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Friday, November 23, 2012

Dressing Windows Facing the Sun with Motorized Blinds


Suggestions for Selecting Suitable Solar Shades

There are several advantages of using Solar Shades on your Windows.  They help to protect those inside from harsh sunlight, heat and UV radiation.  Sunshades also help you to have adequate privacy while not blocking outside view.  Selection of Solar Shades would depend on various factors. This include where you plan to mount them, what are your exact requirements and whether it matches your interior decoration theme.  

Location of the window is important while selecting solar shades.  The windows facing the sun, especially those in the south, are to be mounted with solar shades which can protect from harsh sunrays and UV radiation.  On the other hand, the solar shades on windows in the north or away from sun are needed only to provide privacy during the day.

Selection of solar Shades would also depend on the purpose for which you are mounting them.  Fabrics which are darker with low ‘openness factor’ can be used on windows which face sun to protect from glare and UV radiation.  Transparent Fabrics with   high openness factor can be used on windows which has a good view outside.  Dark fabrics are suitable for blocking and reducing light whereas light fabrics are suitable for rooms which need more daylight illumination. 

Solar Shades can be mounted both outside and inside of the window.  They are commonly mounted inside the window to give a better look.  Sometimes a larger solar shade is hung outside to cover an unsightly window.  Solar shades can be mounted using spring roller hardware or clutch roller hardware. While mounting, it would be better to leave some space on the sides or the shades so that they do nor rub on the wall and get spoiled while opening and closing.

There are variety of fabrics and colors available in solar shades.  The way to select would be to assess your requirements for daylight, privacy, heat and outside view and eliminate those which do not fit into your criteria.   Light color fabrics and those with more than 5% openness are suitable when you need more daylight in the rooms.   You can get the samples of fabrics beforehand and select one which fulfills your requirements as well as match the interior decoration theme. 

You need to keep in mind that solar shades cannot be used as privacy shades during the night.  They provide privacy only during the day and the inside of the rooms would be visible to outsiders during the night through most solar shades.