Protect Your Art and Furniture

Sunlight is the enemy of most of the expensive things in your home, such as art and furniture. Carpets, blankets, paintings, and wood floors are also all prone to fading, which can leave ugly, dull spots on things that were once bright and beautiful. Standard glass blocks some but not all of the ultraviolet rays that cause the problem, but efficient windows block more. The low-e (low emissivity) coatings applied to efficient windows block 75% of the rest of those rays, and UV-absorbing materials used in frames can top up your level of protection to 99% of all harmful rays.

Here are some samples of how you can protect your art and furniture.

Exterior Window Shading

– 🌳 Trees and Landscaping:
– Trees offer effective shade in summer.
– Vegetation can reduce summer air temperature by up to 9°F.
– Deciduous trees allow shading in summer without blocking sunlight in winter.

– 🏞️ Awnings:
– Modern awnings made of synthetic fabrics reflect sunlight.
– Placement and design affect awnings’ effectiveness.
– Retractable awnings can be adjusted for different seasons.

– 🚪 Shutters:
– Exterior shutters reduce solar heat gain and offer protection.
– They may block light and view, and integration can be challenging.
– Compliance with local fire codes may be necessary.

– 🌞 Solar Screens:
– Solar screens mounted outside windows lower solar heat gain.
– They diminish light and view but can be removed in winter.
– Screens allow heat to be convected away before reaching the window’s glazing.

 

Not all sunlight is harmful; using natural light efficiently can decrease utility bills, enhance a home’s aesthetics, and prevent health problems. Learn more about natural light benefits here.