UV Protection Window Film in Charlotte

How UV Light Fades Charlotte Floors, Rugs and Furniture

Ultraviolet light is the main driver of fading in fabric, dyes, wood finishes and paper, with visible light and heat doing the rest. Charlotte gets plenty of all three. The sun is strong from spring through early fall, and the long cloudless stretches of late summer pile up hours of exposure on whatever sits near a window. Clouds don't stop UV either, so even a gray February afternoon does some damage.

Ordinary single-pane glass lets a good amount of UV through. Many newer dual-pane windows with factory low-E coatings block more of it, but not all of them, and older houses often have a mix. A clear film adds a near-complete UV barrier on the glass you already have.

UV Window Film for Older Charlotte Homes and Collections

Many of the early twentieth century houses in Dilworth, Elizabeth and Plaza Midwood still have original heart pine or oak floors. Those floors darken or bleach depending on the finish, and the pattern of a sunny window shows up across the boards over the years. Clear UV film slows that change. Since it doesn't add tint or reflectivity, the original glass and the look of the facade stay the same.

Homeowners with art, framed prints, rare books, antiques or textiles often want UV film in every room where those pieces hang. We can treat a single gallery wall's windows or a whole floor. For framed works on paper, UV film on the window is a good complement to UV-filtering glazing on the frame itself, and the two together cut exposure further than either alone.

• Heart pine, oak and refinished hardwood floors
• Oriental and wool rugs
• Leather, linen and velvet upholstery
• Art, prints, photographs and books
• Window treatments and drapery fabric

Clear UV Film Versus Tinted UV Film

Almost every residential window film blocks nearly all UV, whether it is clear or tinted. The difference is everything else. A truly clear UV film leaves visible light and the view almost exactly as they were. That suits rooms where people want full daylight, and houses where any tint would look out of place.

A light tinted or spectrally selective film adds heat and glare reduction on top of the UV protection. Since visible light and heat also contribute to fading, a selective film on a sunny west or south window gives more protection overall. We often recommend clear film on front elevations and a light selective film on the hot rear or side glass, which balances appearance and protection.

Installing UV Protection Film in Charlotte Homes

UV film installs from inside, like most residential film. We clear sills, protect the floor, clean each pane thoroughly and apply the film with a slip solution, then trim it close to the frame. Divided-lite sashes get a separate piece for every little pane, which takes longer but gives a clean look.

During pollen season we stage work from inside and keep doors closed so the yellow dust doesn't end up trapped under the film. The film will look slightly hazy at first and clears as it dries. Leave the glass alone until it has cured. After that, a microfiber cloth and mild soapy water are all it needs.