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installing awnings? (slrpnk.net)

submitted 3 months ago by hamtron5000@slrpnk.net to c/diy@slrpnk.net

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hi all. i live in western Colorado, in the desert part rather than the mountain part, and it's HOT. and sunny. my house has a long west-facing wall full of large windows, and we've been keeping the blinds shut all day but it's not helping. i'm thinking of installing awnings.

my questions are, a) have you done this or something similar, and if so what did you do, b) are there awnings available that are NOT just plastic? and c) any other hints, tips, or ideas would be welcome.

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[–] zout@fedia.io 6 points 3 months ago (2 children)

Here in Europe we use roller shutters in front of windows or doors for this. Works great, but the house gets really dark inside. A quick google search tells me this might be limited to Germany and bordering countries though.

[–] Cheradenine@sh.itjust.works 5 points 3 months ago (1 children)

They are quite common in southern Europe too. Some are solid, and some are like these with holes for light and ventilation. They can also be lowered fully to block light and ventilation.

[–] zout@fedia.io 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Those in the picture are also common in Germany and the Netherlands.

[–] Cheradenine@sh.itjust.works 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Is your username from Lakrits? Or from salt?

[–] zout@fedia.io 1 points 3 months ago

From salt.

[–] kindenough@kbin.earth 3 points 3 months ago

Yes, here in South Limburg in the Netherlands a lot of homes have these installed and I guess keeping the sun out is the best option, whether it be awning or roller shutter.

We have solar reflecting blinds, and keeping windows and filters shut helps quite a bit. Solar reflecting blinds are still heating up the window panes though. Temperatures inside still up to 30°C (86°F) in heat waves as we also have a flat roof that we insulated last year, heat build up day by day. We went checking on awnings, but good ones are quite expensive, we went earlier this year for a split unit AC.

We also use a sun umbrella on the balcony door which has the largest window pain, it definitely helps, maybe a cheap/quick solution instead of awnings.