What is VLT? 
V.L.T. stands for Visible Light Transmission. What’s that? VLT is the term used to classify, or categorize window tint. It is the way in which each film allows (transmits) light through it. This is the most practical way to describe what it looks like and, more importantly, what it does. It is also an easy property to measure.You can’t measure the amount of “shade” or “darkness” it has, but you can measure, quite easily, how much light penetrates.
So, as an example, a tint film with a VLT of 50 (%) allows 50% of th light that hits it, to penetrte through, and blocks out the other 50%. A 5% VLT blocks out 95% light, and allows 5% light through. An 80 VLT film then transmits 80% light, and blocks 20%.
So, window tint is essentially an filter. It is designed, and manufactured to perform that task, in whatever specific parameters are required. The place to start would be to determine what exactly that task, or characteristic needs to be. For example, if the main requirement is to reduce light to almost zero (transmission),then the film would need to be made “very dark”. Say 1%, 2%, 5% VLT. There are several ways to achieve this, using a variety of manufacturing techniques (not covered here).
Another requirement might be to reduce heat (transmission), but maintain VLT fairly high. IE; not too dark, but “cool”. In such an instance, the film would be manufactured to allow (transmit) 50-80+% visible light, but block out (as much as possible) heat. Technology has advanced so far now, that films are being manufactured that filter out specific (bands) of infra red (IR) and ultra violet (UV). The beauty of that is, that you can have a film that is very “light” in appearance, but is high in heat reduction. Something that was typically directly related to the “darkness”, of the film. IE, the darker the film, the cooler it was. A logic that still pervades many minds to this very day.
How does this affect me?
Glad you asked. Let me answer from the perspective of “window tinter” (service provider). When I come to a potential customers place to do a “measure and quote”, my first task is to find out what the person wants to achieve. Or, another way to find out is to ask what the “problem” they have is. It may be that they are a shift worker, and need to sleep during the day.
Or, it may be that they have spectacular views, which they don’t want to lose, but have expensive furniture/furnishings, they don’t want to be damaged by UV. Another need may be, daytime privacy from passers by the window. etc.
Once this is discovered, the the appropriate solution can be found. That’s the main reason I called my business, Glass Tint Solutions. If a customer has a problem. there is an excellent chance that I will have a solution for that.
Not only is there a solution to most problems, they can include budgetary constraints also. This aspect can also be accommodated. Some films are more expensive than others. This need not be a deterrent from going ahead with solving customerstinting issues. My experience has been, that most tint quotes go straight for the most expensive (top of the range) films for their proposal. A problem may not be “too expensive” to solve. With some compromises, good results can be achieved on smaller budgets.
Another aspect that I like to take into consideration is “decor”. I like to try and match the tint to the surroundings it will be in. For example, many (older) windows have a bronze coloured aluminium frame, and “earthy” tone bricks etc. I would recommend a “bronze” tint to suit. A silver, grey or black may be totally inappropriate. Similarly, many newer homes have black or white frames, and therefore bronze would be out of place, but a black/charcoal one would be ideal.
A reference to cars is necessary here, on the subject of VLT. Most places I know of, have regulations as to how dark a tint can be, and be “legal”.
The most common standards are;
35% VLT on all windows.
35% VLT on two front windows, and any darkness behind these
70% VLT on two front windows, and any darkness beind these
No tint allowed on front screen (windscreen)
I would strongly suggest regulations/laws be checked out, and obeyed. I have heard stories of insurance policies being null and void as a result of “illegal” tint. Also stories of defect notices upon inspection by regulatory authorities. As mentioned above, darker is not (necessarily) cooler. Today’s tint technology is delivering very efficient, high quality products with a huge range to choose from, and at affordable prices. Are your windows tinted? No?
Why not?
Think of how much cooler you could be if they were!
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