Windows are wonderful for letting light into our homes and brightening things up, but there are times when things can get a little too bright. People address this problem in a variety of ways using a number of different window coverings. Each type, whether we’re talking about retractable screens, blinds, curtains or shades, has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Blocking Sunlight
When it comes to completely blocking out sunlight, it’s hard to beat a shade. Other than a little light around the edges, it will give you complete darkness. Blinds are good, too, as are heavy drapes. Often times, though, we don’t need total darkness, but rather just something to take the edge off the sunlight to make it a little less harsh. This is where a retractable window screen separates itself from the pack. These screens are able to block out the vast majority of the sun’s damaging UV rays, reducing heat and softening the light coming into your home without obstructing your view through the window. A semi-transparent curtain is the only other window covering that offers anything close to that function, but it isn’t nearly as affective at blocking the sunlight.
Privacy
Short of painting your windows black, you won’t get much more privacy than you can get with a solid shade. Closing heavy curtains or blinds also provides you with privacy. The problem with these solutions is that privacy is a two-way street—you can’t see out and your neighbors can’t see in. With retractable window screens, your window becomes like a pair of sunglasses during the day—you can see out, but it’s very hard to see anything when looking in.
Ease of Use
Every window covering has its quirks when it comes to ease of use. Curtains and drapes rarely seem to close properly, always leaving some kind of gap. Blinds get snagged easily and are very easy to break, especially vertical blinds. Shades are sometimes hard to adjust to the proper degree of closure. Retractable window screens, however, tend to operate pretty easily—they are either up or down. With the motorized version, it’s even easier to operate the screens, raising or lowering them with the touch of a button.
For blocking sunlight, achieving privacy and ease of use, it’s hard to beat a retractable window screen. To see just how useful these products can be, check out their features at website.
