To all dear readers,
I hope this gives a better understanding to the layman about
solar protection and insulation for his or her own home. As global temperatures
are on a constant rise each year, more steps are taken by individuals to keep
their homes protected and comfortable.
BLINDS
INTERIOR BLINDS
Because of the numerous openings between the slats, it's
difficult to control heat loss through interior window blinds, but the slats
offer flexibility. Unlike shades, you can adjust the slats to control light and
ventilation. For example, when completely closed and lowered on a sunny window,
highly reflective blinds can reduce physical heat gain by around 45%. They can
also be adjusted to block and reflect direct sunlight onto a light-coloured
ceiling. A light-coloured ceiling will diffuse the light without much heat or
glare.
EXTERIOR BLINDS
Exterior roller blinds are usually made of wood, steel, aluminium,
or vinyl. They're mounted above the window, and side channels guide them as
they're lowered and raised. When you lower these blinds completely, their slats
meet and provide shade. If partially raised, the blinds allow some air and
daylight to enter through windows.
Disadvantages of blinds:
- Expensive to install
- Bulky and takes up space
- Does not reflect harmful UV rays
- No view of the surroundings when blinds are lowered
CURTAINS
A curtain's ability to reduce heat loss and gain depends on
several factors, including fabric type (closed or open weave) and colour. With
such a wide variety of draperies available, it's difficult to generalize about
their energy performance.
During hot days, you should close draperies on windows
receiving direct sunlight to prevent heat gain. Studies demonstrate that
medium-coloured draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by
33%. Curtains also stay cooler in the summer than some other window treatments
because their pleats and folds lose heat through convection.
To reduce heat exchange or convection, curtains should be
hung as close to windows as possible. Also let them fall onto a windowsill or
floor. For maximum effectiveness, you should install a cornice at the top of
the curtain or place the fabric against the ceiling. Then seal the curtains at
both sides and overlap it in the centre. You can use Velcro or magnetic tape to
attach drapes to the wall at the sides and bottom. If you do these things, you
may reduce heat loss up to 25%.
Disadvantages of curtains:
- Expensive to install
- Hard to maintain with frequent washing
- Does not reflect harmful UV rays
- No view of surroundings when curtains are drawn
HIGH-REFLECTIVITY FILMS
High-reflectivity window films are the most effective in
blocking heat gain in today's modern world.
The effectiveness of these reflective films depends on:
- Total Solar Energy Rejection
- Technology used to produce film
- Composition of film
- High quality films have some overall advantages:
- Added Privacy from outsiders looking in
- Maintain the natural view of surroundings
- Easy cleaning after adhesive has dried
- Increase safety as the window is now shatterproof
- Lower electrical bill as less cooling required
- Full protection against damaging UV rays
- Cheap and easy to install / remove
- Does not add on to clutter to the window
- These reflective films are available to apply yourself over existing windows.
If you are looking for a reliable film provider, visit
www.Sureglowsingapore.com
