Help! Need info on switchable privacy glass

8 years ago

Need to make a decision ASAP to get front doors ordered in time to finish product. We are changing our front doors in Florida to impact with glass on top. I love the look of a clear glass during the day. Currently planning on it having a reflection which helps give privacy during day but none at night.
I was looking into the switchable privacy films such as invisishade and smart tint. Does anyone have any advice on application for doors, longevity, pricing, pros/cons?
Below are the doors we are installing without the side fixed panes. Just the doors.
Thank you.

Featured Answer

Ana H
Original Author

7 years ago

Hi. We did not end up choosing due to concern about fraying wires in hinges which run electrical supply to glass. Vendors here also did not seem too familiar with the product so I opted to just do regular reflection. This is how it looked day of installation

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Comments (19)

User
8 years ago
100 different Curtains are a helluva lot cheaper. And won’t break. Or require electricity to operate.
PRO
JAN MOYER
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
That is a lot of expense for a privacy when nobody can really see in.......and none when they CAN. Daylight inside and out make it difficult to see in. Lights on, and darkness out, makes it quite easy to see into a home.
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sofikbr
8 years ago
we used this film for pool bathroom door. Complete privacy day and night. Not sure about one you were asking but if it not ordered yet, I would go with different design.
our front door, let all of the light in.
K R
8 years ago
Look into streaming tint, it lets in light during the day (but you can’t see in) and you also can’t see in at night. I have it on my side lights at my front door.
Ana H
Original Author
8 years ago
These are doors we are planning on using. Not sure if they came out in original post. Replacing doors completely and house is currently gutted so should not be an issue to run electricity to it. How expensive are we talking? I was also not sure how to add curtains to the front door so was looking for different options. Want to keep door looking as simple as possible. Still want the pane to be clear most of time
Jane
8 years ago
Florida has strict code on egress doors... hurricane safety and all... if you are going to pull permits or going to insure your home you might review your option
Ana H
Original Author
8 years ago
Doing it all with permits. Will check with company if this is an issue.
User
8 years ago
Between running the proper electrical supply, sleeving it properly to be in constant motion which wears wires out, hurricane glass, and the electronic privacy glass, you may be looking at a 10K upgrade. Materials are only part of the equation.
Ana H
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you Sophie. Agree that at that price point not worth it.
K R
8 years ago
For example this. It is a tint so 1) it is inexpensive and 2) if you don't like it in a few years you can change it very easily There are quite a few different types.
PRO
Zabitat, Door Glass Replacement
8 years ago
Depending on the size of your current door glass, you may be able to swap out the glass inserts for Privacy door glass and sidelights. If they aren't standard size, you can order custom sized units, but they are a bit more expensive. Just another option to consider for a more permanent, long-term solution.
Kelly O
7 years ago
Where did you end up with this decision? Curious as I am in the same new front door predicament!
User
7 years ago
This thread just popped up in my feed and I had never heard of switchable privacy glass before. For those of you who don’t know what it is but are curious, here’s a link to to how it works. Very interesting.
Kelly O
7 years ago
Ana! Great choice! It’s beautiful. I like the clean lines of the door. It’s a perfect updated version on traditional. Do you mind sharing the door manufacturer and model?
Ana H
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks, Kelly. Waiting for answer back from GC on specs. Will let you know
Kelly O
7 years ago
Appreciate it!
Kelly O
7 years ago
Hi Ana! Any chance your contractor got back to you with the specs on the door? The only half panel glass double doors I can find look too farmhouse for our style and yours is the perfect and streamlined. Thanks!
sharron08
7 years ago
Hi Kelly,

I believe this is a wrought iron door. If so, there are many door companies that will custom make a door for you. I would recommend you check out KC Luxury. I worked with Byron to custom create my door. He sent me a CAD to approve and then made my door for no extra costs! Hope this helps.