Houston Window Tint (281) 748-5660

Houston Window Tint Laws

Automotive Window Tinting

Sun Shield Window Tint providing window tinting service to the greater Houston area for many years. Here, at Sun Shield Window Tint our customers are extremely important. It is why, Sun Shield Window Tint would like to inform our customers and make aware of Houston, TX  Tint Laws. Many people in Houston are not aware about the tint laws in Houston and end up paying a high price. A ticket for illegal tint can be very expensive. Why take the risk?

What Are the Tint Laws in Houston, TX?

 AUTOMOTIVE WINDSHIELD
         
Automotive Window Tint or sunscreening devices

• Automotive Window Tint cannot extend downward beyond the AS-1 line; or
• Auto Window Tint cannot extend more than 5 inches from the top of the windshield without an AS-1 line.
• If sunscreening devices are used above the AS-1 area of the windshield, the light transmittance value must be 25% or more;
• The luminous reflectance of any additional sunscreening devices used must be 25% or less;
• Sunscreening device cannot be red, blue or amber in color.

AUTOMOTIVE SIDE WINDOWS 
 All side tinted windows must have at least 25% light transmittance and luminous reflectance of 25% or less, over the entire surface area of  the window.

 *AUTOMOTIVE REAR (BACK WINDSHIELD) WINDOW

• If vehicle has left and right outside mirrors, there is no minimum light transmission requirement. Your back windshield is the only window that can be tinted as dark as possible (Limo Tint) 
• If not equipped with both outside mirrors, the rear window must have no less than 25% light transmittance and a luminous reflectance of 25% or less.
• The manufacturers installed glazing shade band is excluded.

DOES MY WINDOW REQUIRES A WINDOW TINT LABEL?

SUNSCREENING DEVICES PERMITTED.
A sunscreening device must have a label that:

1. is legible;
2. contains information required by the department on light transmission and luminous reflectance of the device; and
3. is permanently installed between the material and the surface to which the material is applied.

Note: This label should be provided by the installer.

Window Tinting Exemptions
Motorists may request a medical exemption for window tinting requirements from the Texas Department of Public Safety by sending a written request and a signed statement from a licensed physician or licensed optometrist. This statement should state that it is his or her opinion that the exemption is necessary to safeguard the motorist’s health
For more information please visit Texas Department of public safety

Houston Window Tint – Metallic Films

Metallic Window Film – Problem

Today’s cars come fully equipped with so many gadgets that it’s almost possible for them to drive themselves. Newer vehicles often feature complex electronics systems, such as satellite radio that provides customized entertainment and the latest traffic conditions, GPS navigation to get the driver where he wants to go when he’s lost, keyless entry systems provide safe entrance to the vehicle, remote start allows the driver to start their vehicle from a distance so by the time they get in their vehicles it may be cool or warm already, tire pressure sensors tell drivers when their tires get too low, and radar detectors designed to avoid speeding tickets.

To work properly, these devices rely on antennas that receive signals from things as far away as the heavens (satellites) or as closeby as the next parking space (a remote control for keyless entry). Sometimes those antennas are on the roof, but other times they’re in the rear window. And, that’s where the problem comes in for Metallic Window Films. When metallized films are installed over those antennas, they interfere with the signals. That means a driver may not be able to enjoy the high technological features of his vehicle.

Ceramic Window Film – Solution

Metal films provide exceptional heat rejection and are highly durable, but they cause interference with rear window electronic systems. Dyed films are non-conductive, but they don’t last as long and they don’t provide the best heat rejection. Ceramic films provide the best of both worlds. Ceramic films also offer better visibility by reducing the reflective qualities of metallized window film while increasing the visible light transmission. This gives you a lighter film with higher heat rejection. It is why Sun Shield Window Tint only uses ceramic window films, Omar Mayorga says ”Our customers are important and they always come first”. As a huge car enthusiastic Anthony Mayorga says, ” Here at Sun Shield Window Tint, We Always treat our customers car as our own”.  Make Your appointment today and allow us to show you that our service is well-worth.

Houston Residential Solar Window Tint – Sugar Land

Sugar Land, Pearland, Galveston and Greater Houston area, Sun Shield Window Tint can help you protect your Home with residential window tinting. There are many benefits of home window tinting, which is the process of appliying solar window film to the interior side of windows. The primary purpose of solar window film is to deflect the direct sunlight and heat. There are a number of reasons that you might want to do this…

Defend the health and comfort of you and your family

Excessive exposure to direct sunlight is just bad for you. It can cause deterioration of the skin which leads to premature aging. It can also cause dry skin which involves itchiness and rashes, not to mention the increased chance of skin cancer.

