Although some thermal curtains are constructed to block light, not all thermal curtains are blackout curtains. Many are room-darkening because of the thick materials used. If the middle layer of thermal curtains is black felt or a true blackout material, the drapery will have both blackout and thermal properties.
But what's the difference between blackout and thermal curtains? In short, blackout curtains are primarily designed to blackout a room by reducing the amount of light that can enter through the window. Thermal curtains, on the other hand, are primarily designed to reduce heat loss from a room's windows.
Thermal curtains feature a layer of acrylic foam between the double or triple layers of fabric to provide insulation, making these curtains ideal for winter months or drafty windows. Thermal curtains can also dampen sound, block out sunlight, and reduce energy bills.
Blackout lining is available in white and cream and looks much like a standard lining; to clear up a common misconception, it isn't black! Blackout lining also has thermal qualities, helping to prevent draughts and minimising the loss of heat, in the same way that thermal lining works.
Thermal insulated curtains, also known as blackout curtains, are often used to optimise the levels of heat in any room of your home in which you choose to install these types of curtains. Due to the specific insulated fabric, these curtains help less heat to escape from your home windows, increasing energy efficiency.
Another application for thermal blackout blinds is that they can also help to keep rooms at a less burny temperature in the height of summer too. The thermal coating on the blind's fabric deflects not just sunlight but also external heat and so, reduces the extent to which rooms that heat up via the windows get hot.
True blackout curtains and shades, when installed properly, will block all light, even daylight, while good room-darkening curtains will block most light at night but are less effective during the day.
They also cause window condensations. You're probably wondering how curtains can possibly effect condensation. They trap heat against your windows forcing warmer temperatures to meet the freezing cold temperatures outside. You've already learned that reducing the temperature inside can help with condensation.
Thermal curtains feature a layer of acrylic foam between the double or triple layers of fabric to provide insulation. The thermal lining prevents flow of air through the curtain, reducing cooling and heating cost.
Thermal curtains are either double- or triple-layered heavy fabric with a thick backing of insulate material and often a polyester-film vapor barrier.
Increasing the temperature in your room, particularly overnight and in the winter, will prevent the build-up of condensation on your windows and walls. This is because condensation occurs when water condenses on a cold surface.
Keep the thermostat at the same temperature in every room, and if there's a room in your home that you don't use often, keep the door closed. You should also try to open the windows in that room for a couple of hours each day to prevent condensation and damp from forming.
Blackout curtains are available in a range of colors and sizes. Since you can't see through blackout curtains at all, they increase privacy better than other curtain types. Blackout curtains block sun rays and therefore protect surfaces within the room from fading.
Here's the difference in a nutshell: Blackout shades use a fabric that blocks 100% of all incoming light, while “room darkening” usually refers to almost any shade that uses a fabric that blocks between 95% and 99% of the light that enters your room.
While some blackout liners are sewn directly onto the curtain, other liners are a separate structure, one side looking like vinyl, the other like fabric. The fabric side faces the window to help protect the coated side, although the blackout feature works regardless of the lining's direction.
Yes! Thermal curtains work effectively during both winter and summer. Medium- to light-colored curtains with a white, thermally reflective backing can reduce heat gain during the summer by as much as 33% by reflecting solar radiation. The orientation of the window also affects energy efficiency.
What is thermal lining for curtains? Thermal lining for curtains is an extra layer of material included during the manufacturing process. The purpose is to better insulate a room, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Curtain lining can also have heat retaining properties or light reducing properties such as blackout.
Removing condensation
For example, excess water can cause window seals to warp and loosen, while the excess damp can lead to mould and respiratory problems. Make a habit of removing window condensation first thing every morning — when it's at its worst.
In most cases, internal condensation issues occur because of too much humidity in the room or little to no air circulation. Low internal room temperatures can also create cold surfaces (particularly on windows) which allows warm air to condense onto them easily.
High humidity isn't the only reason for interior condensation. If the problem is only occurring on select windows, it's possible you have a draft problem. If there is moist air coming into the house around a particular window, that moisture will collect on that window pane first.
To help with clearing the condensation away, you can make a simple, home-made solution by mixing two cups of water with two cups of white vinegar and a couple drops of washing up liquid. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle if you have one and spray the solution straight onto your window.
Some habits increase the likelihood of condensation forming overnight. For instance, if you tend to dry clothes indoors during the night, that may be causing a build-up of moisture in your home. Similarly, if you sleep with a humidifier on, turning it down may reduce condensation.
Windows are steaming up inside
Condensation on the inside of your windows occurs when moisture from inside your home hits the coldest point of contact, which is usually your windows, and forms condensation.