What can I use to insulate my window to block light and heat?

Question

I was going to buy a long black drape to cover up the window in my room to block out light and heat, but I don't think the cloth would be good at insulating the room to keep it cool. No matter how long we set the AC in our house, my room is always the hottest, and I think it might be because during the afternoon and at sunset, the sun is always pointed in my window's direction and that might be why my rooms gets so warm compared to the rest of the house which is like 4-6 degress cooler than my room.

I measured the dimensions of my window to be about 46 inches by 46 inches, but when I goto Home Depot or Lowes what can I buy to stick into the window space to block out light and absorb heat so my room doesn't get so hot? And do you know if they will cut this material to the measurements I need and how much it all might cost?

Answer 1

Get metalized mylar sheets. ~
Same stuff used to darken car windows.
http://www.nehydro.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=8

Answer 2

Most things that block light will also block heat.

I see people are mentioning window films, and various ways to make curtains, which is a great start. If you've got mad cash, and an older home, I would also strongly advise getting a double, or even a triple pane window. These insulate much better, and tend to come with glare reducing, and IR blocking treatments, so window films will not be needed.

If you really want to cut down on light and heat, you should get as many layers of stuff between your room and the light. Most professional curtains have two sides, with he back usually being a lighter, more reflective color, like white, and the interior being a darker color (black for you.)

I see nobody has yet suggested blinds, which you can often install closer to the window, to double up on insulation along with the curtain. You can also get those springy curtain rods, and put a second curtain really close to the window. Thus will reduce the light that gets even to your regular curtain, and if you use two rods, you can keep the curtains from flapping in the breeze of your ceiling fan.

I would also suggest getting some sort of shade outside the window, before the light reaches your room in the first place. Depending on where you live, you could use storm shutters, or some kind of plant or yard decoration.

Tall bushes, or trellises can block out a lot of light. If it's not your home, or if there's cement under the window, you can put them in a planter, or a window box.

Answer 3

If you want it to be functional AND look good, here are two things to do:

1. Add a film to your windows to cut down on glare and heat. There are films available in both Lowes or Home Depot and they run about $20+ per roll.

2. After doing the film, hang double-cell blackout cellular blinds if you want complete room darkening. I have these in my media room and it makes it like nighttime in the middle of the day! If you want *some* light, then get regular double-cell cellular blinds. I use these in my south-facing living room where I get direct sunlight for most of the day. The room is much cooler and I still get ambient light. The double cells do a great job of insulating and trapping heat. Plus they come in dozens of decorator colors and they improve the look of the room.

Well worth it!!

Answer 4

Window film will work, but you can also go to your local fabric store...Joann's or Hancock and get room darkening curtain lining. It is the same rubbery stuff that is the backing on heavy drapes. Use push pins or something small to attach closely to edges of window, then you can put a pretty curtain overtop.

Answer 5

I had the same problem.
I resolved it by installing white mini-blinds in all my windows.
It has lowered the temperature in my home by 10 degrees at least in the summer, and has saved on heating costs in the winter.
They were inexpensive to buy: Sears catalogue.
I installed them myself.
You can raise, lower and louver them as you like to allow air-flow through a raised window.

Answer 6

Try and find a window film that will block UV rays. You can cut it yourself and stick it to your window panes. This should really help with the temperature. good luck.

Answer 7

they make static cling window film that can either block heat, reflect sunlight, or control glare. all it is is window tint. that would work otherwise go to the wall paneling part of a H.I. store and look for a 4x8 sheet of paneling, there is one i cant think of the name but it its a kinda foam plastic to cut to fit.

Answer 8

Tin Foil

Answer 9

aluminum foil
black trash bags
white curtains - reflect the light

Answer 10

Aluminum Foil works best. It will save you some money too!!!