Don’t Fall Victim to Sun Damage During Winter Months

You may have noticed the annual sinking of the sun in the Southern sky over the last few weeks as the season of shorter and shorter days creeps onward. Even when it is cold outside, the sun emits UV rays which can cause damage with daily exposure. In the winter months, sun damage is not as prevalent on our minds than in the summer, but it is still a threat. Sun damage occurs on our skin, but also, in our home. If you are not taking corrective action, you could fall victim to sun damage to your home furnishings, flooring and window treatments. The corrective action is really simple and affordable: install window tint.

Keep reading to learn some tips to keep in mind and to watch for to be sure you won’t later find sun damage in your home.

Notice The Shift In The Sun’s Location In The Southern Sky

We are conditioned to have heightened awareness of the sun’s potential for damage in the summertime when it is hot and bright, but it is not as prevalent in the winter. First thing is to be aware of the shift of the sun’s location in the Southern sky which can shine through windows that don’t normally have direct, intense sunlight in the summer. The sun is lower in the Southern sky and may shine through your windows at a higher angle with direct sunlight hitting walls, artwork and furnishings that may not get direct sun in the summer. Damage can start to become noticeable surprisingly quick, so be on the watch out! However, if you have professional window film installed on your windows, then any sunlight that penetrates the film will have 99% UV light filtered no matter the time of year.

How to Tell if Your Home is at Risk to Sun Damage

Be observant of the light coming into your home to see if you are at risk of added winter sun damage.  The East and West exposures get direct sun year-round, but that exposure changes slightly in the winter. During October through February pay special attention to your Southern exposure several times throughout the day. Notice if the change in the sun’s position in the sky results in direct sunlight on any furnishings, art, or valuables.

Check behind draperies, window treatments and flooring for signs of color-fading or rot. Fabrics and draperies can feel dry or brittle, or you may notice color changes or fraying. Walls, especially those painted a darker hue, will show signs of color fading or color changing. Look behind items hung on the wall for a shadow they may leave behind. It is a good idea to check in different lighting and times of the day to expose sun damage that may not be visible in certain light. We also see sun damage on wood floors and cabinets. Inspect your flooring that has direct sunlight exposure by checking under rugs, getting a close look for changes in color, degradation or peeling of varnish or other coatings. Removing air vents from the floor is another trick to expose hidden damage. Open cabinet doors to check where they close for discoloration. If you pay special attention to the surface behind your window coverings – the sides facing the sun, this is where the damage will typically start. If you see it there, then noticeable damage to the rest of the room is not far behind.

What To Do If You Find Sun Damage

If you notice signs of sun damage, it is important to act. The sun will not be going away anytime soon. The damage will only get worse and cost more the longer you wait to do something about it. Having window film professionally installed is the most effective and nonintrusive way of controlling the amount of damaging UV light entering your home. This site has a ton of information about all the benefits of window film and encourage you to explore it, but for fading, the number one benefit is it eliminates 99.99% of UV light yet it is virtually invisible.

Colorado Sun Control offers free, in-home estimates and product consultations at a time that is convenient for you. We will provide you with a quote and discuss your needs then match them with the best window film product. Take advantage of our decades of experience to help you choose the right product and for peace of mind that you will receive top quality service with product and installation guarantees. Call to set up your no-obligation consultation today! 719-473-0119.