Not all window shades are created equally. There are several different types of shades, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Some of the most common types of window shades include Roman shades, cellular shades, pleated shades, natural shades, and solar shades. What are solar shades? They’re less common than some of the other shade options, but like all window treatments, they come with a unique set of characteristics and benefits.
What Are Solar Shades?
Solar window shades are a type of window treatment designed to block the sun’s rays from entering a home or building through the windows. They are made of a tightly woven, specially coated material that allows them to reflect or absorb the sun’s energy, keeping the interior of the building cooler and reducing the need for air conditioning.
What Are Solar Shades Good For?
Saving on Energy Costs
Solar window shades can help to reduce the amount of heat that enters a building through the windows, which can in turn reduce the amount of energy needed to cool the interior. This can lead to significant savings on energy bills, especially during the hot summer months.
Improving Comfort
In hot and sunny climates, solar window shades can help to keep the interior of a home or building cooler and more comfortable. This is especially beneficial in rooms that are directly exposed to the sun’s heat, such as south-facing rooms or rooms with large windows.
Enhancing Privacy
Solar window shades can provide an additional layer of privacy by blocking the view into a building from the outside. This can be especially useful in homes or offices that are located on busy streets or in densely populated areas.
Protecting Furniture and Flooring
The sun’s rays can fade and damage furniture, carpets, and other interior furnishings over time. If protecting unique, antique, or valuable furnishings from sun damage is a concern, solar shades can be a great option. By blocking the sun’s rays, solar window shades can help to protect these items from fading and damage.
Range of Visibility
Solar shades are labeled with an “openness factor,” which refers to how much light can filter through. The lower the number, the more opaque the shade. This provides you with options when selecting solar shades, depending on whether you want heat and light blocked completely, or whether you want to be able to filter in some light or heat.
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Solar shades are not for everyone. Because solar window shades are specifically designed to block the sun’s rays, they may also block some natural light from entering a building. This can be a disadvantage for people who prefer a lot of natural light in their homes or offices. Overall, the pros and cons of solar window shades will depend on individual preferences and needs. Some people may find that the energy savings, comfort, and privacy provided by solar window shades outweigh any potential drawbacks, while others may prefer the wider range of options and lower cost of other window shades.
If you have questions about whether solar shades are right for you, or which openness factor, color, and material best suits your need, the experts at American Window Company can help. Since 1999, we have offered an extensive collection of high-quality windows, doors, shutters, blinds, and more. We are a small, family-owned business that is committed to providing excellent workmanship and on-time installation. In addition, we are properly licensed and insured to protect our employees and provide our customers with peace of mind. For a free estimate or more information about our products and services, please contact us today.