Even during Nebraska winters, UV rays are present and can cause fading, while winter sun brings glare and temperature swings too, but commercial and residential window tinting can combat all of these.
Yes. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays - the ones that cause sunburns - are stronger in the summer but don't disappear completely in the winter, while Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays - the ones that cause tanning, aging, and wrinkles - stay consistent year-round (The Skin Cancer Foundation).
Snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of the sun's UV rays – that's more than the UV reflected off of beach sand in the summer (Thunder Bay District Health Unit).
Though it's tempting to let your guard down in the colder months when you don't feel the heat from the sun, it's important to protect your spaces (and the people in those spaces) from those hidden rays.
While most standard windows do a fair job at filtering out UVB rays, the longer wavelengths of the UVA rays are still able to pass through (The Skin Cancer Foundation).
However, window tint installed on standard windows can help block that inevitable winter UV - without the cost of full window replacement or dimming the natural light with drapes.
3M Sun Control window films decrease UV rays entering through the window by reflecting and absorbing up to 99.9% of UV rays (3M). 3M Sun Control window films can also offer up to 97% solar heat rejection.
Residential
We often install window films for clients who have noticed fading in rooms throughout their house. UV rays entering through windows cause floors, furniture, and belongings in your home to fade over time.
You may not notice until you go to move that living room rug, but it's quietly happening in the background. 3M window films are a great cost-effective solution to protect your sentimental items and investments from UV damage year-round.
Commercial
It's understandable that most businesses put their best-selling products and most important marketing in their windows front and center – but unprotected windows allow the UV rays to quickly turn those displays from vibrant to dull.
UV rays entering through standard untreated windows can break down chemical bonds in displays, office furniture, and showroom items causing the colors to fade over time (The Library of Congress).
Replacing every window in your space is not only costly, but requires extended downtime for the space, and may not even be an option for a leased space. But window films can still give you protection without breaking the bank or slowing down your daily operations.
No – there are many transparent window films that effectively block UV rays without darkening the room. You don't have to sacrifice natural lighting to reap the benefits of UV-blocking window films.
Yes, with some caveats. It's not recommended to install window film when the temperature outside is below 40°F - doing so can lead to poor adhesion and failure (3M), which is why many Nebraska installs are scheduled for milder days.
The windows will need to be clear of any condensation, snow, and ice prior to installing window film (that means no installations during those midwestern blizzards).
Whether it's your home or your business, window film can provide year-round protection against UV rays.
At Tint Revolution, we serve homes and businesses across Nebraska and start every project with a conversation – learn about your space and how you use it. From there, we can show you samples and walk you through the best options for your needs and budget.
Request a quote through our website – let's start that conversation today and prevent UV damage to your space tomorrow.