It sounds crazy, but we get this question a lot!

Homeowners throughout the Twin Cities, Rochester, and beyond are noticing warped or melted siding. If this is you, you probably reached out to multiple siding companies and, after some investigation, realized the culprit is harsh sunlight reflecting off either your windows or your neighbors.

You might be wondering how is this even possible?

Modern energy-efficient windows are designed to reflect more solar energy. While this is great for keeping your home cool and comfortable, it can also mean that intense sunlight gets redirected onto your siding.  Like a magnifying glass, this concentrated heat can cause certain types of siding (especially vinyl) to soften, warp, or even melt.

Can Window Film Help? Spoiler Alert, Kinda.

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The good news is that certain window films can help reduce the intensity of reflected sunlight.  Products like the 3M Exterior Prestige 40 (our go to) are designed to reject a significant amount of solar heat.

Important Note: While window film can be a very effective solution, it's not a guaranteed fix. Even 3M in their spec sheet states that it won't solve everyone's problem. The effectiveness depends on several factors, including:

• The type of window:  Different window types have varying levels of reflectivity.
• The angle of the sun: The intensity of reflection changes throughout the day and year.
• The color and type of siding:  Darker colors absorb more heat, making them more susceptible to damage.
• The distance between the window and siding: Closer proximity increases the intensity of the reflected heat.

The Sun Control of Minnesota Expert Recommendation:

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If you're experiencing this issue, the best course of action is to contact Sun Control of Minnesota. Our experienced consultants can visit your home anywhere in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota to assess the situation and recommend the best solution. The initial consultation is free of course, and will allow our film experts to assess the situation and see if window film is right for you. Most of the time 3M Exterior Prestige 40 does the trick. However, there have been times where we believe even window film won't be able to save your siding.

Sometimes it's not even your window doing the damage. What if it's your neighbor's windows melting your siding?

Believe it or not, your neighbor's windows could be the source of the problem!  This is more common than you might think, especially in newer developments with homes built so close together.

What can you do in this situation?

• Talk to your neighbor:  Start by having a friendly conversation with your neighbor. They may be unaware of the issue and willing to work with you to find a solution.
• Suggest window film:  Let them know that window film can help mitigate the problem. You can even share this little article with them!
• Explore other options together:  Consider collaborative solutions like landscaping or installing awnings.

Prevention is key:

If you're building a new home or replacing windows, keep this issue in mind. Consider:

• The type of windows you choose: Opt for windows with lower reflectivity.
• The placement of your home:  Pay attention to the angle of the sun and potential reflections.
• The type of siding: Choose lighter colors that absorb less heat.

Don't wait until your siding is damaged beyond repair. Contact Sun Control of Minnesota today for a free consultation!  Call us at 651.490.1060 or visit our website to learn more.