How to use Blinds to Keep Cool in the Summer

Summer certainly has hit the UK these past few weeks, and with the media suggesting this may be the hottest Summer on record, keeping cool is at the forefront of everyones agenda. I thought I would give a little bit of advice on how you can keep your rooms cooler,  as well as some of the best types of thermal blinds.

First things first, a couple of tips when using your curtains or blinds

1. Close windows and blinds during the hottest part of the day especially on the South elevations. I know this sounds odd, however stopping the heat from coming in, is a sure fire way of keeping rooms cooler. 
2. Open the Blinds and windows during the cooler evening and night. This allows your rooms to cool naturally.

Thermal Blinds

Often considered in the winter, Thermal Blinds or Curtains also help keep the heat out in the Summer. The insulating properties of these blinds will help keep temperatures lower, when combined with the tips above.

Types of Window Coverings Best for Insulation

Roller Blinds

Roller Blinds are a great choice for helping keep rooms cooler. The best fabric for this is a Blackout fabric, as this stops light from penetrating and thus helps keep heat out. However many do not like the idea of blocking natural light. Therefore some fabrics are treated with a Solar Reflective Coating on the side which faces the window. The coating reflects more of the UV and subsequently more of the heat. 

Additionally, Roller Blinds can easily be motorised and operated at the touch of a button, or via an app, meaning the choice to open or close the blinds, depending on the weather, can be made from anywhere!

Duo Roller Blinds

The Day and Night style blinds (also known as Duo or Zebra Blinds) give a similar effect to Venetian blinds with a dual layer of fabric, which can be either set for light, or closed for complete privacy. These blinds are becoming increasingly popular and can also be motorised in the same way as a standard roller blind, for ease of use.

Curtains 

Curtains, especially those with a thermal lining create a barrier at the window, helping keep the heat out. The advantage of curtains is the massive choice of fabrics available, meaning they can be used to complement pretty much any decor.

Shutters

Louvred Shutters have the advantage of being able to be tilted to allow light and ventilation, or closed completely to keep out the sun and heat. Although Wooden Shutters are better insulators than MDF or Polyvinyl ones, any have the features to make a thermal difference.

Pleated Blinds

Pleated Blinds are popularly used in Conservatory’s, especially on the roof. Designed to thermally insulate, this style of blinds is increasingly popular in hot countries as they help keep rooms cooler. The Cellular Pleated Blinds are even better as they create an air pocket close to the window, which helps keep rooms warmer in winter, and cooler in the summer.

Venetian Blinds

Venetian Blinds can be tilted to allow light and reduce Solar Gain (heat) alternatively they can be closed completely to help better shade the room. As with the Shutters, Venetian Blinds are a fantastic choice where ventilation is also required, as the window can be kept open behind, whilst the blind can be tilted for light reduction and privacy. Available as Aluminium, Wood or Faux Wood, there is plenty of choice, although, Wood is a naturally better insulator than either of the other fabrics.

And, do remember that, although we are all in this current heatwave, all of the window coverings described above will also help with heat loss during the colder winter months! But more about that closer the time, for now, I am off to close my blinds, kick off my shoes and enjoy a large glass of something cooling!

For more information about how blinds can help you keep your home cooler, please contact us to book an appointment.