Minnesota’s sunshine might feel like a welcome guest (especially after a long winter) but it could be doing more damage than you think. Whether you're in Rochester or somewhere nearby, those bright, beautiful beams of sunlight can actually be fading the things you love most about your home.
We’re talking about your furniture, rugs, wood flooring, and even your artwork. And it's all because of one thing... UV radiation.
It doesn't just affect your skin (although that's a big one), it also affects everything within your home the sun is directly hitting.
Luckily, there’s an easy way to stop fading in its tracks: UV-blocking window film.
At Sun Control of Minnesota, we’ve been helping homeowners protect their spaces for over 40 years. And with premium window film options from top names like 3M, Llumar, XPEL, and Solar Gard, we’ve got something for every home—and every style.
Your home’s sunlight exposure affects fabrics, wood, leather, flooring, and even paint. Here’s the breakdown of what causes fading:
What’s wild is that UV rays are just as much of a threat in cloudy or cold weather. Minnesota might not be Arizona, but UV radiation affects your home year-round. And it can be a quick fix really, with our Window Film!
UV-blocking window film is a thin, almost invisible layer applied to your existing glass. It can block up to 99% of UV rays, reduce glare, and even help manage indoor temperatures.
Some films use organic compounds to absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless heat. Others use ultra-thin layers of metal or ceramic particles to reflect both UV and infrared light. Either way, the goal is simple: keep the light, ditch the damage.
You might immediately think that Window Film will immediately darken your home, since it's pretty much the same product that's installed on cars, and that's known for being dark. That's not the case with residential and commercial window film. If you want the darkness, great! If you want to let as much natural light in while blocking the UV, we can do that too!
UV protection is just the beginning. Here’s what else high-quality window film brings to the table:
We only carry what we trust. Here’s a quick peek at our top brands:
If you’ve got any of the following, you might already be seeing the signs of sun damage:
Short answer: yes.
Long answer: window film can slow fading by up to 3x, maybe even more. While no film can completely stop fading (because visible light and heat still play a role), knocking out the UV factor makes a huge difference.
Studies show that UV is the single biggest cause of fading, so blocking 99% of it gives your furnishings a real shot at long-term beauty.
Depending on the type of film, you’re looking at a lifespan of 5 to 20 years, or more. Some higher-end ceramic or security films last even longer. South-facing windows get the most sun and may see slightly shorter lifespans, but overall, window film is a solid long-term investment.
Maintenance is simple: a gentle clean with a microfiber cloth and a mild, ammonia-free cleaner is all you need. No harsh chemicals or scrubbing required.
Here’s something you might not expect: Minnesota’s UV index peaks in the summer at “very high” levels, but it never drops to zero. Even on cloudy, snowy days in January, UV rays are still making their way through your windows.
Plus, we get a lot more sunlight than you might think: 9 to 10 hours a day in summer, and even 4–5 hours in the darkest months. Add in glare off snow and ice, and your interiors are constantly being exposed.
At Sun Control of Minnesota, we make it easy to protect your home’s style and comfort with discreet, high-performance window films that work hard in the background. Whether you want clear UV protection or solar control with privacy, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
Ready to keep your home looking its best without sacrificing the sunshine?
Let’s talk. Give us a call or stop by our Rochester shop for a free consultation. Your furniture (and future self) will thank you.