A Guide to Sun Bleached Wood Repair

Anything organic changes over time and hardwood floors fall into that category by needing sun-bleached wood repair. Many homeowners appreciate how hardwood flooring color can morph but, it all comes down to your taste and how the floor pulls the room together. If your wood no longer looks the way you wish or if you're trying to keep it as is as long as possible, there are things you can do to prevent fading. Of course, while you can put off sun-bleached wood repair for quite some time, eventually you may have to take action rather than preventative measures.

Why Hardwood Fades in the Sun

Being that wood comes from trees and plants are hypersensitive to the sun, it comes as no surprise that light is the main culprit for fading hardwood floors. Without going into all the technical science behind why you would need sun-bleached wood repair eventually, it's basically that UV, visible, and infrared light all pouring through your windows affects the wood.

UV light is the one that harms the wood the most as hardwood floors and very photosensitive. While this is generally true, it also depends on the kind of wood you have. Not all trees react the same to the sun, even if they all react to it. Some woods will grow darker and others will become sun-bleached, or lighter. Woods like Red Oak and Maple are among the hardwood floors that would need sun-bleached wood repair as they'll become light. 

What kind of wood isn't the only consideration as finishes react more to infrared light and visible light. What is laid to protect your floors soon becomes part of the problem, it can turn dark and/or yellowish given enough time. You may be able to pick out or have a finish recommended to you that can resist sun damage for longer, just know that nothing stops it completely. 

Ways to Reduce Sun Bleached Wood

It's true that the sun damage and sun-bleached wood repair are inevitable but, there are plenty of ways to slow it down. Here are 3 tips to stop sunlight from damaging your hardwood floors:

Move the Furniture

Rearranging the furniture and rugs in rooms where you have sunlight coming is the easiest way to slow down the need for sun-bleached wood repair. UV damage takes time and blocking the light break it up to where by the time any real damage has occurred, you may be in need of a refinishing anyways.

Window Shades and Curtains

The whole point of curtains and shades is to keep the sun out, so it makes sense that this would be great in the battle against needing sun-bleached wood repair. Wherever the sunlight is coming in most at different times of the day, are the shades you should keep closed. It may not be ideal if you like a bright home and so, miniblinds could be a good option or the thin shades that are beneath drapes. 

UV Inhibitors

While no finish can completely block out the UV light responsible for needing sun-bleached wood repair, there are now finishes that can slow it down better than the other two tips listed. If you're just putting in hardwood floors needing a refinishing soon, take a look at the UV resistant finishes on the market.

What to Do for Sun Bleached Wood Repair

If you're at a point where the tips above no longer do the trick and you're in need of sun-bleached wood repair, there are still things you can do. While there are no more home remedies at this point, rest assured that you can always hire someone to sand and refinish the floors. The hardwood you love isn't gone, it just needs to be worked on a bit. 

This is also an opportunity to fix any other issues that may be happening and to start preventing sunlight damage in the future. Think of it as a fresh hardwood starts to enjoying the floors for years and years to come. It may not be the solution you want or were looking for but, all hardwood floors need sanding and refinishing eventually. The key is trying to keep your hardwood as healthy as possible for as long as possible, that is the best way to cut down on these repair costs.

Now that you know why there is a need for sun-bleached wood repair and several ways to stave it off, you're well equipped to keep the wood looking as new as possible for as long as you're able. Just remember, while all hardwood changes over time it doesn't mean that the wood is in trouble. If you like what the sun did to your floors, by all means, enjoy the shift!