April 2009
Monthly Archive
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admin 30 Apr 2009 | : Insulated Window Coverings
There are very few differences between thermal curtains and drapes and ordinary ones, the main one being the lining. While normal curtains don’t have a lining, unless we need them to blackout, thermal curtains are made of two layers: one decorative layer, made of curtain fabrics such as silk, velvet, cotton or anything else, and one insulating layer which is made of a special material that does not conduct heat. Sometimes, this material may have a reflecting surface which will act as a barrier for thermal transfers.
You can use insulated window coverings in virtually any room in your house. However, if you want to use them in bathroom, make sure that they are made of either waterproof materials or fabrics that can be washed in the washing machine. Because of the high humidity in bathrooms, curtains and drapes that are made of thick fabrics will absorb a lot of water, get damp and eventually mildew, which is very difficult to remove once you’ve got it. So, by all means, if you want thermal curtains to keep you away from cold drafts while you’re taking a bath, remember to have them short and thin.
Any window covering which prevents the temperature exchange is a thermal one, or an insulating one. They can be anything, from exterior shutters, roller shutters, thermal shades or blinds, insulating curtains or drapes. In some areas, you can find in stores some thermal insulating kits for windows which consist of a very thin, transparent layer of insulating plastic which is attached to the windows with the help of heat from a blow dryer. Although they distort a bit your outside view, they can be an excellent solution to keep you warm over the winter.
When it comes to thermal curtains, there are multiple choices, depending on the method of hanging them at the windows: tab top, rod pocket, pinch pleated or eyelet. Many of them have two functions: thermal and blackout. This is why such curtains make a great choice for children’s rooms, because small kids may have troubles in falling asleep if they see light.
A special type of thermal curtains is the separate insulating lining attachment. This means that the thermal layer is not attached to the original curtain, but hung onto a separate track or rod. This is a good choice if you don’t want a permanent insulating setting, as you can detach them when you don’t need them anymore. Besides, they are easier to clean and in case you decide to change your regular curtains because of redecorating, you won’t have to change the thermal curtains too.