Window film—often called window tint—is an ultra-thin, multi-layer laminate treated with advanced coatings that adheres directly to any glass surface. It’s engineered to:

• Reflect solar heat and block up to 99% of UV rays

• Reduce glare for better comfort and visibility

• Boost energy efficiency by easing the load on your HVAC system

• Enhance privacy and add a layer of security

All of this comes in a virtually invisible upgrade that preserves natural light and transforms ordinary windows into high-performance barriers against heat, UV damage, and prying eyes.

Window film is a cost-effective way to transform your existing windows into high-performance shields that deliver comfort, savings, and protection.

• Lower energy bills by cutting solar heat gain in summer and reducing heat loss in winter

• Soften harsh glare for clearer views and easier screen time on sunny afternoons

• Block up to 99% of UV rays to protect skin and prevent furnishings, art, and fabrics from fading

• Boost privacy—whether you opt for nearly invisible or decorative styles—without surrendering natural light

• Add a layer of shatter resistance for improved security and peace of mind

All this comes at a fraction of the cost of new windows, making window film one of the smartest upgrades for homes and businesses alike.

Picking the perfect window film starts with matching performance to your priorities—and that’s where Tintelligence™ comes in. Our proprietary Tintelligence™ system categorizes films into clear tiers so you can instantly see which option fits your home, office, or historic New Orleans property.

• Define your goals

  • Energy savings and UV protection

  • Glare control 

  • Privacy or decorative flair

  • Enhanced security or hurricane resistance 

• Consider your comfort and style

  • Visible Light Transmission (VLT): how much daylight you want to keep

  • Reflectivity and finish: subtle clarity or classic mirrored sheen

  • Color tone: cool silver, neutral gray, or nearly invisible

• Set your budget and lifespan expectations

  • Entry-level films deliver strong UV blocking at an affordable price

  • Premium spectrally selective options offer top performance and longevity

Window tint is a smart, cost-effective upgrade that delivers high-performance benefits at a fraction of the price of new windows. Rather than replacing glass, you’re investing in a micro-thin film that pays you back through energy savings, UV protection, glare reduction, and added security—all while preserving natural light.

• Cost factors

  • Film grade and performance level

  • Total glass area and window complexity

  • Installation labor and any prep work

  • Geographic region, local demand, time of the year

Pricing can range from $8-$15 per square foot based on project specifics, but even premium films typically cost less than half the price of full-frame window replacement.  

Return on Investment

When you factor in lower HVAC bills, longer-lasting furnishings, reduced glare, and enhanced comfort, window tint essentially pays for itself over time. Many clients see measurable savings within 1–3 years—after that, it’s pure upside.

Specialized films like UltraVision® are designed to meet the strict preservation guidelines for historic properties while delivering modern performance:

• Near-Invisible Protection UltraVision® spectrally selective film blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays and rejects solar heat without altering the glass’s original appearance.

• Preservation-Friendly & Reversible. Because the film is applied internally and is removable, it adheres to the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, preserving historic window frames and finishes.

• Energy Efficiency & Comfort UltraVision® enhances thermal performance—reducing heat gain in summer—helping maintain stable interior conditions without bulky retrofits.

• UV-Safe & Artifact Friendly. By filtering ultraviolet light, the film protects delicate furnishings, artwork, and architectural details from fading and deterioration.

• Shatter Protection.  For an added layer of safety, UltraVision® help hold broken glass in place during storms or accidents, all without compromising the building’s historic character.

With UltraVision®, you get museum-quality preservation and energy-saving benefits in one nearly invisible upgrade.

Not at all. Our professional tint installers work quickly and cleanly to minimize any impact on your daily routine. Here’s what you can expect:

Before We Arrive

• We confirm your appointment window and arrive on time.

• You’ll receive a quick walk-through to confirm exactly which windows we are tinting and approximately how long it will take.

• We lay down drop cloths and if necessary, use low-tack masking to protect floors, trim, and furniture.

During Installation

• Each window takes roughly 15–20 minutes from prep to finish—most homes or offices are done in a single day.

• We use moisture-activated films and squeegees, so there’s no loud drilling or demolition.

