Window coverings, like shutters, blinds, and custom shades, add great value and sun protection to any home. Over time, however, the sun damages fibers in window coverings, especially in locations exposed to extreme sun rays. Protect your window coverings by understanding the following ways that the sun can cause damage.

Why Does Sunlight Damage Window Coverings?

The sun’s rays cause fading, discoloration, and fabric damage to any materials they come in contact with. Just like our skin, UVA and UVB rays cause the majority of damage to window coverings, along with visible light, heat, and radiation. Compromising rays even penetrate through cloudy and rainy days, and clouds trap those UV rays, causing them to bounce back and forth between the clouds and ground. This can actually intensify the effects of UV rays, heat, and radiation.

What Are Window Coverings Made Of?

Window coverings come in different types of materials, all varying in durability and opacity. Natural materials tend to have less longevity, while some synthetic materials, like acetate rayon, are more sensitive to high heat. Curtains are typically made of sheer, unlined materials like cotton and bamboo. Drapes are typically made of heavier materials such as silk, velvet, and damask. Shades come in many types of materials, including jute, paper, and seagrass. Blinds are made of materials including wood, faux-wood, plastic, and metal. 

What Are the Different Styles of Window Coverings?

The main types of window coverings include curtains, drapes, shades, and blinds. Curtains and drapes are similar, as they’re both sets of fabric panels hung from rods. However, drapes are thicker and considered more formal than curtains. Shades are comprised of soft fabric panels attached to rods or frames sized for the window frame and operated by a cord, roller, or lifting mechanism. Depending on its style, as the shade lifts, it either bunches or rolls around a rod. Like shades, blinds also lift up and down by a cord or mechanism, but instead of solid panels of fabric, they’re made of slats of material called “louvers.”

How Do Liners Protect Window Coverings?

Custom shades and custom draperies can be an investment. Linings protect window coverings from sun and heat damage by providing UV resistance. Liners have been shown to reduce UVA and UVB exposure by over 95%, as well as improve energy efficiency and insulation. Various light filter options allow customizable light filtration and maximize privacy. Full black-out linings can be a life-saver for those with schedules requiring sleep during daylight hours. Linings also add visual weight and a more uniformed look to draperies. They can make thin fabrics look rich and sumptuous, and hide imperfections in some fabrics like silk.

Vic's On Site Cleaning Services has been proudly offering Kihei, HI, residential cleaning and commercial cleaning services since 1971. They are more than just a cleaning company, as they also offer window coverings, including custom shades and draperies. Call them at (808) 250-5351 or visit their website to learn more about their cleaning service, including upholstery cleaning and drapery cleaning.