Using Blinds to Keep Cooler in the Summer
There is no doubt that the Summers are getting warmer. 2022 was the joint hottest Summer in UK records with temperatures reaching 40.3ºC in Lincolnshire. And, of course, this leads to warmer homes, with recent data showing that 20% of homes overheat in the Summer months.
So what are the best ways of keeping homes cooler? Well this is where window shading really helps.
Tips on How to Use Your Window Shading
First of all, close your Blinds or Shutters during the day, especially if your windows are in direct sun. This will help to keep your windows cooler and shaded
Open them at night when the temperature drops so the rooms can cool. This is also a great time to open windows for extra ventilation.
Types of Window Dressings with Best Thermal Properties
Roller Blinds or Vertical Blinds with Solar Coatings
Within the roller blinds and Vertical Blind fabrics are some which are coated with Solar Reflective Coatings. These Coatings are applied to the window facing side of the fabric and help to reflect away more of the heat. Using a Room Darkening Fabric will also improve the cooling properties.
Plantation Shutters
Shutters, especially those made from Wood, have excellent thermal properties. Choose Plantation Shutters with movable louvres to allow shading and ventilation, for the most flexibility.
Pleated Blinds
Pleated Blinds were primarily designed for use on Conservatory Roofs, where heat really builds up. This makes them great at insulation, so are an ideal solution especially on South Facing windows.
Many single pleat Blinds have a Solar Reflective Coating on the back, helping to reflect out heat. Cellular Pleated Blinds have a honeycomb structure that creates an air gap, helping with insulation.
Curtains
Curtains with a thermal lining are great at helping to keep rooms cooler in the hot summer months. The thermal lining has raised fluffy fibres which trap air and create an air gap.
Of course, this is just a brief overview of the coverings that can be used, so please contact us to discuss more options to suit you.
