Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a form of light that is harmful to human health. Carpeting, rugs and other materials may fade over time from exposure to ultra violet rays. UV rays are part of the light spectrum emitted by the sun and can be found in artificial sources of light as well. Ultraviolet rays can damage carpeting, rugs, fabrics and other materials by causing the fibers to fade or discolor. A substance in the carpet that absorbs UV radiation prevents it from reaching the rest of the carpet, including the dye. Sunlight will cause carpets and upholstery to fade. Areas in a room that get exposed to a lot of sunlight will show signs of fading much faster than those that don’t have direct access to sunlight
UV rays can damage carpeting, rugs, fabrics and other materials
UV rays can damage carpeting, rugs, fabrics and other materials by causing the fibers to fade or discolor. The color of your carpeting will be affected by UV rays if it is not treated.
Carpet manufacturers have developed a method to protect their products from fading caused by UV rays. They use a chemical called an UV light absorber so that they are more resistant to fading caused by sunlight than non-treated carpets would be. However, untreated carpets still tend to suffer from faster fading due to exposure to sunlight and heat sources.
There are two types of carpeting: natural fibers and synthetic fibers.
Natural fibers (such as wool) tend to fade more than synthetic fibers when exposed to UV. This is because the dye in the carpet absorbs UV radiation.
However, if you have natural fiber rugs or area rugs with a loose weave such as wool or cotton, they may not be able to absorb this sunlight exposure as well.
The longer the exposure time, the more likely this damage will occur. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm so if you have windows that let in lots of light during those hours, be extra careful!
Areas in a room that get exposed to a lot of sunlight will show signs of fading faster
You may have noticed this. When you have left a new piece of furniture or carpeting in direct sunlight for a long period of time, the color will fade from the surface.
When UV rays hit furniture and flooring materials such as carpeting, the chemical structure of these materials is altered. The UV light breaks down their fibers so that they become brittle over time because there is no protective coating on them.
There are two ways to protect your carpeting from UV rays
There are two ways to protect your carpeting from UV rays: reducing exposure or physically blocking the rays themselves.
- Reduce exposure by closing curtains and blinds during the day, especially if you have east-facing windows or skylights.
- Block UV rays with a UV filtering window Film, which can be added directly to the window glass. UV filters come in sticker form that adhere directly onto glass surfaces
- Additionally, some furniture manufacturers offer tables made from materials that better resist direct exposure to sunlight.
- Use flooring materials with anti-stain coating to help prevent discoloration due to sun damage. Vinyl sheet flooring also offers protection against fading due both its coloring agent (white) as well its solid material construction.
Closing curtains or blinds on windows that receive a lot of sunlight during the day.
One way you can protect your flooring is by closing curtains or blinds on windows that receive a lot of sunlight during the day. If your home has roller shades, use them to cover windows which are left open. They are able to block out UV rays and reduce the amount of heat entering the room. This will prevent the carpet from becoming sun damaged and help keep it looking great for many years.
Another option is to use blinds or curtains that offer UV protection. They’ll cut down on glare when closed but still allow some light in if you want them opened up during warmer months. Many people choose this type over roller shades because they’re easy to lift up when needed without having to take down anything else first. However, due to quality, roller shades might not last as long.