Spring is nearly here, and with that comes a higher UV index. And it's important to remember that even when you're inside, radiation can still penetrate through windows and cause damage to your overall health, skin, and eyes. So, try taking these steps to block out UV rays at home.
5 Easy Ways to Block UV Rays at Home in Spring and Summer
Install A Heat Absorbing Roof
With energy costs rising, you probably already do some things to improve the energy efficiency of your home. You also probably already know that most heat escapes through the roof. This is why insulation is important. But using an energy-efficient material such as metal for your roof will help keep your home cooler in the spring and summer, reducing how much you need to use HVAC. But, more importantly, harmful UV rays are reflected back into the atmosphere.
Block UV Rays At Home With Your Curtains
Your curtains or blinds can also block UV rays. This is the easiest way to keep them out. But if you want it to work, you must choose heavy curtains or drapes. Most of the time, blackout blinds and curtains will do the job. But if you live in a very sunny place or are worried about the UV index, you can also buy blinds that block UV light. Many home improvement stores and DIY retailers sell these. They don't cost much. But what kind of price can you put on your health?
Apply A UV Window Film
Specialized window films can block UV rays and reduce the amount of heat that comes in through the windows. You'll be glad to know that they are clear and don't make it harder to see. Not only do these protect you from UV rays, but they also keep your house nice and cool in the summer. This means that you won't need to use your air conditioner or heater as much, which will lower your energy bills. Your cooling systems will also last a lot longer with reduced usage.
With energy costs rising, you probably already do some things to improve the energy efficiency of your home. You also probably already know that most heat escapes through the roof. This is why insulation is important. But using an energy-efficient material such as metal for your roof will help keep your home cooler in the spring and summer, reducing how much you need to use HVAC. But, more importantly, harmful UV rays are reflected back into the atmosphere.
Block UV Rays At Home With Your Curtains
Your curtains or blinds can also block UV rays. This is the easiest way to keep them out. But if you want it to work, you must choose heavy curtains or drapes. Most of the time, blackout blinds and curtains will do the job. But if you live in a very sunny place or are worried about the UV index, you can also buy blinds that block UV light. Many home improvement stores and DIY retailers sell these. They don't cost much. But what kind of price can you put on your health?
Apply A UV Window Film
Specialized window films can block UV rays and reduce the amount of heat that comes in through the windows. You'll be glad to know that they are clear and don't make it harder to see. Not only do these protect you from UV rays, but they also keep your house nice and cool in the summer. This means that you won't need to use your air conditioner or heater as much, which will lower your energy bills. Your cooling systems will also last a lot longer with reduced usage.
Limit UV Exposure When Outside
Of course, you also need to limit your UV exposure when you step outside to relax or putter in the garden. It's not challenging so long as you remember these very simple things:
The sun and UV rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm, so stay inside during these times if you can. But you can cover up and always wear UV sunglasses if you need to be outside.
Use UV Blocking Window Shades
You can get window shades that are made to block UV rays, just like curtains and blinds. These can help you avoid getting too much UV light as you move around your house. Even though they work, most people don't use these on regular windows. But they work best on hard-to-reach windows or windows that get a lot of sun. Some of these are conservatories, open-plan kitchens, and skylights in lofts that have been turned into living space.
Block UV Rays At Home With Special Window Paint
You can also reduce the amount of UV radiation that comes into your home by painting your windows with high-quality paint that blocks UV rays. Products like Glassprimer are made so that they can't be damaged by UV light. This can be useful in more than one way. UV-painted glass paint is already resistant to it, so it won't fade, peel, or crack like regular paint. And the paint doesn't change how well you can see out the window if you use a good product.
Of course, you also need to limit your UV exposure when you step outside to relax or putter in the garden. It's not challenging so long as you remember these very simple things:
- Stay out of the sun, especially in the middle of the day.
- Protect your legs and arms with clothes.
- Think about what you can do to keep your kids safe in the sun.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head, ears, and neck out of the sun.
- Wear sunglasses that block out glare and all kinds of UV radiation.
The sun and UV rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm, so stay inside during these times if you can. But you can cover up and always wear UV sunglasses if you need to be outside.
Use UV Blocking Window Shades
You can get window shades that are made to block UV rays, just like curtains and blinds. These can help you avoid getting too much UV light as you move around your house. Even though they work, most people don't use these on regular windows. But they work best on hard-to-reach windows or windows that get a lot of sun. Some of these are conservatories, open-plan kitchens, and skylights in lofts that have been turned into living space.
Block UV Rays At Home With Special Window Paint
You can also reduce the amount of UV radiation that comes into your home by painting your windows with high-quality paint that blocks UV rays. Products like Glassprimer are made so that they can't be damaged by UV light. This can be useful in more than one way. UV-painted glass paint is already resistant to it, so it won't fade, peel, or crack like regular paint. And the paint doesn't change how well you can see out the window if you use a good product.
Put Up Awnings or Shutters
They might not be as advanced as paints and coverings for windows. But window treatments like shutters or awnings can also block the sun's rays and protect your eyes and skin from UV damage. Because of this, they have been around for a very long time. The good news is that you can get great deals on these just before spring and sometimes in the summer. There are experts who can put them in, and big home improvement and DIY stores also sell them.
They might not be as advanced as paints and coverings for windows. But window treatments like shutters or awnings can also block the sun's rays and protect your eyes and skin from UV damage. Because of this, they have been around for a very long time. The good news is that you can get great deals on these just before spring and sometimes in the summer. There are experts who can put them in, and big home improvement and DIY stores also sell them.
Summary
You can improve your health and prevent some major issues if you take measures to block UV rays at home. It is pretty easy to do. And some of the best things you can do include installing reflective roofing, taking prevention measures when outside, and using special window paints.
You can improve your health and prevent some major issues if you take measures to block UV rays at home. It is pretty easy to do. And some of the best things you can do include installing reflective roofing, taking prevention measures when outside, and using special window paints.
Comment Box is loading comments...
