Natural sunlight provides the most pleasing illumination for indoor spaces. However, you may find that too much sunlight leaves its mark. Faded walls, carpets, and upholstery are all consequences of too much UV light. Fortunately, UV protection windows let you enjoy the sunlight while protecting your interiors. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., provides expert home improvement services in New Jersey. Here, we discusses what UV protection windows are, how they reduce fading, and when to consider window replacement.

Key Takeaways

• Sunlight breaks down dyes and pigments, reducing their color over time.
• Most fading is caused by UV and infrared light, although visible light also plays a role.
• UV protection windows use specialized coatings or plastic layers to reflect UV radiation, reducing the primary cause of fading.
• By combining UV protection windows with light-blocking blinds, drapes, and curtains, you can protect your floors and furniture from fading.

Why Does Sunlight Cause Fading Indoors?

Sunlight causes fading through a chemical process called photodegradation. Over time, light rays break down the molecular bonds in dyes and pigments. As the molecules break down, they lose their color. The object takes on a dull or bleached appearance. The sun produces multiple types of light, each contributing to fading differently:

• UV radiation: About 40% of fading is caused by UV light. This invisible, high-energy ray directly breaks down chemical bonds in dyes and pigments, destroying their color.
• Visible light: About 25% of fading is caused by visible light. These rays dull colors and bleach surfaces, but much more slowly than UV radiation does.
• Infrared light: About 25% of fading is caused by infrared light, or heat. Infrared dries out materials like wood and leather, making them more vulnerable to bleaching.

Rooms that receive significant sun exposure are the most vulnerable to fading. In New Jersey, this usually means rooms that face south or west. You should also pay attention to rooms with large windows, especially ones that aren’t protected by window treatments. While an impressive picture window provides a picturesque view, it also admits lots of daylight that can fade your furniture.

How Do UV Protection Windows Help Reduce Interior Fading?

UV protection windows are designed with a special low-emissive (low-E) coating. The coating uses a microscopic layer of metallic material. The material reflects UV and infrared rays, reducing the two primary sources of fading, but it allows visible light to pass through. Laminated glass is another UV protection option. This glass type features a layer of plastic sandwiched between two layers of glass and can reflect a percentage of UV light.

Low-E coatings and laminated windows can slow fading significantly. However, visible light still causes some fading, so UV windows can’t prevent it completely. For rooms that experience severe fading, consider combining your UV protection windows with other methods. Light-blocking window treatments help reduce fading, and rearranging your layout can protect your most valuable items.

Get UV Protection Windows Near You in New Jersey

Maximize daylight and prevent fading with UV protection windows. New Jersey Siding & Windows, Inc., offers window replacement for homeowners in New Jersey. Our window products are from SoftLite, a leading manufacturer that offers UV protection coatings and other great features. Contact us today to learn more about our window selection or to request a quote on your replacement project.

UV Protection Windows FAQ

What is UV fading?

UV fading is an effect caused by the sun. Over time, UV light breaks down the molecules that give an object its color. Eventually, the object will take on a dull or bleached look. Long-term UV fading can ruin furniture, carpets, and hardwood, requiring expensive replacements.

Which glass features matter most for protecting floors and furniture?

To protect your floors and furniture, look for glass with low-E coatings. Low-E coatings use a microscopic metallic layer to reflect ultraviolet (UV) and infrared rays. The coating lets visible light through for clear illumination, but it reduces the types of light that cause fading. Laminated glass also blocks UV radiation.

What are the other benefits of low-E glass?

Low-E glass does not just help reduce fading. Because it reflects infrared rays, it also reduces radiant heat. This feature helps keep your home warm during winter and cool during summer, reducing your energy consumption and helping you save on bills.

Where are UV protection windows most useful?

UV protection windows are more expensive than standard windows. Homeowners can save on their replacement by only getting low-E coatings where they will make the most difference. West-facing rooms, south-facing rooms, and rooms with large windows are the most vulnerable to sun fading, especially large picture windows without blinds or drapes.

What other steps can homeowners take to reduce sun damage?

To reduce sun damage, consider upgrading your window treatments with solar shades or blackout drapes. These features can be closed during the brightest hours of daylight to block UV radiation. Adjusting your room layout can also help by placing rugs over hardwood, draping blankets, or moving furniture away from where sunbeams often fall.