No one wants to spend the time and money to design the perfect room with lovely fabrics, furniture, and wall colors, only to have the UV rays from the sun coming in the windows fade everything over time. While spending the money on home design, the homeowner should invest in new energy-efficient, low UV windows to keep everything safe from fading and save on energy costs at the same time. There are additional ways to prevent fading if new windows are not an option.
Can New Windows Prevent UV Damage to Interiors?
When considering home renovation projects, don’t forget the windows and taking steps to percent UV rays entering the home and fading the new design elements. If a home needs a renovation and redecorating, the windows might be older and in need of replacement. Home renovation companies that replace roofs, siding, and other home elements, can also replace dated, inefficient or damaged windows. Companies such as can take care of all the exterior elements of a home, including windows.
While the window selection is taking place, ask for windows that will prevent UV rays damage in the home. By purchasing new Energy Star certified windows, the homeowner will save on heating and cooling costs as well as protecting the home interior from UV ray damage. If the home has older, single-pane windows, they are wasting energy and allowing UV rays to enter the home and fade furniture, fabrics, walls, and floors. There are many energy-saving choices in windows to fit the budget and needs of every homeowner.
Ways To Prevent Fading of Furniture, Floors, and Walls
For homeowners who want to or blocking all the light, there are ideas that can be effective. Sun damage is most pronounced in rooms with windows in sun-facing locations. This can be on the east or west side of the home or in rooms with large windows, sliding doors, or french doors. These are the very windows that let in light and make interiors pleasant by being bright and light-filled during the day. Light-filled rooms use less electricity for lighting and are pleasant to be in.
How can homeowners keep the light benefits and still avoid sun damage?
1. Install blinds, shades, or curtains that can be opened to let the light in when wanted, and closed when the sun is too bright or the family is not home. Sheer drapes are a nice look that keeps out a lot of UV rays while letting light into the house. Sheers have a softer, more traditional look than blinds or shades.
2. Consider installing plantation shutters that can be opened away from the windows or have their wooden slats moved to let in or keep out sun as needed. Shutters will not work on large windows, sliding doors, or French doors, but for average or smaller size windows they can be a solution. Shutters can be installed to the outside of a house or to the inside of rooms.
3. The large expanses of glass can have see-through sun shades installed to filter light while retaining the exterior views. They come in different levels of transparency and UV protection. There are films incorporated into roller blinds and there are rigid plastic sheets that are attached to the inside of a window or hang in front of the window.
4. There are that can be applied to existing windows. They can come as films or as sprays. but, if the windows already have UV coatings, applying additional ones may not work well or might invalidate the window’s warranties. Clear UV filtering coatings can come as a polyester plastic film or as rigid acrylic or polycarbonate sheets. The disadvantage of window coatings is that they have a shelf-life and eventually must be removed and replaced.
These films don’t work on all windows including old glass. Removing the films might require using solvents and a lot of elbow grease. This process might scratch or damage the windows and their painted trim. Many films do not keep out the full spectrum of UV rays. That requires a solar film that is tinted and may have a mirrored, metallic surface. Since the look is not for everyone, the homeowner should get samples to try before ordering. These films can be installed by homeowners but it is better to have them installed professionally.
5. Some homes have awnings installed on the exterior to shield windows from the sun’s UV rays. This is a safe and low tech way to protect a home’s interior from UV rays and fading. But not all housing styles lend themselves to awnings.
6. In addition to window coverings, the homeowner can protect wood finishes with different sealants and varnishes. Leather furniture can be treated with conditioners several times a year to protect them. Rugs can be moved around so they do not get bright sun for extended periods of time. Furniture and rugs can be moved around periodically to even out the sun’s effects.
7. Plan on getting new windows with built-in UV protection when it is time to replace windows. If all new windows are not in the budget, consider replacing the windows on the side of the house and in the rooms most prone to bright sun.
Balancing the Benefits of Natural Light With The Need To Avoid UV Damage
Every homeowner must find a balance between having lots of natural light and keeping furniture, rugs, flooring, and walls from fading and artwork from being damaged. Usually, a combination of protective strategies works best. Purchasing furniture and fabrics that are fade-resistant can help as well as using effective window treatments. Consider using window films on windows with the most UV rays and glare and have them professionally installed. Using window treatments that can be opened and closed as needed gives the homeowner versatility in managing the sunlight.
Having good quality double pane windows with low UV coatings is an ideal way to avoid interior surfaces being faded by the sun. Advance planning when building a new home can alleviate future problems. Existing homes can have new windows installed as the old ones need replacing or the other means of controlling sunlight can be used.
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