Maximize the Return on Investment Your Windows With Window Film
Within the modern real estate market, maximizing the value of your property is paramount. Choosing which part of your property to improve can make a difference of hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. One such investment on the minds of property-owners is through updating glass windows; should those be a priority to maintain the highest return on investment?
The answer is a resounding yes. Keep reading to discover why updating old glass can reap massive benefits, how window film compares to new windows, and the specific benefits offered by window film.
Why Update Old Glass Windows?
Typically, window glass is not meant to last forever. Over time, wear and tear diminishes the effectiveness of your glass windows and doors — leading to significant downsides to property owners. Signs that old windows need a refresh include:
-
Visible cracks and imperfections
-
Notable interior drafts
-
Skyrocketing energy bills
-
Interior or exterior condensation
-
Increased rate of fading furniture
-
Reduced sound resistance
If you’re experiencing one or more of these signs on your property, it’s time for either new windows or window film.
Which Has a Greater ROI: Window Film vs New Windows
Choosing between the installation of new windows versus window film can be a difficult decision for property-owners. Ultimately, however, there’s a clear answer to the better option: window film has a much greater return on investment than replacement windows. Let’s explain the ROI of both, and why window film comes out superior.
Return on Investment of New Windows
High-quality, new windows inherently fix several issues that come with worn-out glass — alleviating drafts, improving faded sound resistance, and coming installed without any prior cracks or bumps.
High initial installation costs, however, limit the immediate return on investment of replacement windows. Angie’s List estimates that window glass replacement typically costs an average of $283 per window, or between $180 and $412. On properties with a large quantity of glass windows, these costs can quickly pile up.
These costs also fail to include the time investment needed for new window installation. To install new windows, window professionals need to first remove the original windows, then install the new windows — making businesses either inconvenient or unusable for employees and customers alike throughout the installation process.
Return on Investment of Window Film
Window film carries all of the benefits of total window replacement, but with streamlined installation at a fraction of the cost. Window film is charged per square footage; brands such as 3M range from $5-$8 per square foot for residential projects, with significant discounts for bulk orders on commercial projects. This low price is why, according to the US Department of Energy, window films typically pay back in as short as 3 years.
Unlike new windows, window film delivers this return on investment without replacing existing glass. In turn, window film also substantially reduces the price and length of installation compared to replacement windows. It’s exceedingly rare for window film installation to take longer than a day — not to mention your property will remain usable throughout installation.
How Can I Improve the ROI on My Windows With Window Film?
So what specific benefits of window film can lead to a positive return on investment in your property? The benefits of window film are varied and numerous — here are just a few to consider.
Increase Energy Efficiency
The US Department of Energy estimates that windows influence end uses making up about 43% of building energy consumption. However, by improving window performance, annual energy use in the United States could reduce by 1.7% — including energy savings for your property.
Window films are a key way to access these window energy savings. Offering year round energy savings across all seasons, window film comes in varieties such as heat control, low-E, and more. In turn, window film installation leads to lasting energy savings that contribute immediately to their return on investment.
Improve Glass Security
Crime can cause devastating damage and expenses for property-owners. From smash & grab crime to active shooters, violent attacks may spring losses of property, inventory, and even life.
Security window film mitigates the risk of diverse attacks, returning initial investments in the long-term and short-term. Rather than shattering, security window film absorbs the impact of blunt force. This absorption can stop robberies, stifle intruders, and mitigate shattered glass — leading to a substantial return on investment if disaster strikes.
Gain Better Aesthetic Value
For residential and commercial properties alike, presentation is everything. Decorative window film can increase the aesthetic value of your property, drawing in more business and upping the resale value for future investments. From building wraps and window graphics to structured architectural window film, the capability of window film to boost the aesthetic value of your property are nearly limitless.
Leverage the ROI of Window Film With Window Film Depot
With a low cost to install and diverse ways to return your investment, property-owners looking for upgrades with a high ROI should look no further than window film. Family owned and operated since 1992, Window Film Depot is your top choice to make this investment. Our experienced team retrofits high-performance films across diverse projects to ensure a palpable return on investment for your property. Contact us today and discover which of our solutions best fits your vision.
