The trend for larger areas of glazing in the home – everything from kitchen and conservatory roof lights to bifold and sliding doors – has literally brought light into the lives of the many householders who’ve invested in such projects.
Yet where there is light, there also needs to be shade. Extra glazing means that rooms can become warm, or subject to unwanted sunlight. Tinted (solar control) glass is an option, but it is expensive, limits vision and isn’t that effective.
A better option to consider is external blinds. They’re a highly versatile solution, offering both heat and light control, and are neatly hidden away when you want full access to daylight.
Stuart Dantzic, MD of Caribbean Blinds, said: “As external shading specialists, we offer a variety of external blinds that cover glazing of all sizes and inclinations. This includes everything from sliding and folding patio doors, to skylights, roof lights and conservatories, along with pergolas and verandas. Thanks to their high-grade construction, they are suitable for endless applications and uses.”
Year-round temperature control
One of the primary advantages of external blinds is their ability to regulate indoor temperatures throughout the year. During hot summer months, they excel at passive cooling by blocking the sun’s rays before they reach your windows. This simple yet effective barrier can reduce indoor temperatures by up to 18°c, significantly enhancing comfort and reducing, if not mitigating the need for artificial cooling.
“Contrary to popular belief, external blinds aren’t just for summer use,” adds Stuart.
“In winter, they play a crucial role in heat retention. When closed, these blinds create an additional layer of insulation, trapping warm air inside your home and preventing it from escaping through windows. This insulating effect helps to maintain a cosy indoor temperature and reduce the reliance on heating.”
Glare control and visual comfort
External blinds also excel at controlling glare, an often-overlooked benefit that’s particularly important during winter months when the sun sits lower in the sky.
“By effectively diffusing bright light, they create a softer, more pleasant ambient light within your home,” explains Stuart.
“This not only reduces eye strain but also protects your furnishings from sun damage and fading. For those working from home or enjoying screen time, glare control is essential for maintaining productivity and comfort.”
Enhancing aesthetics and kerb appeal
Beyond their practical benefits, external blinds can significantly boost your home’s kerb appeal. Those manufactured to order are available in a wide range of colours, styles and materials, meaning they can effortlessly complement or accentuate any home’s architectural features.
“Whether you opt for sleek, modern designs or more traditional styles, external blinds add a touch of sophistication to your property’s exterior,” comments Stuart.
“This aesthetic upgrade can potentially increase your home’s value, making it an investment that pays off in more ways than one.”
Energy efficiency and cost savings
By reducing the need for artificial cooling and heating, external blinds play a crucial role in lowering your home’s energy consumption. This reduction in energy use directly translates to a smaller carbon footprint, making external blinds an environmentally friendly choice for eco-conscious homeowners.
While the initial investment in external blinds may seem substantial, the long-term financial benefits are considerable. The energy savings accrued through reduced heating and cooling costs are offset by the initial outlay within a few years. Moreover, by protecting your interiors from harsh sunlight, external blinds help preserve the quality of your furnishings, flooring and artwork, potentially saving you money on replacements or repairs in the future.
Get in touch today to find out more information about our high quality external blinds and how they can help to regulate your home’s temperature.
