Author, Written by: P. Hirani (Wood flooring Expert)
Vinyl/LVT flooring is a favourite in many UK homes thanks to its durability, affordability, and range of design options. However, if your home enjoys a lot of natural light, you might notice your vinylLVT floors starting to lose their vibrancy over time. Sunlight, especially UV rays, can gradually fade colours and patterns, leaving the flooring looking older than it is. The good news is that with a few preventative measures, you can keep your vinyl/LVT floors looking as fresh as the day they were installed.
Why Sunlight Causes Fading in Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl/LVT is made with colour pigments and a protective wear layer. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially through south-facing windows or conservatories, can break down these pigments. Over time, this leads to discolouration, uneven fading, or yellowing. While modern vinyl flooring is often designed with some UV resistance, it is not entirely immune to the effects of strong sunlight.
Practical Steps to Prevent Fading
1. Install UVBlocking Window Film
One of the most effective ways to protect your vinyl flooring is by applying UVblocking film to your windows. These films can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays while still allowing plenty of natural light into your home.
2. Use Blinds, Curtains, or Shutters
Soft furnishings can be both stylish and functional. Light filtering blinds or thick curtains can be drawn during the sunniest part of the day, reducing the flooring’s exposure to direct light.
3. Rearrange Furniture and Rugs
Regularly moving rugs or furniture helps avoid uneven fading in high exposure areas. If a section of your floor receives strong sunlight, a rug can act as a protective barrier while adding a decorative touch.
4. Choose Vinyl with UV Protection
If you are replacing your flooring or renovating, look for vinyl/LVT products that are labelled as UV-resistant. Brands often offer enhanced wear layers that provide better defence against fading.
5. Keep an Eye on Conservatory Flooring
Conservatories are especially prone to flooring fade due to their allglass design. If you have vinyl/LVT in these areas, combining UV film, blinds, and rugs is a must to preserve its colour.
Maintaining Your Vinyl Floors for the Long Term
In addition to sun protection, regular cleaning with a gentle vinyl floor cleaner will help maintain your floor’s appearance. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they can wear down the protective layer, making your floor more vulnerable to UV damage.
Bringing It All Together
Sunlight is one of vinyl/LVT flooring’s biggest challenges in sunny UK homes, but it doesn’t have to mean faded, tiredlooking floors. By combining UV blocking solutions with clever interior design choices, you can protect your investment and keep your vinyl looking vibrant for years to come.
About Author:
Peter H. is a flooring product expert who knows all about different types of flooring materials. He shares his knowledge in blogs to help readers make the best choices for their spaces.