As the Arizona summer sun shines down, homeowners everywhere seek ways to keep their interior space cool without cranking up the air conditioner too high. One effective solution is installing roller shades. Tucson Rolling Shutters & Screens, with its range of high-quality roller shades, offers a stylish and functional way to block out heat while helping you maintain a comfortable indoor environment. Here’s how roller shades work to block heat and why they might be the best choice for your home.
How Roller Shades Block Heat
Material and Construction
Unlike other window treatments, roller shades are designed with materials that reflect and absorb solar radiation. These special solar shades stop heat at the source by preventing all of it from penetrating your home. The fabric used in roller shades can vary in opacity – from sheer for minimal filtering to blackout for optimal room darkening, providing different levels of heat blockage.
Some materials are specially treated with reflective coatings to enhance their heat-repelling capabilities. Additionally, the snug fit of these window treatments in the window frame minimizes the air exchange between the heated glass and the room interior, reducing heat transfer.
Openness Factor
The openness factor refers to the amount of light and visibility that passes through the fabric type when the shades are closed. The tightness of the fabric’s weave determines the percentage of light and air that can enter while still providing protection and insulation.
Tucson Rolling Shutter & Screens has twelve different weaves that come in multiple visibility options, including 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, and 10%, to cater to different preferences. A lower openness percentage provides more shade and less heat gain, whereas a higher openness percentage for exterior and interior window blinds means less shade and more heat gain.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of roller shades is simple yet highly effective. When rolled down, these window shades create a barrier between the sun’s rays and the window glass. However, they don’t only block direct sunlight; they reflect direct sunlight to prevent heat accumulation inside the room. This is particularly beneficial for windows facing direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. The reduction in heat gain keeps your spaces cooler and reduces the burden on your air conditioning system. That means you can enjoy energy savings and get more years out of your AC unit.
Benefits of Installing Roller Shades
Energy Efficiency
One of the primary benefits of roller shades is their ability to improve your home’s energy efficiency. By reducing the solar heat gain in your home, your air conditioner can operate more efficiently, lowering energy consumption and, consequently, energy costs. The same shades can help retain indoor heat in winter, providing minimal heat loss and year-round energy efficiency.
UV Protection
Ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause fading and damage to furniture, artwork, and fabrics. Roller shades help block these harmful UV rays, protecting your interior furnishings and extending their lifespan. Blocking sunlight is particularly advantageous for rooms with extensive sun exposure. But don’t worry; you can still let in as much natural light as you want when you want it! Just open the shades to the desired level and enjoy.
Aesthetic Appeal
Not only do our roller shades reduce solar heat gain, but they also come in various styles, colors, and textures to suit the aesthetics of any home. Whether you prefer a modern look or something more traditional, there is a roller shade that can complement your home decor.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Modern roller shades are designed for ease of use. Some of our shades come with motorized options that allow you to raise and lower them with the push of a button, perfect for hard-to-reach windows. Additionally, these window coverings are easy to maintain. They typically require just a quick wipe with a damp cloth to keep them looking fresh and clean.
Privacy and Light Control
Roller shades provide excellent control over privacy and the amount of light entering a room. Whether you want complete darkness for a good night’s sleep or soft filtering of direct sunlight for better privacy in your room, you can minimize the natural lighting on even the brightest summer days.
Keep the Heat Out This Season with Tucson Rolling Shutters & Screens
Roller shades from Tucson Rolling Shutters & Screens block heat effectively and offer a multitude of benefits to make your home more comfortable than ever. By choosing the right roller shades, you can enjoy a cooler home in the summer, reduced energy bills, and a stylish look that complements your home decor. Contact us today to see if installing roller shades is the right option for you.
