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.
If the home already is thoroughly insulated and natural light is the main issue, go with blackout curtains; if outside light doesn't bother you but you're plagued with drafty windows, thermal curtains are the better choice. Still, both curtains can work to reduce both issues at least a little bit.
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.
The Benefits of a Little Extra Insulation
Greater comfort – Thermal curtains can reduce heat loss from your windows by as much as 25 percent, as well as block any chilly drafts coming from your windows, keeping your home cozier.
Thermal curtains are an extra layer of insulation you can use to make your home more energy efficient. The best thermal curtains consist of multiple layers of fabric with thick padding that prevents air from circulating from your window into your home.
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 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.
Red, terracotta, orange or burgundy tones add instant heat and cosiness. Think about the texture of your fabrics too: Chenilles and velvet are soft and warming both to the touch and eye.
Keep out the cold during the colder months - in the same way thermal curtains can keep your rooms cooler during the summer time, they will also insulate your windows throughout the colder months and minimise the amount of heat that may escape from your windows.
Ideally, you should use both types of curtains and change them from the cold to the warm season. Blackout curtains will keep your house cooler during the sizzling hot summer days, while thermal curtains will keep warmth from escaping out of the windows.
The simple answer to whether roller blinds cause condensation is this: no. This is because the roller blind is excluded on a pedantic technicality. The technicality is this: a roller blind can't cause condensation because it doesn't produce moisture or heat.
The best blackout curtains are made from densely woven fabric, such as thick cotton or polyester, that won't let light through its fibres. Look for a poly/cotton lining that's been coated in acrylic to make it more effective at light-blocking and noise reduction.
Light can still filter through the window – if you need a solution to blackout your window, thermal curtains will not block out all the light. The lining colour is usually off white or cream.
Blinds with the specially treated thermal fabric prevent heat escaping from your home during winter and reflect solar heat during summer keeping your living space cool. Thermal blinds are great all year round, plus, they are inherently blackout – so they will give you the privacy you need.
There's a lot to love about blackout curtains: They keep the light out so you get a great night's rest, they help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter (saving you money and helping the environment), and they can even reduce noise if you live in a busy area.
Blackout curtains and shades will reduce the amount of heat which is transferred via your windows by as much as 24 percent, keeping the rooms where they're installed cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This will allow you to use your heating and cooling system more efficiently and save energy.
Thermal lined curtains are curtains that have a thermal lining. Thermal lining has heat retention properties and will also help keep out the drafts from windows keeping you cosy on a cold night. Thermal curtains will also keep the heat out of a room.
It will let the space between the curtain and windows air out. The warmth inside + cold air outside = condensation. It gets trapped between the curtains and window and makes mold.
Curtains with insulated linings can have R-values as high as R-6. Using insulating window treatments can save as much as 7 percent on utility bills each year. Thermal window treatments not only reduce heat loss and solar gain.
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.
There are multiple types of curtains, including rod pocket, grommet, pinch pleat, and tailored pleat. The primary blackout curtain types are rod pocket and grommet. Both styles create pleating, though the rod pocket tends to have smaller pleats while the grommet style tends to have thicker pleats.
Blackout curtains do not have to be black, or even dark for that matter. The “black” in blackout curtains refers to the room darkening effect of the curtains, not the color itself.
The reason it happens is because the external air is warmer than the temperature of the glazed pane's surface – and the dew point of the air is higher. It is more likely to occur at night or early in the morning when temperatures are low, particularly if there is a clear sky and almost no wind.
Do thermal blinds stop condensation? Thermal blinds do not stop condensation. Having a good airflow in the home and well-maintained seals on the windows is the only way to prevent condensation.