Hidden Danger of UV Radiation to Buildings

 

Building exteriors are constantly exposed to the elements. Whatever materials are used have to be rated to withstand wind, rain, etc. However, there’s one element that you may not have thought too much about, sunlight. UV radiation from the sun is actually one of the most consistent environmental factors when it comes to preserving your building. 

Hidden Danger of UV Radiation to Buildings

 It seems innocent enough, but UV radiation is capable of causing physical and chemical changes in the materials that make up your building. Without intervention, UV radiation will eventually cause your building to look weathered, which could decrease positive visibility for your business. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your building while also increasing positive visibility. 

 

An Intro to Protective Surface Film

Protective surface film is a specialized material that creates a physical barrier between the outside environment and your building. There is a wide range of surface films with different properties to increase protection against specific risks. Solar control films are one example, but you can also purchase surface films that protect against birds, graffiti, and shattering. 

 

Solar Control Films

Solar control film is one of the best long-term investments you can make when it comes to managing a building. This specific type of Metwest custom surface film has three primary benefits. 

Dramatically Slows Fading

Building materials are designed to resist the physical damage caused by UV radiation, but the aesthetic risks remain. Practically all building materials including brick, stone, wood, and concrete fade over time as a result of exposure to the sun’s rays. This fading happens gradually, but it can make a building start to look unkempt in just a few years. A custom solar control film actively reflects sunlight away from your building, dramatically reducing the rate of fade. Thanks to the right surface film, your building will look brand new for years to come. 

Reduces Energy Costs

By reflecting sunlight back from the building, solar control film also helps to the sun’s effects inside your building. On average, solar control film reduces the building’s cooling costs by about 30%. The film helps to keep your employees comfortable and happy in a well-regulated environment that offers ample sunlight without glare or the risk of sun damage. 

Increases Positive Visibility 

Although many companies do opt for clear solar control films, it is also possible to create branded solar control films to decorate the exterior of your building. With the help of Metwest’s expert designers you can create a custom surface film that elevates the look of your building and grabs the attention of passersby. Creating a purposeful building wrap is actually one of the easiest ways to bring an older building into a contemporary space. 

 

The Lifespan of Solar Control Film

Despite their seemingly flimsy construction, surface films are built to last. It is usually suggested that you replace your solar control film every five years or so to maintain full functionality. Still, they will continue to provide a lower level of protection for even longer than that. Given the right conditions, window films can actually last up to 25 years before they require replacement. 

 

Picking the Right Film

Every building has its own risks and needs. Solar control film is an excellent, standard choice for most buildings, but you may find that you have a wider variety of needs. To help choose the best custom surface film for you, contact a reputable glass film and wall graphics company to discuss your specific needs. From there, you can create a package of different surface films to totally transform your workspace while providing for the safety and aesthetic needs of your business.