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At Concord Window Film, we specialize in films that block up to 99% of UV rays. This protection is crucial not only for safeguarding your skin and health but also for preserving the color and integrity of your home’s furnishings, artworks, and fabrics. It’s an invisible guard against the silent yet potent effects of the sun.
This guide will walk you through what UV blocking does (and doesn’t!) do, as well as the different types of UV blocking film available at Concord Window Film.
Before delving into the benefits of UV blocking window film, it’s crucial to understand what UV rays are.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. On the electromagnetic spectrum, they sit between visible light and x-rays. UV rays are invisible to the human eye but can affect us as damage to ourselves and other objects.
There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays have the longest wavelengths, followed by UVB, and UVC rays have the shortest wavelengths. While the earth’s atmosphere absorbs UVC rays, UVA and UVB can reach the earth’s surface and, consequently, our homes.
The impact of UVA and UVB rays on human health and our environment is profound. Prolonged exposure to these rays can lead to various health issues, including:
UVA and UVB rays are primary contributors to skin aging and are the leading cause of skin cancers. They can penetrate deeply into the skin, causing long-term damage.
Read more about how UV light can damage your skin.
Exposure to UV rays can harm the eyes, leading to conditions like cataracts, which can impair vision.
Read more about how UV light can damage your eyes.
UV rays don’t spare your home’s interior. They can cause fading and deterioration of fabrics, furniture, artworks, and flooring, leading to a loss of value and aesthetic appeal.
Read more about how UV light damages furniture, floors and décor.
You may be wondering – don’t my window help block out UV rays? And the answer is yes, to some extent. Residential windows do block the majority of UVB rays that cause sunburn, but they only block about 25% of the UVA rays that penetrate deeper in the skin causing damage.
To remedy this, you can install a UV blocking window film. Professional grade, permanent window films typically add UV blocking compounds to the adhesive of the films so that the UV protection is independent of the color of the film or active ingredients for sun rejection/absorption.
For example, when applied to window glass, all of Concord Window Film’s films block 99% of UV rays in the 300-380nm spectrum (the industry standard measure).
And, important organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation endorse window film as an important measure in protecting yourself against the disease.
If you are looking for UV blocking window film, you can choose any film that we carry. All of our films installed on glass block 99% of UV rays – so the choice is yours.
Below are some suggestions for different issues you want to solve:
If you are primarily concerned about blocking UV rays for your skin health, and don’t necessarily want to change the look of your windows, we recommend:
Our 2 Mil clear UV film is your choice when you are simply looking for UV protection for your windows and don’t want to change the look of the glass at all! Made from high-quality, multi-layered polyester material, this window film is durable and resilient, with good optical clarity.
The film has a pressure adhesive that is tacky to the touch and the rolls come with detailed instructions for installation, and tabs for liner removal.
ComforTech™ 45 is our lightest shade of film that looks almost invisible on the glass. It has the lowest reflectivity – both interior and exterior – of all of our shades and looks the most natural.
ComforTech™ 45 is a good choice for people whose primary concern is blocking harmful UV rays or someone with a moderate need for solar, glare, or fade control. The film lets in the most visible light of all the shades at 45% while also rejecting 51% of total solar energy.
If you are looking for UV protection to reduce facing of your furniture, floors or décor, it’s important to first understand the causes of fading.
As the graphic below illustrates, UV light contributes 40% to the cause of fading. But both visible light and heat play a role contributing 25% each.
So to get the most fade protection possible, you want to block not just UV rays, but also heat and visible light.
All of our ComforTech™ Ceramic Series shades of film block 99% of UV rays and offer some measure of both heat and visible light control.
We have five shades from the lightest: 45 to the darkest: 05. In general, the darker the film you choose, the better the performance of the film will be in blocking visible light and heat.
So, to maximize fade protection, you should choose ComforTech™ 05 our darkest film. But you may not want to have a dark film on your windows. The bottom line is that it comes down to how dark of a film you are willing to go with to achieve your desired results.
Shop ComforTech™ Ceramic Series Film.
Our Silver 15 Reflective film is also an option for UV protection. Again, like all of our films, Silver 15 blocks 99% of UV rays when installed on a window.
This is a metallic film that is highly reflective and has terrific solar control properties. It does have a shiny metallic look and is an economical choice for heat control.
Shop Silver 15 Reflective Film.
UV Blocking Window Film Summary
Window film is an important option to consider if you are concerned about protecting yourself or your family from UV film.
If you are looking for the best protection – look for a film that blocks 99% of UV rays once installed.
And if you are looking for fade protection – you should consider getting a film that provides not only UV protection but also blocks visible light and heat as well.
If you have questions about UV film and the options available at Concord Window Film – feel free to reach out. Our window film experts are here to support you every step of your journey. Connect at [email protected], or 888-206-1413, or chat with us on our website: www.windowfilm.com.
