4 Easy Ways To Cover Your Houston Windows To Block Out UV Rays & The Heat From The Sun

Windows form an important part of just about any type of building and they usually dictate the overall architectural appearance associated with the building. Yet, stopping heat and UV rays from entering your windows, especially over the months of summer can prove to be an overwhelming task. In this article, we have given you 4 solutions on how to solve this problem. Today the latest modern treatments for windows are designed in such a way to help you reduce your cooling and heating costs by as much as 25%. With this in mind, there are 4 trending window dressings that you can use to prevent UV rays and heat from getting inside your home and to help keep your home cooler.

Window Film

Heat-reducing window films have been proven to lower UV transference and heat that comes through your windows by an impressive 80%. You can have this film professionally installed or apply the film on your own. The advantage of professionally installed products includes important information about how much energy these films can save along with an estimated payback time. You will want to know what the approximate payback time will be, as the costs to install window films is one of the more expensive options. In general, window films will pay for themselves within a period of 3 to 4 months, due to a reduction in your energy bills of around 25%. In addition, the films do not alter the way your windows look which makes them a better option when compared to draperies, blinds, or shades. Once the window films are applied to your windows you are still offered a clear view with the added bonus of no glare.

Awnings

When you use awnings over the months of summer for your windows you can lower the indoor temperature in your home by 65% to 80%. While awnings are typically used for covering windows, there are other custom-designed options that can cover one side of an entire building. In previous years the awnings were only made from metal and canvas. One of the drawbacks of these materials is that they make awnings difficult to maintain. In fact, these awnings typically require a coating every 3 to 5 years. Today, modern awnings are made from synthetic materials that include polyvinyl, acrylic, vinyl composite, and vinyl. A few of the fabrics help to extend the lifespan of these awnings. For example, polyvinyl laminates and acrylic resist mildew and fading, and this material is water-repellent. In addition, the tightly-woven, opaque, and light-colored materials resist UV light in an effective way which slows down general wear-and-tear to the awning. When choosing this option, make sure that you have chosen the right fabrics to match up to the area that you live in.

Blackout Fabric

If you are looking for a way to block out 100% of UV rays, you may want to think about high-quality blackout linings and fabrics. This type of fabric will completely block any sunlight and UV rays from entering the building. The process involved to manufacture drapery linings has undergone significant improvements. These improvements have resulted in lowered costs for drapery linings, along with enhanced softer-dropping products. These blackout fabrics come in panels that are attached to the back of draperies. In addition to adding to the beauty of your home, window dressings are also an efficient way to cut down your energy bills. Make sure you choose the correct type of window dressing that will help to retain warmth in your home when it is cold and to stop heat from getting inside your home when it is hot.

Blinds & Shades

Shades and blinds are also an effective solution to lower your utility bills and also help to prevent heat loss. These shades and blinds use honeycomb or pleated blind designs inside the frames of your windows. Your shades or blinds will perform even better if you combine them with either a refractive backing or a blackout lining. Ensure that you buy your shades or blinds from a reputable manufacturer, and compare the different vendors in order to find the best prices. Houston Window Coverings