On average, the UK has 183 days of sunshine per annum. That means that 50% of our days in a year are flooded with sunshine. Solar reflective window blinds have been designed specifically to fit the requirements posed by all of these sun rays. As a nation, we love Summer. There’s nothing quite like picnics with loved ones, spending days at the beach or simply sitting in your garden, enjoying the world go by. When we think of sunshine, it’s hard to pinpoint any negatives.
However, no matter how much we adore warmer days, being able to regulate the amount of sun in our homes is vital. These specialist window blinds have been designed to do just that. But have you ever considered the true benefits of solar reflective fabric? And, how can it help to prolong the lifespan of your sofa and make you more productive at work, for example? Read on to learn more.
What are solar reflective window blinds?
Window blinds don’t just accentuate the look of a room. They are also practical, designed to help you get the most out of the space. Solar reflective window blinds are manufactured from a specialist material to help you do that. The backing layer has a pearlescent finish which is made using intelligent and modern technology. When the sun’s rays and heat come in through the window, this layer reflects them back out. While a percentage of light may still pass through, it is considerably less than the amount you would expect without them.
Why are they vital to your home?
Reduce solar heat gain
On warmer days, you may be tempted to roll open your blinds and throw open the window to cool down a room. While a slight breeze may reduce the internal temperature slightly, what you’re likely doing is allowing heat from the sun to enter. This is known as solar gain – short wave radiation that can pass through a window and bring excessive heat in your home. Solar heat gain radiation can pass through your building’s walls too but it is most prolific when passing through clear glass.
Solar gain is the reason why you walk into a room and feel hit by a blanket of heat. It is one of the reasons why we become so heavily reliant on fans and other cooling devices – in a bid to pass cool air around a room. One of the most effective ways to minimise that ‘heat box’ feeling is to keep window blinds closed during the hottest points of the day. Solar reflective window blinds take that one step further. Not only do they just block the light from coming in but they actively reflect it back outwards.
Reduce fading
Our carpets, sofas and other soft furnishings are prone to fading. This is due to the UV rays which break down chemical bonds. If we allow a lot of sunlight into our homes, you’ll notice a visible difference in these items you’ve invested so heavily in. Window blinds will help to minimise this but solar reflective blinds take that one step further. Their reflective nature means they can reduce the risk of fading by over 50% and increase the lifespan of your furniture considerably too. Those in our collection can prevent up to 90% of UV rays from entering your home.
Reduce glare
Have you ever sat down at the computer and found the screen unusable because of the sun? Or nestled down to catch your favourite programme and not be able to enjoy it fully. Glare happens when too much light enters your eye and prevents it from being able to manage it appropriately. Reflective surfaces, such as televisions and computers screens, are prone to excessive glare – particularly when their angle means direct sunshine hits them. Solar reflective blinds provide a barrier against the sun’s rays, preventing glare from happening by as much as 80%.
Insulating
We talk about the benefits of solar reflective window blinds during Summer but they are just as practical during cooler months too. When pulled down, roller blind designs create a pocket of air between the fabric and the window. This barrier prevents the warmer air inside from coming into contact with the cold glass. You’ll be better placed to keep the room at a consistent temperature and prevent heat loss. Not only does this keep your house warmer but it also impacts your household bills. You’ll have to use central heating less to maintain a comfortable environment, thereby reducing costs and expenditures during cooler days.
Solar reflective window blinds are, quite literally, suitable for every room around your home. With modern technology, they are manufactured to look exactly the same as standard designs. And, with our range here at Shop4Blinds, they can be made-to-measure and provided with full installation instructions. Reduce glare, protect soft furnishings and maintain a comfortable home environment throughout the entire year.