The Pros And Cons Of Solar Window Shades


Solar shades can be installed in front of your interior windows and provide many benefits including UV ray blocking. But are they right for you? Here are the pros and cons.

Pros

Blocks UV Rays

The biggest advantage of solar window shades is their UV-blocking properties. Why is this so important? According to the CDC, exposure to UV radiation is responsible for premature aging and higher skin cancer risks. When your eyes are unprotected from UV, it increases the risk of eye diseases that can cause blindness. While some exposure to UV rays is beneficial because they provide a vital source of Vitamin D, that exposure is best when it happens outside in short bursts. Solar window shades are made to keep out UV when you're inside your home.

Blocks Heat

In addition to blocking harmful invisible UV rays, it also blocks heat from the sun to keep your home cooler on hot summer days. This can help improve the energy efficiency of your home and also improve your energy bills.    

Protects Furniture

UV rays are not only harmful to you, but they're also harmful to fabrics in your home. Over time, UV breaks down the fabric material and washes out colors. This tends to wreak havoc on furniture, carpeting, window treatments, and even the art and photographs on your walls. Solar shades will help improve the longevity of these items.

Aesthetic Variety

You can block UV rays without creating an ugly eyesore because solar shades are available in a huge variety of colors, textures, and designs. Choose a look that best complements your home and blocks the sun without sacrificing any aesthetic appeal.

Reduces Glare

Another benefit of solar shades is a reduction in the glare caused by sunshine reflecting on exterior surfaces and through the glass. This can greatly reduce eye fatigue, a very beneficial quality, especially for people who work remotely from home and spend a lot of time indoors looking at screens.

Cons

Not Blackout Curtains

One common misconception about solar shades is that they also function as blackout curtains to completely eliminate the light coming into your home. This is false. If you're hoping for full blackout, solar shades are not going to provide what you're looking for.

Obstructs View

Although solar shades are available in varying levels of opacity and don't completely block your view, some obstruction will naturally occur. However, many consider the benefits of UV ray blocking worth the slight obstruction.

Blocks Light

The unfortunate side effect of blocking UV is that it also decreases the amount of natural light coming in from the windows. Unfortunately, it's difficult to have the best of both worlds.

For more information on solar window shades, contact a company near you.

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Windows: The Finishing Touch

Is a home without nice windows really a home at all? Windows are one of the last things a builder will install when creating a home, and they really make the space look complete and pulled-together. Likewise, when you replace a home's aging windows, the whole space takes on a fresh, new vibe. As such, it's important that homeowners know a little about windows. On this website, you can easily learn the basics. Discover the different types of windows, from awnings to sliders, and learn how features like the sash and frame operate. Windows are beautiful, and our goal is to help you appreciate their beauty.

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