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Photosensitivity is the degree in which all species change in response to natural sunlight or UV light. Contrary to popular belief, all species, both domestic and exotic are affected by sunlight. Depending upon how much natural sunlight or UV light the hardwoods receive will determine how quickly the change takes place. Red Oak, Maple, Hickory, and many other domestic species will generally fade in color and/or yellow as the urethane/stain is effected by the UV light. Generally exotic species will darken and richen in color with exposure to UV light. There are manufacturers who have UV inhibiting finishes on their products, and these will prolong the changes due to UV light, but this does not prevent them completely, the floors will still change.
Low - Products that are characterized under the LOW level of photosensitivity will show changes depending on the color of the product. Natural finished products will tend to appear more yellow will prolonged exposure to UV light. Stained products will appear to fade and look more washed out and dull over the years.
Medium - Products that are characterized under the MEDIUM level of photosensitivity will experience a moderate change in color. These are typically more exotic species like: Brazilian teak, Santos Mahogany, Brazilian Walnut, etc.
High - Products that are characterized under the HIGH level of photosensitivity will experience a dramatic change in color. Different boards within the product will change to different degrees, some remaining similar to the original color while others will change many shades darker. Typically these products are from the cherry family, such as Kempas(Indonesian Cherry), Brazilian Cherry, and American Cherry. Typically these changes will take place within 6 months to a year after installation, but in higher concentrations of sunlight the changes can occur over a couple of weeks.
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