Reducing the quantity of scorching sunshine that enters your house via your windows is one method to use less energy and pay less for your utilities. There are multiple effective shade ideas available for you to pick for your windows in order to enhance the overall energy efficiency of your house. However, you should evaluate different options available out there and pick the best one that will cater to all your needs. From this article, we will be sharing 6 simples, but highly effective sun shade ideas that you can consider for your windows.
Awnings
With good reason, awnings are undoubtedly the most popular kind of outside window decoration. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, they may cut summertime solar heat intake by up to 68% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. They may be quite beautiful, provide protection from the wind and snow, and improve the look of your property, raising its market value if and when you decide to sell. In addition to their cooling impact. There are several sizes, designs, and materials available for awnings.
You may create a single awning for a certain window (and door, if it consists of a large pane of glass that also face south or west). Alternately, you may install a bigger awning that covers every window on the side of the home. They may be created from metal, canvas, or mildew- and water-resistant synthetic fabric. While fabric awnings may be retractable so you can roll them up in the winter or in the case of a storm or particularly severe winds, metal awnings are typically set in place. Make sure that you go ahead with the right type of awnings available. Then you can stay away from problems that can take place in future.
Exterior blinds
Although they are more often associated with the inside of the house, blinds made of wood, steel, aluminum, or vinyl may also be put outdoors. Louvretecperth says to give the most shade, the slats of these outdoor window coverings should closely interlock when they are closed. Blinds have the excellent feature of being able to be partly opened to let some light and air in. They may be turned on or off manually or, in certain situations, electrically.
Exterior blinds are quite a popular option available for you to consider as of now. The simplicity and versatility associated with them is tempting people to go ahead with this solution than other options available in the market. If the concept of getting exterior blinds is appealing, you may go ahead and get them.
Patio covers
On a patio or porch, curtains are a good option. They may provide a very comfortable escape from the scorching sun when pulled closed. They should completely fall to the ground if you hang them from the porch line. Use white or a light-colored cloth, and make sure it is thick enough to screen the sun. Compared to materials with deeper colors, that will reflect more sunlight. However, you will only be able to go ahead with this option if you are having a patio at home. Hence, we don’t recommend this option as something for everyone.
Screens made of solar mesh
These screens are constructed of woven cloth, which can stop between 75 and 90 percent of the sun’s rays before they reach your windows. While enabling vision of the outside, these screens also provide seclusion throughout the day. They work well on windows, carports, patios, porches, and garages.
Overhangs
Similar to an awning, an overhang is a portion of the roof. When the sun is high in the sky in the summer, overhangs should be erected to provide shade for the windows and doors while letting warm light into the house in the winter. Since this is a permanent attachment, you’ll probably require a professional’s assistance. The cost of labor and the materials needed to construct it make it a more costly alternative as well.
Blinds
A tight fit of the shutters against the window provides a good light barrier and some ventilation. They provide extra protection against break-ins should that be a concern and are also protective during a windstorm or hurricane. These outdoor window coverings may improve the visual appeal of your property, much like awnings. Both roller shutters and fixed-hinge shutters are options for them. Roller shutters may be raised and lowered within a track that encircles the window on all sides from the outside. A shutter with a fixed hinge can swing open and shut.
One more option – rolling shades
Exterior roller blinds are often composed of metal or a strong, synthetic fabric. They form a valance at the top of the window and roll up. For individuals within to be able to see out, the cloth may be somewhat translucent. However, it goes without saying that a shade’s ability to screen sunlight decreases as it becomes more transparent. Normally controlled by hand, certain kinds of these outdoor window coverings may also be turned inside the home using a through-the-wall crank.
Final words
Visit Efficient Window Coverings to choose the external window treatment that will work best for you. The United States Department of Energy, Building Green, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are the sponsors of this initiative. The website will provide window treatment suggestions based on where you live and your energy-saving objectives once you enter your zip code and specify your demands.
One last piece of advice is to grow trees that will provide shade on the south side of your house. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, large deciduous trees placed on the east, west, and northwest sides of your house may save summer air conditioning expenditures by up to 35% while providing calming shade from the hot sun. Take a look at the above options in detail and go ahead with the best option to cater all your needs.
