Whether you manage a commercial property or own a home, you may have noticed that furniture, artwork, flooring, and other valuables fade over time after exposure to sunlight. Although it usually happens gradually, fading is an expensive and irreversible problem. But how can you protect the sunny areas of your home from fading? Before we talk about how to help prevent fading, let’s first look deeper into what causes fading.
Why Fading Happens
When it comes to fading, a variety of factors are involved. Here’s a breakdown of what causes fading:
- UV Rays (40%)
- Solar Heat (25%)
- Visible Light (25%)
- Other (10%)
As the leading cause of fading, ultraviolet rays damage the interiors of homes and buildings with lots of glass. Although glass provides some protection against ultraviolet rays, it doesn’t block them all. Solar heat and visible light also make their way inside through glass, contributing to colors fading and bleaching. Although some fading is inevitable, applying window film to glass can significantly reduce the effects of fading.
Using Window Film to Fight Fading
There are several ways window film works to prevent fading.
Blocks Nearly All Ultraviolet Rays
One of the main benefits of window film is that it provides UV protection. Blocking 99.9% of all damaging ultraviolet rays, window film works to reduce the leading cause of fading at the source. However, don’t be mistaken; windows still let in ultraviolet rays. While some fabrics are more prone to fading than others, anything that’s near a window or glass door has a chance of being affected by the sun’s light.
Reflects Solar Heat & Visible Light
Along with UV protection, window film reflects heat and reduces visible light to reduce fading. As a result, window film keeps interiors looking like new for longer by slowing down fading. Not only does this protect your valuables, but it also means you’ll get a longer shelf life out of them. Plus, it makes it easier to maintain interior temperatures, improving occupant comfort.
An Added Bonus? Skin Protection
Ultraviolet rays don’t just wreak havoc on your furniture and artwork. They’re also extremely hazardous to our skin and can potentially cause skin cancer, premature aging, and skin damage. By adding window tinting, you can lower the chances of fading and protect occupants’ skin from the dangerous side effects of the sun.
Window Film: A Worthwhile Investment
Although window film can’t prevent fading completely, it’s the best thing you can get for almost complete protection. Keep interiors looking new for longer, so you don’t have to replace flooring, rugs, or artwork often. As a worthwhile investment, window film will quickly pay for itself by protecting against fading, conserving energy, reducing strain on HVAC systems, and improving efficiency.
ESP Window Tinting & Graphics has been Louisville’s premier window tinting and custom graphics provider since 1974. We serve both the residential and commercial markets, providing customized solutions with the goal of delighting our clients. Our window film and graphics products offer enhanced aesthetics and improved functionality to your spaces. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.