Hardwood floors are a beautiful investment, bringing warmth and elegance to your home. But over time, those stunning floors can lose their luster due to sun exposure.

Worst part is, because it happens over time, you'll never notice it until it's too late. Once you shift the carpet over, you'll see all the damage that they've gone through.

The intense sunlight we experience here in the Midwest can be especially harsh, leading to fading and uneven discoloration.  Luckily, Sun Control of Minnesota has the expertise and solutions to help you preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors for years to come.

What Causes Fading?

The main culprit behind fading hardwood floors is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.  UV rays break down the lignin in wood, causing it to lose its color and vibrancy. Think of it like a sunburn for your floors! While some color change is natural over time, excessive sun exposure dramatically accelerates this process, resulting in a dull, washed-out appearance.

It can't be fully prevented, but you can definitely slow down the process of the deterioration with this 7 different ways.

7 Ways to Protect Your Hardwood Floors:

Window Film (Our Sales Pitch)

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Window film is a highly effective and virtually invisible way to shield your hardwood floors from harmful UV rays. At Sun Control of Minnesota, we offer a wide range of window films that block up to 99% of UV radiation without compromising your view or darkening your home.  It's a smart investment that not only protects your floors but also enhances energy efficiency and comfort. Our personal recommendations:

• 3M Prestige Series: This top-of-the-line film offers exceptional clarity and heat rejection while providing superior UV protection.
• Solar Gard Slate: This film offers a subtle, neutral appearance with excellent heat and glare reduction, making it a great choice for preserving your view. Depending on how dark you go with the film, you can get a secondary benefit of added daytime privacy, so people won't be able to see inside your home unless they stand close to the window.

We have a multitude of options, so let us know what you're looking for, and we'll have our film specialist bring the right film for the project. We're just a call away!

SheerWeave® Shades (Also A Sun Control Product!)

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For a combination of style and sun protection, consider our SheerWeave® Interior Solar Shade Fabrics. These beautiful shades offer excellent UV protection while allowing you to enjoy natural light and views.  With a variety of colors and styles available, they'll complement any décor.

Our installers ensure a perfect install, with a motorized design to ensure a smooth drop of the curtain without you having to get off your seat! Pair this up with our window film, and not only will you prevent your hardwood floors and furnishing from fading, but you'll also be able to give yourself an added sense of privacy when you need it!

Want to learn more about SolarWeave Shades? Contact Us today, and we'll get you connected with our specialists!

Area Rugs

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Area rugs are a fantastic way to add a decorative touch while shielding high-traffic areas from direct sunlight. Place them strategically in front of windows, patio doors, or any area where sunlight hits the floor directly. Don't worry too much about the design fading over time, luckily these are easily replaceable to always match your ever evolving change of style, as well as keep up with the rate of deterioration from UV rays.

Furniture as a Sun Block

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Think of your furniture as a natural sunblock! Rearranging your furniture can significantly reduce sun exposure on your floors.  Position tall bookshelves, cabinets, or even your sofa to block direct sunlight from reaching those vulnerable areas. 

Just have to reinforce this a bit. Your furniture is not immune to the UV Rays causing it to fade. If it's something you'd like to keep with you in the long run, we highly recommend going with window film to protect your furniture as well.

Regular Cleaning

Believe it or not, regular cleaning plays a vital role in preventing fading. Dust, dirt, and grime can act as abrasives, making your floors more susceptible to sun damage.  Sweep or vacuum frequently and use a damp mop with a hardwood floor cleaner as needed. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners that can strip the finish and dull the wood.

Humidity Control

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Maintaining a consistent humidity level in your home is crucial for the health of your hardwood floors.  Excessive dryness can cause the wood to shrink and crack, while excessive moisture can lead to warping and swelling. Aim for a relative humidity level between 30% and 50%.

Refinishing and Recoating

Over time, the protective finish on your hardwood floors can wear down, leaving them vulnerable to fading and damage.  Refinishing and recoating your floors every few years helps restore their protective layer, refresh their appearance, and extend their lifespan. Make sure that any coatings and finishings you're using have some sort of UV Resistance to protect them!

While there are many DIY methods you can employ, professional solutions offer the most effective and long-lasting protection.

At Sun Control of Minnesota, we specialize in helping homeowners throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota preserve their hardwood floors with premium window film and stylish shades.

Window film provides an invisible shield against harmful UV rays, preventing fading without compromising your view or natural light. Our expert team can help you choose the perfect film for your needs, whether you prioritize maximum heat rejection, glare control, or a specific aesthetic.

SheerWeave® shades offer a stylish and effective way to control sunlight while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.  With a wide array of colors, textures, and opacities, you're sure to find the perfect complement to your décor.

Contact us today for a free consultation! Our experienced team will assess your needs and recommend the best solutions to keep your hardwood floors looking their best for years to come.

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