Sunlight adds natural visibility and comfort to any home or business. The problem with traditional windows is that they provide no way to control how much sunlight enters.

Controlling How Much Sunlight Enters Your Home

Sunlight adds to the beauty, comfort and healthy environment of any home. There can certainly be too much of a good thing, however, and many homeowners deal with excessive sunlight due to large windows, poor widow placement and high window count. No matter the size and shape of your windows and the number your home has, there are options available for dictating how much sunlight enters your home. Let us look at the advantages and disadvantages of four of the most popular options.

Awnings

Awnings are a traditional method of blocking sunlight. They are often beautiful but heavily influence the overall aesthetic of a home, which may or may not be a good thing. Awnings usually have long lifespans and provide excellent total cost of ownership. On the downside, they are in a fixed position, which means you have less control.

Blinds and Shades

Blinds and shades are another traditional option for blocking sunlight, and unlike awnings, they are installed inside the home, which provides access that is more convenient. Shades and blinds provide a bit more control as well, but the downside to this approach is that they may need to be adjusted throughout the day as the angle of the sun changes.

Window Film

Window film is a lot like the window tint used on vehicles. An advantage that film has over shades and blinds is that it covers all of the glass, which means that it blocks the same amount of sunlight regardless of the position of the sun. The film is installed directly on the glass in the interior of the home, and a downside to this approach is that it often voids window manufacturer warranties.

Solar Screens

Solar screens in Las Vegas and throughout the country are becoming a popular alternative to tint. They are installed on the exterior of the home, which means that they do not void warranties, and the screen blocks the sunlight before it hits the glass, which can help reduce energy costs. These screens also provide excellent privacy without diminishing visibility for people inside the home.