Exposure to UV rays can be damaging and, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is important that you are limiting your exposure wherever possible to prevent risk of health concerns such as premature ageing, skin cancer, eye disease and more. 

In the home, ultraviolet radiation through windows can impact yourself and any family members. Areas of high sunlight without appropriate UV reduction methods can also lead to premature wear and fade of furniture or floorboards. 

To make sure you and other home inhabitants are receiving healthy UV exposure, and to ensure longevity of treasured items in the home, taking steps to prevent damaging UV rays entering the home is important. 

Importance of UV Protection

In Australia especially, we receive some of the highest UV levels in the world. According to SunSmart, where a European summer may experience UV Index 6-8, Australian summers have a UV Index 10-14. 

UV that enters the windows of the home is responsible for approximately 40% of fading and wear to items in the home, with plain glass windows blocking around 25% of UV rays. For this reason you should consider window treatments and other methods to block damaging UV in the home. 

5 Ways To Add UV Protection

To provide you and your home with some necessary protection, see these 5 ways to prevent UV damage: 

1. Cover windows with screen blinds in Melbourne 

Screen blinds are the perfect window covering, maintaining natural light and a view of the outside while also offering UV protection and privacy during the day. These roller blinds add UV blockage and one-way vision, meaning you are still able to see through the windows while others cannot see into the home. 

Making no difference to the natural light that enters the home, all the usual benefits of uncovered windows can still be enjoyed with the added bonus of protection for you and your home interior. 

Security Plus screen roller blinds, in particular, are able to be motorised for convenience. Custom-made for your windows, they are also guaranteed to complement any room. Pairing these blinds with blockout blinds is a great choice to allow complete blockage of light and complete privacy at night. 

2. Install window shutters 

Plantation shutters are another excellent choice to block out sunlight when desired, with a range of shutter styles and designs to suit a range of window types. These shutters can reduce UV entering the home, while also giving you the ability to control the natural light entering the home at any time. 

Security Plus plantation shutters are available in hardwood or PVC, making them suitable for any area of the home including areas with more moisture such as the kitchen or bathroom. Available in a range of colours and shutter designs, they are tailor-made for your window frame to suit your space.  

3. Protect furniture 

If any furniture happens to be located in a sunny spot, it could be wise to move things around so that anything that you would like to maintain longevity is in a more shaded area of the room. 

It could also be a good idea to invest in a UV protective spray to assist in maintaining the quality of your furniture and help to slow down the fading process. These can range from around $10-$50, and may be worth the investment to maintain good condition of your furniture in the long-term. 

4. Protect floors

Hardwood floors can be quite easily affected by sunlight, so it is important to take the appropriate measures to make sure they are looking good as new. To protect any quality hardwood flooring from fading, investing in rugs to cover any sunny areas might be a good idea. 

There are also some floor treatments and finishes that include UV inhibitors, so it could be useful to opt for these finishes to ensure your lovely floors last. 

5. Treat artwork with archival protection spray

Artwork can also be especially sensitive to fading if it is located in an area where it is exposed to sunlight. For any expensive or sentimental artwork that has importance to you, you may consider the use of archival protection spray, which can also range from $10-$50 and can be bought from Officeworks or other craft stores. 

Add UV Protection To Your Windows With Security Plus 

For reliable window treatments, Security Plus Shutters, Doors & Blinds has been providing high quality shutters and blinds to Australian families since 1992. Contact us to arrange a free consultation and begin protecting you and your home from UV damage.