Protect your home from sun damage.
The power of the sun has been the saving grace of many South Africans. Indeed its powerful rays, have been harnessed to light our homes, boil our kettles and keep the TV’s on during the cold winter nights…and the Springbok rugby games.
The fact that the sun can power our lives is a clear indication of how powerful it is. And anyone who’s been outside on a hot Mzansi day can tell you our sun is HOT.
Scorch, bake, burn – whatever you call it, the sun can be a bully.
We all know that sunscreen is a crucial part of being sun safe. Apart from covering up (and who wants to do that?), the right sunscreen is the only way to deal with the South African sun.
But – what about your home?
Sun damage is real. No, your home might not get sunspots and burn lines, but constant exposure to bright hot UV laden sunlight can be one of the most corrosive elements your have to deal with. From bleached wood and fabric to dry and brittle plastic or canvas… Evidently theres no hiding from the sun!
We have done our research and found the best possible “sunscreen” for your home.
Wood (outside and inside)
Sun can damage wood permanently, leading to darkening or “bleaching”.
Wooden furniture, window and doorframes and other house-fixtures like decks and patio roofs are one of the easiest parts of your home to protect from the sun. Just like your skin, you can simply apply a layer of UV protective “sunscreen” in the form of varnish, oil or sealant.
Canvas/fabric and soft furniture (including leather)
Canvas, fabric and leather, exposed to sun, can bleach and fade within a couple of weeks, and, often the damage will be permanent. There are several ways to protect your soft furnishings. The easiest way is to use a physical barrier between the sunrays and the furniture. Indoors this can be as simple as windows and blinds. But outside a UV resistant awning or even UV resistant canvas furniture covers is the way to go. If your leather furniture has already been damaged, you can try to mitigate the damage by applying a good quality leather oil or cream.
Plastic.
Untreated plastic (pool pump covers, plastic furniture and other outdoor items) won’t just bleach but change texture and become brittle due to sun damage. Luckily there are UV resistant coatings you can paint or spray on, with different finishes that can keep your plastic pristine for longer.
Smart materials.
There are great smart fabric and UV resistant outdoor furniture and storage options available. Ask your local home and DIY store for guidance on what can withstand our harsh local light.
UV window film.
For indoors, it’s worth investing in UV resistant window films. WindowArt provides a wide range of installation and DIY options to suite your budget. Moreover UV window film will protect your furniture from the sun, and it could even help with insulating your home for temperature control purposes.