Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation - What is it and how do I protect against it?

Three percent of the solar spectrum is made up of Ultraviolet rays. But don't let that small percentage fool you. UV solar energy is very powerful and dangerous to the human skin and other earthly materials such as furniture, wood floors, leather seats, etc. This section will provide a synopsis of the various forms of UV rays, along with what happens when UV rays strike a glazing system.


There are 3 types of UV Rays:

Causes of fading. Source: AIMCAL Manual

1. UV-A Rays: UV-A rays have the longest energy wavelength and have the ability to penetrate the skin. These rays are considered one of the primary causes of skin aging.

2. UV-B Rays: A percentage of UV-B rays are filtered out by the earth's atmosphere and ozone layers. These rays often cause sunburn when the skin is overexposed.

3. UV-C Rays: The earth's atmosphere and ozone layers
filter out all UV-C radiation below 290 nanometers.


When UV Rays strike glass
When UV rays strike an untreated piece of glass, roughly 67% of the radiant energy will pass through. The addition of window film will add substantial protection from these harmful UV rays. Most window films will block as much as 99% of Ultraviolet radiation from entering a window.
As discussed, UV rays can be harmful to the human skin. They can also cause serious fading to many indoor objects in homes, offices and automobiles. By blocking a majority of UV radiation, window film can play a major role in helping to protect skin from the effects of aging and skin cancer, while prolonging the life of valuable fabrics and furnishings.

Protect your furnishings

Reduce the effects of aging