Orlando, FL · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 282 votes
The room is a kid's bedroom, and it has a sliding glass door, so the sun comes directly into the room. The last tenants complained about it, so I want to find a solution before the new tenants move in on July 1.
Would putting vertical blinds help at all? Or would it be better to put one of those exterior mats that hangs outside of the house? I have heard that putting tint on the window is a bad idea because it can cause problems with the argon gas that sits between the two panes. Thanks.
HVAC Contractor · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2011 · 27 posts · 26 votes
15y
I have never heard of the tint issue. I would check with a quality window tinter that specializes in residential and commercial buildings. I second what Chris suggests and have your HVAC contractor see what can be done to modify the ducting system or install dampers. Dampers are very inexpensive and easy to install. Keep in mind this may help to lower the room temperature when the a/c is running, but will not stop the room from warming up during off cycles. That's where tint or other means come in to play.
Real Estate Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2011 · 271 posts · 106 votes
15y
In my experience tinting worked the best by far and probably less likely to get trashed compared to the blinds and mat. You could also put dampners on extra vents in rooms that don't need as much air.
Orlando, FL · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 282 votes
15y
Originally posted by Chris Sweeney:
In my experience tinting worked the best by far and probably less likely to get trashed compared to the blinds and mat. You could also put dampners on extra vents in rooms that don't need as much air.
Thanks Chris--I was told that you can't tint double paned glass because of the argon problem--do you know if this is true?
Contractor · Denver, CO · Member since 2009 · 399 posts · 166 votes
15y
Vertical blinds will help, but not as much as something on the exterior. Can you do an awning or louvers? Sorry, not sure about the tinting. Call the window manufacturer on that one.
Real Estate Investor · Amarillo, TX · Member since 2008 · 547 posts · 214 votes
15y
you can tint them, you just need to use a reflective film i believe.. or maybe your not suppost to use a reflective film, you need to look into it, but its possible, need low heat absorption rate, so no dark colors, lighter colors. if you have it done professionally they will know what to do/ look for. but, it is possible.
SFR Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
15y
Originally posted by Bienes Raices:
I was told that you can't tint double paned glass because of the argon problem--do you know if this is true?
I can't see how it would matter. The tint film adheres to the exterior surface of the outer pane, the argon gas remains in between the two panes of glass. Besides that, low-e double-paned glass is usually tinted to some degree and reflects a great deal of heat away. I'm not so sure adding extra tint would add much.
I like the idea of an awning or sun shade on the outside. Or get some heavy drapes on the inside.
Orlando, FL · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 282 votes
15y
Originally posted by Mitch Kronowit:
Originally posted by Bienes Raices:
I was told that you can't tint double paned glass because of the argon problem--do you know if this is true?
I can't see how it would matter. The tint film adheres to the exterior surface of the outer pane, the argon gas remains in between the two panes of glass. Besides that, low-e double-paned glass is usually tinted to some degree and reflects a great deal of heat away. I'm not so sure adding extra tint would add much.
I like the idea of an awning or sun shade on the outside. Or get some heavy drapes on the inside.
I believe when the tint is applied sometime it can cause the argon molecules to start moving, and create a permanent ugly white discoloration of the glass.
SFR Investor · Orange County, CA · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
15y
Originally posted by Bienes Raices:
I believe when the tint is applied sometime it can cause the argon molecules to start moving, and create a permanent ugly white discoloration of the glass.
What do they mean by "moving"? The argon molecules in between the glass panes are ALWAYS moving. And the hotter the window gets, the faster they will move (high school chemistry). Or perhaps they mean the argon will leach through the glass? I don't see how sticking tint film onto the outside surface of the glass would make it porous unless you're using hydrofluoric acid in the adhesive. :wink:
I've heard that the tint may cause the window to get hotter, instead of cooler, and that could damage the window. Not sure how the tint would make it hotter unless it's somehow defeating the windows original heat reflecting qualities. I've also heard that the seals around the edges of the window can get damaged if the tint is improperly applied, ala The Three Stooges.
I believe the key is make sure you're using the correct tint for the correct purpose. Some tints are simply for privacy (make the window darker and harder to see through) and those tints usually go on the inside since they're not designed to withstand the exterior elements. But those won't make the room any cooler. For that you would need a reflective tint on the outside. Apparently one that won't make the window hotter.
HVAC Contractor · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2011 · 27 posts · 26 votes
15y
I have never heard of the tint issue. I would check with a quality window tinter that specializes in residential and commercial buildings. I second what Chris suggests and have your HVAC contractor see what can be done to modify the ducting system or install dampers. Dampers are very inexpensive and easy to install. Keep in mind this may help to lower the room temperature when the a/c is running, but will not stop the room from warming up during off cycles. That's where tint or other means come in to play.