A Surefire Way to Prevent Sun Damage Indoors
Why let light ruin your furniture, floors and artwork, when the solution could be as simple as applying high-quality window film?
Becky Dietrich
July 4, 2014
I am a sun worshipper. Sixty years of living in Seattle will do that to you. I simply cannot get enough sun.
But even I know that all that wonderful sunlight pouring through the window is not doing anything good for my furnishings, my floors and my artwork.
But even I know that all that wonderful sunlight pouring through the window is not doing anything good for my furnishings, my floors and my artwork.
Fading, discoloration and fabric damage are the downsides of the sunlight — actually, any visible light — that floods our rooms. There are three main culprits in the spectrum of light: UVA and UVB rays cause 45 percent of the damage; heat/infrared radiation causes 25 percent; and visible light causes 25 percent, according to industry expert Ron Best of Protection Seattle.
Dealing with these culprits presents two tricky issues. The first is that damaging UV rays are present whether or not the sun is shining. Even on cloudy or rainy days, this silent destroyer is at work.
In Seattle clients would start calling me around the first of May, saying, “My sofa has faded! How can that be? The sun hasn’t been out in 200 days!”
Dealing with these culprits presents two tricky issues. The first is that damaging UV rays are present whether or not the sun is shining. Even on cloudy or rainy days, this silent destroyer is at work.
In Seattle clients would start calling me around the first of May, saying, “My sofa has faded! How can that be? The sun hasn’t been out in 200 days!”
Second, most of us want light to come into our rooms. After all, why else would we have windows? But the sheer presence of visible light will, over time, cause the slow but sure ruination of your valuables.
So that’s what window treatments are for, right? Not so much. They have to be closed to be effective. But treatments that cover an entire window can be very costly. Just imagine the money required to cover these gorgeous windows with fabric — or even blinds. Not to mention, who would want to?
So that’s what window treatments are for, right? Not so much. They have to be closed to be effective. But treatments that cover an entire window can be very costly. Just imagine the money required to cover these gorgeous windows with fabric — or even blinds. Not to mention, who would want to?
And what about skylights? Skylights let in a great amount of natural light but are a primary cause of damage to furnishings. They also cause rooms to heat up.
“But,” you say, “I have these really expensive new windows that are low-E and energy efficient. Won’t they protect my stuff?”
Not really. New windows are designed with insulation in mind: They are built to keep heat in, not to keep light out. “But,” you say, “the stickers on my new windows claim that they block 85 percent of UV rays.” That’s good — just not good enough. You know how a 5.5 earthquake is appreciably worse than a 5.0? It’s a logarithmic progression.
UV rays are the same way. Blocking 45 percent is desperately less than 85 percent, and 85 percent is still not nearly enough. What our stuff needs is 99.9 percent protection. This will slow the fading and damage dramatically. (Unless you live in a perpetually dark room, some damage is inevitable.)
“But,” you say, “I have these really expensive new windows that are low-E and energy efficient. Won’t they protect my stuff?”
Not really. New windows are designed with insulation in mind: They are built to keep heat in, not to keep light out. “But,” you say, “the stickers on my new windows claim that they block 85 percent of UV rays.” That’s good — just not good enough. You know how a 5.5 earthquake is appreciably worse than a 5.0? It’s a logarithmic progression.
UV rays are the same way. Blocking 45 percent is desperately less than 85 percent, and 85 percent is still not nearly enough. What our stuff needs is 99.9 percent protection. This will slow the fading and damage dramatically. (Unless you live in a perpetually dark room, some damage is inevitable.)
So what is a person to do? For a couple of decades, I have given a two-word response to that question: window film. I know, I know — you are probably visualizing a 1980s car with dark film peeling away from its windows. Banish that image from your mind.
Modern films are among the best ways to deal with sun and light issues in your home. Good-quality solar window films, like those by Vista, 3M or Lumor, reject 99.9 percent of the sun’s harmful rays.
Modern films are among the best ways to deal with sun and light issues in your home. Good-quality solar window films, like those by Vista, 3M or Lumor, reject 99.9 percent of the sun’s harmful rays.
Solar window film (this is Night Vision 25 window tint) can reduce 50 to 87 percent of the sun’s glare, while allowing you to enjoy the outside views. Look at the difference between the left and right windows in this “before” and “after” photo.
Can you see how reducing glare actually enhances views while easing eye strain? In addition, window tints can significantly reduce heat and save on energy bills without changing the look of existing windows or doors.
