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What is Tinted Glass?

Adam Hill
Adam Hill

The glass used for windows in buildings, homes, and cars, while offering the advantage of letting light in, often compromises the privacy that the occupants desire, and can also let in more than the desired amount of heat. Tinted glass, however, provides an easy solution to these problems. This term refers to any glass that has been treated with a material such as a film or coating that reduces the transmission of light through it. Glass can be tinted with various types of coating, which block and/or reflect different amounts and types of light, according to the needs and preferences of the consumer.

One of the most common ways in which tinted glass is used is in automobile windows. Almost all cars come with tinting at the top of the windshield to reduce solar glare when the sun is low in the sky. Apart from this, the windows of many cars are tinted either at the factory or as an aftermarket add-on by the consumer, to provide privacy for the car’s occupants, as well as to reduce the buildup of heat in a car while it is parked outside.

The degree of saturation varies in vehicular tinted windows.
The degree of saturation varies in vehicular tinted windows.

The laws of every state in the U.S. regulate the degree to which car windows can be tinted, especially the front windows. These limits are in place in order to enable police to identify the driver and passengers of a vehicle, as well as to allow motorists to see through the windows of other vehicles to spot hazards that otherwise could not be seen. Each state’s laws limiting window tint are different, but all specify the minimum allowed percentage of visible light transmission (VLT) for windows in private vehicles. The windshield and the windows immediately to the left and right of the driver are generally required to have a higher VLT percentage than the back windows in private vehicles.

Energy-efficient tinted glass is also a design feature of many modern office buildings.
Energy-efficient tinted glass is also a design feature of many modern office buildings.

Another popular use of tinted glass is in windows of homes and commercial buildings. Residential glass tinting is much easier to do than automotive tinting. It can even be done by the homeowner himself, with some practice. Glass in homes that is tinted serves many practical purposes, such as limiting ultraviolet light transmission through windows to reduce the fading of furniture and carpet, and reducing heat gain inside the home by reflecting solar heat energy, thereby saving the homeowner money in cooling costs.

SUV (sport utility vehicle) with tinted windows.
SUV (sport utility vehicle) with tinted windows.

Tinted glass is also used in commercial buildings to keep the inside cooler, and it has the added benefit of giving the outside of a building a more uniform, aesthetically pleasing appearance. Depending on the creative use of different colors of tinting, the building can also take on a unique and interesting appearance while being insulated from the sun at the same time.

Discussion Comments

anon211531

What is the difference between tinted and reflective glass?

tintbuyer101

Yes, tinted glass are made up of film or coating which helps in energy efficiency and conservation. Window tint could really give a lot of benefits for you and your car. Having your windows tinted, makes the temperature inside your car cooler requiring less from your AC to work harder, hence, less fuel will be consumed by your car.

shirley123

This post is really a great help to understand tinted glass for windows and doors.

julie017

This is a good explanation about window tints. I truly believe that window films could really do so much for your homes, cars and offices. Window films will not only protect you from harmful UV rays but will also protect your furniture, interiors, and your car's leather seat.

Using window film also reduces the amount of time your air conditioner needs to run to reach a comfortable temperature thereby saving you money and helping to protect the environment. Reputable businesses inform consumers about the relevant facts on window tints such as type of tints, quotations, laws involved in every state and will help you locate the best professional tints near your area.

anon63510

I agree with this article that tinted glass refers to any glass that has been treated with a material such as a film or coating, which reduces the transmission of light through it.

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    • The degree of saturation varies in vehicular tinted windows.
      By: Robert Wilson
      The degree of saturation varies in vehicular tinted windows.
    • Energy-efficient tinted glass is also a design feature of many modern office buildings.
      By: Photobank
      Energy-efficient tinted glass is also a design feature of many modern office buildings.
    • SUV (sport utility vehicle) with tinted windows.
      SUV (sport utility vehicle) with tinted windows.