Vinyl Flooring and UV Light
Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. However, like many materials, vinyl can be susceptible to damage from ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Over time, UV light can cause vinyl flooring to fade, discolour, and even deteriorate. Most vinyl flooring does come with UV protection built into the top wear layer, however direct sunlight can still eventually cause damage to the flooring. Understanding how to protect your vinyl flooring from UV light is essential for maintaining its appearance and longevity. Here’s what you need to know.
The Effects of UV Light on Vinyl Flooring
UV light can have several detrimental effects on vinyl flooring:
- Fading and Discoloration: Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause the colours in your vinyl flooring to fade or yellow, particularly in areas that receive direct sunlight.
- Brittleness and Cracking: UV light can make vinyl become brittle over time, leading to cracking and other forms of damage.
How to Protect Vinyl Flooring from UV Light
Here are some effective strategies to safeguard your vinyl flooring against the harmful impacts of UV light:
1. Use Window Treatments
Blinds, curtains, drapes, or UV-blocking window films can significantly reduce the amount of UV light entering your home and reaching your floors. These not only protect your flooring but also other furnishings from UV damage. We have a section on how to do this further down!
2. Install UV Protective Coatings
Some vinyl flooring options come with UV-resistant coatings. If yours does not, you can apply a UV protective finish to the surface of the vinyl. Ensure that the product you choose is suitable for use on vinyl flooring. These coatings are typically applied by paintbrush or roller (we’d suggest the roller for even distribution) and as well as protecting against UV, they can also add extra durability to the flooring.
3. Rearrange Furniture Regularly
Regularly moving furniture and rugs can help expose all areas of your flooring to equal amounts of light, reducing noticeable sun patches. This also helps your flooring age more uniformly.
4. Choose Vinyl with Built-In UV Resistance
When purchasing new vinyl flooring, opt for products that are specifically labelled as UV-resistant. These floors are better equipped to withstand sun exposure without fading.
5. Maintain Regular Cleaning
Keeping your vinyl floors clean helps maintain their finish and protective coatings, which can improve their resistance to UV light.
Technological Advances in UV Protection
The flooring industry has made significant strides in enhancing the UV resistance of vinyl flooring through various technological advancements:
- Integrated UV Inhibitors: Many manufacturers are now incorporating UV inhibitors directly into the vinyl material during the production process. These inhibitors help absorb and dissipate harmful UV rays, reducing their impact on the flooring.
- UV-resistant Coatings: Post-manufacture coatings are also available, which can be applied to the vinyl flooring to provide an additional layer of protection against UV light. These coatings are designed to be clear and non-yellowing, ensuring they do not alter the appearance of the flooring.
- Innovative Layering Techniques: Modern luxury vinyl products often feature multiple layers, including UV-protected wear layers that significantly extend the floor’s lifespan and maintain its aesthetic qualities even in sunlight-exposed areas.
Maintenance Routines to Enhance Longevity
To further protect your vinyl flooring from UV damage and maintain its condition over time, adopt the following maintenance routines:
- Regular Cleaning: Use a soft broom or vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and dirt. Clean spills immediately to prevent stains.
- Periodic Deep Cleaning: Use a mild cleaner designed for vinyl flooring. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals that can strip away protective coatings.
- Protective Mats and Rugs: Place non-rubber backed mats or rugs in high-traffic areas and at entrances to minimize direct exposure to UV rays and reduce wear.
How to Install UV Blocking Window Treatments
Installing UV-blocking window treatments is a highly effective way to protect your vinyl flooring from sun damage:
- Choose the Right Material: Opt for window treatments that specify UV protection. Materials like solar shades, blackout curtains, or UV films are ideal.
- Measure Your Windows: Accurately measure your windows to ensure the treatments completely cover the glass, as any gaps can allow UV light to pass through.
- Installation: For window films, clean the glass thoroughly before applying the film, using a squeegee to remove bubbles and ensure a smooth surface. For curtains and blinds, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring they are securely mounted above the window to cover it entirely when closed.
Comparison of UV Resistance Among Flooring Types
When it comes to UV resistance, not all flooring types perform the same:
- Sheet Vinyl: Generally offers good UV resistance, especially if treated with protective coatings.
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Often includes UV inhibitors during manufacturing, providing excellent resistance against fading and discolouration.
- Stone Plastic Composite (SPC): Known for its robust structure, SPC flooring typically incorporates materials that naturally resist UV degradation.
- Laminate Flooring: While durable, laminate can be susceptible to fading under UV exposure unless specifically treated with UV protective coatings.
Conclusion
Protecting your vinyl flooring from UV light is crucial for preserving its colour, texture, and overall integrity. By implementing these protective measures, you can enjoy beautiful and durable vinyl flooring even in areas exposed to sunlight.
Easipay Carpets can help you get brand new flooring without the high up-front cost – by simply letting you spread the cost of the flooring over time instead. There’s no interest on our plans so you aren’t spending a penny more than you would buying it outright and we include underlay, door trims, carpet grippers and laminate beading for free. Prices start from just £10 per week!
It starts with a free home appointment and quote, to get booked in at a time that suits you, tap the “Get Started” button below and fill out the contact form!
Still Got Questions? Here's 10 FAQs!
The impact of UV light on vinyl flooring can become noticeable within a few months to a year, depending on the intensity of exposure and the quality of the flooring.
UV-blocking window films or treatments that offer complete window coverage, like blackout curtains or reflective blinds, are most effective.
Always choose cleaning products recommended by the flooring manufacturer, especially for UV-coated vinyl, to avoid damaging the protective layer.
Generally, the UV resistance depends more on the specific product’s manufacturing rather than the form of vinyl. However, individual products may vary in their UV protective qualities.
While not all vinyl floors require UV protection, areas that receive significant direct sunlight will benefit from UV protective measures to extend the flooring’s lifespan and appearance.
Check the manufacturer’s recommendation, but generally, reapplying every two to three years is advisable.
Unprotected vinyl flooring can undergo discolouration, fading, and increased brittleness, leading to a shorter lifespan and aesthetic degradation. It’s important to note that most vinyl flooring products have some UV protection added to their wear layer, but extra protection from UV light can help extend your floorings lifespan even further.
Yes, excessive UV light can degrade the adhesives used under vinyl flooring, potentially leading to loosening or curling of the edges.
Using large area rugs or temporarily placing reflective materials on windows during peak sunlight hours can provide short-term protection.
Some types of artificial lighting, like fluorescent lights, do emit low levels of UV light, but the impact is significantly less damaging compared to direct sunlight.
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About The Author
Matt
Matt is a master at gathering relevant information and rolling it into a ball of digestibility. Fuelled by caffeine and metal bands, you'll usually find him in the office either writing blog posts with verification from our most experienced flooring fitters, creating new ad designs, working on our social media and website or finding ways to improve our customer's whole experience with us. Matt is part of the background force that keeps the Pay Weekly side of Easipay Carpets growing.