window shades.

[rbh]

As there is a thread already going on AC issues, I thought I would start one on shading your windows.
One of the biggest issues we had when we first moved into our home was that although it had two panes of glass in the window frames they were not sealed units (and still have them in), so to beat the heat we put in interier louvered shades which were nice to keep the light down but did nothing for the heat as the sun rays would heat them up.
So we went to the old bamboo outside mounting shades, and that did the trick as it kept the light from coming through the window and transfering heat.

So how many people have put shades on the outside of the house?

 

[JB]

Re: window shades.

I have white venetian blinds inside my twin pane windows. They reflect the heat as well as the light right back outside and do not heat up in the direct Texas sun.

What color were the "louvered shades" that heated up?

 

[rbh]

Re: window shades.

I have white venetian blinds inside my twin pane windows. They reflect the heat as well as the light right back outside and do not heat up in the direct Texas sun.

What color were the "louvered shades" that heated up?

The venetian shades were white/cream +-, but due to the windows not being the low-E/UV resistant kind, the single panes (I think) just acted as a solar collector IE green house.
So having the shades on the outside of the building just kept the majority of the light out, and thus no heat tranfered through.