Properly selected window coverings are one of the best ways to limit sunlight in rooms and, therefore also, protect against overheating. In today’s article, we present a variety of window coverings that will serve well in rooms that are particularly exposed to strong sunlight.
The Most Effective Window Coverings for Hot Weather
Most often, a high temperature staying in the house in the summer is due to the penetration of the sun’s rays into the rooms through the glass, resulting in the rooms quickly heating up. This problem is more severe in rooms with south-facing windows exposed to strong sunlight, especially when the sun heats up in the afternoon.
In addition, if larger windows are placed on the south side, the rooms will heat up even faster. Intense sunlight can be a nuisance for family members, not only because of the increase in temperature it causes but also because the sun stands out and makes it difficult, for example, to look at the TV or use a laptop.
One of the best ways to solve the problem of overheating the room is to install suitable window coverings. Window coverings not only protect your privacy and help to darken your home (e.g. makes it easier to fall asleep), but they also block the sun’s rays and make it easier to keep the temperature inside. Below we provide an overview of window coverings that are the best choice for rooms exposed to excessive sunlight and increased heating.
Exterior Blinds
In terms of thermal insulation, external blinds are a very good solution. After lowering, they tightly close the windows and, as they’re made of durable aluminium and filled with thermal insulation foam, they provide complete shading and limit heating since sunlight doesn’t pass through their envelope. Exterior blinds are also great for winter. They provide additional room insulation and reduce heat loss through windows when lowered.
When it comes to using exterior blinds, the challenge may be to install them. Some of these window coverings, such as concealed blinds, are hidden behind the facade but can be installed during construction. The cost of these covers is also higher than the cost of standard textile roller blinds. However, it is still one of the best solutions to prevent rooms from overheating, so when building a house, it is important to consider the installation of exterior blinds, especially on windows and terrace doors—the south side.
Reflective Coated Pleated Blinds
Pleated blinds are a functional solution in interior coverings that allow partial shading of the interior and some degree of protection from excessive sunlight. A wide range of colours and structures (for example, fabrics imitating silk or bamboo mats) makes it possible to adapt pleated blinds to interiors arranged in different styles aesthetically.
To better protect the interior from heating, you can choose pleated blinds made of fabric with a reflective coating. The coating reflects about 70% of the sun’s rays. Pleated blinds made from fabrics protected in this way provide better protection against the sun and heat than those made from ordinary materials.
Day and Night Blinds
Day and night blinds are a good choice when limiting the amount of sunlight entering the room is necessary. But it is also important not to completely cut off access to natural light.
For example, in a south-facing office, strong sunlight will disturb the worker and increase the temperature in the room. Still, it will be necessary to use artificial light sources when exiting the blinds. Day and night blinds can be a good compromise in such cases.
What are the Solutions to Avoid?
In the past, the standard way to protect from the sun was to use curtains. However, curtains will not work well if they are to protect the interior from heating effectively. In addition, curtains should be thick, dark and long to prevent the sun from shining, curtains that aren’t always in harmony with the arrangement and require significant financial expenditures. In addition, the use of curtains is generally uncomfortable.
Blinds are a better solution to limit heating. But even after lowering, it is better to avoid slow shutters that don’t fit tightly to the window frame and therefore don’t provide full shading. It is better to choose external or interior blinds with side guides wrapped in the cassette (the fabric is guided along with the guides and firmly adheres to the glass).
Light interior curtains made of thin, translucent materials will also be a bad choice. They may look good, but they don’t do their job as most of the sun’s rays can easily pass through the fabric and cause the room temperature to rise.