French Windows Heat Issue

3 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!?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Carolina
3 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
3 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.
Related Discussions
French Windows or patio doors?
Q
Comments (6)
The different hinges can assist in having the doors sitting against the wall so that they don't impeded on the patio area. However, you still need all the room in front of the doors to open them initially, and you wouldn't want to have to move furniture every time you open them. The amount of room you have directly in front of the doors is still an issue, regardless of whether or not you can have them sitting against the wall to walk past them.
...See More
Straggly French bean plants (indoors) help please!
Q
Comments (7)
Hi, so yours are only babies. The pictures I shared are not my fathers garden as he has passed away. I just remember them climbing up the poles like Jack and the Beanstalk! He then left the beans to dry out a bit before shelling them. Mum would freeze the beans for future use. Those beans were the best ever! I don’t know about growing them indoors, but you could transplant them into a big pot with canes tied at the top. I suppose putting near the window and keeping them well weathered will help. If they bend towards the light you can turn the pot around each day maybe? If they are the bush variety then you won’t need the canes. Hope it works out. 😊
...See More
Anthracite grey upvc french doors or white?
Q
Comments (9)
Yes, if you just wish to freshen up your windows and they are in good order, painting them makes good use of what you have. If the supplier is reputable with a good guarantee on the product you will be covered against warping and big draughts. I believe that slight ventilation is usually required to avoid condensation. Our timber windows are around 140 years old and still going strong with no warping. I do urge people to consider the health benefits for the family - clean air in your home. In the long run, with timber windows last at least 6 times the age the value for money of timber which outweighs the cost of painting within one lifetime alone. Also timber will not be adding to landfill or use as much energy to create. Finally the character and quality of finish is much different. Here is a comparison for you. According to this timber costs less too. https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2017-06/windows_0305.pdf Hope that helps in time! Thank you for sharing and we hope to see some photos! Ellen
...See More
Victorian house heat issues
Q
Comments (0)
We live in a Victorian terraced house, with two lofts. Rear loft is half of the loft space which is already insulated and boarded. Other loft is full height and poorly insulated (newspaper and cardboard!). In winter the upstairs rarely gets completely warm, in summer it is too hot. What should we do to fix to address the issue of the upstairs being too hot in summer and too cold in winter? Windows are currently single timber glazed throughout, shortly to be replaced by doubled glazed timber framed windows. Heating is radiators supplied by combo gas boiler. House is also in a conservation area.
...See More
will_jonesstudio
Original Author
3 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
last year
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/

French Windows Heat Issue

Comments (4)

Carolina

Sonia

Related Discussions

will_jonesstudio
Original Author

Chameleon Decorators & Windows Restoration

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

French Windows Heat Issue

Comments (4)

Carolina

Sonia

Related Discussions

will_jonesstudioOriginal Author

Chameleon Decorators & Windows Restoration

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

will_jonesstudio
Original Author