Sun Damage Protect Your Home From UV Rays

By Anne Yankus

We all know to put on sunscreen before going out to protect our skin from the sun’s rays, but what about protecting other things? Human bodies aren’t the only things the sun’s intense UV rays can damage. That list extends to many different things—including the exterior and even interior of your home.

Several parts of your home’s exterior are susceptible to damage from UV rays, but the ones you’ll want to watch most closely are your roof, exterior paint, and any wooden structures (like decks or siding) or furniture. Roof damage can take many forms, including deterioration (when chemicals break down), blistering, damaged sealants, and thermal damage (when seated roofing contracts too quickly). Paint is prone to color fading over time or can denature in a way that causes it to look chunky or dusty. Wood will gradually dry out with extended exposure to the sun, and some types can even darken or bleach over time.

Many of these may seem like minor issues, but they can become costly in a hurry. Ignoring them will only negatively affect your home maintenance budget, resale value, and curb appeal. Some issues, like roof damage, can cause serious quality of life issues. Fortunately, we live in a world of innovation and technology, so there are many options out there that can help protect your home from sun damage.

Home interiors can be protected simply by installing window films and using UV-resistant paints and floor finishes. Furniture and window dressings made of synthetic and blended fabrics also tend to fade slower than natural fabrics such as cotton. If you’re really attached to your natural fiber curtains or furnishings, you can purchase UV-repelling sprays, which will slow (but will not halt) color fading.

What about your artwork and framed photos? Standard glass panes won’t protect your art from UV rays. Consider swapping standard glass for conservation glass or UV-blocking acrylic to protect your precious items.

Protecting the exterior of a home can be a bit more complicated. The most low-tech solution is planting trees and shrubs around your home. If you’re not sure how to proceed, consult a professional landscaper. This pro should be able to help you with optimal sun-blocking placement and recommend the best plant species to thrive in your area.

Trees can provide a lot of shade, but they don’t provide complete protection from the sun. That’s where UV-resistant