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Window treatments -v- sun UV protection???

12 years ago

Hi Kids,

We have new windows that are rated to block out 98% of the suns UV rays. They do a good job but they are not perfect; I have noticed a bit of fading. I currently have valances with sheers at the windows and I am thinking that they may not be enough protection. These windows get full sun from morning until late afternoon.

Do any of you have this same issue and if so, how do you deal with it? I have looked at a few solutions but am not sure which way to go. I want the valances, I like the sheers but should I add another layer? I could do a double layer of sheers or I could even add a solar mesh shade that I could still see through but I'm not sure how well they protect.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank, Kids.

sooey

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Comments (7)

User
12 years ago
Not a kid, :^) but we have solar shade screens and I love them. So far I've not noticed any fading of fabrics at all. We've had them for at least five if not six or seven years now.
sooey
Original Author
12 years ago
Hi justgotabeme,

Thanks for your response to my question. The solar shade screens that you have...are they on the outside as in regular window screens that block more sun or are they inside, more on the line of roller shades?

Thanks.

sooey
Who will always be a Kid at heart...
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How about a sheer shade under the panels. You can go with 1 shade per window to control light better or 1 shade over all over all 3 window (trim to trim) which will be a very clean look.You can diffuse the light or block it out. Hunter Douglas brand is call a sihouette (pricey). Other companies may refeer to them as a shangri La or just sheer shading. Also I have seen the window film on many windows and you have to really look at it to tell it there. They do a very good job at blocking out the UV rays. But the sun light still shines through strong.
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Sun can do some serious damage to wood (due to light and heat) so I would forgo that cute fall jacket and go ahead and get the UV film. If you can't do that maybe put up some inexpensive sheers. Some burlaps are heavy and may scratch the furniture. What part of the country do you live in? If it's not too hot I suppose you could use a small tablecloth or even cardboard to protect it until you can get some UV film..
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i've become a bit of a home expert in windows as of late since we are replacing old windows in our home, ourselves. if your windows are double or triple pane and you have argon gas between, you can not use the window film. our old windows & sliding doors have/had this mirror reflective film we put on (we're in orlando BTW). the mirror reflective film builds up heat between the panes and will cause them to either crack or cause a release of the argon gas by loosening seals from the high interior heat. my biggest window problem was the east side, masters bedroom, that as no tree cover and is in blazing central FL sun sun-up to sun-down. we just replaced those windows a few weekends ago and we installed pella vinyl, double paned, argon gas, tempered glass (less than 18" off floor) w/ a special sun glass for south facing windows (FL standard). their UV rating is 98%. those windows are cool to the touch :-0 but compared to the extreme darkening film, very very bright lol. i can't tell you how many times i reach for the light switch to turn off a light that is not on, it's just soooo much brighter :-) my problem w/ them is there is no longer privacy film that we have lived w/ for 10 yrs LOL ;-) DH just installed 1 cellular top down-bottom shade i picked up at bed, bath & beyond so that we can get light thru the top still but walk around in the a.m. brushing teeth in our underwear LOL. you might think about cellular shades, i couldn't find cheaper top-down/bottom-up room darkening shades but just single cell do a very nice job of filtering sun. ~ liz
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User
12 years ago
We replaced the regular fiberglass window screens with solar shade fabric which we found at L's Home Improvement. There are other benefits than just protecting fabrics from fading. They also add privacy to your home. During the day no one can see in unless they press their face against the screens. At night only silhouettes if back lit. Something we didn't expect but are happy with is that grasshoppers can not eat through the thicker fiber these screens are made with. Not sure that's a problem in the city, but we live in the country where every couple years or so we are over run by grasshoppers.
I would love to be a kid at heart again, but lately it's been crazy around here. I'm working on getting there again though.
sooey
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you justgotabme, I will add that option to my list. I had not thought of checking with Lowes for the fabric. Thanks, I think I will give them a call.

sooey
Fun2BHere
12 years ago
I have roll-down solar shades.
sooey
Original Author
12 years ago
Hi Fun2BHere,

That is one of the options I am looking at. I have found them at JCP for a good price and almost ordered them yesterday. What color did you get and can you see through them? Do they fit inside or outside the window frame?

sooey
sjennifer
12 years ago
You need to have sun shield that protects you from all seasons and be careful that bugs cannot enter through that protection.

Here is a link that might be useful: sunroom windows

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