Roofs and window shades can be combined to enhance the design of your home. Combining these two elements has many benefits.
The most important factor to consider is your home’s architectural style. This will help you choose the right window covering for your home.
Energy Efficiency
If you want to reduce your energy bills and maximize your home’s efficiency, adding window treatments can help. These treatments are designed for reducing heat gain and loss, by providing insulation, regulating solar heat gain, letting in natural lighting, and helping with the overall comfort of a home.
The Department of Energy states that a house that has no energy-efficient window treatments can lose up to 30% of its heating and cooling energy through windows. These energy losses can be especially severe in the summer when solar heat gain increases.
Shades provide the most energy-efficient form of window treatment because they create a cushion of insulating air between the glass and the window frame. Shades should be reversible so that in cold weather, one side can reflect sunlight into the room and the other side can absorb it.
Cellular shades are some of the most insulating interior window treatments available and they reduce solar heat gain significantly. They are also available with a dual-layer design that can block light and filter UVA and UVB rays for added privacy.
In addition to the insulation value of cellular shades, they are also incredibly aesthetically pleasing and can be customized to fit any window size or shape. Some even feature a special thermal lining or an insulated slat.
Installing a roof overhang is another way to save energy. Overhangs are effective for both windows facing north and south and can be used in the summer. They can cut solar gain by up to 77%, especially when applied on west-facing windows (in the northern hemisphere).
Consider how much sunlight your windows receive each day when choosing an overhang. This information can be obtained from your local building inspector or through a solar analysis performed by an expert.
If you have a basement or other infrequently used space in your home, you can use rigid foam panels custom cut to the window opening to provide insulating benefits up to R6. These can be hung in the middle of your existing blinds or curtains to add an extra layer of protection.
Increased Home Value
One of the most noticeable benefits of a new roof is improved curb appeal. Maintaining a roof in good condition will not only increase the value of your house, but also keep you and your family protected from the elements. Using the right roofing materials will also boost the longevity of your home. Whether you’re re-roofing or adding on, make sure you choose the best material for your needs. You’ll be amazed at how much it can save you over time. It’s also a good idea to have a regular maintenance plan. You may even avoid costly repairs in the future.
Increased Home Comfort
Choosing the right window treatments for your home can make a big difference in comfort and energy efficiency. They can help keep you warmer in winter and cooler in summer, while preventing sunlight from damaging your fabric, carpet or hardwood floors.
The latest in window technology can also improve your comfort while reducing your utility bills by adjusting light and heat levels depending on the time of day or year. For example, a motorized system can automatically lower shades to a specific level and turn them on and off at the touch of a button or a sensor in your home.
Your windows may not be as energy-efficient as they could. You can save up to 10% on your heating and cooling costs if you insulate them properly.
You can accomplish this by installing window shades that trap a layer of air in the fabric. This is achieved by a cleverly arranged design of fabric cells that expand and contract like an accordion when they are raised or lowered.
They are available in many styles and sizes, so they can fit any budget. Single cell or double cells are typically the most efficient, but there are triple-cell options to consider if you live in a high-energy environment.
Motorized systems also allow you to control the shades from your smartphone, which is the ultimate convenience. It’s the best option for children. In the future, you may wish to consider adding a smart thermostat to your home that can automatically adjust the shades to match the temperature of your home. The most advanced window treatments come in a variety of colors, patterns and materials to match your decor.
Increased Home Privacy
When it comes to a home, privacy is one of the most important qualities that homeowners seek. It provides peace of mind, as well as a sense of freedom. It can be achieved by limiting how others can see what goes on in the house and reduce what they know about it.
Aside from this, privacy can also help prevent unwanted attention from neighbors, as well as other potential intruders. Having the right window treatments can keep strangers out and give you peace of mind while staying in your home.
If you’re looking to add more privacy to your windows, choose window shades that are sound-proof. These products are often made of materials that block out the sound of traffic and squeaking furnishings. They’re therefore not as loud as standard window cheapest blinds.
You can find these products in many different styles, including roller shades. These window treatments don’t take up much space above the window, but are easy to pull down and shut for privacy. These window treatments are also available in water-resistant material for bathrooms.
In addition to reducing the amount of sunlight that enters your home, these window treatments can help keep your property cooler. This is especially beneficial in the summer months when you’re spending more time indoors and don’t want to feel too hot.
Another option for increased privacy is installing a fence or wall around your property. You can set them at a certain distance to your neighbor’s house to limit their ability to see into your yard.
Privacy around your home will also ensure the safety of your family and your pets. This is particularly true if you have children or elderly relatives who may be vulnerable to intrusions from curious intruders.
Aside from this, you can also increase your home’s privacy by planting edible plants in the garden. This is a great option for those who want to grow their own fresh herbs and fruit, but also want some privacy.
Whether you choose to plant tall trees, build a fence, or use window treatments, you’re sure to find the perfect solution for your home’s privacy needs. You can even get creative with these options and create a look that fits your own personal style.