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Just as we put on a layer of sunscreen to protect our skin and bodies from the sun’s UV rays, our house can need sun protection too! Ultraviolet rays, or UV rays, can penetrate solid surfaces and may result in damage to your home’s exterior and interior. Many currently produced exterior housing materials incorporate pigments that are solar resistant. However, other parts of your home may still be at risk after long periods of exposure.
Along with installing exterior physical protection, such as awnings and shade sails, other changes can ensure your home looks and operates its best under the sun.
According to the Department of Energy, plant shade can reduce surrounding air temperatures as much as six degrees Fahrenheit. Native plant species and drought tolerant trees provide shade without needing too much water in warm climates. Deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in the winter and grow full during the summer, may offer some welcome relief from hot temperatures for milder weather. Be sure to plant any landscaping a safe distance from your house, as root systems and growth may lead to other problems.
Leather, wood, and textiles can all fade and discolor from sun damage, even through windows. UV-blocking film or sunshades installed on windows allow natural light to enter while preventing harmful effects.
Just as we wear light color clothes in the summer to reflect the sun away, your roof can do something similar. Research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Heat Island Group compared how much sunlight was reflected between a gray roof and a clean, white roof. While the white roof reflected 80% of sunlight and stayed 50 degrees Fahrenheit cooler, the gray roof only reflected 20%. Materials that have high solar reflectance or release heat are known as cool roofs.
According to the Department of Energy, cool roofs are made of a material or have a coating that lower the overall surface temperature of your roof. Although your home’s exterior walls are only exposed to about half as much sun as your roof, they still absorb heat. The same basic principles of cool roofs apply to cool walls.
Investing in your home’s sun protection means you’re investing in cost savings. According to a USA Today survey conducted May 2024, the average homeowner spends nearly $6,000 a year on maintenance. Your home’s exterior will stay safe from cracking or warped siding, protecting your property value and wallet.
By reducing your home’s sun exposure, your home will be able to regulate temperature more efficiently. Homeowners typically spend more on air conditioning during warm weather to keep rooms from feeling stuffy and humid. Your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard, helping it last longer and reducing your carbon footprint.
By protecting your home’s exterior from sun damage, you’re helping your home stay beautiful for longer and increasing its curb appeal! Not only will outdoor spaces be more inviting and relaxing, but the vibrancy of the paint, stains, and finishes will also stay fresh.
You’ve invested time, money, and emotions into making your house a home, so it’s important to protect it for years to come! Just as you turn to maintenance experts for their best advice, contact us when it’s time for your home financing. Our dedicated Loan Originators have the expertise and loan programs to meet your needs.
Homestead Funding offers exceptional customer service and a convenient mortgage process. Whatever your financing needs, our goal is to exceed your expectations.
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