Dual-paned windows are extremely cost efficient when it comes to energy efficiency and raising the overall value of your home. They keep unwanted heat out of your home in the summer but allow the maximum amount of light to brighten your home in the winter. While these windows offer all of these benefits, they do have a downside, especially if you have artificial turf. The problem of the ultraviolet rays comes into play when they are reflected off of the glass and away from the home. Depending on the sun's location, those ultraviolet rays may be directed squarely towards your lawn!
The Dangers of Ultraviolet Rays
We all know the dangers of ultraviolet rays on the skin. Prolonged exposure can result in skin discoloration and, in some cases, skin damage that may eventually turn into cancer. So how do the ultraviolet rays harm the artificial turf? If the ultraviolet rays were reflected back onto a natural grass surface for prolonged periods of time, the result would be brown, burnt grass that will eventually die leaving a large bare spot on the lawn. Artificial turf may not turn brown and die, but it could possibly melt. Depending on the quality of the materials that are used in its construction, the turf may also begin to degrade much faster in areas where the reflected ultraviolet rays fall.
Your Artificial Turf Guarantee
Your artificial turf guarantee and warranty will cover many things when it comes to natural wear and tear, but many are not so willing to cover the damage from light reflections off of windows. This is considered to be an event that could possibly be prevented. It is not natural exposure because the light is being reflected off of a surface and not shining directly onto the artificial turf. Because the resulting damage could have been prevented it may not be something that is fully covered by the manufacturer.
How You can Protect Your Turf
There are different ways you can protect your artificial turf in this type of situation. First, and possibly the easiest way, is to find something to place over the area where the ultraviolet rays are reflected. A picnic table with an umbrella, a fire pit, or even a landscaped area will work quite will in this situation. Because these areas are close to the home, they can easily be covered by things that most people commonly use on a regular basis. Extending the deck or patio is another option. Another way to protect your turf is to cover the windows with awnings. There are many types of awnings and window coverings that are retractable. They can be extended on sunny days and drawn back in when the sun is not shining or whenever a person wants a clear view of the outside. You could even install window tint to reduce the reflection.
Most homeowners will look for as many ways to save money as possible. Dual-paned windows and artificial turf are both hefty investments when it comes to improving the look of the home as well as raising its overall value. The problem is finding a way to make sure that one investment doesn't have a negative impact on the other. Talk to a local landscaping company and find out what types of solutions are available. You might be surprised to find there are many affordable solutions that can correct the problem as well as maintain the look and integrity of the home. Carefully weigh your options and then choose the one that makes you feel the most comfortable. For some functionality may be more important, while others want to maintain a certain look or style. The choice is totally up to you and you can make a statement with whatever direction you choose to go. Either way, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that both of your investments will continue to pay off for many years to come.
