Hardwood floors add elegance to any home, especially in style-savvy places like Brooklyn, where historic brownstones and modern lofts alike boast stunning wood finishes. However, with Brooklyn’s mix of bright summers and wide windows, many homeowners face a common but often overlooked threat: sunlight and UV damage. Whether your hardwood flooring is newly installed or a cherished original feature, it’s very important to protect hardwood floors in Brooklyn from sunlight and UV damage. Today, we will explore expert strategies to keep your floors looking rich and classy for years to come.
Expert Strategies to Protect Hardwood Floors in Brooklyn from Sunlight and UV Damage
Use Window Coverings to Block UV Rays
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your hardwood floors is by limiting the amount of direct sunlight that reaches them.
Types of window treatments to consider:
- Solar shades: These allow light in while blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays. They’re perfect for maintaining natural light without damaging your floors.
- Blackout curtains or blinds: While more extreme, these completely block sunlight and are useful in rooms that get strong direct exposure.
- Sheer curtains: These provide moderate protection and add a soft, elegant aesthetic.
Invest in UV-Blocking Window Film
UV-protective window films are a low-maintenance, high-efficiency solution. These thin layers are applied directly to your windows and can block up to 99% of UV radiation without changing the appearance of your glass.
Benefits of UV window film include:
- No need to draw curtains: Keep your view while protecting floors.
- Energy savings: Many films reduce heat, lowering cooling costs in summer.
- Invisible protection: Perfect for preserving design aesthetics.
This option is particularly attractive for lofts and high-rises in Brooklyn, where oversized windows are prized for their city views.
Also Read: Do Hardwood Floors Expand and Contract with the Seasons?
Rearrange Rugs and Furniture Regularly
Sunlight often affects the floor unevenly, especially where rugs or furniture block some areas but leave others exposed. Over time, this leads to noticeable contrast.
To prevent sun shadows:
- Rotate rugs every few months
- Reposition furniture seasonally
- Avoid placing large area rugs in high-sun areas permanently
This helps promote even aging of your hardwood floor and reduces visible marks if rugs are eventually removed.
Apply UV-Resistant Finishes and Sealants
If you’re installing new flooring or refinishing existing wood, choose a UV-resistant sealant or finish. These products offer a protective top layer that helps deflect or absorb harmful rays.
Popular finish options include:
- Aluminum oxide finishes: Extremely durable and UV-resistant, often found in factory-finished hardwood.
- Polyurethane finishes: Available in water- or oil-based options, these can include UV inhibitors.
- Natural oils with UV additives: For those who prefer eco-friendly or matte finishes.
A professional flooring expert in Brooklyn can recommend the best product based on your home’s light exposure and wood species.
Consider Area Rugs with UV-Resistant Materials
Rugs can protect your floors, but some materials break down under UV exposure and may transfer dye or leave marks. Opt for UV-stable rugs made of:
- Solution-dyed acrylics
- Polypropylene
- Wool blends with lightfast dyes
Be sure to use rug pads that won’t trap moisture or damage the wood finish. Many rug pads also include UV protection built into the material.
Add Indoor Plants as Natural Light Diffusers
Strategically placed houseplants can diffuse sunlight naturally, softening the intensity of UV rays before they hit the floor. Larger leafy varieties such as:
- Fiddle-leaf fig
- Rubber plant
- Areca palm
They not only provide light filtering benefits but also add a green touch and inviting ambiance to your interior space.
Monitor and Adjust Light Exposure Over Time
Protecting hardwood floors is not a one-time fix, it’s an ongoing process. As seasons change and sun angles shift, observe how light moves through your home and adjust protection strategies accordingly.
Useful tools:
- Light meters: Measure UV intensity in specific areas.
- Smart blinds: Program them to adjust automatically based on time of day or sun levels.
- Furniture sliders: Make it easier to rearrange items without scratching the floor.
Refinish Floors Periodically
Even with the best prevention, hardwood floors may still need periodic maintenance. Refinishing every 7–10 years can remove surface discoloration and restore a uniform look.
Steps in refinishing typically include:
- Sanding off the top layer
- Repairing any sun-cracked areas
- Reapplying a protective UV-resistant finish
In Brooklyn, where hardwood floors can add significant resale value, keeping them in pristine condition is an investment worth making.
Work With a Flooring Expert to Protect Hardwood Floors in Brooklyn
Each home’s lighting situation is different from the other, especially in Brooklyn, where buildings vary in age, window design, and sun exposure. A local hardwood flooring expert can:
- Assess your specific UV exposure risks
- Recommend custom-fit solutions
- Provide professional-grade products and applications
Are you looking for a flooring expert in Brooklyn? Contact Floorika Fine Hardwood. We have been in this industry for over a decade helping residents install, remove, refinish, and protect hardwood floors in Brooklyn. All of our flooring contractors are fully licensed and insured. When you hire us, ensure that your floors are in expert hands. Feel free to call us and let us know how we can help you.
