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Home Decorating

Sun Repellent Window Shades/Blinds

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

My home has a bathroom on the SW side that gets crazy hot from the sun. The bathroom is a 3/4 bath with just a shower stall and rather small. Because of that the window doesn't have room for a curtain. Right now it just has a vinyl slat blind. Are there any shades etc. that have something that shields or reflects sun outward that is attractive and easily cleanable? There is a fan because this is an addition to my Pre Civil War home but I still like to be able to clean the shower curtain and window treatment easily and my DH often uses this bathroom to shower when I am in the Master Bath and our adult kids are using the other baths. It also is the closest to our Family Room and the bath guests use. Thanks for any suggestion.

Afterthought, has anyone applied their own window film? Does it help? What is the price difference between having it done professionally? I want to stay on a low budget....yet to be determined.

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Comments (3)

torreykm
7 years ago
There are companies other than HD who offer similar products as well. I'm not so sure the do-it-yourself film is as effective as something professionally installed. We had a 3M rep give us a quote for two windows (35x71) and the glass in our front door and surround. It was a little under $500 if I remember correctly.

http://www.hunterdouglas.com/control-solar-heat-gain
Tmnca
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
We did the DIY window film (Gila) from Home Depot - it has the same rating as professional film and it was easy to apply if you follow the directions exactly. It is more effective than any blinds inside the windows. You can also choose privacy control tints which would be great for a bathroom you could eliminate the blind.

Even more effective is an external barrier - we installed an awning as well, you could do an awning or an exterior sunshade blind to better control the heat. If you do the film and an exterior shade or awning you will notice a big difference from the window heat transfer.

Unfortunately though, heat still comes in through uninsulated roofs and poorly insulated walls. You can only do so much, I certainly wouldn't spend a lot of money on professional films, which may not have much impact if the heat isn't only coming through the windows.
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Anne
Original Author
7 years ago
We used to have an awning that covered that window as well as a porch right next to it. Unfortunately, we are in spot that gets high winds often and it didn't work out well!
I will check out the Gila film.
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