Window Covering Answers

H ow to make a Laminated Roller Shade This is a fine video about how to make your own roller shade. The company here offers all the tools that you need to complete this project. It strikes me that many ready to go roller shades could be utilized in this way, saving money and time.  I haven't tried this yet but I will.... it would be ideal for my own window in my front door. Here is the link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH50yzgeDyA   One of the reasons for having roller shades at the window is energy saving. When you add a layer of vinyl at the window you are breaking the otherwise automatic heat transfer that goes from inside to outside. The vinyl creates an air pocket next to the window that slows the transfer of heat because it creates dead air space. Dead air space slows the convection that often occurs at the window as heated air rises and cold air falls. Hence the dreaded draft at the windows.

    Transparent Solar Cells      http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/188667-a-fully-transparent-solar-cell-that-could-make-every-window-and-screen-a-power-source The link above which takes you to an article from Extremetech.com Recent advances from the University of Michigan promise a new direction for window technologies. Driving the need to replace fossil with solar energy has become a direction for some researchers, and this looks very promising. Although making windows that will create solar power is not happening this year... it appears we are all getting a bit closer. From UCLA a couple of years before this, Professor Yang Yang and his group invented a different transparent solar cell. Here is the link to this article. http://www.giantfreakinrobot.com/sci/transparent-solar-cells-turn-windows-power-sources.html

Window Film and Nanotechnology mean Energy Saving. Thin Film Solar Cell Technology - Professor Chris Binns - University of Leicester   At this point this new energy delivery system is still in the early stages of development. But. It may provide a revolutionary new way to save energy at the window by creating a solar energy production system.  One more step closer to heating our homes with non renewable energy systems. Imagine.... windows that produce solar power. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_NS0eyB46I New Energy Technologies    Here is another commercial developer of Solar Windows. Nanotechnology and sprayed on solar window coatings combine to create solar energy. Such technology has the potential to  save us all from global warming, lowering our reliance on fossil fuels.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BohznWrTrO8 Cathedral, Solar panels and stained glass windows. Amazing. Combining solar panels and stained glass in Saskatoon,  Saskatchewan

Art at the Window     Okay, so I am helpless when I see art at the window. Unique, self made, beautiful, innovative, crafty, artistic, or innovative and I can't help myself.  I think it needs a wider audience.     One of the best places to see these virtuoso pieces is PINTEREST. I have some of my own favourites there, along with other boards of course. Just a warning. Pinterest is terribly addictive, you can lose entire days just ogling beautiful and visionary pieces. Mostly Pinterest is inspiring to me, and it makes me make things.     One of the delights is finding something like Natalia Ivancevich Hayes great paper cut blinds. Magnificent. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/elegant-hand-cut-paper-window-treatments-170322?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+apartmenttherapy/main+(AT+Channel:+Main ) Or. Something that reveals an ancient past, some ritual from ages ago, that reveals the poetry and art that hides within a simple l

Miracle Windows This seems nothing short of truly amazing. The future is now. What a marvellous innovation. Daylight on demand. Messing with reality, and making us feel as though we control everything. But what a cool idea.

Motorized Elliptical Arched Blinds    Covering those delightful arched windows has been difficult for most homeowners for some time now. The popularity of Palladian style windows with their wonderful views and ability to increase the light in homes was not without its problems. Too much sunlight sometimes and lack of privacy combine to create a unique set of problems for which there aren't many great solutions. Enter Macadam Blinds. Their answer involves motorization and clever applications of newer technologies. But don't take my word for it... the video at the beginning of this article says more than I can with mere words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHm4Gp6EEq0#action=share https://www.facebook.com/pages/Macadam-Blinds-Inc/137176836305432?ref=ts http://macadamblinds.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jpdcfErpOM&feature=player_detailpage http://macadamblinds.com/about-moon-shade/ http://www.dpncanada.com/Video-Library/Interviews/Mac

More about Valances and Pelmets     In a previous post I introduced some very beautiful valances. Now the reason for doing so with regard to energy savings.     http://www.huntedinterior.com/2012/08/diy-stenciled-cornice-board.html       According to some reliable sources a valance or pelmet can help to reduce your energy losses at the window by as much as 15%. That is no small change, especially over the life of a window.   It is an old idea but it works. Cornices, pelmets, or valances all save you money.       So here is one of the many how to do build your own valance,cornice or pelmet sites.   http://www.instructables.com/file/FOZMJKTG9NHGJTR       http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-save-heat-money-and-energy-with-easy-pelm/         Before central heating many low tech ideas were implemented at the window to keep rooms warmer. Valances and Pelmets, also known as Cornices were one of those low tech ideas that were useful