Ultraviolet rays can damage your drapes and furniture over time, giving them a dull, faded appearance. That’s why Renewal by Anderson offers replacement windows with Low-E window glass specially designed to reduce these effects. Here, we explain what happens when objects are exposed to ultraviolet rays, and how our windows can preserve the rich appearance of your furnishings for many years.
Sunlight has three distinct components: infrared rays, visible light, and ultraviolet rays. Infrared is invisible and responsible for the heat that you feel under the sun, otherwise known as solar heat; visible light is what we perceive as natural light, and can be further broken down into individual colors. Ultraviolet (UV), like infrared, is invisible but is the most destructive of the three; not only can it cause sunburns and even skin cancer, but it can also damage your drapes and furniture through photodegradation.
Paint, ink, and other commercially available dyes contain chromophores—light-absorbing color bodies that “carry” colors through chemical bonds. UV rays have a powerful bleaching property that breaks down the chromophores’ chemical bonds, causing colors to fade. UV rays have a similar effect on naturally occurring colors such as wood, hence the “faded wood” effect on wood shake roofs, siding, and window frames.
The most effective way to prevent indoor photodegradation is by choosing window glass with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. Low-E coatings filter sunlight and let only visible light through. Everything else, including UV and infrared rays, is bounced back to the source. Low-E glass lets you enjoy the benefits of natural light indoors without worrying about solar heat or faded artwork, drapes, and furniture.
Renewal by Andersen® window replacement solutions and patio doors feature High-Performance™ Low-E4® glass options that block up to 95% of UV rays. Combined with many other benefits like superior energy efficiency and enhanced aesthetic appeal, our replacement windows are a worthwhile investment.
Renewal by Andersen of Portland serves homeowners Portland and Salem and surrounding areas in Oregon. To learn more about our window replacement options, call us today at (503) 419-3960 or fill out our contact form for a free in-home consultation.
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