*Please note that prices vary and those listed may not be reflective of actual costs.
Window Film Pricing Depends On Which Product You Choose
Once you clearly understand the problem or problems that apply to your unique situation, your next step for window film pricing is deciding which window film solves those issues. We carry hundreds of films at Window Film Houston for residential, commercial, and architectural applications. Those films cost anywhere from $4 per square foot to $24 per square foot. We understand this is a wide range, so below is an outline of what films cost for specific problem-solving applications.
Spectrally Selective
Price: $9- $18 per square foot
Utility: Spectrally Selective films are very light in color but can block heat transfer and UV rays. These films are great for most of the problems associated with the glare of the sun and energy efficiency without darkening a room, allowing you to benefit from window tint without sacrificing clarity.
Low E Films
Price: 20-$24 per square foot
Utility: These films solve all the problems associated with the sun, including glare, heat transfer, and UV rays, but also keep heat inside in the winter by reflecting the heat into the room. These films are very high-end and use materials such as gold to offer the most protection from the sun and energy efficiency that money can buy. Therefore, they are priced accordingly.
Security Films
Price: $8-16 per square foot
Utility: Security film keeps the glass in place and protects against blunt force on the windows on your properties. This type of film mitigates the impact of “smash and grabs” since it takes significantly longer to get into a window treated with film. It also protects people in and around your building from flying glass debris. Should the window be hit with extreme force, the glass will break but stay in place.
Bullet Resistant Film
Price: $125 per square foot
Utility: Many people ask us about “bulletproof glass”. While there is no such thing as truly “bulletproof glass” (any glass can be penetrated given enough time and a high enough caliber bullet), we offer a package that includes treatment with C bond adhesive and film, making glass virtually impenetrable bullets and bombs.
*Please note: Security films require the addition of specialty framing around each treated window. These frames are typically priced by the linear foot and range from $2-5 per linear foot.
Privacy and Decorative Film
Price: $6-$12 per square foot
Utility: Decorative or Frosted window films are a great way to add private or semi-private office space to your property. Custom graphics and logos are available at an additional charge, which is usually added at an hourly rate to the base price.
Graffiti Shields For Metal, Glass, And Mirrors
Price: $10-$20 per square foot
Utility: These ultra-thin but super tough films and covers cover almost any flat surface on your building to cover and protect from graffiti. Should damage occur, they can be easily removed and replaced for a fraction of the cost of replacing windows, mirrors, or elevator panels, for example.
Contact us for a free window film estimate
We at Window Film Houston take great pride in our transparency and dedication to our customers. For more information on window film pricing or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!