The advent of the 20th century brought a lot of technological advancements with itself but it was mostly fueled by the use of crude oil and this has led to an environmental degradation known as global warming.
The ozone layer is depleting and letting in harmful U.V rays into the atmosphere and exposure to these harmful rays has led to a number of health issues and harms the ecological balance of the earth. The use of window shades and solar screens can stop these U.V rays.
Window Shade Screens
They are made to provide protection against sunlight by filtering out harmful U.V rays. The summer homes of people are mostly located in areas basking in the warmth of the sun, the balconies and courtyards of these houses are covered with these shades. The window shade screens are not opaque instead they are translucent so that the light passes through.
This allows almost uninterrupted views for the tenants. They also keep the circulation of air and do not cause any blockage in the ventilation of the area.
Comparison between Window Shades and Awnings
Window shades have a fixed installation while awnings can be foldable. The awnings do not allow any light to pass through while window shades allow the light to pass through. The use of awnings is mostly in open space and they are installed in an overhanging position. The window shades are fixed in a vertical position outside the window or balcony.
The window shades are built in such a way that they provide privacy to your home while the awnings only block the views from the top, not the sides.
Cost of Installing Window Shades/Solar Screens
- Size of a window:
The size of your window can seriously affect the cost of installation. A larger window might require a custom order and it will cost more labor to install it. The general size of the window can be easily installed with a standard size solar screen and so it will cost less. The cost of a custom-made order will be significantly greater than the standard one.
- Number of Windows:
It is common sense that a higher number of windows being installed with solar screens will increase the total cost but the price per solar screen will go down. Installing 1 or 2 solar screens will cost you more per screen. It is recommended to have a chat with your installation company and ask them if the price will go down if you install more solar screens.
- Material Used:
The material used is also a determinant of cost. Better quality material will cost more and will be a better investment if you want durability. The online suppliers are selling low-quality materials and it is important to ensure that the company you are contacting is a well-known name in the market.
- Time of the year:
The demand usually goes up to around spring and can result in an increase in prices. It is recommended to wait a season and get the window shades installed in the fall or winter season. During off-season companies offer sales and discounts plus the installation process is quick and smooth because demand is low.
Privacy provided by Window Shades/Screens:
Privacy has become a major source of concern for people of the free world. Whether it is the tech companies spying on you, a random CCTV camera, or even your own government listening to your phone calls it has become a common occurrence. The human rights organizations have campaigned against these curbs on personal freedoms but they are of no avail. The only ones immune are the ones who can afford to buy privacy.
The use of these window shades/screens on private properties has become common. They do not allow anyone else to have a view of what is inside. These are popular choices among celebrities, politicians, and famous people because they protect them from the paparazzi.
The incursion into an individual’s privacy is a serious crime but the amount of money offered for exclusive photos by news agencies is lucrative. These shades can be your first line of defense against the pesky eye of the camera.
The Protection Provided by these shades/screens
If your property has a highly valuable and quite wonderfully furnished interior then you need to protect them from fading out. The easiest way is to install a window shade because it will filter out the extra sunlight.
Providing Energy Savings
These shades provide ventilation to your house and keep it cooler, the amount of time you will find yourself switching on the air conditioning will drastically get reduced. This not only brings down the cost of utility bills but will also reduce the carbon emission footprint of your family.
Thoughts on the use of Window Shades
The use of window shades is a personal choice and with the rise of other alternatives. These days the construction of properties is done after considering all the aspects of weather. They have all the necessary amenities for the occupant’s comfort.
The increase in global warming is a dangerous trend but it can be minimized by having afforestation campaigns. Tree cover can be a better alternative to these window shades because they provide a natural cover that is healthier and also helps the depleting ecosystem. The trees will also protect against other natural disasters which are becoming more common due to climate change.
The use of these also highlights how important it is for us to act as quickly as possible to save our planet. It is necessary to act quickly because the current trajectory has set us right towards an ecological disaster. It can be reversed only if the human race decides to change its attitude of informed ignorance into a unified effort of transforming the planet.
The use of electric vehicles for e.g Tesla has started to increase and this will surely cut down on emissions that lead to global warming.
At the end of the day, every individual has their own specific needs so the window shades can be useful for some while not so feasible for others.