Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) capabilities of Smart Film

Does Smart Glass Block UV and IR Light?

Ordinary glass may offer some UV protection, but it’s far from comprehensive. While standard glass only blocks about 25% of harmful UVA rays, smart glass and smart film can block up to 99% of these rays, providing far superior protection for your interiors. In this article, we’ll dive into how smart glass not only shields your space from UV damage but also offers privacy on demand and additional benefits such as infrared (IR) light reduction.

Smart Glass: Privacy on demand
One of the most appealing features of smart glass is its ability to switch from clear to frosted instantly, offering privacy when you need it. While transparent, it looks just like regular glass, but with hidden advantages that go beyond aesthetics. Smart glass is engineered to offer more than privacy—it also has built-in soundproofing, acts as a safety glass, and blocks both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light, making it a multifunctional solution for modern spaces.

Does All Glass Block UV Light?
Not entirely. While glass does a decent job of blocking UVB rays, it’s not as effective against UVA light, which makes up 95% of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. Standard glass only blocks about 25% of UVA rays, leaving 75% to pass through and cause long-term damage to your interiors and even your skin. In contrast, smart glass and smart film block 99% of UVA light, providing much better protection for your home or commercial space.

How UV Rays Damage Your Space
UVA rays are notorious for fading furniture, rugs, artwork, and fabrics over time. They are also responsible for 40-60% of damage to hardwood floors. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can result in costly repairs or replacements of your interior decor. Investing in smart glass is a proactive way to minimize this damage and keep your space looking its best for longer.

UV Protection in Smart Glass and Smart Film
Smart glass offers consistent protection by blocking 99% of UVA rays, regardless of whether it’s in its transparent or frosted state. This is due to a specialized UV-proof layer built into the glass.

Smart film, applied to existing windows, also blocks 99% of UV rays when powered off (opaque) and still offers 54% protection when powered on (transparent). It provides an easy way to enhance the UV-blocking capabilities of your current windows.

How Smart Glass Blocks Infrared (IR) Light
In addition to UV protection, smart glass and film also block infrared light, which is a major source of heat gain in buildings. By rejecting over 40% of heat from IR light, smart glass helps maintain a cooler interior, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy costs. For even greater energy efficiency, consider insulated smart glass units, which provide superior thermal performance.

Let in Natural Light Without Sacrificing Protection
One of the best aspects of smart glass is that it allows you to maintain a well-lit space while still protecting against harmful UV and IR rays. Even when frosted for privacy, the glass lets in over two-thirds of natural light, reducing glare without making your room feel dark or closed off. If you're looking for a solution that goes beyond frosted, you can explore UV darkening film, which adjusts from clear to dark for even more control over light and heat.

Popular Applications of Smart Glass
Smart glass and film are increasingly being used in various applications, including doors, skylights, hard-to-reach windows, and even boats. Smart glass is installed just like standard glass, while smart film can be applied to existing windows to turn them into switchable glass.

Conclusion
Smart glass is much more than just a privacy solution. With its ability to block 99% of UVA rays, reduce heat through infrared blocking, and offer soundproofing and safety features, it’s a versatile and energy-efficient choice for modern buildings. Whether you’re constructing a new space or upgrading your current one, smart glass can provide the perfect blend of functionality, protection, and aesthetics.