Sun damaged windows are usually easy to spot once you know where to look: faded furniture and floors near the glass, rooms that overheat on sunny afternoons, and frames that are cracked, brittle or discolored. If you see those signs, the fix is often new windows with Low-E glass, which reflects much of the sun’s heat and ultraviolet light before it gets into the room.
Most of us only think about the sun coming through the window when it puts a glare on a screen. A bright room feels great, but a window is supposed to let in light while holding back heat and UV rays. Older windows do a poor job of that, and the sun slowly wears on the window itself too.
How to Tell if You Have Sun Damaged Windows
Start with the room, not the window. Look at the furniture, rugs, flooring and wall paint closest to the glass. If the colors have faded compared with areas the sun does not reach, a lot of UV light is getting through.
Next, look at the window. Years of direct sun can dry out and crack glazing and seals, fade or peel painted wood frames, and make old weatherstripping brittle. Windows on the south and west sides of a Connecticut home take the most sun, so check those first.
Pay attention to comfort as well. If one room is always hotter than the rest of the house on a sunny day, or the air conditioner runs constantly to keep up, the glass is letting in more heat than it should.
Single Pane Windows Are a Red Flag
If your home still has single pane windows, assume they are part of the problem. One layer of plain glass does very little to block UV rays or heat. Fogging or moisture between the panes of an older double pane window is another warning sign, because it means the seal has failed.
What to Do About Sun Damage
Blinds, curtains and shades help, but only when they are closed, and they do nothing for a window that is already worn out. The lasting solution is to install energy-efficient vinyl replacement windows.
The windows we install are made with Low-E glass. This is a thin, nearly invisible coating that reflects sunlight and heat off the window while still letting daylight in. Less UV light reaches your furniture and floors, and rooms stay cooler in summer. Vinyl frames also hold up well in the sun because there is no paint to peel or scrape.
Add Shade Outside the Window
Stopping the sun before it reaches the glass works well too. Window awnings and door canopies shade the glass during the hottest part of the day, and retractable awnings over a deck or patio can shade the sliding doors and windows behind them. If you are still choosing a style, our guide on how to choose a patio awning can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sun damaged windows be repaired?
Small problems such as worn weatherstripping can sometimes be repaired. Failed seals, warped frames and single pane glass that lets in too much UV light generally call for replacement.
Does Low-E glass make a room darker?
No. The coating is designed to reflect heat and UV rays while letting visible light pass through, so the room stays bright.
Which windows get the most sun damage?
Windows that face south and west get the strongest and longest sun exposure, so they tend to show fading and wear first.
Have Your Windows Looked At
If you think the sun has taken a toll on your windows, Aladdin, Inc. can look at them and explain your options. We have been helping Connecticut homeowners since 1949. Call (203) 776-9996 or contact us online to ask about replacement windows or window awnings.