How Low-E Glass Protects Your Furnishings from UV Damage

Beyond energy efficiency, Low-E glass provides a benefit many homeowners don't consider: UV protection for your belongings.

The Fading Problem

According to the FGIA, ultraviolet radiation causes:

• Furniture fabric fading
• Carpet color deterioration
• Hardwood floor discoloration
• Artwork damage
• Drape and curtain degradation

These losses can exceed the cost of window replacement over time.

How Low-E Blocks UV

According to Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Low-E coatings block UV radiation through two mechanisms:

1. Reflection: The metallic coating reflects UV rays
2. Absorption: Some UV is absorbed by coating layers

Standard soft-coat Low-E typically blocks 75-85% of UV radiation. According to LBNL, some premium coatings block up to 95%.

UV Protection Comparison

According to testing data from FGIA:

| Glass Type | UV Blocking |
|------------|-------------|
| Clear single-pane | 25% |
| Clear double-pane | 35% |
| Standard Low-E | 75-85% |
| Premium Low-E | 90-95% |
| Laminated glass | 99% |

What This Means for Your Home

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Low-E windows:

• Extend furniture lifespan significantly
• Protect carpet from uneven fading near windows
• Preserve hardwood floor finishes
• Allow you to display artwork without accelerated damage

Limitations to Understand

According to LBNL, even with Low-E glass:

• Visible light still causes some fading
• UV blocking isn't 100%
• Items in direct sun paths will still fade over time
• Additional window treatments provide extra protection

The Bottom Line

Low-E windows provide meaningful UV protection that extends the life of your furnishings. While not a substitute for additional protection on valuable items, they dramatically reduce the fading that occurs with clear glass.

*For complete Low-E information, see: [Low-E Glass Coatings](/guides/low-e-glass-coatings)*