Retractable Patio Awnings, Window Sun Shades, Outdoor Roll-Up Window
Shade
Anyone sitting under a tree on a hot summer afternoon knows the cooling benefits of
shade, but they may not realize just how effective it can be as a low-tech, low-cost
way to cut their summer cooling bills. Shading your home - with trees and other
vegetation, or with exterior and interior shades - can reduce the temperature indoors
by as much as 20 degrees on a hot day!
About 40 percent of the unwanted heat that builds up in your house comes in through
windows. Although both exterior and interior shades can control this heat gain,
exterior shades - items such as awnings, louvers, shutters, rolling shutters and solar
screens - are more far effective, since they block sunlight before it enters the
windows.
Awnings
Awnings rate high as shading devices because they block direct sunlight. Usually made
of fabric or metal, they are attached above the window and extend outward and down. A
properly installed awning can reduce heat gain in your home up to 65 percent on
southern windows and as much as 77 percent on eastern and western windows.
A light-colored awning does double duty by also reflecting sunlight. Maintaining a
gap between the top of the awning and the side of your house helps to vent any
accumulated heat from under a solid surface awning. If you live in a climate with cold
winters, you will want to remove awnings for winter storage or buy retractable ones to
take advantage of the desirable winter heat gain.
Solar Window Shades
Solar screens resemble standard window screens, except they block light and cut glare
without obstructing the view or eliminating air flow. They also provide privacy by
restricting the view into your house.
Solar screens come in a variety of colors and screening materials, and some local
utility companies sponsor shade screen programs. Do-it-yourself kits are available, but
such screens typically do not last as long as professionally built screens.
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