This article discusses if modern windows block UV light. Homeowners are concerned with the amount of UV light that enters their homes through the windows. Not only are the UV light can cause damage to the furniture, but it can also place the health of the people living inside the house at risk. If you are thinking about changing your old window and are wondering if modern windows can block UV lights, read the rest of the article below for more information.
Do modern windows block UV light? While modern windows can block UVB, UVA can still pass through. The amounts of UVA that can pass through modern windows vary depending on the type of glass that is used as well as its characteristics. The good news is that you can install window films that are effective in blocking the sun’s heat as well as UV rays.
Does glass protect you against UV rays? What are UV rays? Can low-E windows protect you against UV rays? How do you block UV rays from entering your windows? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. Find out more about the topic below.
What are UV Rays?
UV rays or also known as ultraviolet rays are a term that is used to describe a wide spectrum of wavelengths that ranges from 400nm to 100nm. UV rays are dangerous to your health since prolonged exposure can result in skin irritation, sunburn, and even skin cancer. It can also cause your furniture, carpets, and flooring to fade. These rays are the invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum that falls between the violet visible light and the x-rays.
Can Modern Glass Window Protect You Against UV Rays?
Modern glass windows can provide a level of protection against UV rays. The windows can absorb UVBs which prevents sunburns and skin cancer. Moreover, it cannot prevent UVAs which can also affect the skin. On the other hand, by installing treated glass and window films, the amount and level of UVA that passes through the windows can be reduced.
If you have an ordinary glass window, about seventy-five percent of UVA can still pass through it. However, by having tinted windows and reflective glasses, you can reduce this amount but about twenty-five to fifty percent can still pass through the windows. The best solution is to install laminated and UV-blocking coated glass which effectively blocks about ninety-five to ninety-nine percent of UV rays.
Can You Get Sunburn Through Glass Windows?
Sitting in front of a window for many hours, especially if it is not treated or does not have any tint, can irritate your skin but it will not cause sunburn. This is because glass can block harmful rays. On the other hand, you need to remember that some rays of the sun can still pass through the glass and can cause skin damage.
Can Low-E Windows Protect Against UV Rays?
Low-E windows or also known as low-emissivity windows can protect against UV rays. These windows feature a thin metallic coating that enables visible light to pass through while blocking UV rays as well as infrared radiation. They are a great option for your home because they help keep a comfortable temperature indoors. Moreover, they are effective in blocking heat that comes from infrared radiation.
The coating featured in the low-E windows can minimize glare so you do not have to squint when watching TV or using the computer. On the other hand, if you do not want to purchase low-E windows, you can have the alternative of treating your current windows with film or tint. They are a cost-effective way to block UV rays from your home.
✅ Video – What are Low-E Coatings for Windows?
Houston Window Experts shared the video below on YouTube. It discusses what low-E coatings for windows are. If you are thinking about applying low-E coatings to your windows and would like to find out more about them, watch the video below for more ideas.
Can Tinted Windows Block all UV Rays?
Tinted windows cannot block all UV rays and a very tiny amount of UV rays can still pass through. High-quality tinted windows can block up to ninety-nine percent of UV rays. This leaves about zero point one percent of UV rays to enter your property through the windows. While it is a very tiny amount of UV rays, it can still accumulate. Hence, you should wear sunscreen even if you are at home especially if you always stay near the windows.
How to Block UV Light From Entering Through Your Window?
Tinting your windows, replacing the screens, and installing blinds and curtains are some of the ways to block UV light from entering through your windows. Let us learn more about these solutions below.
Applying Window Tint
Applying tint to the windows in your home that receive the most sunlight can help reduce the number of UV rays. Aside from that, it also reduces your energy bills because it can help keep the temperature inside the house comfortable by blocking the heat of the sun. There is a wide array of window tints available on the market and each of them can block different levels of UV rays. You can also check out this article that discusses if there is a film you can put on windows for privacy. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Replacing Window Screens
Another effective way to block UV light from entering your home through your windows is to replace the screens. Bear in mind that the window screens can also get damaged because of sun exposure. Replacing the screens will add another layer of protection against UV rays. You can choose from a wide array of sunscreens available for your home. You can also check out this article that discusses if UV film blocks heat. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Use Blinds and Curtains
Using blinds and curtains for your windows can also block UV rays. Window blinds can block up to fifty percent of the energy that escapes through the window and they are easy to install. On the other hand, the problem with using blinds and curtains is that you need to close them so that the UV rays will not enter. As a result, it will be dark inside the house because natural light cannot enter. You can always turn on the light, but this can cause your energy bill to go up.
Does Old Windows Block UV Light?
Old windows cannot block UV light. It can put the safety of your home at risk. This is because as windows get older, they are prone to issues like drafts and water leaks. Aside from that, if you have old windows made many years ago, they are made of thin glass which makes it easier for UV rays to enter your home. It is best that you iYou should install better if you apply tints and films to your window to help block UV rays. We have also shared this article titled, does window film keep heat in? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Can Modern Windows Eliminate the Risk of UV Rays?
Modern windows can help illuminate the risk of UV rays because of the way that they are manufactured nowadays. As compared to old windows, the modern ones are made to be double-paned. It is also manufactured in a way that its glass can keep the UV rays from entering the house. While the glass allows light and even heat, it blocks UV rays which prevents damaging your furniture.
Installing new windows to your house is important especially if your current windows show signs of damage. Take note that old windows can put not only your belongings at risk but also your health as well. Choose from a wide array of modern windows available on the market. You can compare one product to another to get the best deals. We have also shared this article titled, does window film look cheap? You can check out the article for more tips and information.
Can Regular Glass Block UV Rays?
Regular glass windows can block most UVB rays, but not all UVA rays. The good news is that you can apply treatments, films, tints, and coatings to the glass window to increase its protection. These treatments can also be applied to glass doors and glass partitions. Talk to a professional about the best choices that you can have at home.
Are Modern Windows Expensive?
The price of modern windows ranges from cheap to expensive depending on the type, size, and features that it has. The bigger and more features a window has, the more expensive it will be. You should compare one product to another to find the one that can fit your budget without sacrificing the quality and style of the window that you need. You can also read this article that discusses if UV window film reduces heat. We have shared helpful information that you can refer to.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed if modern windows block UV light. We have found out that modern windows are made to block UV light. Moreover, they are made to be durable and high-quality as compared to older windows. You can also customize modern windows according to your needs and preferences. Thank you for reading!