Our homes are our pride and joy. So, it is no surprise that we want to do everything we can to maintain its condition. If there is one thing that can be very unforgiving to our home's structure and its contents, it’s the sun.
Unfortunately, it is not something we homeowners can control. However, there are some sun protection tips that we can all follow to ensure our homes stay protected during the warmer months.
READ: Get inspired: Charming sunrooms and garden rooms
This guide will show you how you can protect your home against the sun.
Plant tall trees and shrubs
If you want to protect your home from harsh sunlight, you need to find alternative shade solutions. If you are a keen gardener, one surefire way to protect your home is to plant tall trees and shrubs. Not only do they provide shade, but they also emit oxygen, which is beneficial for the environment.
You certainly don't need to be a top gardener to successfully plant some trees and shrubs, as there is a world of advice and guidance online. If you are hesitant to delve into gardening, you can always leave it to the professionals. The great thing about planting tall trees and shrubs is they will provide shade for your home all year round. They also require little maintenance, just the odd prune here and there.
READ: How to prepare your lawn for summer in 5 easy steps
Choose soft furnishings that absorb sunlight
Soft furnishings like curtains are another effective way to shade-proof your home. They can prevent harsh sunlight from entering your home and damaging its contents. However, you must choose them carefully. Some colours and fabrics will be more susceptible to sun damage. For example, silk is a delicate material. If you choose silk curtains, you can expect them to fall victim to sun damage and disintegration. Cotton, on the other hand, has a higher resistance to fading.
The colour of your soft furnishings is also something to take into consideration. Lighter colours tend to bounce the sunlight off, which will help regulate your home’s temperature, while darker colours are more likely to fade the material.
Think carefully about furniture placement
Protecting your home from the sun is not solely centred around curtains or a patio awning. You also need to think carefully about the contents of your home - and what you can do to protect furniture and other home décor pieces. Every homeowner must think carefully about furniture placement. For example, if you have a black sofa, one of the worst things you can do is place it directly in front of an open window.
The sun will constantly hit that piece of furniture and gradually fade over time. Instead, you should try and keep areas in front of windows as furniture free as possible. If you are strapped for space and have minimal placement options, make sure you at least rotate and move your furniture around regularly. This will minimise the risk of your furniture getting sun damaged.
Install a patio awning
A patio awning extends out over the side of your property. Most people install them on either the front or the back of their homes. Not only do they create an additional living space, but they also provide adequate shade for your home. So, you can enjoy your garden whatever the weather.
Insulate your home
Many homeowners mistake thinking insulation is only useful during the colder months. Although it is a vital resource to keep our homes warm during the winter, it also helps fend off that unbearable sunny heat. Insulation prevents our homes from overheating. So, we can enjoy a more comfortable temperature throughout our homes. Therefore, it protects not only the exterior of your property - but also the contents. If your home overheats, your electronic devices will suffer, as well as your home interiors.
Extreme heat can cause picture hangings to melt - and other interior pieces like candles.
Treat hardwood floors
If you have hardwood flooring throughout your home, you may be unaware of how much damage the sun can cause to it. Therefore, if you want to preserve the quality of your flooring, you must treat them. Soft furnishing like curtains will help block harsh sunlight from entering rooms, while rugs will also prevent the sun from making any markings on the floor. Please note - that if you use rugs, ensure you rotate them often to avoid discolouration.
The use of sun-repellent treatment is also recommended too. It helps slow down the process of fading. You can find this type of treatment in your local DIY store. It is also recommended that you read product reviews online too. This will help you find the most effective products.
Consider replacing your old windows
It is no secret that the cost of new windows for your home can be expensive. However, your old windows could be enhancing the level of sun damage to your home. Old windows become less energy efficient over time, making them less effective at helping the house retain its heat.
The sun's harmful UV rays are more likely to penetrate through the windows, which can impact the contents of your home. If you are looking for a temporary fix - that is more cost-effective, you can tint your windows using vinyl. A small layer of film can bounce off direct sunlight and help keep your home cool during the colder months.
Paint your house a lighter colour
Patio awnings, and other shade solutions, are an investment. Therefore, it can take a while for homeowners to save up for this expense. In the meantime, there are some cost-effective ways that you can help protect your home from sun damage, and paint is one of them. You may be surprised to know that lighter colours, such as white, deflect the sun's harmful UV rays more than darker colours which tend to absorb it. Painting the exterior of your home in a lighter colour can be an effective shade solution. You can save money by painting the house yourself or by enlisting the help of a decorator.
READ: How to clean and care for patio furniture
Also, take into account that all the mentioned sun protection resources are vital and that each one differs in price. Therefore, your budget is something to take into consideration. Sun protection should be taken seriously by every homeowner. Not only will it preserve the quality of your home, but it will also protect its contents, saving you a lot of money further down the line.
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