There are a lot of reasons why a senior might want to tint the windows in their new home. I just have no idea what those reasons are.

But if you’ve just moved into one of our retirement communities for active adults, and you want to tint your windows, please read this before you start.

We’d hate for you to cause yourself unnecessary stress that can come along with window tinting.

Why Window Tinting Voids Your Warranty

First, what kind of windows do we install?

I often get asked this. At the very least, all windows in all of Leisure Villas’ 55+ communities are double paned, low-e windows. There might be a few exceptions where we install insulated windows, but for the most part, they are all the double paned, low-e.

Also, our windows have vinyl, not wood frames. They’re very good and attractive windows and will hold up very nicely over time.

Second, how tinting creates problems

The biggest problem with tinting your windows, is the reflection of the sun. If your tint is on the shady side of your house, this might not be as big of a deal. Then again, most tints are probably put on to keep the sun’s rays out, not to darken shaded windows.

I guess someone could put a tint there too if they just want the windows to match or look cool, but when you start reflecting the sun’s rays back through the window, a lot of that energy and heat gets trapped in the glass.

Over time, this can stress the glass and cause it to crack or break its seals. For this reason, we cannot warranty any windows that have any amount of tinting placed on them.

But your last house had tinted windows, and they were fine. Yes, I’ll believe that. Tinting does not guarantee that your windows will get damaged. It only increases the risk of it.

Third, how to tint your windows

So what do you do if you absolutely must have tinted windows?

I’m not trying to dissuade you from tinting your windows. You have every right to do this if you want. I would only suggest that when you go looking for a company to do the tinting, that you find a reputable company, or one that you trust.

If they’re any good, then they’ll provide a substitute warranty for your windows in case their product does cause a problem. I’d be very cautious around a tinting company that doesn’t offer some kind of backup warranty on your actual window, not just the tinting.

Housekeeping items

We’ve talked about tinting, but as long as we’re on the subject of windows, let’s not forget that you are encouraged to install some form of shades, whether it be blinds or shutters. We try to keep our communities looking great, and newspaper blinds don’t exactly count, even if the stories displayed to the world are good.

That’s all for now. Whether you choose tinting or no tinting, at least you now know why we express a little caution regarding them. Enjoy your new home.