Window Tinting in the Gold Coast, Chicago

Glare Film for East-Facing Gold Coast Lakefront Condos

The towers along Lake Shore Drive face east across open water, which means sunrise comes straight into the living room. On a clear morning there is direct sun plus the bright reflection off the lake surface, and nothing across the street to block either one. Residents tell us the first few hours of the day are the hardest on the eyes, the TV and the furniture.

A light glare reduction film takes the sharpness out of that morning light. The view of the lake stays clear. We usually suggest a neutral film over a dark or mirrored one, because the view is the reason people live there and because most associations want the tower facade to look consistent from the Drive.

Units on the south side of a building get the low winter sun later in the day as well. Corner units often end up with two films, a stronger one on the sunniest wall and a lighter one elsewhere, so the rooms feel balanced. We measure and sample each wall separately before suggesting that split.

Window Film for Astor Street and Gold Coast Historic Homes

West of the lakefront towers, the Gold Coast has blocks of 19th and early 20th century mansions, row houses and walk-ups, and much of the area falls within historic district boundaries, including the Astor Street landmark district. Exterior changes there can face review, so anything that alters how the windows look from the street deserves a check first.

Clear UV and low-e films are the usual fit for these houses. They go on the inside of the glass, are hard to notice from the sidewalk, and can be removed later without harming the window. We avoid reflective and dark films on historic facades. For original glass with waves or seeds in it, we inspect the panes first, because old glass that is cracked or loose in its putty should be repaired before any film is applied.

Low-E Window Film for Gold Coast Winters

Lake wind in January makes a tall wall of glass feel cold even when the heat is running. Low-e film adds a coating that reflects room heat back inside, so the glass surface feels less like a cold panel and the room near the window is more comfortable. It also helps in summer by rejecting some solar heat.

Film is not a fix for air leaks. If cold air is moving around the sash or through a failed seal, that needs weatherstripping or repair. Once the frame is sound, low-e film is a reasonable step for condo owners who cannot replace windows because the association controls them.

• Low-e film for tall living room windows
• Neutral glare film for east-facing lake views
• Clear UV film for art, rugs and wood floors
• Privacy film for lower-floor bedrooms and baths

UV Film for Oak Street Boutiques and Gold Coast Shops

The boutiques on Oak Street and the shops and salons along Rush and State keep expensive goods in their windows. Clothing, leather and printed packaging all fade under steady sun. A clear UV film filters out close to all of the ultraviolet, and shoppers looking in will not notice anything on the pane.

For shops with south-facing windows, a light solar film adds heat and glare control on top of the UV protection. Security film can be installed at the same time on doors and lower panes, which holds the glass together if someone tries to break in. Installers work early or after closing so the boutique never has to shut its doors for the day.