• Your windows remain fully operable; we don’t remove sashes or frames.

After We’re Done

• We remove all masking and drop cloths, leaving no adhesive residue or debris behind.

• Windows are wiped spotless inside—ready to enjoy immediately.

• We perform a final walkthrough with you to ensure 100% satisfaction before we pack up.

With NOLA Window Cleaning & Tint, you’ll see better comfort, UV protection, and energy savings without missing a beat in your day.

One-way or mirrored tint is a dual-reflective window film that creates a mirror-like finish on the brighter side of the glass. During daylight hours, the exterior-facing surface reflects sunlight, blocking outsiders’ view while still allowing clear visibility from inside. This balance of light makes it ideal for daytime privacy without sacrificing your outdoor view.

Why Can People See In at Night?

At night, when interior lighting outshines ambient outdoor light, the reflective effect reverses. With more light inside than outside, the film no longer acts as a mirror and becomes effectively transparent—letting passers-by see in. Because one-way films rely solely on light balance, they offer little to no privacy once the sun goes down2.

Tips for True Day-and-Night Privacy

• Consider frosted or decorative films that obscure vision without relying on reflectivity.

• Pair mirrored tint with blinds or shades for guaranteed after-dark coverage.

• Explore blackout films if total opacity is required.

Professional window films deliver measurable savings year-round:

• Reflects up to 70–80% of solar heat gain with dual-reflective or ceramic films

• Cuts summer cooling costs by 5–30% when you choose high-performance films

• Blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays with ceramic or spectrally selective films

• Reflects interior heat back inside during winter to help lower heating demand

LEED Certification

Window film can contribute directly to several LEED credit categories by improving a building’s energy performance and occupant comfort:

• Energy Performance (EAc1): High-performance films reduce solar heat gain, lowering HVAC loads and earning 1–4 LEED points based on baseline energy savings.

• Indoor Environmental Quality: By blocking up to 99% of UV rays and reducing glare, films improve occupant comfort and protect interior finishes.

• Light Pollution Reduction (SSp7): Reflective or tinted films help control light trespass, supporting credits under the Sustainable Sites category.

ENERGY STAR Labeled Building

ENERGY STAR rates commercial buildings on a 1–100 scale for energy efficiency, with 75 or above earning the Label:

• Solar Heat Gain Control: Quality window films reject up to 80% of solar heat, cutting cooling costs by up to 30% and boosting your ENERGY STAR score.

• Baseline Score Improvement: For LEED projects, a minimum ENERGY STAR score of 60 is required. Film upgrades often make it easier to surpass this threshold and maintain certification.

By integrating professionally installed window film, you not only enhance occupant comfort and protect interiors—you also earn tangible points and score improvements toward LEED and ENERGY STAR certifications.

Yes. Under the Inflation Reduction Act’s Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (formerly Section 25C), select window films now qualify—allowing homeowners to claim up to $600 per year.

Credit Details

• Covers 30 percent of qualifying film material costs (installation labor is not eligible)

• Applies to films installed on your primary U.S. residence between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2032

• Maximum credit of $600 per year

Requirements to Claim

• Film must be listed by name and product identification number (PIN) on IRS Form 5695

• Invoices must separately itemize material costs apart from labor charges

• Property must be your primary home (rentals and vacation properties are excluded)

Next Steps

• Confirm that your chosen film (for example select SunTek products) appears on the IRS’s qualified manufacturer list

• Ask your installer to provide a breakdown of material versus labor costs

• Report the PIN and material cost on Form 5695 when you file your taxes

Always consult your tax advisor for personalized guidance and to ensure you meet all IRS requirements.

