One of the most desired features for homeowners is a home with a considerable window number that allows plenty of natural light and provides a sense of open space. However, most people are unaware that sunlight can cause reflection and UV radiation problems.
It is the same with car owners because they often face the same problem while driving. Since it is impossible to avoid sunlight, you should look for a way to protect yourself and your family. The question is do window tints block UV rays and whether tinting windows is the only way of protection. Let’s see.
What are Ultraviolet Rays?
Ultraviolet radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation with a spectrum invisible to the human eye. UV rays have multiple sources such as the sun, tanning lamps, electric arcs, and black light.
As you can guess, sunlight and UV rays the sun emits have the most significant impact on people. So, the fact is that it is not entirely safe for you, although you probably like the sun’s heat.
People are often unaware that UV rays can damage their skin, probably because this damage occurs gradually. It is possible to recognize several radiation types, and the fact is that one ray part causes skin cancer. Let’s take a closer look.
- UVA (ultraviolet A) – It is long-wave ultraviolet radiation that the ozone layer doesn’t absorb. Almost 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface belongs to these rays.
- UVB (ultraviolet B) – These medium-wave ultraviolet rays are mainly absorbed in the ozone layer.
- UVC (ultraviolet C) – The ozone layer completely absorbs short-wave ultraviolet radiation.
Damage Caused by UV Rays
UV rays can damage your wooden furniture, cause wood surface cracking, and allow the appearance of light spots penetrating through the window. In addition, all canvas types such as draperies, bedspreads, and rugs will fade due to exposure to UV rays over time.
A similar thing can happen to your car. When exposed to direct UV rays, your vehicle interior will suffer damage, like fading plates and upholstery. Be aware that the car’s windows are not sufficiently resistant to UV rays and typically block barely 37% of UVA radiation.
The damage these rays can cause to the human body is of great concern. Scientific research indicates that as many as 90% of skin cancers result from long-term exposure to these rays.
In addition, they have a detrimental effect on wound healing and even cause DNA damage under certain circumstances.
Since these rays damage the skin at the cellular level, they are also responsible for almost 80% of the aging signs visible on the face. To avoid age spots and wrinkles, you should do your best to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
The Best Window Tint Types for UV Rays Protection
Tints for residentials and commercials
As I have already mentioned, UV radiation will cause significant damage to furniture in your home and office after prolonged exposure. However, blocking harmful UV rays to prolong furniture life is not the only reason for darkening windows. Such protection has a few more benefits:
- Improving privacy
- Reducing glare
- Increasing energy efficiency
Even though a house with many windows is more pleasant, the unwanted exposure to UV radiation is higher when you have more windows. In other words, long-lasting enjoyment can negatively affect your health, particularly your unprotected skin.
Tinting windows can help reduce these risk factors and enhance your home’s overall atmosphere. Luckily, you can find several window tint types on the market capable of protecting you by blocking harmful UV rays.
Ceramic tint – This ceramic window foil is suitable for most windows, thanks to its exceptional durability and longevity. Due to its low external reflection, it is a favorite in coastal construction. Be prepared that its price is higher than others due to the high degree of protection that goes to 99%.
Dual reflective tint – This tint appears in a bluish-gray hue, reducing the internal and increasing the external reflection. You can often see it on commercial windows, but it is also suitable for household use because it saves energy while reducing glare and heat.
Metal and ceramic mix tint – This mixture is a low reflective paint for windows and is an excellent solution for any building. It is equally desirable for exterior and interior applications because it repels heat and controls reflection.
Spectrally selective tint – These shades allow your windows to still let in natural light while being heat resistant. The advantage of this window tinting type is its invisibility so that it won’t disturb the original design of your home.
Eco-friendly tint – It is the primary choice of homeowners who want to increase the energy efficiency of their homes. These colors prevent heat from coming inside during the summer while keeping it inside during cold winter days. That way, you will save energy, protect the environment, and reduce your electricity bills.
Security tint – This tint made of durable polyester is an excellent option when your goal is to protect windows from vandalism, burglary, and changing climatic conditions. This material increases glass strength, keeping windows safe from physical damage.
Neutral tint – This type is the right choice for people who don’t like sharp color tones on their windows. They are also ideal for creating a showroom atmosphere as they have low reflectivity.
External tint – You need to apply this tint to the inside of the window, and you can expect it to start fading over time. However, applying external window tints will help extend your window life and keep heat, UV rays, and glare under control.
Tints for vehicles
Car owners tint windows for a variety of reasons. In addition to the fact that most tints protect from UV radiation, they also provide a feeling of privacy and greater security. Plus, it is possible to successfully reduce the heat and glare that can be dangerous while driving.
Finally, some car owners believe that the aesthetic appearance of tinted windows is their most important advantage.
The fact is that people spend a lot of time in their cars nowadays. Therefore, it is necessary to do everything to make these vehicles as comfortable and safe as possible.
Luckily, you can find many tinting types available on the market with numerous features that can solve various issues. Such a situation allows you to choose the best option for your car.
Clear window tint – This tinting won’t change your car’s look but can provide excellent UV protection for passengers. Unfortunately, you can’t expect it to block heat or offer more privacy.
Metalized window tint – It contains a thin layer of metal reflecting the sun’s heat and is dark enough to block heat and most UV rays. That way, it successfully reduces the car interior wear.
Glass tinted this way is durable and more resistant to damage, plus less fades over time. On the other hand, metal from this tint can negatively affect the mobile signal reception or satellite radio.
Most experts recommend this tint type for families with children and pets. Although it is still best to park the car in the shade, tinted windows make the drive more comfortable.
Carbon tint – Film made of carbon particles provides superior protection from UV rays and heat. It also blocks infrared rays that create a greenhouse effect in your car.
This tint type never contains metal and won’t block or interfere with signals on your mobile devices. Another good feature is fuel savings because of the reduced necessity to turn on the air conditioner while driving.
The best thing is that this incredibly durable tinting type lasts a long without losing efficiency over the years.
Dyed window tint – This product is good and affordable, making it an excellent solution for owners with a limited budget. Dyed tint excellently blocks most UV rays and reduces the damage inside your car caused by the sun.
The downside of this option is that it prematurely fades and swells, and you can expect to see scratches appearing over time. Therefore, be prepared to replace it after a few years.
Ceramic car window tint – This tint consists of high-quality ceramic particles that block UV rays. Plus, they protect the car interior from glare and improve visibility while driving.
The significant advantage of this option is that this material doesn’t interfere with the signal. Metal absence allows using all your devices, such as navigation, satellite radio, and cell phone, inside the car.
Security tint – This film type increases the impact resistance of glass and prevents it from breaking during an accident. It also reduces the time required for cleaning if it suddenly shatters.
Summary
Most window tints provide excellent UV protection to your home and car, but the protection levels will depend on the tint type you choose. Plus, they will give you a sense of privacy, save energy, reduce glare, and improve aesthetics. Darkening your home and car is always wise, particularly if you have toddlers or pets.