Tinting a Glass Storm Door: 3 Efficient Options

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  • 4-24 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 200-4000
What You'll Need
Tinting Film
Clean, soapy water
2 Turbo Squeegees of different sizes
1 Woodco Squeegee
! Bondo Squeegee
1 Sideswiper (Squeegee)
1 Bulldozer (Squeegee)
1 Scrubber (Squeegee)
1 Small Chiseler
1 Gasket Jammer
! Yellow or Green Contour
1 Razor Knife
1 Single Blade Razor Holder
Extra Razor Blades (Avoid using stainless steel blades that scratch glass)
2 Clean Towels 1 for the inside and 1 for the outside
1 Spray Bottle
A Window
What You'll Need
Tinting Film
Clean, soapy water
2 Turbo Squeegees of different sizes
1 Woodco Squeegee
! Bondo Squeegee
1 Sideswiper (Squeegee)
1 Bulldozer (Squeegee)
1 Scrubber (Squeegee)
1 Small Chiseler
1 Gasket Jammer
! Yellow or Green Contour
1 Razor Knife
1 Single Blade Razor Holder
Extra Razor Blades (Avoid using stainless steel blades that scratch glass)
2 Clean Towels 1 for the inside and 1 for the outside
1 Spray Bottle
A Window

Tinting a glass storm door not only controls the amount of UV light that enters your home but it can also help prevent UV damage to your household objects. Below are some examples of the types of tinting films available on the market along with an overview of their particular strengths and shortcomings.

Low Emissivity and Solar Control Films

Low Emissivity, or Low E, describes a surface condition that is known to emit radiant thermal energy or, as most of us call it, heat which in turn describes the way by which all materials emit, reflect, and absorb radiant energy according to Planck's Law. For us here and now our main issue the unique wavelength interval of heat or radiant energy. Specifically. that means thermal radiation of the materials in question.

Solar control films help homeowners in greatly reducing the amount of heat loss or gain and they greatly reduce the glare from the sun. They can also reduce fading in furniture, curtains, and other objects you may have near the door. These films are clear and translucent and contain a thin coat of gold or titanium. They can reduce the flow of heat by 88 percent and UV rays by 95 percent.

Tinting Films

Tinting films come in various shades of blue, gray, and brown. You can order the films on-line or find them in most home improvement centers. Installing the films without bubbles can be tricky, so some homeowners choose to have them professionally installed. However, newer films have a water-based adhesive, making them easier to install. Tinted films are slightly less efficient than low E films, only reducing heat flow by 45 percent and UV light by 90 percent. It should be noted though that the tints are more efficient than shades because they reflect the heat rather than absorb it.

Frosting Films

Frosting films provide 99 percent UV protection while allowing light into the home. These films also provide an element of privacy and can filter light for the home. However, the films should not be purchased if you desire a greater degree of glare protection and reduction as these films aren't able to provide that benefit.