Why Standard Glass Doesn't Stop UV Rays
Most people assume glass provides complete protection from the sun — it does not. Standard float glass blocks most UVB rays (the shorter, higher-energy wavelengths in the 280–315 nm range) because glass molecules absorb them effectively. However, standard float glass transmits a significant portion of UVA radiation, particularly in the 315–380 nm range. UVA is the longer-wavelength ultraviolet band and the primary UV driver of interior material degradation.
This means that even in a room with closed windows, UV rays are still entering and reaching your furnishings, flooring, artwork, and textiles. Window film addresses this by blocking UV across the full range that penetrates standard glass.
How Window Film Achieves Over 99% UV Rejection
Architectural window films from Solar Gard® achieve greater than 99% UV rejection through UV-absorbing compounds integrated into the film substrate or adhesive layer. These compounds intercept UV photons before they can transmit through the glazing and reach interior surfaces.
The 99% UV rejection figure applies across the UV range relevant to glass — typically 300–380 nm — which is the portion of UV that standard float glass transmits. This performance is consistent across the Solar Gard films discussed in this article — spanning light to dark, reflective to clear, solar control and safety/security formats. UV rejection is a baseline characteristic of the Solar Gard product families featured here, not a premium feature limited to certain shades.
What "Over 99% UV Blocking" Means for Interiors
Blocking over 99% of UV rays eliminates a major driver of interior material degradation. UV radiation causes photochemical breakdown of dye molecules, pigments, and polymers in fabrics, wood finishes, leather, artwork, and floor coatings. Blocking UV dramatically slows this photochemical process.
However, UV blocking is not the same as complete fade protection. Research cited by the International Window Film Association (IWFA) identifies UV radiation as responsible for approximately 40% of interior fading. Visible light accounts for approximately 25%, solar heat (infrared radiation) for approximately 25%, and other factors — including humidity, artificial lighting exposure, and material sensitivity — for the remaining 10%.
This means that even with 99% UV blocked, the visible-light and heat contributions to fading remain. Window film addresses all three drivers to varying degrees, but UV blocking alone cannot eliminate fading. For a full discussion of fade protection, including the metric that accounts for all three contributors, see Does Window Film Prevent Fading? The Three-Cause Framework.
UV Blocking Across the Solar Gard Product Lineup
The Solar Gard films discussed in this article carry UV rejection ratings of greater than 99%. The following table shows verified UV rejection alongside visible light transmittance (VLT) and total solar energy rejected (TSER) for the primary Solar Gard solar control films available from The Window Place USA.
| Product | VLT | TSER | UV Blocked | Fade Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrueVue 5 | 5% | 79% | >99% | 95% |
| TrueVue 15 | 12% | 77% | >99% | 88% |
| TrueVue 30 | 31% | 61% | >99% | 72% |
| TrueVue 40 | 39% | 52% | >99% | 66% |
| PureVue Ceramic 35 | 37% | 58% | >99% | 70% |
| PureVue Ceramic 50 | 50% | 48% | >99% | 60% |
| PureVue Ceramic 60 | 61% | 40% | >99% | 51% |
| PureVue Ceramic 70 | 72% | 39% | >99% | 38% |
| Quantum Q10 | 10% | 69% | >99% | 90% |
| Quantum Q20 | 23% | 57% | >99% | 80% |
| Stainless Steel 20 | 23% | 61% | >99% | 80% |
| Stainless Steel 35 | 37% | 51% | >99% | 70% |
| Stainless Steel 50 | 48% | 44% | >99% | 59% |
VLT = Visible Light Transmittance. TSER = Total Solar Energy Rejected. Fade Reduction reflects damage-weighted transmittance (Tdw-ISO). All values are Solar Gard published specifications.
Two things stand out in this table. First, UV rejection is consistently above 99% across all products — it does not vary meaningfully by shade or film technology. What varies is how much heat and visible light the film rejects, which drives the TSER and fade reduction values. Second, a film with higher VLT (more light admitted) will have a higher fade reduction Tdw-ISO number — meaning less protection — because it admits more visible light and transmits more solar energy overall, even while blocking UV equally well.
Choosing a Film When UV Blocking Is a Priority
Because UV rejection is above 99% for all Solar Gard architectural films in this lineup, the primary selection variables for UV protection are:
Heat rejection (TSER): If you want to also address solar heat gain — the second-largest driver of both fading and discomfort — look for films with higher TSER values. TrueVue 5 (79% TSER) and Quantum Q10 (69% TSER) provide the strongest combined UV and heat rejection. Solar control and UV blocking are discussed together in Does Window Film Really Reduce Heat?
Visible light level: Films with lower VLT admit less light, which also reduces the visible-light contribution to fading. TrueVue 5 (5% VLT) provides the highest combined UV and visible-light attenuation; PureVue Ceramic 70 (72% VLT) provides the most natural light while still blocking UV.
Fade reduction rating: The Tdw-ISO-based fade reduction figure incorporates UV, visible light, and heat weighting. This is the most accurate single metric for expected fading protection — a higher fade reduction percentage means more protection.
Film type: PureVue Ceramic is a non-metallic, ceramic-based film — no signal interference with Wi-Fi, cellular, or remote controls. TrueVue is dual-reflective, providing daytime privacy characteristics alongside solar control. Quantum uses a high-performance metallic construction for maximum heat rejection.
The Window Place USA sells Solar Gard TrueVue, Stainless Steel, and Armorcoat Clear in 100 ft factory-sealed rolls with free shipping. View all Solar Gard window film products.
What UV Blocking Cannot Do
To set accurate expectations:
- UV blocking does not prevent all fading. As noted above, visible light and heat each contribute ~25% of fading; UV blocking alone addresses approximately 40% of the problem.
- UV blocking is a material protection benefit, not a medical substitute. Window film is classified as an architectural building product, not a medical or sun-protection device.
- Film performance assumes correct installation. Voids, delamination, or poor edge adhesion can reduce effective performance over time. Quality installation matters.
For a complete picture of how window film affects fading outcomes — including what the fade reduction percentage actually measures and how to use it to select the right film — see Does Window Film Prevent Fading?
For information on how window film performance ratings work, including TSER, VLT, and UV rejection, see What Are TSER, SHGC, VLT, and IR Rejection?
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