Sunlight is glorious. It’s literally a life-giving energy that is vital to our very existence, but… well, it can sometimes be a little destructive. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation that does so much good in small doses can be extremely damaging to your beloved possessions, battering them with daily persistence and breaking down the delicate fibres, or bleaching pigments to ruin furniture and other items.
UV protection is something that’s often overlooked when thinking about your window coverings – at SSC, we have it covered – literally.
Why Sunlight Is So Damaging
Natural light is one of the most attractive features of any home, and as architects and designers lean more and more into the benefits of a brightly open environment, we’re seeing more and more sunlight in our rooms – it’s fantastic! But sadly, prolonged exposure to sunlight will quietly cause serious damage to your interiors and valuables. UV radiation breaks down the chemical bonds in dyes and fibres, causing fading and discolouration, and, over enough time, it will destroy the very texture of furnishings, turning fabrics brittle and stripping the finishings from wood.
It’s not just furniture that suffers:
- Hardwood floors can bleach
- Carpets turn rough and fade
- Leather will crack
- Artwork will fade and lose its lustre
- Photographs and prints may develop a yellow cast
- Books on shelves often whiten, with spines discolouring while fronts and backs remain protected
Once this damage has been done, there’s no easy way to fix it – your carefully curated collections are permanently affected. Preventing UV damage is essential.
Glass alone offers only the lightest amount of UV protection unless it is separately coated and rated to do so, and even tinted glass will only slow the process. What’s needed is something that creates a true physical barrier to the harmful rays.
UV-Protective Shutters – A True Solution
Sunlight doesn’t need to be blocked, merely intercepted. While speaking of shutters may conjure the idea of a panel of solid wood that turns a previously warm room into a dark cave, the truth is completely different. Louvred shutters allow you to control the level and direction of sunlight, deflecting and diffusing the light so that the room remains comfortably lit while protecting your furnishings and possessions.
There are options for both interior and exterior shutters.
Microlouvres
Microlouvres are a form of external shading that is made of a woven copper mesh, attached to a sturdy but unobtrusive aluminium frame that offers long-lasting protection from the sun.
When you have a large expanse of glass, external microlouvres provide top-quality protection for your home, efficiently dispersing the harmful UV rays while also presenting incredible heat-resistant properties.
A modern, high-tech solution, microlouvres have to be seen to be believed – why not contact us at the Scottish Shutter Company to book a demonstration?
Traditional Internal Louvred Shutters
For that classic look, consider traditional louvred full-height shutters. Choose between the timeless solidity of wood coated in a UV-protective treatment, or a modern aluminium or vinyl alternative, equally protected against the sun.
When professionally installed, internal shutters fit the window space perfectly, merging seamlessly with your existing aesthetic to turn your room into a true sanctuary that’s a delight to be in.
The precision controls mean you can angle the louvres to look after the fittings, furnishings and finery of your home, filling the room with enhancing light that’s no longer directly attacking your possessions.
Further Advantages of Shutters to Protect Your Home
While light control is a focus point for protecting against UV, shutters do more than simply direct the sunlight:
- Heat control and insulation – Ensuring that your rooms are well ventilated and properly insulated is essential for the well-being of the objects within. Shutters form an integral part of your home’s insulation system, providing an edge-to-edge covering for the windows that limits unwanted airflow and promotes efficient ventilation. In the winter, shutters help to keep the room warm, while their flexibility in the summer helps shade rooms and keep them cool – essential for homes with larger windows.
- Security – Shutters provide an extra level of privacy and security for your home, blocking prying eyes and adding an extra layer of physical protection to the window spaces.
- Style – Your furnishings and artwork are further enhanced by the smooth aesthetic quality of premium shutters. By setting the stage for your home’s decor, shutters provide the perfect backdrop to your room’s look. Choose from a neutral tone to sit subtly in the background, or make a statement with a bold colour to complement your style.
- Automation – Modern smart homes can take advantage of advanced shutter controls, allowing for scheduled opening and closing or even reactive movement that detects when the sun is at its peak and adjusts accordingly. Voice control and remote control adds to the experience, allowing you to easily manoeuvre the shutters – even those out of reach. It’s a level of convenience that also means you won’t be clambering on chairs and sofas to let the light in – extra protection just where you need it!
UV-Protective Shutters with the Scottish Shutter Company
Speak with one of our experts to discuss how properly fitted shutters will help protect your home. Download a brochure or book a visit to our showroom to explore options and discover how UV-protective shutters can extend the lifespan of your cherished possessions.
