It’s a bit of a misconception that applying window film to your windows stops fading. That is just not the case, this article will attempt to clear up this confusion. First let’s understand just what UV really is.
What is UV Radiation?
UV is made up of UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA radiation makes up 95% of all the UV rays that reach the earth’s surface. UVA can penetrate into our skin and can pass through glass. UVA damages the collagen and elastin in the skin and also generates free radicals.
UVB radiation makes up 5% of the UV rays, the problem is it is very high energy, UVB damages skin cells and causes DNA mutations that can lead to melanoma and other types of skin problems. UVC is filtered by the earth’s atmosphere and ozone layer along with a percentage of UVB.
Protect Yourself with Window Films
When UVA joins up with UVB serious problems like skin cancer can happen. So, how do you protect yourself? Staying out of the sun is the best choice, but that’s not practical in today’s world with busy schedules and appointments. One good solution when outside is to use sunscreen along with being covered up, hat and long sleeves. But, what about when you are driving or riding in a vehicle? That is where adding window film to your vehicle and home comes in.
Window films can block up to 99% of the UV rays, both UVA and UVB. But, window films will not block enough of the UV to eliminate fading. To better understand this, you must understand just what each type of window film can prevent and which type is best for your needs.
Understanding the Causes of Fading and How Window Films Help
To best understand this, you need to know how to read the causes of the fading wheel. This is listed on this site under the UV Protection tab. So, when you look at this chart you will see that UV light is only 40% of what causes fading, window films block 99% of that percent. Heat is 25% of what causes fading, window films will reject a certain percentage depending on the film type. Visible light is also handled by which film is chosen and then there is the misc. 10%, which is always prevalent.
So, as you can see, window films are a very good solution for heat, light and UV protection and are a much better solution than nothing at all on your windows or keeping drapes or blinds closed during the day.