Do you block your windows during the summer? (Tempe: renters, how much)

[Voebe]

For the first time, after all these years, I was here during the entire two months of July-August, and it was made abundantly clear to me how the sun affects the indoor temperature, even if indirect.

So I'm thinking more of how some people blockade their windows, even though the idea of cutting out the light is unappealing. Do any of you do this?

I'm wondering:

1. What do you call them? I've been using the phrase "window shields," but is there a name for whatever people use to block out the light?

2. What do you use? I know some people use styrofoam, or foil-backed styrofoam, or some kind of poly-board I can't recall.

3. How do you keep it in place? Tape?

4. Where do you buy the materials? (I assume they have to be cut to fit by a handyman.)

[ringler24]

We have wooden blinds and yes we keep them closed a lot more in the summer

[KO Stradivarius]

I think you mean solar screens. There are places that will make them to your custom sizes (see link, or use a local business) that can replace your standard screens. I had a bedroom window on the south side that needed one, so I bought a kit of the materials at Lowe's/Home Depot and made one myself. Not an easy project though, and it attaches on the outside with just tapping screws into the stucco, which isn't ideal but there were already clips/holes from an older one that the previous owner had.

There are various colors of screen materials that block more/less light, such as 80%, 90%, maybe 100%. I used the 80% and it lets in enough light while also blocking the sun well, although we also have a blind and curtains on that window.

https://solarscreenoutlet.com/produc...ows-90-fabric/

[marinezac]

I have solar screens yes, that come down in the winter. But I dont put that trashy looking foil covered boards up. Then your house looks like a crack den.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by Voebe

For the first time, after all these years, I was here during the entire two months of July-August, and it was made abundantly clear to me how the sun affects the indoor temperature, even if indirect.

So I'm thinking more of how some people blockade their windows, even though the idea of cutting out the light is unappealing. Do any of you do this?

I'm wondering:

1. What do you call them? I've been using the phrase "window shields," but is there a name for whatever people use to block out the light?

2. What do you use? I know some people use styrofoam, or foil-backed styrofoam, or some kind of poly-board I can't recall.

3. How do you keep it in place? Tape?

4. Where do you buy the materials? (I assume they have to be cut to fit by a handyman.)

If you're talking about temporary foam panels, you can get what's called "foam core" from the art store by downtown Tempe. When I was a student in the College of Architecture, we used foam core to build the models, any art store should know what that means and it's sold it big panels. You can score the edges with an exacto knife and snap the panels apart. Some people use solar panels to block out the entire window and in my case I just have regular sunscreens.

[Mouser]

For going on 15yrs I'm very happy
https://www.rollashield.com/


Front of my house faces west

[Ponderosa]

I put up white backed bubble wrap on many of them in summer from around April till October. I have shade screens, so sandwich it between the glass and the screen. Not only does it block heat and glaring light, it keeps window coverings from fading. The screens aren't enough; the sun is brutal.

[john3232]

I'm planning to get sunscreens and the company I plan to use recommends the darker screen.

However, I'm concerned renters might not like the darker screens.

The cost is the same. Any thoughts on darker screens vs. the lighter tan color ones.

Thanks

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by john3232

I'm planning to get sunscreens and the company I plan to use recommends the darker screen.

However, I'm concerned renters might not like the darker screens.

The cost is the same. Any thoughts on darker screens vs. the lighter tan color ones.

Thanks

I have 90% blocking. It is amazing how much light still comes through. You could go with a less dense one on north and east, more on south and west. I liked the tan for a while, but find they look kinda weird somehow. They don't seem all that popular. Black is best. I have noticed the tan ones get blotchy looking and yellow after a few years. The black ones just fade to gray as they lose their material though eventually they get all shiny.

[asufan]

Originally Posted by john3232

I'm planning to get sunscreens and the company I plan to use recommends the darker screen.

However, I'm concerned renters might not like the darker screens.

The cost is the same. Any thoughts on darker screens vs. the lighter tan color ones.

Thanks

The darker screens look a lot better if the house is light colored. Windows are an architectural feature of a house that should stand out. You don't want the windows to blend in with the house color, that makes the house look more like a prison.