Window tinting may look cool, or help to modernize the look of a car, truck, or service vehicle, or your home and business. However, there is a science behind window tinting, how it works, and why its benefits can improve the quality of your life.
Science And Window Tinting
Window tinting blocks UV rays
First and foremost, window tinting was designed to block ultraviolet (UV) rays. In addition to hurting your eyes, causing headaches/migraines (more on that later), and fading interior furnishings, UV rays increase solar heat gain in cars, homes, and businesses.
Today’s innovative and high-quality window tinting block as much as 99% or more of the sun’s UV rays. It does this by reflecting them into the exterior environment rather than absorbing them and allowing the rays (photon particles/waves) to penetrate through the windows and into the structure’s interior space(s). Once these waves penetrate interior spaces, they warm it up. In addition to warming the airspace, penetrating light waves also warm the objects they strike. When this happens, it warms up the space exponentially and creates a radiant head effect.
This is why your steering wheel or dashboard can be nearly impossible to touch after being parked in direct sunlight for long enough or why your cat or dog loves to stretch out on expanses of flooring that have warmed up via the sunlight penetrating through the windows. The reflective and metallic, ceramic or carbon properties offered by window tinting films convert penetrating solar radiation into infrared radiation that is then blocked from entering your home.
When light hits a transparent window:
- Some of it is reflected
- Some of it is absorbed by the window
- Some of it transmits through the window and into the space
Tinted window film is designed to increase the amount of solar energy reflected or absorbed by the film/window and reduce the amount of solar energy transmitted through to the interior space. It does this while still promoting ample daylighting and nighttime visibility.
However, in addition to general sun blocking, there are other ways that window tinting works to improve the quality of life in automobiles, homes, and businesses.
The science behind window tinting benefits your privacy and security
The darker or reflective shades of window film also block a passersby’s ability to see into the interior spaces. This increases the privacy and security of those inside.
Specialty window films are designed to:
- Promote privacy
- Prevent breakage or glass shattering as the result of vandalism or natural disasters
- Reduce glare on computer screens and in office spaces
- Protect sensitive information displayed on computer screens or monitors in offices, boardrooms, conference rooms, executive briefing centers, etc.
- Increase security by blocking the view of your company’s assets so they aren’t as tempting to burglars.
- Reduce sound transmission for more quiet, focus-friendly spaces
Each of these films uses the properties of adhesion, fibrous connectivity, tinting/shading, reflection, etc., to provide the qualities that benefit home and business owners.
Reduced energy spending
Remember we mentioned that diminishing UV rays reduces solar heat gain/absorption? Thus, part of the science behind window tinting is using high-tech window film to reduce energy consumption and spending. This exponentially benefits the community and global well-being by diminishing the need for non-renewable fossil fuels. Even if your home is equipped with innovative, energy-efficient windows and glazes – you’ll experience further reductions in energy spending by enhancing the windows with a solar-reducing film.
Note: It’s essential to note that the wrong window film or poor window film installation can violate the terms of your window manufacturer’s warranty. Always consult a licensed window film installer when deciding which window film is best for your home, and ensure it is installed correctly.
Minimize sun and glare-related headaches and migraines
Sun and light sensitivity accounts for many headaches and migraines and is a known migraine trigger. Many people have found that installing tinted window film in their cars, homes, and office spaces notably reduces their headaches and migraines, which has a tremendous benefit on their overall health and wellbeing.
Visit our post, How Window Film Can Help Migraine Sufferers, to learn more about the science behind window tinting and headache reduction.
Call Us With Any Questions About The Science Behind Window Tinting
Daystar Window Tinting has provided science- and fact-driven window film information and installation for Bay Area homeowners and businesses around the Bay Area. We are always happy to explain the science behind why certain window films are best – or are not best – for your building, its’ location, and its daytime orientation/relationship with the sun.
Contact us online, or call (510) 749-7505 to choose the best window film for your car, home, or business.
