Blackout window coverings are almost always associated
with energy efficiency because of their functional use and value-for-money
benefits. Compared to standard window treatments, blackout curtains and shades
serve the dual purpose of blocking out a substantial amount of light and providing
an aesthetic covering for the home interior.
The Many Faces of Energy Efficient Window Coverings
Homemakers
have a multitude of options when deciding which specific energy efficient window coverings
to use for the home. Energy-saving window covers range from exterior window treatments such as
awnings, mesh screens, and exterior shutters to the most common interior treatments such as curtains,
draperies, or solar shades.
Among
the list of energy efficient treatments, blackout curtains and shades are
probably the most commonly used functional window coverings for the interior. Blackout window coverings
differ from the standard ones for the former’s ability to block and filter
almost 99% of the sunlight and to provide total privacy for the inside of the
room. Primarily in the form of fabric curtains or roll-up shades, blackout
covers have the following characteristics:
·
Materials. Blackout curtains basically consist of the
regular curtain textiles and are also layered with foam-backed, opaque lining
to totally screen out the incoming light or heat. Thick curtains made of heavy
materials such as velvet, flannel, or wool can also be used as blackout fabrics
even without the second lining. On the other hand, blackout shades are commonly made from
woven and specialized vinyl materials, polyester mesh, or specialized shade cloth.
·
Flexibility. For blackout fabric
curtains, customers have a choice between a 100% blackout or a 50% dim out
specification of the curtain lining. While both varieties provide enough
protection from the sun, they differ on the amount of light that will be
filtered by the material.
·
Multi- purpose. Blackout window covers not
only reduce the glare of the sun or the amount of heat seeping into and through
the window, these blackout covers also protect the interior from the cold
during winter seasons. This is one of the primary reasons why blackout curtains
and shades achieved the image of energy saving items for the home – they reduce
the need for cooling the interior during hot weathers and likewise lessen the
likelihood of overusing the heating system during cold seasons. Moreover, these
types of window treatments also have the ability to dampen the sound from the
outside, thereby filtering the unwanted noise.
·
Material care and protection. Because of the specialized
material that goes into blackout covers, extra care is needed when cleaning and
maintaining these types of structures. While machine washing is not
recommended, the use of vacuum, wet blotting, and dusting can be alternative
measures for the expensive dry cleaning of blackout curtains and shades.
Blackout window coverings are often considered as the
leveled-up version of standard interior curtains and roll-up shades, primarily
because of the added value they deliver to users. These benefits come at a
reasonable price to pay and when designed accordingly to the exact
specifications of the home, blackout window treatments can deliver energy
saving benefits which standard window coverings seldom promise.
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