When we meet with new customers in Pleasanton, Livermore, and the surrounding areas, many of them have questions about the energy efficiency of the replacement windows we sell. They are hoping that installing new windows in their homes will help them reduce their energy consumption and help them save money on their monthly energy bills.
Another important aspect of replacement windows that not many people ask about is the UV protection they can provide.
Most people don’t think too much about UV protection when they’re indoors, but perhaps they should. UV rays can do a lot of damage. They can fade furniture, window coverings, flooring, and even cause fabric to break down much sooner than it should.
In addition, the UV rays that cause the visible signs of aging in your skin (UVA rays) and that can contribute to the development of skin cancer are able to penetrate windows that don’t have any means of blocking them. According the Skin Cancer Foundation, “While both UVA and UVB rays can harm the skin and lead to skin cancers, UVB is effectively blocked by glass. However, at least 50 percent of UVA radiation can pass through windows.”
So, unless you want to wear sunscreen indoors or keep your windows covered at all times, you should definitely consider purchasing windows that help block UVA rays.
Low-E Glass to the Rescue!
Livermore and Pleasanton homeowners who are concerned about UVA rays should definitely considering purchasing replacement windows with Low-E glass. Low-E glass has a protective coating on it that acts effectively like sunscreen for your home and everything in it. Not only does Low-E glass help protect you from harmful UVA rays, it also helps make your windows more energy efficient by reflecting heat toward the outside in the hot summer months and keeping the heat inside your home in the cooler months.
All of the replacement windows we sell at Custom Exchange offer some sort of UV protection, though the technologies the manufacturers use go by different names.
Milgard calls their UV protection SunCoat and SunCoatMAX Low-E Glass Coating. Simonton calls theirs ProSolar and ProSolar Shade Low-E glass, while Monte Verde’s protective glass coating is called SolarGuard Triple Silver Low-E Coating. All of these coatings offer protection against the UVA rays you are trying to keep out of your house, but some of the Low-E coatings mentioned above are considered an upgrade, so make sure you ask your Custom Exchange team member about them if you want the best protection available.
The Balancing Act – UV Protection and Natural Light
It stands to reason that blocking UV rays will also block some of the natural light being let into your home. However, the technology of Low-E coatings is always improving, and today you can get replacement windows that both block harmful rays and still let in an abundance of natural light—the best of both worlds! For more natural light in your home, look for replacement windows with a good Visible Transmittance (VT) rating. The higher the VT number, the more light will be let into your home.
Questions? Contact Custom Exchange
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the best replacement windows for your home in Pleasanton or Livermore. At Custom Exchange, we’re here to help you sort through all of your options and walk you through the entire process. Contact us today with any questions you may have or to set up an in-home consultation, during which we can provide you with an estimate on replacement windows.
