Blocking Sun Out The sun can be a tricky thing.

On the one hand, it can provide warmth, vitamin D, and place to have a fun day outdoors. On the other hand, it can harm your skin, devastate certain crops or leave your house too hot to handle. Fortunately, there are several ways to block out the sun and get the benefits you desire while eliminating unwanted heat and light. In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways to block out the sun and ways to make sure you can reap the many benefits that come from blocking it out.

Types of Sun Blocking 

The methods available to block out the sun and the materials used can vary. Depending on your needs, one type may be better for your situation than another.

  1. Physical Barriers
    The most effective way of blocking out the sun is to physically obstruct it with a physical barrier. The most popular physical barrier for blocking out the sun is window tinting, but other barriers you can choose from include awnings, shutters, and curtains. The main benefit here is that you are able to easily adjust the amount of sun that gets in depending on the time of day and intensity.

  2. Structural Barriers
    Structural barriers involve anything that can obstruct the sun but is integrated within or part of the building. Examples include overhangs, landscape design, and interior walls. Structural barriers are often the most effective way to completely block light and heat, and also provide more design possibilities that can also improve ventilation, air quality, and soundproofing within your home.

  3. Paint
    Paint can be used in more than just interiors! In fact, a good quality, reliable paint can be an effective solution to blocking out the sun, too. Reflective paint (also known as heat-reflective paint) is an ideal choice for this purpose. It is highly efficient in deflecting the sun’s rays and is available in a variety of finishes and colors.

How to Choose the Best Sun-Blocking Method

Given the plethora of options available, it’s important to know what factors you should consider when choosing the best sun-blocking method. Here are a few of the questions to ask yourself:

  1. What area do you need to shade?
    Different sun-blocking methods can be more suited for different areas, so it’s important to assess which area needs to be shaded first. For instance, curtains and shutters are better options for windows, while awnings and exterior walls may be the ideal option for a patio or balcony.

  2. How much sun needs to be blocked?
    The more sun that is blocked out, the more effective the sun-blocking method will be. Consider whether you will be needing full sun blocking or just partial sun blocking to determine which type of material or method will be the most effective for your goals.

  3. How much time do you have?
    The time-frame in which you will have the sun-blocking method installed or put into place plays a huge role in the cost of the project and material used. If you are on a tight budget or need to quickly block the sun, some materials may be more suitable than others.

  4. What is the climate like?
    The climate in which you live plays a huge role in determining which sun-blocking method you should choose. If you live in a hot and arid climate, then a reflective paint could be your best option as it can reflect the sun’s rays. Whereas, if you live in a cooler climate, an awning could be your best option as it can protect your space from the sun’s rays and the rain too.

  5. What is your budget?
    Budget is an important factor to consider for any home improvement project, as it can help you determine which type of sun-blocking method is best for your home. Some types of materials may be more expensive than others, so it’s important to consider your budget and find a product that meets both your financial and aesthetic needs.

The Benefits of Blocking Sun Out

No matter the option you choose, there are numerous benefits to be gained from blocking out the sun.

  1. Health Benefits
    Reducing exposure to the sun, especially at certain times of the day, can have numerous health benefits. Blocking out the sun can help protect against skin damage, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and shield your skin from sunburn and aging.

  2. Energy Savings
    Blocking the sun can also help save on energy bills. The sun’s heat can increase the temperature of your home, which requires more energy to keep it cool. By blocking the sun with awnings, curtains, or window tints, you can keep your home cooler and reduce energy usage.

  3. Improved Security
    They say that the most effective foundation for a home security system is one that prevents unwanted people from even entering the premises. Part of this foundation can be achieved through blocking the sun from entering. By using physical barriers like window tints and shutters, you can prevent people from looking in and enhance the security of your home.

  4. Improved Comfort
    Blocking sun can also help to improve the comfort of your home. When the sun is kept out, it keeps your environment cooler and makes it easier to relax in. This also increases the internal air quality of the home, reducing allergies and making it a much more pleasant place to be.

We hope this article has helped to provide you with some insight into the different types of sun-blocking materials and methods and provide you with the answers you need when choosing the best sun-blocking method for your home. From reflective paint to awnings, physical barriers to interior walls, there are countless possibilities available. And no matter which sun-blocking method you choose, you’ll enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.

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