Window treatments—such as blinds, shades, and curtains—excel at controlling light, providing privacy, and adding style to your space. However, they work by blocking or filtering light after it passes through the glass, which means they don’t address the window’s performance characteristics:

• Privacy and light control can fluctuate with slat angles or fabric opacity

• Aesthetic appeal is high, but treatments offer minimal solar heat gain reduction

• UV protection depends on material—many fabrics still allow fading rays through

Unique Benefits of Window Film

Window film is a thin polyester or ceramic layer applied directly to the glass. It tackles issues at the source—before sunlight enters—delivering advantages treatments alone can’t match:

• Solar heat gain reduction up to 78 percent by reflecting sunlight away from the glass

• Glare control without closing down your view or room brightness

• UV blocking up to 99 percent to protect furnishings and artwork

• Year-round energy savings: keeps heat out in summer and helps retain indoor warmth in winter

• Maintains clear sightlines while treatments are open

Complementary Solutions

Rather than choosing one over the other, many homeowners combine both for maximum comfort and efficiency:

• Film plus light-colored shades yields superior heat rejection and daytime privacy

• Decorative or frosted films can enhance privacy when treatments are raised

• Treatments provide night-time blockage, while film protects during daylight

The Bottom Line

If reducing energy bills, safeguarding interiors from UV damage, and minimizing glare are priorities, window film remains a valuable upgrade—even with existing treatments. It silently boosts your windows’ performance while preserving the aesthetic and functional benefits of your shades, blinds, or curtains.

Yes, window tint can be removed.  The process should be done by professionals to avoid damaging the glass.  Removal may be necessary if the tint is damaged, faded, or if you want to change to a different type of tint.  

It depends.  In our area, restrictions mainly applies to historic buildings.  We will check with local authorities before installation.  Approval is typically based on the type of film being installed.

No.  The more sun that comes through the windows, the more energy savings you receive.  Focus on South and West facing windows first.  

When treated with care, tint can last 15 or even 25 years.  To maintain the integrity and appearance of window film, it is recommended to use a soft, lint-free cloth or a rubber squeegee with soapy water for cleaning. Avoid using abrasive tools, harsh chemicals, or ammonia-based cleaning products, as these can scratch or damage the film's surface. After cleaning, the surface should be dried with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots. Adhering to these cleaning recommendations ensures the film's longevity and visual clarity.  Check in the documents section of the website for our Window Tint Care and Maintenance white paper.

Safety and security window films are specifically engineered to enhance the strength of glass windows and doors to improve their resistance to breakage from impacts, whether accidental or intentional. Unlike standard films that primarily focus on solar control or aesthetics, safety and security films are thicker and made with stronger adhesive bonds that help hold glass fragments together upon impact. This can help prevent injury from flying glass in the event of an accident and deter break-ins by making windows more difficult to penetrate.

Most architectural window films have minimal to no impact on wireless signals and the operation of electronic devices inside a building. However, films with metallic components, especially those designed for high solar heat rejection, can in some cases interfere with radio frequency (RF) signals. Advances in film technology have led to the development of non-metallic options, such as ceramic-based films, that offer excellent heat rejection capabilities without affecting signal transmission for cell phones, Wi-Fi, and other electronic devices.

Selecting the right window film for a commercial building involves considering several factors:

• Energy Efficiency Goals: Identify the primary objectives regarding heat and glare reduction, and energy cost savings.
• Aesthetic Preferences: Decide on the desired appearance, whether it’s a reflective, tinted, or clear film.
• Building Orientation: Consider the direction windows face and the amount of sun exposure they receive.
• Local Climate: Factor in the typical weather conditions and how they impact cooling and heating needs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the chosen film complies with local building codes and energy regulations.
• Security Requirements: For enhanced protection against break-ins or natural disasters, consider safety and security films.

The Visible Light Transmission (VLT) rating of a window film indicates the percentage of visible light that passes through the film. Films with a high VLT allow more natural light into the space, which can be beneficial for maintaining bright interiors and reducing the need for artificial lighting. Conversely, films with a low VLT rate reduce glare and solar heat gain more effectively but can result in darker interiors. Choosing the right VLT rating depends on balancing the need for natural light with the desire for heat and glare control.

Window film can affect indoor plant growth, but this largely depends on the type of film applied. Films that block a significant portion of the UV light and reduce visible light can impact plants that require high levels of sunlight. However, many indoor plants thrive with filtered light, which can be provided by certain window films that reduce harmful UV rays while still allowing enough natural light for photosynthesis. It’s important to consider the light requirements of your plants when choosing a window film.