I've got this upstairs room in my house that has 13 windows, and it's like a sauna up there during the summer. We turned a deck into a bonus room, so three out of four walls are just windows, with only one internal wall. Although we added HVAC, it's still about 10 degrees hotter than the other upstairs rooms and never seems to reach the desired temperature. I've already tried thermal curtains and window films, but they're not doing the trick. I'm considering building modular wall panels by framing 2x4s, adding sheetrock on both sides, and stuffing R60 insulation in there. It sounds a bit overboard, but would that actually work? Or is it a dumb idea if I don't care about aesthetics?
3 Answers
I think your idea could really help! Exterior solar screens are fantastic at blocking heat before it even reaches your windows. I did that for my office, and it made a huge difference in temperature. Just make sure to drop them down before the sun's blazing!
Why not try solar tinting on your windows? It can really reduce heat while also giving you some privacy. Pair that with the modular panels, and you're pretty set!
That's interesting! I already used a film that wasn't quite as effective. Maybe it's worth looking into a proper tint.
I'd say go for it! Creating insulated window inserts makes a lot of sense. Just use foam board instead of sheetrock for better insulation and easier installation. Plus, you could decorate the foam board to make it look less bulky if you want!
Great tip! I like the foam board idea much better; it sounds easier to manage.
Yeah, blocking the sunlight is key! I have to remember to put mine down too, or it gets way too hot inside.