How to reduce sun damage to your floors

Protecting your floors from sun damage… can it be done? In the short answer… not entirely no. However there are definitely actions we can take to reduce the damage to your floors.

Why do we need to try and protect our floors from direct sunlight? There are many reasons why we should try to protect our floors or reduce damage.

Why would I protect my floors?

1. Prevent Fading and Discolouration

Colour Fading: UV rays can break down the chemical bonds in dyes and finishes, causing floors to fade. This is especially noticeable in hardwood, vinyl, and laminate flooring, which can lose their original colour and lustre.

Discolouration: Different areas of the floor can develop uneven discolouration, leading to unsightly patches where furniture or rugs have not covered the surface.

2. Maintain Structural Integrity

Wood Damage: UV rays can dry out and weaken the fibres in wood, causing warping, cracking, and other structural issues. This may compromise the stability and durability of hardwood floors.

Material Degradation: For some vinyl and laminate floors, UV exposure can cause the materials to become brittle and prone to cracking.

Yes! The beauty of LVT is that it is naturally warmer and softer underfoot than stone and ceramic tiles so is a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens and sunrooms. On top of that most LVT floors can be laid over underfloor heating systems for extra warmth.

 3. Protect Floor Finish

Finish Degradation: The protective coatings on floors, such as varnish or polyurethane, can degrade under UV light, reducing their effectiveness and leading to more frequent maintenance needs.

4. Preserve Aesthetic Appeal

Maintain Appearance: Sun-damaged floors can look old and worn out, diminishing the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. Protecting your floors helps maintain their original beauty and enhances the overall look of your interior spaces.

5. Extend Floor Lifespan

Longer Lifespan: By protecting your floors from UV damage, you can extend their lifespan, delaying the need for costly repairs or replacement.

6. Reduce Maintenance Costs

Lower Maintenance Costs: Floors that are protected from sun damage require less frequent refinishing, polishing, or replacement, saving you money and effort in the long run.

Implementing measures to protect your floors from direct sunlight helps preserve their appearance, structural integrity, and overall value, contributing to a more attractive and durable living space. So let’s look at what you can do to try and reduce the damage done by prolonged exposure to sunlight.

How to protect your floors

UV film – try adding a UV film to your windows to limit the intensity of the UV rays coming through

Curtains – the most obvious solution. Try a lighter curtain if you want the window covered all day, enough to the light in but reduce the intensity of the UV rays.

Furniture – jig around your furniture regularly. By doing this you can change the wear and tear patterns on the floor

Rugs and mats – not only will they look great, and add a touch of extra style to your room, they can protect your floor from furniture, and direct sunlight. Did you know you can make a rug out of any of the carpets we stock? Take a look at the Make me a Rug option.

Implementing one or two of these measures can really help protect your floors from direct sunlight and help to preserve appearance, structural integrity, and overall value.