How Your Windows Can Block UV Light
In the pursuit of a comfortable and inviting living space, protecting your home from the harmful effects of UV rays is essential. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can pose a threat to your health and your home.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause skin damage, fading of furniture, and even increase the risk of skin cancer.
The good news is that your windows can play a crucial role in shielding your home from these harmful rays. By understanding how windows can effectively block UV light, you enhance your well-being and preserve the beauty and longevity of your home’s interior.
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Call 410-795-3110What’s the Difference Between UVA & UVB Light?
There are three types of ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun — UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays don’t make it through the earth’s atmosphere, so currently, the ones we have to worry about are UVA and UVB. But what makes them different, and how are they dangerous to our health?
UVA Rays
These have a longer wavelength and are 500 times more prevalent in our atmosphere than UVB. These rays are associated with aging skin and penetrate the skin deeper than UVB, causing damage to the skin cells and triggering premature aging.
UVA rays are attributed to the development of skin cancers. These rays can penetrate windows and cloud cover.
UVB Rays
UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and make up 5% of ultraviolet rays in our atmosphere. UVB rays cause sunburns, tans, blistering, and severe burns requiring hospitalization.
They’re capable of causing skin cancer since UVB rays damage the skin’s DNA, even though they only affect the outermost layers of the skin. Most windows block UVB rays, but UVB is present year-round when the sun is out.
Why You Should Invest in Double-Pane or Triple-Pane Windows
Many Potomac homes have their original windows, which are great for historical value but not for energy efficiency or safety. Single-pane windows, especially older ones, let in UVA light and cause your home to waste energy.
They let in too much light and heat and usually aren’t sealed tightly enough to keep out the cold in winter. There are ways to upgrade your single-pane windows temporarily, but replacing your old windows with new double- or triple-pane windows is best.
Double-Pane Windows
Also called double-glazed windows, double-pane windows have two pieces of glass with a gas-filled barrier between them. The gas gap provides great insulation from heat and cold, and a tinted window coating prevents UVA light from entering your home.
Triple-Pane Windows
These windows have three layers of glass with gas-filled spaces between each pane. They work the same way as double-pane windows, but triple-pane windows provide even more protection from the elements. You can expect reduced noise pollution, better insulation during extreme weather, lower utility costs, and improved comfort.
Triple-pane windows are much heavier than single- or double-pane, so it’s important to ensure your window frames are in good condition and strong enough to hold a heavier window.
Protect Your Home From UV Rays With High-Quality Windows
Most people don’t think about sunburn while indoors, and even fewer think about their carpet or furniture fading. UV rays can do a lot of damage to the things you care about; it’s time to upgrade to UV-blocking double- or triple-pane windows.
Here’s what UV rays from the sun do to your home and family:
- Degradation of furnishings: UV rays fade colors and cause materials to break down, which affects your window coverings, furniture, artwork, and floors.
- Skin damage and cancer: Even if you’re sitting indoors, you can get sun damage from prolonged exposure to UV rays.
- Degenerative eye conditions: UV rays damage our eyes and can lead to cataracts and other serious eye health issues.
Tips To Further Protect Your Home From Damaging UV Rays
There are several additional steps you can take to prevent UV rays from entering your home:
- UV-blocking window film applied to your windows
- Curtains and blinds that have a UV-protective coating
- Solar screens on the outside of windows
- Awnings over windows on the sunniest sides of your home
- Provide shade by strategically planting trees, shrubs, or vines near windows
- Window tinting blocks UV light, gives you privacy, and can come in a variety of tints
Upgrade Your Windows With Potomac View Energy
Replacing your windows with double- or triple-pane windows will increase your home’s value, provide proper UVA and UVB protection, and give you peace of mind for years to come.
Potomac View Energy proudly serves Maryland homeowners with no obligation and free estimates. We stand behind our superior products, installation, and warranties at a price our competitors can’t match.
Call 410-795-3110 today to learn more about energy-efficient double- and triple-pane windows and how they’ll save you money on your utilities.
