If you have ever notice that your rugs or furniture have faded over time you have seen the effect sun light can have on your home. Hardwood flooring is not immune to sun damage. Your hardwood flooring can change color and be damaged by the sun. While you can’t sunscreen your flooring there are ways to protect your home from sun damage.
Just like sun damage on your skin the ultraviolet light is what causes damage to your skin. The National Fenestration Rating Council is a nonprofit organization that assess the energy efficiency of windows and says that 40-60% of the damage is caused by UV radiation. Other factors that can cause fading and damage include heat, artificial light and humidity.
The best options for protecting your flooring is to take several precautions to prevent UV damage. One of the ways you can help is to keep the curtains or blinds closed during the sunniest times of the day. This helps to keep the sun off the floor when it is the most damaging.
Choose windows that have a higher UV protection. Some windows have a laminated covering or a low-e coated glass which can filter out as much as 99% of the harmful UV radiation. This windows may cost more then traditional windows but will save your flooring, furniture and artwork a lot of damage.
Window films are another option if you are not able to replace your windows. These films filter UV light and help to keep heat in your home. Looking for UV filters is the best way to ensure your current windows can remain and still prevent your flooring from becoming damaged. This is an easy DIY project or something you can find a professional to install for you.
If you have a certain item you are worried about like a piece of art or your flooring. Flooring can be damaged unevenly because of furniture, rugs and other things that disrupt the sunlight. Depending on the type of flooring you have and the type of finish you may have less to worry about. Sun-resistant sealants are a great way to protect your flooring. You may also want to rearrange the furniture in your sunny rooms often to prevent the flooring from becoming unevenly sun damaged. There are also techniques for protecting art and furniture.
Sun damage cannot be completely eliminated but these steps can help protect your flooring. Keeping your flooring beautiful for years to come is always a priority and taking the right steps can ensure this.
