Many homeowners looking to escape the heat of hot summer days, look to motorized retractable screens to create greater comfort levels either within their home or on their patios. However, escaping the heat is not the only reason one should consider the purchase of solar screens. The UV rays of the sun over time result in permanent damage to the contents of your home and, worse yet, pose a significant risk of skin cancer to occupants.
As the Earth’s ozone layer continues to thin from damaging chemicals emitted into our atmosphere, more of the UV rays reach the Earth’s surface posing a greater risk to our health than ever before. Typically, solar screens act as a barrier between the sun, your property, and your occupants by blocking the sun’s UV rays by as much as 95%.
What are UV Rays?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun which is separate from sunlight and heat. The energy created by the sun is broken down into what is called the “electromagnetic spectrum”, which includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays. Infrared radiation accounts for the heat we feel from the sun whereas UV radiation is responsible for effects on our health.
Ultraviolet radiation is further broken down into 3 types – UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA is long-range UV radiation and UVB is short-wave UV radiation which the ozone layer protects us from by only allowing about 5% to reach the Earth’s surface. Both these types of UV radiation can cause skin cancers but UVB is mostly responsible as it penetrates deeper into our skin than UVA. UVC, on the other hand, is a form of UV radiation that never reaches the earth because of the great job our ozone layer does. However, if it did reach the Earth, it would be hazardous to all forms of life.
The intensity of UV rays is attributed to the season, time of day, ozone layer thickness, weather, surface reflection, altitude, and latitude. The Global Solar UV Index uses a scale of 0 (low) to 11+ (extreme) to measure the levels from day to day and was designed to help us protect ourselves from overexposure.
Why are Ultraviolet Rays So Bad?
Overexposure to UV Rays is known to have long-lasting effects on the skin and eyes. Protection is needed when UV levels exceed level 3. Health concerns caused by UV include:
- Sunburn: The damage caused by sunburn cannot be undone. In fact, over time it increases the likelihood that one will develop skin cancer.
- Eye damage: cataracts, eye cancers, growths on the eye, photokeratitis, and photo conjunctivitis. Photokeratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, and photo conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva (membranes lining the eyelids and socket), both of which are caused by sunburn to your eyes. Snow blindness is a sunburn to the eyes caused by reflective UV rays and is most common and severe.
- Premature aging: 80% of fine lines and wrinkles are caused by UV damage.
How is do solar screens protect your home and you?
As damaging as UV rays are to the body, the effects of UV rays on the contents of your home are equally damaging. Photodegradation, or color fading, occurs when UV rays alter the chemicals of an object. Chromophores in dyes of fabrics and textiles absorb light. UV rays break down these chromophores which leads to the fading of colors or bleaching. This is avoidable with the use of exterior mounted solar screens such as Habitat Screens manufactured by Talius.
Talius Habitat Screens block up to 95% of the damaging UV rays and the fabrics used to create them have been approved by the Melanoma International Foundation giving you peace of mind that they will not only protect your furnishings, but they will protect occupants as well.
Why Choose a Motorized Solar Screen?
Everyone loves innovations with a touch of convenience. Talius Habitat Screens are mounted outside windows or around outdoor spaces like patios, decks, and garages. When motorized, they can be integrated into home automation systems and connected to sensors and timers. Homeowners can also set programs for when the screens are to be open or closed.
The use of a sun sensor ensures the greatest protection when you are home or away because, as soon as the sun hits the sensor, the screen is lowered. Without a thought, your furnishings and you are protected from the onslaught of ultraviolet radiation. Furthermore, automated motorized retractable screens offer the greatest energy efficiency by also blocking infrared radiation which is the cause of heat gains within your home. Apart from protecting furnishings and occupants, this is one of the most important features of Talius Habitat Screens as global temperatures rise along with our cooling energy bills.
With the convenience of a motorized solar screen, your home transforms into a safe, cool, and comfortable space whether you’re enjoying the outdoors or getting some work done.
Why invest in Talius Habitat Screens?
If the reasons above haven’t convinced you yet, consider the longevity of any window treatment you might purchase whether it be for shade, privacy, or appearance. Talius Habitat Screens is a one-time installation that will last for years to come. With over 40 years as an industry-leading manufacturer, Talius products have proven to stand up to the test of time. Mounted on the exterior of your home, Habitat Screens blend seamlessly with your building exterior offered in a variety of fabric color options and 5 stock colors or over 1800 custom color options for the guide rails and panel box.
Talius’ standard of quality products and services guarantees satisfaction among our valued customers. Our specially designed motorized retractable screens will defend your home and you against the harmful effects of ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
