The sun is a wonderful source of light and warmth, but it can be harmful to your home and family if you aren’t careful about your windows. UV rays are the most common culprit when it comes to window damage. But, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other threats out there.
The Sun emits ultra violet rays (UV rays)
UV rays are the cause of skin cancer, eye damage and cataracts. The sun emits more than just UV rays but we’re going to focus on just those.
How much UV rays do window film block out?
Window film can block out UV rays in varying degrees, depending on the type of window film you choose. Window film is available in several different “films” or coatings that vary in how well they block out UV rays and other forms of radiation.
Window films that are “hard coated” will protect you from solar radiation more than films that are not hard coated. Hardcoat technology is a process that creates a hard outer layer on the front surface of a film. This allows it to block out more solar energy.
Many people prefer soft coatings because they don’t require any extra steps after installation. But, there are two disadvantages. First, soft coating doesn’t last as long as hard coating. Secondly, soft coating doesn’t always provide maximum protection against UV rays or infrared heat.
What kind of window film is the best?
The kind of window film you choose will also affect how much UV protection you get. Films that are more reflective and/or thicker tend to block out more UV rays. Less durable films may not provide as strong of a barrier.
When choosing between different types of window film, keep in mind that some types provide better energy efficiency than others. If you’re looking for increased energy savings from your home, consider investing in dual-pane windows or high performance glass with low-E coatings on both panes. You can also look into triple pane windows if you want even higher insulation levels than what’s offered by dual pane windows.
Does the level of blockage matter?
Yes. The more UV rays the film blocks out, the better. The higher your SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating is on your window film product, the better it will protect you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The lower your SPF number is on your window film product, however, means that those rays will enter through it at a higher rate.
Windows can be protected from harmful UV rays with a little bit of extra investment in window film.
Residential window films are a great way to keep the sun out while still being able to see what’s going on outside of your home.
UV rays can cause skin cancer and other harmful effects, but they also have other uses in our everyday lives that may not be quite so obvious. They can cause fading of furniture and carpets, discoloration on your skin, and even damage your eyesight.
To wrap up, yes, window film does block out UV rays. But you will have to do some research and ask around before buying any product. It is important that you understand how much the product blocks out before installing it on your windows. The best kind of window film will be one that blocks out all harmful ultraviolet rays while still letting enough light in so that plants can grow.