• Residential window tinting blocks 99% of the ultraviolet light that causes such damage. It is a good idea to control your exposure to sun as much as possible. Save the sunlight exposure for doing fun things outside. Protect your home from the vicious rays.

Protect the interior of your house

Sunlight that comes into the house is phenomenal for fading carpet, drapes and furniture. The heat from it can also damage electronics and digital items and cause wood to warp.

• In addition to its blocking power, solar residetial window tinting can passively reflect and absorb up to 77% of incoming solar heat which keeps it from entering the house. Don’t put up with damage from “natural elements” inside your home. Protect your investments, keep them in excellent shape and make them last longer.

Improve finances by conserving energy

Solar residential window tinting decreases the heat that comes in from the outside which make it easier and cheaper to keep the house cool in the summer. It also has an insulating effect that will keep in the heat in the house during the winter, which will drastically decrease your electrical bill.

For 2009 only, the federal government is giving everybody a 30% off tax credit for home window tint. Consumers who purchases qualifying energy control window tinting for residential use from Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2009 are eligible for 2009 tax credit up to $1500 per taxpayer.

Guard your privacy

Privacy matters, but why would you want to keep your shades pulled down all the time? Home window tinting ensures that privacy during the day and it doesn’t block your view of the world!

• Home window tint comes in many different types. If you want to protect the privacy inside your home, choose a tint with a higher reflective rate. That way, you can see out but you can’t see in during the day. At night it does not ensure as much privacy, so it is good to close the blinds at night after you’ve enjoyed the view all day!

Make your home more attractive

Residential window tinting can make your home look better from the outside. Curb appeal is important to most homeowners. When decorating the inside of house, you are not going to use curtains that don’t match in one room. So, why would the outside of your house show different colors of curtains?

• Home window tint will block or obscure the view of the things that are inside the house for the exterior (depending on its reflectivity). Solar window film comes in many colors and shades as well so it can complement your home’s style.

Sun Shield Window Tint can meet all your tinting needs and help you with any window tinting project. Call us today (281) 748 – 5660 to speak to one of our representatives or make your appointment for a free consultation

2009 Federal Tax Credit for Home Window Tint

The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act reinstated federal tax cuts for consumers who make certain energy-efficient improvements to their home. For 2009, window film has been added to the list of improvements. Now anyone who has purchased qualifying solar control window film between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009 can receive a 2009 tax credit. For those who have not yet purchased film, they still have time. give Sun Shield Window Tint a call (281) 748 – 5660 and get the product install before Dec. 31, 2009 to receive a 2009 tax credit.

Money in Your Pocket
A tax credit is more valuable than a tax deduction. Tax credits directly reduces your income tax, unlike a deduction, which reduces the amount of income subject to tax. The credit then directly increases the tax refund you receive or decreases the amount you have to pay. Homeowners can receive a 30% credit on the costs of window film, up to $1500. Installation charges do not apply.

Making it Simple
Complete 2009 version of IRS form 5695 and file 2009 Income Tax Returns by April 15, 2010. Forms will be available for downloadable at www.energystar.gov or www.irs.gov, along with a list of other available energy efficiency tax credits. Maintain copies of the dealer invoice for the window film product, separated by cost for film and installation. Installation costs are not elegible for the tax credit. You will also need a copy of the manufacturer’s certification statement which determines which products qualify based upon where you reside. Make sure you keep a copy of both for your records.

Protecting Houston from the Scorching Heat

Two Ways to Save Money
Energy efficiency can lower your federal tax bill and your monthly energy bill. Heat gained through windows makes up to 48 percent of your summer utility bill. Solar control window film reduces heat gain by 80 percent, which helps lower energy consumption and energy bills. 

Other Benefits of Window Film
In addition to money savings, window film can increase indoor comfort, reduce fading of your home furnishings, and protect your family against harmful UV rays. Window film is also energy efficient. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, and cleanest way to extend our world’s energy supplies.

To Purchase Film
This 30% window film tax credit only applies to the cost of window film. It cannot be applied for the cost of labor to install the film.