Often when people are considering whether or not they should go ahead with energy-efficient windows and doors, they end up wondering if their new windows are going to be UV protected. While it is great to have windows that are going to help you cut down on your energy costs and minimize your environmental impact, you want to be sure that they are going to be able to stand up to years of UV radiation. Below are some things to keep in mind when it comes to UV protection on energy-efficient windows and doors.
One of the big misconceptions about Canada, and something that many Canadian consumers still frequently believe, is that because of the country’s colder climate, UV protection is not necessary on energy-efficient windows and doors. This is just not the case. Many older windows do not come with the built-in UV protection that newer windows have One of the best ways to ensure that your home and your family are protected from harmful UV rays is to use a Low-E coat window glazing. Low-E not only protects from UV but also helps keep your home cooler in the summer by blocking out too much heat and light.
Regular single-pane windows are really only able to reflect about 25 percent of UV radiation. That same single pane window, with a coat of Low-E, applied to it, is now able to reflect around 75 percent of UV radiation. If you have multi-pane windows, each with a Low-E coat, you will have rock-solid, year-round protection for your entire home.
If you are moving into an older home, or you currently live in an older home and are wondering whether or not your current windows and doors are protected from UV, you might be surprised to find that they are not. If however, you are ordering new energy-efficient doors and windows, they most likely already come with anti-UV coatings applied to the glass, so you can rest assured that you are getting the UV protection you need. There are different UV coating levels for different windows, and for different levels of protection.
If you choose the right combination of glass coatings, spacers, and gas fillings, you can do wonders for your home’s energy efficiency and ensure that your windows are blocking out the vast majority of UV rays all year round.