My 84 year-old Mom lives in an apartment with the Den window facing the west, which gets really hot in TX. She has the darkened curtains but they don't block heat or enough light. Can someone recommend a blind/curtain/covering? Its 84W by 66 tall. Each window is actually two windows with four panes each.
mike
Don't know about specific products, but:
Use a white curtain to block heat. To block light, an additional darker curtain could be used, but the white curtain should be nearer the window.
Mark
solar screens on the outside will help, look at the ~90% and above ones. They will have to be removed every winter. Check with the building manager/owner before you purchase.
External shutters. Stop the light and heat BEFORE it gets inside.
Shutters would be easiest for a 84 YO woman to operate. Some vendors even make automatic operation. An Awning would also give similar shading without closing off the window.
If she is more mobile (or has a helper) and less wealthy, you can make window inserts out of polystyrene insulating boards. Just cut the rigid foam to fit in the window and cover with fabric to make it look nice. These work great in the winter too but in both cases cut off all the light.
Another option is to line the inside of the curtains (or window) with Metallized Mylar (that silvery plastic wrap like stuff they use for emergency blankets). It is lightweight, very cheap (Wal-Mart camping dept) and will reflect light as well as a mirror (almost). Only drawback is it sounds crinkly if you move it when you operate the curtains.
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