The need for UV film protection...when one has UV on existing windows

[Cadillactaste]

My husband isn't understanding the reasons for adding the film I purchased...since the existing windows has UV protection. We discussed this...prior to my ordering it. For some reason he thought I ordered some pattern design that is why he didn't say anything.

(Edit:this is for a cold greenhouse)

Thoughts?

 

[KennedyMarx]

Do you want to filter UV from the plants? I thought the lack of UV Rays inside was one of the reasons plant did so much better outdoors, besides light intensity and humidity.

 

[Cadillactaste]

Do you want to filter UV from the plants? I thought the lack of UV Rays inside was one of the reasons plant did so much better outdoors, besides light intensity and humidity.

I was told it would keep the winter heat from reflecting the windows and keeping the room from over heating as easily... So...no then? I have the same protection on my windows on my house...and my tropical plants thrive in there.So...maybe leave it as it is then...

 

[timetravel_0]

If the tropical tree is an understory tree, it will never see UV light in the wild.

Are you relying on the light to provide growth? Or are you only trying to mitigate heat?

Are these films polarized too? (If you don't know, hold one up in front of the other facing a light source, then begin to turn one of them clock wise. You'll see it if it is.)

If you're trying to block heat, look into reflective films that go on the outside of the window.

What about using a small fan to push cold air through your structure in the winter? (what I think you're after)

 

[lordy]

Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Plant Growth
By Lois Lawrence, eHow Contributor

Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Plant Growth thumbnail Sunlit plants
Light is made up of particles of energy, known as photons. The light we see is made up of photons of different wavelengths and, thus, different colors. Ultraviolet light is invisible. Plants can use most of the colored spectrum, but not ultraviolet light.



Read more : http://www.ehow.com/facts_5572031_effects-ultraviolet-light-plant-growth.html

 

[Cadillactaste]

If the tropical tree is an understory tree, it will never see UV light in the wild.

Are you relying on the light to provide growth? Or are you only trying to mitigate heat?

Are these films polarized too? (If you don't know, hold one up in front of the other facing a light source, then begin to turn one of them clock wise. You'll see it if it is.)

If you're trying to block heat, look into reflective films that go on the outside of the window.

What about using a small fan to push cold air through your structure in the winter? (what I think you're after)

No tropicals are going in there. I am trying to create a cold greenhouse for my dormant trees to protect them from the critters that live and abide in my rural area as well as the arctic air that blew threw here last winter. We lost many yard plants and shrubs.

This was decided on the gazebo thread that it was wise to do...the film. But, that was before I realized the windows are naturally UV protected. And yes, I guess I never noticed the black tint to them until pointed out today.

Yes, I plan on having a small fan out there...for circulation of air flow. As well as a thermostat set on low to keep it from getting to cold with it also raised off the ground and not getting ground insulation. Baseboard heat...thermostat it's wired into goes down to a negative number in Celsius.

This is the product
http://t.homedepot.com/p/Gila-3-ft-x-15-ft-Titanium-Heat-Control-Window-Film-HRT361/100616385

 

[Cadillactaste]

It's heat control as well...so maybe yes, it is needed.

 

[timetravel_0]

Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Plant Growth
By Lois Lawrence, eHow Contributor

Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Plant Growth thumbnail Sunlit plants
Light is made up of particles of energy, known as photons. The light we see is made up of photons of different wavelengths and, thus, different colors. Ultraviolet light is invisible. Plants can use most of the colored spectrum, but not ultraviolet light.



Read more : http://www.ehow.com/facts_5572031_effects-ultraviolet-light-plant-growth.html

If this was the case, a CFL is all you'd need to keep junipers alive indoors indefinitely.

 

[James H]

unless your glass is specially designed to not filter out UV, it should block UV from your plants already. The green house will still heat up but not allow much UV penetration.

 

[edprocoat]

Darlene I would consider a pull down shade on the sunny side. When you do not want it shaded you can roll it up and when down it will block most the light and heat while adding a layer of insulation.

ed

 

[Cadillactaste]

Darlene I would consider a pull down shade on the sunny side. When you do not want it shaded you can roll it up and when down it will block most the light and heat while adding a layer of insulation.

ed

Thanks Ed...have them purchased as well. The biggest thing was my husband felt it a waist adding the film when we have good quality windows in place that are meant to do the exact thing as the film. Though will apply it if I feel I want it up.

 

[jeanluc83]

I would say that the extra UV film is not needed. The main reason for this film is to reduce the fading and degradation associated with UV exposure.

Also it is good to remember that once your trees are dormant they won't even need light. You would probably be better off keeping the south facing windows shaded. A fan for air movement along with opening a door on warm days should keep the temp constant.

If the tropical tree is an understory tree, it will never see UV light in the wild.

This is not strictly true. I have transition lenses in my glasses. They use UV light to darken. When I am in the shade outside they will still darken, not fully, but sill darken. Understory trees will still receive UV light just not as much as other trees.

 

[davetree]

If this was the case, a CFL is all you'd need to keep junipers alive indoors indefinitely.

ULtraviolet light is not used for photosynthesis and is in fact, detrimental to plant growth.

 

[fore]

I have the exact same material waiting to be installed in a house window to prevent uv fading off some maple furniture in front of the window. I've just been too lazy to install it yet as it looks like a pain. I'd too though prob. not do the film as it's prob. not necessary.