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Home Decorating Windows Design Dilemma

Hunter Douglas Silhouette blinds instead of solar shades?

4 years ago

I am replacing some solar shades that are on a side of the house that gets beaten by the sun- without them my interior is about 20-30 degrees hotter than outside. I don't like that there's no nighttime privacy with regular solar shades, and a window place suggested the HD Silhouette line. They sound perfect, BUT do they block out as much sun as solar shades? Is blocking 88% of the sun (according to HD promo material) enough?

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PRO
Creative Windows
4 years ago
Hi there!

If you need more privacy than the solar shades offer the Silhouettes are a great choice. Since solar shade fabrics have different fenestration properties depending on things like how open the weave is, what color the fabric is, it's hard to tell if Silhouettes would block more or less u.v. when the vanes are open. However, with the Silhouettes, you also have the option of closing the vanes. When you close them they would definitely block more u.v. than solar shades. Keep in mind they are not as kid and pet friendly as solar shades.

Another option could be zebra shades.

https://www.hunterdouglas.com/window-treatments/roller-shades-solar-shades/designer-banded

The roller shades you have could probably be retrofitted to be dual shades which would add another layer that could provide privacy. (I know we could do that.) Depending on the top treatment you have on your shades, it might be as simple as changing the bracket to a dual bracket and then getting another shade to put in front of or behind the one you have now. Or you could get new dual shades like this: https://www.hunterdouglas.com/operating-systems/manual/dual-roller

There are window films that block about 99% of u.v. rays, too. Since solar heat gain is a problem for you, you might like window films that help with that. There are some that don't have much of a tint to them. (Check with your window manufacturer on whether or not film would void your window warranty.)

http://www.johnsonwindowfilms.com/residential-commercial-products/sunlight/

We manufacture Open Light roller shades in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If we can help, please let us know. Good luck!
pippipal thanked Creative Windows
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