Ultraviolet Light (UV)
Last Updated: July 30, 2024
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Ultraviolet Light (UV)
Ultraviolet Light (UV)
Share via E-mailUltraviolet (UV) light is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light but longer than X-rays. It falls within the wavelength range of approximately 100 to 400 nanometers (nm).
UV light is divided into three subcategories: UVA (315-400 nm), UVB (280-315 nm), and UVC (100-280 nm). The sun emits significant amounts of UVA and UVB, which can cause fading of interior materials and furnishings, especially within the 300-380 nm range of the solar spectrum. UVC is completely absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere, so only UV light with wavelengths greater than 300 nm reaches the surface, with the majority being UVA.
Figure: Ultraviolet Light (UV)
UV light can have detrimental effects on the colors and integrity of interior materials and furnishings, leading to premature fading, discoloration, and loss of value. It is a major factor in the fading of fabrics, artwork, carpets, and other interior items.
Image: UV light exposure increases fading and deterioration of interior furnishings and artwork.
Cardinal’s Fade-Reducing Solutions
LoĒ™ Glass: Cardinal offers a range of high-performance low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, including LoĒ² and LoĒ³, that help reduce the transmission of UV light into interiors. These coatings are designed to selectively filter out the sun’s harmful rays, including UV light, while allowing visible light to pass through. As a result, Cardinal’s LoĒ products significantly reduce the risk of fading and extend the life of interior furnishings.
Laminated Glass Products: Cardinal also offers laminated glass products, which consist of two or more panes of glass bonded together with an interlayer. The interlayer acts as a barrier, blocking up to 99% of UV light transmission and reducing the risk of fading. Laminated glass provides excellent protection against fading, as well as added benefits such as safety, security, and noise reduction.
UV light is a key contributor to interior fading, but with Cardinal’s LoĒ and laminated glass products, homeowners and businesses can significantly reduce the risk of fading and protect the value and appearance of their interior materials and furnishings.
Glass UV Fading Protection Comparison
| Glass | SHGC | UV-Trans | ISO-CIE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Clear / Clear |
0.78 |
58% |
75% |
|
Clear / Lami |
0.75 |
<1% |
56% |
|
Clear / LoĒ-180 |
0.79 |
29% |
63% |
|
Lami / LoĒ-180 |
0.64 |
<1% |
52% |
|
LoĒ²-272 / Clear |
0.41 |
16% |
55% |
|
LoĒ²-272 / Lami |
0.41 |
<1% |
47% |
|
LoĒ³-366 / Clear |
0.27 |
5% |
43% |
|
LoĒ³-366 / Lami |
0.27 |
<1% |
40% |
|
Quad LoĒ-452+ / Clear |
0.22 |
1% |
33% |
|
Quad LoĒ-452+ / Lami |
0.22 |
<1% |
31% |
|
LoĒ³-340 / Clear |
0.18 |
2% |
27% |
|
LoĒ³-340 / Lami |
0.18 |
<1% |
26% |
Figure: Glass UV Fading Protection Comparison.
Notes:
1. Data was calculated using the LBNL Window computer program per NFRC environmental conditions.
2. 90% argon/10% air fill is used for insulating glass (IG) units with LoĒ coated glass, and 100% air fill for uncoated units.
3. The UV Transmittance is determined as an average for wavelengths of 300-380 nm.
4. UV Damage Weighted Transmission (ISO-CIE) is the weighted average for wavelengths 300-700nm (based on CIE 89/3).
5. UV transmittance is never 0%, but for any construction with a laminated layer, it is very close to 0%.
6. Airspaces are 1/2″ (13.0 mm) wide.
