You probably already know multiple reasons why you should replace old windows. For example, old windows have thinner glass, less thermal insulation and can rack up on your energy bill by letting your valuable heating and cooling out of the house. However; what you might not know is that old windows can be damaging to your health as well.
As windows age they get thinner. Glass is worn away by the effects of wind and rain. Any glazing or UV protective coating the window might have had can be worn away by these same effects. However; the older a window is, the less likely it is that the window had any protection against UV rays to start with.
UV Rays or Ultraviolet Rays are invisible rays that filter in with sunlight; they are part of the energy from the sun. Unfortunately, UV rays are damaging to both your body and your home. Here are just a few ways that UV rays can affect your family:
• Aging
• Skin Damage
• Damage to your home
Did you know that even exposure to sun through glass can cause aging? Studies from the University College Hospital, Besancon, in France displayed that a woman who was exposed to the sun on the left side of her face for several hours per day had aged more than 7 years more on the sun exposed side of her face.
UV rays can also cause skin damage. This can include common sunburn (you can get it through old windows), skin cancer, eye damage and dry brittle skin and hair.
The rays can also damage the furniture and flooring in your home. UV light rays break down polymers which hold wood finishing together; they break down the fibers in fabric and can over time greatly increase the wear and tear on your home.
Newer windows will have proper glazing, protective surfaces and thickness to protect your home and your family from UV light damage. Replacing your old windows with new ones can filter as much as 90% of the UV rays coming into your home. That means you are more protected from the damage the sun can cause to your skin and to your home.
Unfortunately it is not possible to completely eliminate UV rays entering your home. Even with a very good window some UV light radiation will come through. However; a small amount of UV rays will cause considerably less damage over considerably more time.
When replacing your windows you should look into glazed windows, windows with special tinting to prevent UV rays or even multi-layer (double or triple paned windows) to help block the UV rays. If you are concerned about the cost of more complex window designs, you should consider ordering them online. Online window ordering can save you money and can actually be easier because windows are listed by type, model and size so that they are easy to search through to find the window you need. Contact us today for more information!