Here in Connecticut we love the sun. After six months every year of cold, cloudy winter we like to soak up every sun beam we can get. Here’s the rub: our home’s interior loves to soak up the sun too, but instead of getting a tan and a boost of vitamin D, it fades and wears irreversibly.
UV radiation coming in from our home’s windows is a major cause of wear and fading in wood and leather furniture, as well as carpeting, upholstery, and more. But how do you prevent your home’s interior from getting faded with exposure to the sun?
There are a number of solutions to this problem, but not all of them are as appealing as others. For instance, many simply hang heavy drapes over their windows to prevent sunlight from getting in. This is a workable solution to the problem of fading furniture and carpeting, but it also leaves your home dark, and keeps you from seeing the outside world. It’s not exactly ideal.
Another option is applying a UV-resistant film on all of your home’s windows (or at least those prone to heavy exposure to the sun). UV window film is a more appealing solution than drapes to many, because it allows in visible sunlight and doesn’t obscure the view outside. However, poorly manufactured or installed window films may begin to peel after only a few years, and any UV film is likely to invalidate your windows’ warranty.
Many UV films also have a reflective outer coat to help keep light out, almost like a two-way mirror. This is great inside the house, but may be a nuisance to those outside of it. For that reason many homeowners’ associations ban them.
What then, is a homeowner to do?
We recommend getting window awnings or canopies. Awnings and canopies keep direct sunlight from entering your home when the sun is highest and its most harmful. Unlike drapes, though, they don’t obscure your view. Retractable options are available for times when your desire for a ray of sunshine outweighs the risk of fading the furnishings.
As an added bonus, new awnings will also keep out rain, snow, and other elements while allowing you to open the window for a breath of fresh air.