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Baltimore Window Covering

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Let's not beat around the bush here. Baltimore has a climate that's known around the nation as a relatively mild one, especially considering its location just south of New England and just North of Atlantic Hurricane Country. If you're down for a little geography lesson, Baltimore is protected from northern storms by the Appalachians, from coastal and tropical storms by the Darmalva Peninsula, and Chesapeake Bay has a regulating effect on Baltimore's overall weather and temperature. That being the case, some Baltimoreans are hesitant to shell out big bucks for major home improvements when it comes to improving energy efficiency. Sure, you can undertake a major architectural remodeling project to address your home's heating and cooling challenges, and you can invest in expensive window replacements and upgrade your insulation as well. For those who don't have the budget, or the stomach, for a major remodel, however, you can make a big difference in your home's livability and energy efficiency simply by making some smart decisions when it comes to introducing new window coverings to your home.

Baltimore Home Challenges That Can Be Solved with Baltimore Window Covering
Two common challenges face homeowners in the Baltimore-D.C. metropolitan area. By far the most common is the fact that their home transforms into a sauna, especially during the hot, muggy summer months. On the other side of the coin, Baltimore's climate is just chilly enough that a home with poor insulation and windows can lead to some skyrocketing utility bills come winter. Both of these issues can be addressed through some common sense applications of window coverings, of which we'll give a short primer in the paragraphs to come.

Baltimore Window Covering Solutions
It's no secret that a home that is relatively comfortable 85 percent of the year can become downright unbearable during the months of June, July, and August in Crabtown. All it takes is one south-facing window to raise the interior temperature of a home by tens of degrees compared to temperature outdoors. If that sounds familiar, installing the right window covering in Baltimore might be the answer to your dilemma. Of course, you could just block off the window with insulated panels or heavy drapes, but who wants to live in darkness during some of the sunniest, most uplifting days of the year? Here are a few alternatives if you're looking to decrease heat gain, yet still retain a bearably lit home in the process.

  • Cellular Shades—These shade are an excellent product that, through their honeycomb design, trap heat (and cold) in the air pockets in the blinds. The biggest upside: cellular shades don't need to be dark, allowing for insulation against heat and cold without completely blocking out the exterior light that we all enjoy.

  • Roman Shades—These shades are another good alternative, but to get to the biggest benefit, their use must be coordinated with the times of day when your window gets direct sunlight. In other words, be sure to lower them during the times of day when the sun hits head on. Roman shades that magnetically seal to the window frame during winter months can also drastically reduce the amount of cold air transferred through the window into your home.

  • Drapery—Drapes are the Model T of the window covering world. As mentioned before, heavy drapes can eliminate heat gain through exposure to direct sunlight almost entirely, and do wonders when it comes to keeping out the cold, but be prepared to be living in darkness. Lighter drapery can diffuse sunlight and reduce the heating effect, though the energy-efficiency quotient is significantly reduced the lighter your drapery gets. Combine heavy drapes with light curtains if you want the best of both worlds.

  • Shutters—Shutters are an age-old solution to sunlight issues. Again, be prepared for extended periods of darkness, especially if you have heavy wood or composite shutters installed on the interior of your windows. If you can time their use with times of high direct sunlight, however, they can make a huge difference. Unfortunately, shutters aren't nearly as effective at keeping out the cold.

  • Window Awnings, Outdoor Blinds, and Overhangs—This Baltimore window covering solution focuses on keeping sunlight from hitting your windows in the first place. Awnings and overhangs keep your windows shaded, even in the hottest parts of the day, while outdoor blinds (retractable bamboo is the most popular, for reasons of looks and function) operate more like heavy drapery or shutters. They'll make a difference, but the lack of light let through can be an issue for some homeowners.

    Talk to an Interior Decorator or Designer about Baltimore Window Covering
    Window coverings are one home improvement that many Baltimoreans choose to tackle on their own, and understandably so. Compared to replacing windows with more energy-efficient models, for example, hanging new window coverings is well within the reach of even the amateur home handyman. With that being said, consider consulting with an interior decorator or designer about choosing the right coverings and style for you and your budget. They'll not only make sure your concerns with heat gain and loss are met with your new window treatments, but they also have an eye for making sure your new window covering in Baltimore complements the look of your home design as well. After all, if you're going to shell out anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars for a Baltimore window covering, you want it to look as good as it is functional.

    Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.

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