UV rays can do a lot of damage – to both your property and you. As such, it’s important to do what you can to get UV protection. Since your windows let so much sunlight into your home, of course, you would want to know whether or not windows provide UV protection. The answer is both yes and no.
Here is what you need to know about UV rays and the UV protection that windows do provide. Let’s get into it!
What UV Rays Do You Need To Worry About?
Ultraviolet radiation is naturally produced by the sun. While you cannot see UV rays in the same way that you can see light and you cannot feel it in the way you can feel heat, they’re still there. UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer, and can damage your property by causing fading and discoloration. They can also negatively affect your bank account by increasing your energy bills.
There are three different types of UV rays: UVC, UVB, and UVA rays.
- UVC rays are the ones that you really don’t need to worry about. This is because the ozone layer prevents UVC rays from ever reaching the ground. The only way a human can be exposed to UVC rays is from an artificial source, like a laser or lamp.
- UVB rays are the ones responsible for sunburns. They have a shorter wavelength and only penetrate the superficial layers of your skin. While UVB rays can help with vitamin D production, it also causes most skin cancers.
- UVA rays are the ones responsible for premature aging and can cause skin cancer. They are longer and less intense than UVB rays, but penetrate deeper into the skin. They can cause tanning, as well as break down the collagen fibers that keep your skin strong and supple.
As you can see, your concerns are UVB and UVA rays. Unless you’re thinking about UVC lamps, you don’t need to worry about this type of UV ray.
What Damage Can UV Rays Do To Your Home?
In the above section, we talked mostly about how UV rays can damage your skin. This is the paramount concern with UV rays, as protecting your health matters infinitely more than trying to protect material possessions.
However, UV rays can also damage your home. You want to ensure that your things stay in good condition for as long as possible, so finding UV protection is important for your home, as well as you.
UV rays mostly cause fading and discoloration. You know how epoxy floors can turn yellow over time? This is due to UV exposure. UV rays could also fade a prized painting, cause your furniture to look older, and generally cause the interior of your home to appear older and lackluster.
Can Windows Provide UV Protection?
Older windows aren’t good about providing UV protection. While new windows can help, dermatologists still recommend that you wear sunscreen indoors in order to protect against skin damage.
According to the International Ultraviolet Association, most UVB rays are blocked by window glass. However, almost all UVA rays can pass through your windows. What this means is that while it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll get a sunburn by sitting by your windows inside your home, you’re still at risk of skin damage from UVA rays and the tiny percentage of UVB rays that can get through your windows.
Newer windows provide better UV protection than old windows. Low-E (low-emittance) windows are excellent for UV protection, as they have a special coating that reflects UV rays away from your home. As window manufacturing has progressed, window manufacturers work to find ways to prevent UV ray penetration.
Special window glazes and treatments can also protect both you and your home. Window films minimize UV ray penetration. You can also opt for solar shades and curtains and the like, but if you’re someone who enjoys as much natural light as possible, window films and glazes will help improve the UV protection of your windows. That way, you can have your windows open and brighten your home while keeping your skin and property protected.
Are You Looking To Increase Your Home’s UV Protection?
Peak Windows can help! We provide all sorts of window services, from new construction windows to window replacement to broken glass repair, and more. We’re passionate about improving the homes and lives of our clients with top-quality products and services. Contact us today to learn more about our windows.