Selecting the right glass for your home can be overwhelming, especially when numerous glass options are available in the market. Among these options are UV-protected and regular glass.
While both may seem similar, these glasses have distinct features that largely impact their performance and overall value.
In this blog, we will delve into the world of glass options, comparing UV-protected glass and regular glass and highlighting their key differences and benefits. But, first, let us understand what UV-protected glass is and UV-protected glass uses.
UV-Protected Glass: Meaning and Uses
UV-protected glass is a type of glass designed to protect you from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Made from advanced technologies and special materials, this glass type absorbs or reflects UV rays. Thus, it reduces UV transmission and improves energy efficiency.
Through an intricate manufacturing process involving several steps, UV-protected glass acquires a set of unique features that make it a preferred choice among homeowners, interior designers and architects seeking protection and performance.
UV-Protected Glass Uses
- Commercial storefronts and facades
- Museums and art galleries
- Furniture
- Glass walls
- Windshields
- Sunroofs
Key Differences between a UV-Protected Glass and Regular Glass
| Parameter | UV-Protected Glass | Regular Glass |
| UV-Protection | Blocks up to 99% of UV radiation and offer a high level of protection against UV rays. | Does not block harmful UV rays and allows them to pass through, potentially causing damage. Thus, it offers only a little protection against UV radiation. |
| Energy Efficiency | Absorbs the solar heat (depending on tint and thickness) entering the space, thus minimising air-conditioning usage and energy bills. | Allows solar radiation to enter, resulting in higher cooling costs and increased energy consumption. |
| Coatings | Has specialised soft and hard high-performance coatings that reflect the sun’s heat away. | Lacks specialised coatings, which leads to UV damage and limited indoor comfort. |
| Interlayers | Has interlayers that block the infrared rays from the sun. | Does not include interlayers and relies solely on glass composition. |
| Durability | Have a longer lifespan as it resists UV-induced degradation which leads to improved performance and efficiency. | Sensitive to thermal stress and prone to UV-induced degradation which leads to frequent replacements and increased energy consumption costs. |
| Cost | Generally, it is more expensive but has long-term benefits that outweigh the costs. | An economical choice compared to UV-protected glass. |
| Applications | Ideal for premium applications, this glass can be used in residences, historic preservation, museums and art galleries and high-end buildings. | Suitable for basic applications, regular glass is used for residential windows and doors, interior partitions, mirrors, tables and shelves, office furniture, etc. |
| Interior Protection | Provides unmatched protection for interior decorations, preventing their fading and discolouration and extending their life. | Provides little to no protection, leaving your furniture and rugs exposed to the negative effects of UV rays. |
| Security | Offers good security when paired with a thick security film, preventing glass shattering, unauthorised entry of intruders and break-ins. | Shatters easily under impact, provides no resistance against break-ins and leaves sharp edges when broken which increases the risk of injury. |
| Glare | The specialised coatings minimise glare from sunlight, decrease eye strain and improve visibility from inside to outside. | The absence of specialised coatings allows glare to penetrate, which causes increased eye discomfort and reduces visual clarity. |
Benefits of UV-Protected Glass over Regular Glass
Choosing a UV-protected glass for your windows is a better alternative than regular glass. This is because UV-protected glass not only offers enhanced protection against UV radiation but also:
- Reduces glare and the chances of eye strain caused by sunlight.
- Protects interior decoration elements from damage.
- Reduces the risk of skin damage.
- Minimises energy consumption.
- Requires less frequent replacement.
Conclusion
If you prefer protection, long-term value, high performance, better energy efficiency and durability, UV-protected glass stands out as the ultimate choice for spaces of all types.
AIS is a leading integrated glass solutions company in India offering a wide array of premium glass products that cater to the needs of different industries.
We at AIS combine innovative design with superior quality and produce cutting-edge glass solutions that deliver exceptional performance and visual appeal.
To know more, visit AIS Glass today.