3 Best Ways to Cover Triangular or Arched Windows

3 Best Ways to Cover Triangular or Arched Windows

Putting blinds or shades on triangular-shaped windows or arched windows can be expensive and difficult to do. Most typical blinds or shading products are designed to work with square or rectangular windows. Triangle-shaped windows are usually found on A-frame style homes, while rounded or curved arched windows (cathedral windows) are more common. With both triangular or arched windows, a shading or blind product is typically custom made, as there really is no common size for these windows.

Here are the 3 best ways to cover triangle or arched windows.

1. Custom Interior Blinds for Triangular or Curved Windows

There are many interior blind companies that will custom make an interior blind for arched or triangular windows. The benefit of these types of window shades is that you can have them match the rest of your interior shades. Because they have to be custom-made for your specific window, they are usually very expensive. Many times these interior blinds are made to permanently cover the window and usually do not open to let in light or see the view. Another downside to interior blinds versus exterior shading produce is that interior blinds are up to 7 times less effective at stopping heat than exterior shades. The main reason for this is because the interior blinds stop the heat on the inside of the window after the heat has already gotten into the house.

2. Painting Over the Triangular or Arched Window.

This solution is as simple as it gets.

Block the light, you will block the heat. Painting the glass of the window will stop light from getting through and will result in reducing the light and heat all for the cost of a can of paint.

The obvious downside with painting the glass is that it is a fairly permanent fix. This one is as simple as it sounds. The key to cooling a hot skylight is to stop the sun before it gets through the glass.

If you can block the light, you can block the heat. Painting over your skylight will stop light from getting through and will keep your house much cooler for just the cost of a can of paint.

The main drawback with painting your window glass is that it is a fairly permanent fix.  Scraping paint off is time-consuming and you will most likely end up with scratches on the surface of the glass.

Be sure to first prime the window glass with a product like Zinnser Bullseye Primer

3. EZ Snap® Exterior Shading System.

The EZ Snap system is not only the least expensive option, but it has the added benefit of retaining your view. The EZ Snap shading mesh is an optical grade and so you are able to clearly see through them with a clear and undistorted view.

  The EZ Snap sunscreens block up to 90% of the sun’s heating rays while letting in 10% of the full-spectrum sunlight. This is great for plants that need some diffused light and it also provides sufficient ambient light in the room.

  The magic that makes this such a great option for these odd-shaped windows is the fact that the EZ Snap heat blocking mesh is a non-fray material. This feature is what allows you custom size and shape the shades on-site for a perfect fit every time. The patented EZ Snap system features this special encapsulated weave that can be easily cut with a sharp pair of scissors without the need for hemming the edges.

 

Whichever method you choose to cover your odd-shaped windows remember that the US Department of Energy concluded that exterior blinds and shades are up to seven times more effective at stopping heat from entering the home than interior blinds or window tinting.

Shade Kit Size Calculator for Window, Skylight, RV & Boat

Shade Kit Size Calculator for Window, Skylight, RV & Boat

We are proud to announce the launch of our brand new EZ Snap Shade Kit Size Calculator.

“What size window shade kit do I need?”

It’s the first question most people ask themselves when they want shade screen and figuring out the answer used to be difficult and time-consuming.

Now, our new calculator will instantly let you know what size kit you need, how many fasteners you need and how to cut your mesh in the most efficient way.

If your project is for an RV, boat or skylight you can use the exact same calculator.

All you need is the measurements (in inches) of the windows or skylights that need EZ Snap shade screen.

If you don’t know how to measure your window, there are a few things to consider. 

The first step is to determine where you want to mount your fasteners. 

You can mount your EZ Snap shade screen on the window frame, on the trim or on the siding.

If you are planning on using the adhesive fasteners, you will need a 1 inch wide, smooth mounting surface.

For people who have a domed skylight and aren’t sure how to measure it, start where you will be mounting your fasteners and measure across the dome itself.

Once you have the height and width for your windows or skylights, add an extra 2 inches to all your measurements.

Your shade mesh will be mounted an inch past your fasteners, so adding 2 more inches in height and width will account for the extra shade mesh needed on the top and bottom, and both sides.

Now that you have your measurements, enter the numbers in the appropriate fields.

If you have multiple windows of the same size you have the option to change the quantity.  

Next, enter your email address and press Calculate. 

Our program will analyze your measurements and will let you know the recommended size of shade kit, how many fasteners you need (in total, as well as how many per window) and how to cut your mesh.

You will also get the results emailed to you to have as a guide when it comes time for your installation.

You can see there is a category called ‘Max fastener spacing’. The calculator takes into account the size of your window and will automatically adjust your required fastener spacing.

We recommend a maximum of 10 inch spacing between fasteners for windows under 25 square feet (which is most windows). If your window is 25 square feet or larger, then you will need a maximum of 5 inch spacing.

We also recommend placing an extra fastener on all four of your window corners.

There is going to be more force on the fasteners in the corners, so placing two in every corner and offsetting them will give twice the holding power and will help keep your mesh secure and problem-free. Our calculator automatically adds an extra 4 fasteners to every window.

You can see the results below include an easy to follow cutting guide where all the different windows are labeled and have their measurements included.

No more guessing, no more math, just enter in your window or skylight measurements and find out exactly what you need to order.

Follow this link to try our calculator for yourself!