Door & Window with Tinted Glass | Cost, Pros & Cons

September 18, 2024

Key Takeaways

Tinted glass for doors and windows can range from $5 to $100 per square foot.
Tinted glass reduces heat and glare, improving indoor comfort and energy efficiency.
It offers increased privacy and security by making it harder to see inside your home.
At Panda Windows & Doors, we offer a range of custom-tinted glass solutions for both residential and commercial projects.

Door & Window with Tinted Glass

When we talk about tinted glass, we refer to specialty glass that has a colorant applied during manufacturing. This film alters its visual properties, like transparency and heat absorption. It’s used in both residential and commercial settings to offer a range of benefits.

Most importantly, tinted glass helps to reduce heat and glare from the sun, making your indoor environment more comfortable. It can also provide an extra layer of privacy and security, which is why many homeowners consider it a valuable addition to their doors and windows.

Types of Tinted Glass

There are a few types of tinted glass, each with its unique benefits. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision:

Type of Tinted Glass	Description	Benefits	Common Applications
Bronze Tinted Glass	Has a warm, brownish hue	Provides good solar control, reducing heat and visible light transmission	Commercial buildings, facades, and windows where solar heat gain needs to be minimized while maintaining a stylish appearance
Gray Tinted Glass	Has a neutral gray color, offering a sleek and modern look	Excellent glare reduction, suitable for areas with high sunlight exposure; helps block UV radiation	Office buildings, automotive windows, and skylights
Blue Tinted Glass	Has a cool, blue color that adds elegance to architectural designs	Moderate solar control, reduces glare while allowing sufficient natural light transmission	Residential and commercial windows, doors, and partitions
Green Tinted Glass	Has a subtle green hue that creates a refreshing, natural ambiance	Good solar control, reduces heat and glare transmission	Schools, hospitals, and office complexes where a balance of natural light and heat reduction is desired
Reflective Tinted Glass (Mirrored Glass)	Has a reflective metallic coating that gives the glass a mirror-like appearance	Reduces visibility from the outside during the day while maintaining clear views from the inside; provides privacy, solar control, and a striking visual effect	Commercial buildings, high-rise windows, and facades

A table comparing different types of tinted glass.

An example of a reflective tinted glass. (image courtesy of Cool Vision).

Common Applications of Tinted Glass

Tinted glass is versatile and can be used in various parts of your home. Here are some common applications:

Living Room Windows: Tinted glass can reduce glare on your television and protect your furniture from fading due to UV exposure.
Bedroom Windows: It provides an added privacy and keeps the room cooler during hot summer months.
Office Spaces: Tinted glass can create a comfortable working environment by reducing glare and heat.
Patio Doors: These are a popular choice for tinted glass as they offer both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits.

Tinted glass can also be used as a decorative glass panels in buildings (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).

Advancements in Tinted Glass Technology

Modern technologies have made it possible to create tinted glass with additional functionalities like self-cleaning and high insulation.

One of the most exciting advancements is the development of electrochromic glass, also known as smart glass. This type of glass can change its tint with the flip of a switch, allowing you to control the amount of light and heat entering your home.

Besides that, new coatings and films have been developed to enhance the durability and efficiency of tinted glass. These advancements mean that tinted glass remains a viable option for homeowners looking to improve their living spaces.

Founded in 1991, Panda Windows & Doors specializes in state-of-the-art custom glass wall systems for both residential and commercial spaces through Panda Windows & Doors. Operating from our manufacturing facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, we have been at the forefront of innovation for over 30 years. Our extensive product lineup includes over 80 high-end offerings, such as pivot doors, French doors, folding doors, lift & slides, multi-slides, horizontal sliding walls, and operable windows. These systems are available in materials like aluminum, steel, stainless steel, bronze, solid wood, and aluminum-wood clad.

We are renowned for our award-winning designs, engineering solutions, and fast lead times, delivering in just 6-10 weeks to customers throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. Trusted by leading architectural firms and glaziers nationwide, we stand as the premier manufacturer of custom luxury windows and doors in the United States.

