How Solar Shading Protects Furniture and Flooring from UV Damage
Having lots of natural sunlight in a property can be a great thing – it makes a space feel more vibrant and inviting. Light and airy properties are a big plus point. But, on the other side of the coin, having a lot of direct sunlight can mean prolonged exposure to UV rays which can damage furnishings and decor. Sun exposure can affect furniture, fabrics and decor, which can be a surprise to lots of homeowners.
One way of limiting the UV damage carried out by direct sunlight is to use solar shading solutions to reduce the amount of sunlight entering a building. This can keep a property comfortable and also prevent damage to furniture etc.
Understanding UV Damage
UV is a natural by-product of direct sunlight. We can’t see UV rays but we can see the damage that it can cause to furniture and fabrics inside a property. Thinking about the damage that UV exposure can have on human skin, is a way to conceptualise how it can affect furnishings.
Colours in fabrics and decor can fade and sun damage can occur on surfaces. This can be a process that takes place over a long period but once a homeowner does notice, it could be costly to replace items.
If a property has large windows, especially if they’re south-facing, then high levels of direct sunlight and UV rays can make an impact on interiors.
The Impact on Furniture and Flooring
Prolonged UV exposure can make its mark on furniture and interiors, literally. Sofas, curtains and wooden furniture are all susceptible to fading and damage if they are exposed to prolonged direct sunlight.
Fabrics used in sofas, curtains etc can start to fade and certain areas can become lighter than others. A leather sofa may dry out and lead to cracking and wood can fade over time with UV damage.
To protect the quality and long term future of furniture, it’s important to try and limit direct sunlight as much as possible.
And flooring can be affected too. Hardwood, carpets, laminate and vinyl can all undergo damage through fading. Consistent colouring with floor is important but discolouration is possible in certain areas with more contact with direct sunlight.
How Solar Shading Helps
Without needing to completely hamper natural light coming into a property, solar shading can make a big difference in UV reduction.
Solutions such as external blinds, awnings, brise soleil and specialist shading systems can decrease the levels of direct sunlight making their way into a property, without compromising on natural light quality.
Solar shading is a stylish protective measure for the furniture and fabrics in a property.
Additional Benefits Beyond UV Protection
Solar shading can also help to keep a property cool in warmer months, allowing it to stay comfortable even on the hottest of days. This reduces the reliance on expensive and energy sapping artificial cooling measures too.
Glare from sunlight on television screens, laptops and mobiles can reduce too, allowing homeowners to get on with whatever they need to.
By investing in the right solar shading system for a property, homeowners can protect the value and appearance of their furnishings and interiors, whilst staying cool.
For more info and advice on solar shading for your property, get in touch with our team at Urban Skies.