Can you see how reducing glare actually enhances views while easing eye strain? In addition, window tints can significantly reduce heat and save on energy bills without changing the look of existing windows or doors.
Window films are installed on the insides of your windows by a professional installer. I don’t recommend this as a DIY project, primarily because of warranty issues.
That leads me to a short warranty discussion. Most window manufacturers will void their warranty if film is applied to their windows. This is primarily because enterprising do-it-yourselfers have applied auto film to their windows, often causing seal failure and even glass breakage. Your professional can explain this in depth.
Reputable companies offer an override warranty. Buy it. Film all by itself is very reasonably priced, and the warranty is dirt cheap.
Once your film is installed, the window can still be washed like any other window — just never use a razor blade on it.
Tell us: How do you manage your home’s sunlight in summer?
More: 7 Window Treatments That Can Lower Your Energy Bills
That leads me to a short warranty discussion. Most window manufacturers will void their warranty if film is applied to their windows. This is primarily because enterprising do-it-yourselfers have applied auto film to their windows, often causing seal failure and even glass breakage. Your professional can explain this in depth.
Reputable companies offer an override warranty. Buy it. Film all by itself is very reasonably priced, and the warranty is dirt cheap.
Once your film is installed, the window can still be washed like any other window — just never use a razor blade on it.
Tell us: How do you manage your home’s sunlight in summer?
More: 7 Window Treatments That Can Lower Your Energy Bills
With over 50 years of experience, we take pride in what we do, and we work hard to meet each client's... Read More
What are you working on?
Related Products
We design, build and renovate in the most exquisite of fashions. Our team of revolutionaries is dedicated to... Read More
Related Stories
Decorating Guides
Which Window Treatments Should You Choose?
By Julie Sheer
Find out all about the latest options for shades, blinds, shutters and draperies
Full Story
Windows
What to Know About Curtains and Drapes
By Julie Sheer
Learn about the styles, layering treatments and mounting options for this classic window treatment
Full Story
Decorating Guides
What to Know About 5 Popular Types of Window Shades
By Julie Sheer
Experts weigh in on how and where to use Roman, roller, solar, woven wood and cellular shades
Full Story
Decorating Guides
What to Know About Window Blinds and Shutters
By Julie Sheer
Experts weigh in on how and where to use these versatile window coverings
Full Story
Decorating Guides
How to Hang Your Curtains Just Right
By tidgboutique
Learn key methods and measurements for fullness and stacking to get your window treatments on the right track
Full Story
Bathroom Design
The Elegant Look of Draperies in the Bathroom
By Janell Beals
Drapes add privacy and soften a room full of hard surfaces. See how they can be styled for baths
Full Story
Bathroom Design
Bathroom Windows That Pull In Light and Add Privacy Too
By Jo Simmons
Enjoy a bright, sunny space in comfort with one of these strategically designed window treatments
Full Story
Bathroom Design
Are You Overlooking This Key Piece of Bathroom Decor?
Get ideas for window treatments that can invigorate your bathroom — and provide needed privacy
Full Story
Materials
Velvet Curtain Ideas to Tempt You Over to the Soft Side
Luxurious, cocooning, tactile: Fall for the window treatment that makes a statement in bedrooms and living spaces
Full Story
Accessories
Ceiling-Mounted Curtain Tracks Open Up Possibilities
By Cheryl F
These window treatments show what you can do when a wall-mounted drapery rod is awkward or unworkable
Full Story
Sorry to hear the film gave you darkness issues. An alternative film might be Vista VS60.It is a film which the manufacturer calls spectrally select - meaning it allows much of the light in, however, offers keeps out considerably more heat than many tinted films, and has similar fade reducing qualities. It happens to be about my number one selling film. I've even had it installed on north facing windows as the owner liked the reduction in glare while still not significantly darkening the house.
Hello, Donna, Sorry hear you noticed some fading. While most films can significantly reduce the rate of fading, no film can eliminate fading. Fading is a result of primarily three components: UV light, visible light, and infrared light. Film can address these 3 in various ways, however, I think the best example of how to reduce any fading as much as possible, is when you go to view Old Glory, the US flag at the Smithsonians. That flag is in a dim, climate controlled room, and most likely after viewing hours the lights are shut off. Obviously one cannot live in a home under such conditions, so window film offers significant benefits, while allowing homeowners to enjoy their views.
Window film discussion.