Roller blinds are a popular choice for window coverings, as they are versatile, stylish and easy to use. But do they also keep heat in your home? The answer is yes and no. Roller blinds can provide some insulation for your windows, but they are not the most effective option. In this post, we’ll explain how roller blinds work, what factors affect their thermal performance, and how to choose the best roller blinds for insulation.
Roller blinds can keep some heat in your home, but they are not very efficient. The amount of heat they retain depends on the type of fabric, the fit, the lining and the installation. To improve their insulation, you can choose thermal roller blinds, layer them with curtains or use them with window film.
How Roller Blinds Work
Roller blinds are made of a single piece of fabric that rolls up and down on a tube. They can be operated by a chain, a spring or a motor. Roller blinds can be mounted inside or outside the window frame, depending on your preference and space.
Roller blinds can block out light, glare and UV rays, depending on the type of fabric. They can also reduce noise and enhance privacy. However, roller blinds are not very good at preventing heat loss or gain through the windows. This is because they have gaps around the edges that allow air to flow in and out.
Factors That Affect Roller Blinds’ Thermal Performance
The thermal performance of roller blinds depends on several factors, such as:
- The type of fabric: Roller blinds can be made of different materials, such as cotton, polyester, vinyl or bamboo. Some fabrics are thicker and denser than others, which means they can trap more heat inside. Some fabrics also have a reflective coating or a thermal backing that can reflect heat back into the room or block it from entering.
- The fit: Roller blinds should fit snugly to the window frame to minimize the gaps around the edges. The smaller the gaps, the less air can escape or enter through them. If you have roller blinds that are too narrow or too short for your windows, you may lose more heat than you save.
- The lining: Roller blinds can have different types of lining, such as blackout, thermal or interlining. Blackout lining blocks out all light and UV rays, which can help keep your room cool in summer and warm in winter. Thermal lining adds an extra layer of insulation to the fabric, which can reduce heat loss or gain by up to 25%. Interlining is a thick layer of cotton or polyester that goes between the fabric and the lining, which can add more warmth and softness to the blind.
- The installation: Roller blinds can be installed inside or outside the window frame. Inside mount means that the blind is fitted within the recess of the window frame, while outside mount means that the blind is attached to the wall above or below the window frame. Inside mount is usually more energy efficient than outside mount, as it creates a tighter seal around the window. Outside mount can create more gaps and allow more air to flow in and out.
How to Choose the Best Roller Blinds for Insulation
If you want to improve the insulation of your windows with roller blinds, here are some tips to follow:
- Choose thermal roller blinds: Thermal roller blinds are specially designed to keep heat in your home. They have a thick fabric with a thermal backing or a reflective coating that can prevent heat loss or gain through the windows. Thermal roller blinds are also great for blocking out light and noise.
- Layer them with curtains: Curtains can add another layer of insulation to your windows, as they create an air pocket between them and the roller blinds. This air pocket acts as a barrier that slows down heat transfer through the windows. Curtains can also add more style and coziness to your room.
- Use them with window film: Window film is a thin sheet of plastic that sticks to your window glass. It can reflect heat back into your room in winter and block it from entering in summer. Window film can also reduce glare and UV rays that can damage your furniture and flooring.
Wrap Up
Roller blinds can keep some heat in your home, but they are not very efficient. The amount of heat they retain depends on the type of fabric, the fit, the lining and the installation. To improve their insulation, you can choose thermal roller blinds, layer them with curtains or use them with window film. If you’re looking for a simple and stylish way to insulate your windows, roller blinds may be the right choice for you!
Dale is the colorful mind behind HuetifulHomes.com, where he shows you how to create a home that is as fun and fabulous as you are. He has a passion for color and a knack for DIY, with years of interior design experience he shares his tips and tricks on how to create a home that reflects your personality and style. He believes that color is the key to happiness, and he wants to help you make your home more Huetiful.