Explore Custom Solutions from Panda Windows & Doors Today

Cost of Door & Window with Tinted Glass

The cost of tinted glass can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the glass you choose. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Basic Tinted Glass: $5 to $20 per square foot.
Mid-range Options: $20 to $50 per square foot. These often include additional features like UV protection.
High-end Tinted Glass: $50 to $100 per square foot. These are usually custom options with advanced functionalities like smart glass.

Installation Costs

Installation is another significant factor to consider. Professional installation guarantees that the glass is fitted correctly and performs optimally. Here’s what you might expect to pay:

Per Window: $50 to $200, depending on the size and complexity of the installation.
Per Door: $100 to $300, particularly for larger sliding or patio doors.

Therefore, when budgeting for tinted glass, factor in both the material and installation costs. While the initial investment might seem high, the long-term benefits often outweigh these costs.

Long-term Savings

By reducing the amount of heat that enters your home, tinted glass can lower your cooling costs during the hot summer months. This means your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard, which can lead to substantial energy savings.

Additionally, tinted glass can help protect your furniture, carpets, and other interior items from fading due to UV exposure. This can save you money on replacements and repairs over time. Most importantly, the energy efficiency gained from tinted glass can also contribute to a smaller carbon footprint, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Pros & Cons of Door & Window with Tinted Glass

Benefits of Tinted Glass

Reduced Heat and Glare: Tinted glass blocks solar heat, reducing the need for air conditioning and making your home more comfortable.
Increased Privacy: The tint makes it harder for outsiders to see inside, offering an added layer of privacy.
UV Protection: Tinted glass can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your furniture and interior from fading.
Energy Efficiency: By reducing the need for cooling, tinted glass can lower your energy bills and contribute to a smaller carbon footprint.

Drawbacks of Tinted Glass

Initial Cost: Tinted glass can be more expensive upfront, especially if you opt for high-end or custom options.
Decreased Natural Light: The tint can reduce the amount of natural light entering your home, which might not be ideal for all spaces.
Seasonal Effectiveness: In colder climates, tinted glass may not be as effective, as it can block the sun’s warmth during winter months.

Choose Panda Windows & Doors for Custom Solutions

Established in 1991, Panda Windows & Doors have been at the forefront of designing and engineering state-of-the-art glass wall systems and is your go-to solution. Our team works closely with you to make sure that your custom doors and windows exceed your expectations.

The Panda Process

1. Design: We help you select custom doors and windows from over 80 options including with tinted glass. Tailor every detail to your needs and approve the sales order to confirm all specifications before we create detailed engineering plans.

2. Manufacturing: Our project manager makes sure that all components are ready, and CNC machines precisely cut and mill extrusions. Extrusions are cleaned and powder-coated for durability. Skilled technicians assemble your custom products, integrating gas-filled glass seamlessly.

3. Quality Control: Each product undergoes rigorous inspection and testing to guarantee functionality and quality. We provide photos and videos of your completed products before packaging, ensuring they meet all standards.

4. Packaging & Shipping: Products are wrapped in protective materials and placed in custom-built crates for safe transit. We make sure your order arrives intact, whether shipping domestically or internationally.

5. Delivery & Warranty: Inspect your order upon arrival and register the product to activate the limited warranty. Apply a high-quality finish to wood surfaces within 7 days to prevent damage. Get proper installation and protection during construction.

6. Care & Maintenance: Follow our care and maintenance guide to keep your Panda products in top condition. Regular cleaning and maintenance can give you a lifetime of use and beauty, preserving the efficiency of tinted glass and other features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of tinted glass are available?

We offer a variety of tinted glass options, including reflective, absorptive, and low-E glass. Each type has its unique benefits, such as enhanced UV protection, reduced glare, and improved energy efficiency.

How much can I expect to save on energy bills?

The amount you can save on energy bills depends on several factors, including the type of tinted glass you choose and the climate in your area.

On average, homeowners report savings of 10-30% on their energy bills after installing tinted glass.

For example, a homeowner in a hot climate might save more on cooling costs compared to someone in a milder climate. However, the overall energy efficiency of your home will improve regardless of your location.

Can tinted glass be installed on existing windows?

Yes, tinted glass can be retrofitted to existing windows. Third-party professional installers can evaluate your current windows and provide a solution that fits seamlessly with your existing setup.