As great as it is to bask in the warm summer sun, harmful UV rays can wreak havoc on more than just your skin and eyes. Sun damage can take its toll on your home—even indoors—affecting the lifespan and appearance of your belongings. Here are some common symptoms of sun damage and what you can do to prevent them.
Faded Rugs and Carpets
From area rugs to wall-to-wall carpeting, the sun can fade the color of your floor coverings, giving them a drab and uneven appearance. Sun damage can also lower the value of oriental and antique rugs, which are usually more susceptible to fading than newer, synthetically dyed rugs. There is an easy way to help prevent this, which you may already have in your home. Window treatments, like blinds, shades, and even sheer curtains, are effective at blocking out harmful light and UV rays. Close your window treatments during peak sun hours, even on cloudy days, to protect your floor coverings.
Brittle, Faded Furniture
If you’ve owned a set of outdoor furniture for more than a season or two, the dull color and dry fabrics can attest to the damaging effects of sun exposure. This happens to the furniture inside your home too, causing fabrics to fade, leather to dry, and wood to bleach or even darken. Try and keep furniture out of direct sunlight if possible and recondition leather regularly to keep it supple.
Sun Bleached/Tanned Wood
Have you ever seen a doily-shaped dark spot on an old table? This is a clear sign of how sun can change the color of wood. Depending on the type, sunlight can cause wood to lighten, darken, or even become more yellow. If you have new wood furniture in a sunny room, keep the top clear of any accessories for the first few months. This allows most woods time to develop a natural, even patina and helps prevent stationary objects from leaving noticeable color variations. Make sure to move lamps, vases, picture frames, and other objects around frequently to prevent light or dark spots from occurring.
An Alternative to Window Treatments
Window treatments are effective at blocking sunlight when they’re closed, but no one wants to live in darkness all year long. Window film is an effective solution for blocking out UV rays, while letting in light and an unobstructed outdoor view. This transparent film can help protect your furnishings and even lower cooling costs. It’s also great for skylights or other places where window treatments are impractical or undesirable. Installation is best left to a professional, however, as you may damage your windows or void their warranty by attempting it yourself.
Contact Yetter Insurance today at our Milford office to find out how we can help protect your home, belongings, and family in other ways. Visit www.yetterins.com or call 570.296-8546.
