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French Windows Heat Issue

will_jonesstudio

5 years ago

Hi,

We have original 1930's single glazed French windows at the rear of our house which is South Facing. When the sun comes out it gets ridiculously warm very quickly (as expected with single glazed). We don't really want curtains as it would obscure the view of the garden. I'm wondering if slatted blinds would reduce the heat or would a sun shade or pergola with shade or naturally climbing shading plants work better. Or both!?

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Comments (4)

Carolina
5 years ago
Hi, usually it's the most effective to block the heat on the outside. A pergola would not obscure the view of the garden, and if you use a retractable cover or plants, it won't block the light in the colder times of the year.
Sonia
5 years ago
I have the same issue in my kitchen. I did have vertical blinds which I hated but they did create shade but blocked the view. I’ve now got curtains which are great, but block the view! I then bought an awning, only a cheapie, and it works to a degree but only in the afternoon. I think a sturdier larger awning may do the job better but they’re not cheap. Also cranking it open ain’t easy! You can get electric ones. You will notice in the pic below how little shade it creates. Bigger the better I think.
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will_jonesstudio
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you for the replies. Perhaps we'll go for both. Blinds and Pergola, with climbing bee friendly plants.
PRO
Chameleon Decorators & Windows Restoration
4 years ago
Hi Will, you can retrofit your French windows with 7 mm VIG glass (Vacuum double glazing). This preserves your original 1930's door but offers the thermal efficiency of modern triple gazing.

https://chameleon-decorators.co.uk/retrofit-single-glazed-windows/

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