As pleasant as summer rolls in, with all its spectacular weather, there’s one thing most people dream of during that time of the year – a comfortable indoor temperature.
Once temperatures climb into the triple digits, the desire for A/C increases. Unfortunately, not every place has an air conditioning system. And if you’re in one of those places, the next best thing is window shades.
Sun-blocking shades can help keep your home cooler and more comfortable during the hot summer months. But if you’re confused about how to find the nicest shades, we’ve got the info you need to know.
Read on!
Types of Sun-Blocking Shades
Sun-blocking shades come in a variety of styles and materials with different levels of effectiveness. When looking for shades, the main things to look for are:
- UV protection levels
- light diffusion
- energy efficiency
- heat retention
Types of sun blockers include:
- Roller Shades
- Honeycomb Shades
- Roman Shades
- Solar Shades
Roller shades provide good light control and blackout options but lack insulation. Honeycomb shades have insulating benefits, creating a barrier against UV radiation. Roman shades offer a variety of fabrics and colors, providing soft light control but also insulating properties.
Lastly, Solar Shades protect windows from UV radiation while still allowing a partial view and plenty of natural light. When choosing sunblocking shades for your windows, consider how much privacy you need, light control, insulation, and UV protection. With a little research, you can find the right shades to fit your needs.
Benefits
Sun-blocking shades offer numerous benefits that go beyond just adding style to your windows. Let’s explore the key advantages of sun blockers, highlighting how they can enhance comfort and safeguard your home from the sun’s damaging effects.
UV Protection
Sun-blocking shades for windows are an effective way to reduce the amount of UV rays that enter a room. The shades are made of a special material that blocks UV radiation. They are easy to install and come in a variety of styles and materials.
When choosing a sun-blocking shade, it is important to make sure it provides adequate UV protection, while also allowing adequate visibility. You should look for a product that is marked with a “UV Protection Factor” rating of 40 or higher. This rating provides a quantitative indication of how much UV radiation is blocked and will help you to choose a product that will provide the best UV protection for your needs.
Light Control
With sun blockers, you can control the amount of light that enters a room. These shades are a great way to enjoy natural light without having to worry about too much brightness.
The shades come in a range of colors and styles, so you can easily find a look that complements your décor while still providing optimum light control. Installation is easy, typically requiring only basic tools and a bit of patience.
Heat Reduction
Sun-blocking shades are the perfect way to reduce the heat coming into your home. They are designed to block most of the direct sunlight from entering through your windows, keeping your home cooler and reducing energy costs.
To install the shades, you need to measure your windows and cut the shades to fit your window size. The shades could be secured by using:
- screws
- staples
- adhesives
It is recommended to use dark color shades for best results. The shades will reduce the amount of UV rays entering the house, while they will also provide added insulation for the home.
Energy Efficiency
Sun-blocking shades are key to energy efficiency. When windows are covered with sun shades, less heat is conducted, making a room cooler and thereby reducing the amount of energy needed to cool it down.
Sun-blocking blinds come in a variety of materials, including vinyl, aluminum, and polyester, the latter being the most energy-efficient option. The light diffusing features of the shades also help in reducing the sun’s rays and provide thermal insulation to further help reduce energy consumption.
Provides Privacy
When it comes to providing privacy, sun-blocking blinds are ideal. They come in a variety of tints and darkness, and some are even designed to reflect the sun’s glare off of the window. This allows you to block out any unwanted views while still allowing light to come in.
Motorized or Manual
If you are looking for sun-blocking shades for your windows, you have two choices – motorized or manual. Motorized shades are a popular choice as they allow for convenient control of the degree of shading, and can be controlled via remote or voice command. But, they require professional installation and may be more expensive than hand-operated shades.
Manual shades, on the other hand, are cost-effective and require minimal installation. They also offer full blackout, privacy, and light filtering options, but require you to physically adjust the shades.
When deciding which shades to choose, consider the available options and how easy it will be to operate them. It is a good idea to research both and speak to an expert before making your decision.
Installation and Maintenance
Installing sunblocking shades for windows is a relatively easy process. Start by taking all measurements for window size, then choose the appropriate-sized shades that will fit the window.
Next, you’ll use the clips that come with your shades, and attach them to the window frame or the wall. Finally, you’ll hang the shades and adjust them to fit the window perfectly.
To ensure you have the window films for your home installed properly, consider hiring professional services. To ensure your window shades serve their purpose for a long time, it is important to maintain them properly.
Use a mildly soapy water solution and can cloth to erase any dirt or debris to keep the shades looking clean. Avoid using harsh cleaners or scrubbers, which may damage the fabric or coating on the shades. Another helpful tip is to avoid placing shades that are made from lighter materials directly in front of the window’s glass, since the sun may fade or discolor the fabric over time.
Install Sun-Blocking Shades for Windows
Sun-blocking shades for windows are a great way to keep your home cool and save money on energy bills. With so many different styles and materials, there’s something to fit every type of window.
Investing in sun-blocking shades is an easy decision that is sure to pay off for years to come. Stop wasting money and hire professionals to help you with the right selection of sun-blocking shades and window treatments.
