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If you’re looking for a way to improve your home’s energy efficiency, privacy, or UV protection, you may be wondering where can I buy window film? This article walks you through your options for purchasing window film and the differences between each.
When shopping for window film for your home, it’s important to understand what makes a quality window film stand out. Not all films are created equal, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in performance, durability, and ease of installation.
Here are the key characteristics of high-quality residential window film:
Quality window films are made from durable, multi-layer polyester with ceramic materials that reflect and absorb the sun’s energy. Ceramic window films, like our ComforTech™ Ceramic Series, are engineered with advanced nano-ceramic technology for superior heat rejection with a neutral charcoal look. Ceramic is the top choice for professional window film installation.
Read more about window film technology here and ceramic window film here.
In addition, our films are dual reflective which means the internal reflectivity of the film is less than the external reflectivity. This allows you to see outside at night easier than a film without this feature. Read more about dual reflective films here.
The best window films block 99% of harmful UV rays and will significantly reduce heat gain, helping to protect your home’s interior and improve comfort. The important metrics for measuring heat rejection and conversely, heat gain are total solar energy rejected (TSER) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC).
TSER measures the amount of solar energy that is rejected by the filmed window as a percent and SHGC measures the amount of heat that makes its way through the filmed unit. Quality films should provide this information, along with other performance specs like visible light transmission, absorption, reflectivity, glare reduction, etc. Learn about all window film performance specs here.
In addition, professional-grade film manufacturers pay to have their film third-party tested and rated by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This is the non-profit that measures and regulates performance and efficiency of windows and window films.
A premium film will have a high-quality, long-lasting adhesive that prevents peeling or bubbling over time. It should also be optically clear, meaning it won’t distort your view or create a hazy effect on your windows.
There are two types of adhesive on the market: pressure sensitive adhesive which is sticky and dry adhesive which needs to be activated by water. Both adhesives are fine, but most professional flat glass films use a dry adhesive to make installation easier. Lower cost films use a pressure sensitive adhesive.
You can read more about adhesive types here.
A good window film should last for years without fading, bubbling, or peeling. Professional grade films can last up to 20 years.
Look for films backed by warranties from US-based companies that have been in business for a while, ensuring not only long-term performance but also access to warranty coverage should you need it.
Now that you know what to look for in a quality tint, let’s get into where you can purchase them. There are three main ways to purchase window film:
Each option has its pros and cons, but if you’re looking for high-quality, professional-grade film at a reasonable price, buying online is often the best choice. Here’s why:
One option is to hire a professional window film installer. This is typically the most expensive route, but it comes with benefits such as expert installation and access to premium brands like 3M and Llumar, which are only sold through authorized dealers.
In fact, before we came along, the only way to purchase premium, professional-grade ceramic window film for your home was to buy through an installer.
✅ Professional installation ensures no bubbles or creases
✅ Access to high-end commercial-grade films
✅ Pros have access to equipment like scaffolding for windows that are high off the ground
❌ High installation costs—often 3-5x the cost of buying film yourself
❌ Limited to brands that only sell through dealers
❌ Scheduling and availability may not be convenient
If you want a top-tier window film but don’t want to pay for professional installation, buying a high-quality DIY-friendly film online can be a great alternative.
Big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart also offer window film for DIY installation, typically from brands like Gila and Rabbitgoo. These films are inexpensive and easy to find, but they’re often lower in quality or older technology films compared to professional-grade options.
We found that most of these films are simple, low-cost silver metallic films with high reflectivity both on the interior and exterior. They have a pressure sensitive adhesive and are typically only 1MIL thick. If you check out the ratings of these films, you will often find people discussing how difficult they are to handle and install.
In general, there is a reason that these films are less expensive – because they are not offering a professional-grade window film.
✅ Inexpensive and widely available
✅ No waiting—buy in-store and install immediately
❌ Lower-quality film that may fade, peel, or have weak adhesive
❌ Thinner film creases easily and is difficult to install
❌ Limited selection, mostly decorative or basic privacy films – no choice of VLT or shade
❌ No professional-grade ceramic solar control films available
❌ Often no technical data or performance specifications are provided for the film, so you don’t know what you are purchasing.
If you need a quick, temporary solution, big box store window films might work. However, for long-term performance and durability, they don’t compare to high-quality online options.
Shopping online gives you access to high-quality film through Concord Window Film. Including the professional-grade options that aren’t available in retail stores. At Concord Window Film, we specialize in DIY-friendly, professional-grade films that offer superior heat rejection, UV blocking, and durability.
✅ Professional-grade film available to DIYers—the same high-tech technology film that is sold and used by professional installers on homes and commercial buildings
✅ Easy to install —our thicker film and dry adhesive make installation much easier. ComforTech™ comes in several pre-cut kits to fit most standard sized windows and doors. Plus we have installation videos, written instructions and US-based customer service to help you
✅ More variety—our solar control ceramic film comes in five performance shades to match every aesthetic
✅ Cost savings—skip the installer markup and apply the film yourself
✅ Convenient shipping—delivered right to your door
❌ Requires DIY installation (though with our easy-to-follow installation guides, thousands of homeowners have done it successfully)
At Concord Window Film, our mission is to make top-quality professional-grade ComforTech™ Ceramic Window Film, available to DIY homeowners. ComforTech™ provides superior heat rejection compared to the basic films you’ll find at big box stores. Our film:
✅Blocks up to 82% of solar energy keeping your home cooler and saving you money on electricity
✅Rejects 99% of UV rays to protect your family, furniture and floors
✅Easy to install precut kits with DIY-friendly instructions and a pro-grade tool kit
✅Cost effective upgrading your windows with film is a fraction of the cost of replacement, and installing yourself saves you even more!
You can read more about the performance of our film here.
If you’re looking for the best combination of affordability and performance, buying window film online is the way to go. Browse our selection at windowfilm.com and find the perfect film for your home today! Or better, yet: contact us! We love to help homeowners and DIYers find the perfect film to solve their needs. You can reach us three ways:
Not sure which film is right for you? Take our Window Film Recommendation Quiz and let us help!
Want to see samples of the film in your own space? Order a sample kit today.
Our sample kit comes with 5″ x 7″ pieces of all five of our ComforTech Ceramic Series window film shades, a sample of our Silver 15 Reflective film as well as out Matte White Privacy film.
The kit costs $5 to order (shipping included), but comes with a coupon code inside the kit that gives you $5 off your future film purchase.
The kit is the best way to view the film in your home and choose the shade that is right for you!
