The Science Behind Rooflight Glass: Understanding Thermal and UV Protection
Today's high-performance rooflights push the boundaries of rooflight design by incorporating materials and elements that make them even more energy-efficient than their predecessors. In this guide entitled "The Science Behind Rooflight Glass: Understanding Thermal and UV Protection" we'll take a close look at these aspects of contemporary rooflight engineering.
A Brief Guide to Understanding Thermal and UV Protection in Rooflights
As rooflights continue to evolve they continue to incorporate the latest advances in window engineering, including thermal and UV protection. Below we'll explain both concepts so that you can make an informed decision about which type of rooflight is right for your home.
Thermal Protection Explained
The term "thermal protection" refers to the ability of rooflight glass to control the amount of heat transfer between the indoor and outdoor environments. The ultimate goal of thermal protection is to make it easier to maintain a stable indoor environment while simultaneously minimising energy use.
To achieve optimal thermal protection many manufacturers today treat the rooflight glass with coatings that reflect infrared radiation, the primary culprit in heat transfer. Low emissivity (Low-E) coatings are one of the most popular glass coatings and work by reflecting heat back into a room without interfering with the ability of light to pass through the pane.
This reflected heat makes it easier to keep your home warm in the wintertime, thereby saving you money on your energy bills.
UV Protection Explained
Most people are familiar with UV light and know it is responsible for bleaching their furniture, rugs, exterior paint jobs and more. But UV light is more than a threat to your prized sofa or Oriental rug. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to eye damage, sagging skin and even skin cancer.
To mitigate the risk posed by UV light coming through the rooflight all day rooflights often come with UV films already installed. These films protect the people and items in the space below without interfering with the amount of light that comes through the rooflight. Certain high-performance UV glass can block as much as 99% of all UV light.
Choose Rooflights Roof Lanterns for Rooflights with UV and Thermal Protection
Thermal and UV protection in rooflights will help ensure the safety, comfort and energy-efficiency of your home. Make sure your home is as safe and comfortable as possible by choosing rooflights with these important protections. If you have questions regarding this type of technology give us a call on 020 8087 2004.
- Josh Hartim
