There’s no question that big, beautiful windows enhance a home. They let in natural light, bring the outdoors in and add style. But along with windows and natural sunlight comes a common problem: fading of upholsteries and wood flooring, cabinets, artwork and other surfaces. Many museums and art galleries solve the problem by eliminating windows altogether. For your home, window film reduces fading and still allows you to enjoy natural light.
What Causes Fading?
There are a number of factors that contribute to fading of surfaces. Roughly 40% of fading is caused by the presence of UV rays. Solar Heat and Visible Light each cause 25% of fading, and the remaining 10% is due to miscellaneous factors such as fabric and finish quality, artificial lighting, frequency and type of cleaning, etc.
How Does Window Film Reduce Fading?
Nearly all tinted window film that is designed for residential and commercial applications blocks UV rays. Most film blocks up to 99%, while a superior brand such as 3M™ Residential Prestige Window Film blocks 99.9% of UV rays.
Some window films will also reduce the solar heat and visible light that comes through the windows, and that’s where a high-quality film really makes a difference. The best window films to reduce fading, like 3M™ Sun Control Prestige Series and 3M™ Sun Control Film Ceramic Series, can reject up to 80% of the sun’s heat, which also lowers energy consumption, while still allowing natural light to come in.
How To Choose Window Film
The best window film for your home application will depend on what primary issue you want to solve and how much light you want to let in. 3M Prestige Window Films, for example, come in a range of densities that allow you to choose how much light to let through. PR70 is a popular choice because it lets in the most natural light, but Jim Luck, owner of Window Tint USA in Pompano Beach, Florida, recommends PR60 for most residential applications. Jim says, “You won’t be able to notice the difference in appearance, but the added 10% reduction in light will make a long-term difference in your furniture and floors fading.”
Want to see how the film would look in your home? Check out the 3M Residential Window Film Simulator.
Jim also recommends making sure you choose a high quality window film installed by a professional, experienced window film installer. 3M window films retain their color, clarity and appearance over time, and can last a lifetime with proper care.
So, is it true window film reduces fading? Yes. How much depends on what product you choose.
For more information or an estimate on residential window film in the Pompano Beach / Miami area, contact Window Tint USA at 954-960-0212 or visit www.windowtintusafl.com.