Thermal Insulated DrapesWhile
window drapes can beautify your home, they can also serve as a
thermal insulator for your home. Your windows are the primary
source of heat loss and heat entry in your home. During the
summer months, your windows allow direct sunlight to heat up
your room which can make your living environment unbearably
hot and uncomfortable. During the winter months, your windows
allow the heat to escape through your home which makes your
heating costs rise. Thermal insulated drapes can help mitigate
this effect. |
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A thermal insulated drape is not like any standard heavy
curtain or drape. Thermal drapes have a special barrier designed to
block out the transfer of heat. Usually but not always, thermal
drapes are also blackout drapes in that they block out light
completely. Although many people do make their own drapes, it is
probably more difficult to find thermal drape material and try to
weave them together with some other material. If you are looking for
drapes for thermal insulation, your best bet is to buy them directly
pre-made. The thermal insulation material is typically a silver
lining that prevents heat and light from passing through. You can
find thermal drapes online as well as many retail stores.
Now before everyone runs out to get thermal insulated drapes
for the winter, you should know a few things. First of all, if you
really need insulation for the winter, you should consider double
glazed windows. This is your best line of defense in cold weather.
In extremely cold climates, thermal insulated drapes may actually be
a detriment. Here¡¯s why. The air between the thermal drapes and your
windows can drop to very low temperatures causing extreme
condensation and possibly leading to rotting of the wood around your
windows. Second, the gap between your thermal drapes and windows can
create an air draft that leads to more heat loss. This is especially
true when the air in the gap is very cold compared to your room
temperature. So the moral of the story is that thermal drapes are
good but for very cold weather, make sure your windows are doubled
paned.
When you are looking for thermal insulated drapes,
you should look for material that is resistant to mold or rot. This
is important because thermal drapes typically face differing
temperatures on either side which will create moisture buildup. Also
try to find drapes that are breathable and does not keep moisture
in.
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