If you're building your own home, then you will get to the stage where you have to choose glass for your windows. While some homeowners go with regular clear window-grade glass here, this isn't your only option.

You can use tinted glass in some or all of your windows. However, this isn't necessarily an easy choice. You have a lot of different tinting options to choose from. Ask yourself the following questions to help you work out which options suit you best.

What Do You Want From a Tinted Glass?

Some people install tinted glass to create a cosmetic effect. They simply like the way a tint looks.

However, tints change the functionality of window glass. They can add features to it that you might find useful.

For example, a solar tint helps keep UV rays out of your home. While these rays stream through regular glass, a solar-tinted window deflects some of them away from your property. This can help keep heat out of your home in hot months; it also stops the sun from fading your furniture, curtains and carpets.

Or, a frosted tint is a good option in rooms that need more privacy. For example, this tint will prevent people from seeing into your bathrooms or toilets.

So, think about how tints could work in your home. Remember that you can use different tints in different rooms to get different effects.

How Will Tints Affect Your Windows?

Some tinted glass looks like regular glass. It doesn't affect the clarity of the glass or its view of it.

However, some tints can change the way a window works. For example, if you use darkly-tinted or frosted glass, then the window won't bring in as much light. Your view outside will be dimmer and less bright through a dark tint; you can't see anything but shapes through frosted glass.

Think about each window you want to tint. You might have to trade off views and incoming light to get the tinted effect you need in some rooms. Or, you might need to go for lighter or invisible tints to create a compromise.

How Do You Want to Tint Your Windows?

Some homeowners buy tinted glass for their windows. These sheets have been pre-treated to fix a tint on or in the glass.

Others prefer to use tinting products once their windows are installed. Here, you stick specialist sheets onto your glass to create the tint you need.

Think about which tinting method you prefer. Some people prefer to buy pre-tinted glass because they don't want to add sheets to their windows later. Others like the flexibility of being able to add and remove tinting in the future.

To find out more about your glass tinting options, contact a local contractor.

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