How long does UV protection last on windows?

How long does UV protection last on windows?

Protection from Ultra Violet (UV) rays from tinted windows will last as long as the window’s tinted film remains in good condition. Top quality products are suppose to last from ten years to a lifetime maintaining their efficacy for UV protection. Tinted windows are both protective and energy efficient.

Most window tint products for homes are designed to protect people from up to 98% percent of the sun’s harmful rays. This protection helps with the following:

  • Protects skin from continual exposure to cancer-causing rays
  • Protects eyes from harmful glare
  • Holds in cool air during warm weather
  • Keeps in heat during colder months
  • Prevents furniture and flooring from fading

Tints on south and west facing windows will protect against the house against UV rays throughout most of the day. The sun is often strongest in the afternoon when the Bay Area’s morning fog and haze has burned off.

Healthy skin

Exposure to intense UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer in some people. This is based on skin pigment and other hereditary factors. UV rays are rated on an index scale of 1 to 12. Any rating over 11 is extreme.

An index rating of 0 to 2 is mild although sunglasses and a sunscreen of SPF 30 are recommended for outdoor activities. An index of 8 to 10, common during the long summer days in the San Francisco Bay area, means avoiding prolonged exposure to the midday sun.

A room with many windows, including large picture windows, will expose you to the same type of UV rays that you would find outside. Tinted window film will protect you from up to 98% these harmful rays.

Glare reduction

The same type of tint used for windows on newer commercial buildings can be applied to your home windows.  The windows on these buildings allow people to look out without needing sunglasses and they can work under ambient lighting without glare. This is extremely important for people using computers.

The tinted film will make watching television and working on a computer easier since it can reduce or eliminate glare.

One of the causes of eye cataracts is sun exposure. This is often a problem with seniors. Tinted windows can reduce this risk in people susceptible to this condition.

Types of film

There are several types of window film and color tints. Producing the right colors is an exact science as chemicals are applied to acrylic adhesive that will cover layers of plastic film. Good quality tinted film using the sputterized process will last for decades with proper care. Modern technology has eliminated the problem of peeling window film.

The color and hue of the tint applied to your windows will depend on the window locations and the intensity of the sun. Green and blue tints are most common with west facing windows.

Contact us at Daystar Window Tinting Inc., serving the Bay Area for more than 30 years. We will give you an analysis and free estimate on the cost of professionally installed tinted films using the best products to improve your windows.

How long does UV protection last on windows?

Window film that has been professionally installed is a great solution for lowering your energy costs and making your windows much more energy efficient. However, here at Meridian Window Tint, many of our customers ask us how long window film will last.

We're happy to answer that and other key concerns about the durability and expected longevity once our team professionally installs window film on the windows of your home or office building to protect your property against solar heat gain and UV rays.

Longevity Affected by Certain Factors

Under the right conditions, window film can last for 20 years or more. This longevity depends upon a number of factors. These include the condition of the window on which the film has been placed, the quality of the materials used, the directional position that the windows are facing, and the local climate. One of the most important factors affecting window film longevity is whether or not it has been installed by professionals who have years of experience working with window film.

How Professional Installation Affects Longevity

The right type of window film and its proper placement on your windows is designed to provide UV protection that either absorbs or reflects solar heat and glare in order to improve energy efficiency. Customers can enjoy a higher rate of return on investment by having their window film professionally installed.

Professional installation ensures that the right type of window film is used on your windows. It also ensures the best quality of adhesion for longer performance in addition to obtaining the most comprehensive warranty protection. Our window film applications often pay for themselves via energy savings in lower electricity and natural gas bills within 3 to 5 years.

How To Clean Window Film After Installation to Make it Last

Since improperly cleaning window film is one of the major reasons it degrades, post-installation care of window film plays plays a vital role in longevity. Follow these tips when cleaning our window film:

  • Avoid the use of alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners on tinted glass (Windex is not recommended)
  • Do not use abrasive cleansers
  • Do use a mild dish soap and water solution mixed in a household spray bottle. Apply like normal glass cleaner and wipe with a squeegee or microfiber towels.
  • You can also purchase Sprayway glass cleaner (available in an aerosol can) to use in cleaning tinted glass windows.

Warranties

The high quality commercial and residential window films installed by Meridian Window Tint typically are backed by a warranty of 10 years or more against any defect or performance failure. There are some window films in today's marketplace that come with a limited lifetime warranty. This is good news for the customer, who can call their installer should they experience any problems with their window film for repair or replacement.

If you have more questions about window film, we'd be happy to help answer them. Contact Meridian Window Tint for a free 

Related

Do windows lose UV protection?

Protection from Ultra Violet (UV) rays from tinted windows will last as long as the window's tinted film remains in good condition. Top quality products are suppose to last from ten years to a lifetime maintaining their efficacy for UV protection.

Does window tint lose effectiveness over time?

UV-blocking polyester extends the life of a window tint and slows fading, as do extruded dyes and metal deposits. A lower quality film may start to show signs of fading within a few months. Local climate: Excessive heat, wind or other weather conditions can wear on your window film over time.

How long does film on windows last?

The lifespan of window film depends greatly on its quality and the materials used in its manufacture. Most window films last somewhere between 10 to 20 years. However, this time can be longer or shorter depending on the amount of stress put on the film.

How long does window insulation film last?

Window film, under the right conditions, can last for more than 20 years! The overall longevity of window film depends on a few factors which include the condition of the window they're installed on, the quality of window film, the directional position the windows are facing, and climate conditions.