If you’re like most homeowners, you want to protect your home from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. But did you know that window blinds can be an integral part of preventing UV damage? Let’s take a look at how window blinds can help protect your home and what types of blinds offer the best protection against UV rays.
What is Ultraviolet Light?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an invisible form of electromagnetic radiation. It has a shorter wavelength than visible light, making it unable to be seen by the human eye. However, we feel its effects as heat on our skin when we spend time outside. The sun is the primary source of UV light, but other sources such as tanning beds also emit it in large amounts.
Types of Ultraviolet Rays
When it comes to understanding UV rays, there are three main types that you should know about—UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. UVA rays have the longest wavelength and the lowest energy level out of all three types. They penetrate deep into our skin’s dermis layer and cause wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging. UVB rays have a medium-length wavelength and higher energy level than UVA rays; they are responsible for sunburns as well as skin cancer in some cases. Lastly, UVC rays have the shortest wavelength and highest energy level out of all three types; however, they rarely reach us on Earth due to being absorbed by our atmosphere before reaching the ground.
How Do Window Blinds Help Protect Us?
Window blinds are designed to block sunlight, and they do this by deflecting and reflecting light away from the window. This means that when you have your window shades drawn, less direct sunlight will enter your home through the windows. And since most UV damage comes from direct exposure to sunlight, reducing this exposure is key in protecting your interior furnishings and floors from fading due to sun exposure.
Which Types of Blinds Block UV Rays Best?
The type of blind that offers the best protection against UV rays depends on the material it is made from. Some types of materials are better than others at blocking sunlight and its associated UV rays. For example, aluminum-based mini blinds offer good protection against UV rays, as do wood or faux wood horizontal blinds with tight slats that don’t allow much space for light to pass through them. Cellular shades—also known as honeycomb shades—are also very effective at blocking sunlight because their unique cell structures trap air in between them, creating an insulation barrier between you and the outside world.
Window blinds are a great way to protect your home from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays while still allowing natural light into your space. Different types of window blinds offer varying levels of protection depending on their construction material. Aluminum-based mini blinds, wood or faux wood horizontal blinds with tight slats, and cellular shades all provide excellent protection against harmful UV rays while still allowing some natural light into your home. By selecting the right type of window covering for each room in your house, you can make sure that your interior remains protected for years to come!