Window Coverings to Withstand the Heat
Arizona summer is here again, and after several consecutive days of 100+ heat, well, you’re probably more aware than ever before about your home’s situation. Is stuff melting on the porch? Artificial grass feeling like lava? Is your home interior turning into an oven? Air conditioner chugging non-stop to keep it a livable temp? It might be time to upgrade your blinds to something that can handle the heat!
Window Covering Upgrades for Summer
Energy-efficient window treatments are a great way to keep the heat out during the summer. Curtains and blinds block sunlight and provide insulation and since they don’t require any power to use they’re a cost-effective way to keep your home cooled! Here are some options to consider when it comes to beating the heat.
Cellular Shades
We’ve talked about cellular shades before and often, and we will again! Also known as honeycomb shades, these are the best, most energy-efficient window covering to beat the heat thanks to their construction. These have cells stacked on top of each other and those cells trap air, creating pockets of insulation that slows the progress of heat. Think about it like this, sun beating down on a piece of fabric. It warms up right? Right, now if there’s air behind that fabric, it warms up – a bit slower, sure but it still gets hot. Now if there’s a second layer of fabric behind that spot of air, the transfer of heat is slowed significantly preventing the sun from cooking your home. These can reduce the amount of heat transferring to your home by up to 80%!
Thanks to the wide number of options we have available at Budget Blinds you can look for shades of different fabrics, opacity levels, and colors – all to match your style and give you even more fine-tuned control.
Roman Shades
Roman shades are another good option because they really focus on blocking out light entirely. They look sleek and modern, and when installed correctly will almost create a seal between the window and themselves, keeping the warm air locked between them. Upgrade these with automation and motor tech to close/open them all at the push of a button.
Curtains and Drapes
Curtains and drapes are not only a classic window covering, but they’re also a great option for insulating and regulating heat (guess there’s a reason castles are filled with drapes huh?). These are a great choice for any room that needs to be darkened. Drapes cover windows completely blocking sunlight fully. Further effectiveness will depend on the type of fabric they’re made with. Fabrics that have a tight weave will reduce heat the best, doubly so if there’s a lining. Darker fabrics trap more heat, and lighter fabrics reflect light better. The best combo then would be a lighter fabric with a liner.
Watch Out - Heat CAN Melt the Blinds
Believe it or not, depending on a number of factors, the heat kicking through your windows and doors could be potent enough to damage your blinds. The material the window covering is made of, the type of windows you have, the amount of direct sunlight pouring through them, all of these can have an effect that could warp your faux wood blinds for instance. We’ve heard of cases of people trying to block out their windows entirely for the summer months using styrofoam and locking their blinds between the insulating foam and the window – didn’t go well for them! While that’s a pretty extreme situation, the point stand. Things can happen when you’re not quite sure what you’re working with. To that end you want to make sure you’re working with a professional who know the situation and what works best – people like the Linnemeyers here at Budget Blinds Scottsdale!
