When it comes to window coverings, there are a ton of options. Blinds, drapes (or curtains), and shades are the most popular. Why are they an option that many homeowners and businesses choose for their windows? For one reason, they are an easy way to add an element of style to a space. Whatever your design aesthetic is, there’s probably a window covering option to match. For instance, take a look at the stellar selection offered at The Shade Store. With an incredible catalog of tones and textures, you can create some pretty stylish window coverings. What other benefits are there?
One of the main reasons we invest in window coverings is privacy. Truthfully, they are a great option for complete privacy. It’s simple really: open then up to let the sunlight (and every set of prying eyes) in. Close them to get complete privacy. If you have a combination of blinds and drapes, you can literally get 100% privacy if you close them both.
Another advantage of window coverings is that again when closed, offer you a measure of protection from heat, sun glare, and fading. Direct sunlight, beaming on floors, furniture, and almost anything in its path, will cause fading. Closing blinds and curtains can also reduce temperatures when closed, simply by blocking the sun.
What are the disadvantages of window coverings? For one thing, they do need maintenance. Curtains and blinds both collect dust. Have you ever cleaned blinds? It’s an excellent way to build up those arm muscles! Curtains can also be stained by liquids and we’ve seen plenty of rips and tears from pets, especially cats!
As for privacy, it’s true that window coverings do offer a layer of protection, but they only work when they are closed. In other words, if you want privacy during the day, you simply close the window covering, but there goes the sunlight! Additionally, while it’s true that window coverings can prevent heat gain (by some estimates, up to 77%), they don’t protect themselves from UVA damage. As many homeowners will tell you, the sun can definitely fade curtains and blinds.
Window film has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and businesses. What are some of the advantages of window film?
Believe it or not, cost is one advantage. Window film is a less expensive choice when compared to custom window treatments. The average cost of installing window film is $588, vs. the average cost of window treatments is $699. Speaking of saving money, window film can help to lower your heating and cooling costs by acting as a layer of insulation on the glass itself. In fact, some window films are so strong that they can even act as a security barrier. It can hold the glass in place in case of break-ins or natural disasters like earthquakes and storms.
Window film is also easier to maintain. With simple cleaning solutions that you would normally use for cleaning glass, your window film can stay clean and clear. When it comes to UVA protection, window film really shines. While allowing sunshine to flow into a home or office, window film filters up to 99% of the sun’s harmful rays. This is really the best of both worlds: sunlight and skin cancer and anti-fade protection in one product.
Another advantage of window film is its temperature control benefits. Again, by acting as an insulator, window film can reduce heat gain by rejecting up to 60% of the sun’s heat. As we’ve already mentioned, you get the benefits of sunlight while saving money on your energy bills.
What are the disadvantages of window film? While there are some really cool decorative films out there, window film doesn’t offer you the design advantages that window coverings do. You simply can’t customize window film to the same degree. When it comes to privacy, window film offers a few options. Except for blackout films (which comes in black or white), window films don’t provide the same kind of complete privacy that closed window treatments do.
There is a third option here. Instead of choosing between window coverings and window film, you can choose both! Combining the decorative and privacy options of window coverings with the energy-saving, anti-fade, and anti-glare benefits of window film is a win. Additionally, both window film and window coverings offer temperature control benefits. This can be a major win for consumers.
We’re not your go-to folks for window coverings, but we definitely know a lot about window film. ClimatePro has been the leading window film installation experts in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 40 years. If you’re interested in the benefits of window film for your home or business. Or you can contact us today for a free estimate. With offices in North Bay, San Francisco, and San Jose, we can be reached at 707-755-7337.
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