What Do Those Technical
Terms Really Mean?
R-Values. UV Blockage. Summer Shading Coefficient. Sound Absorption.
These terms define important characteristics of window coverings.
R-Values. UV Blockage. Summer Shading Coefficient. Sound Absorption.
These terms define important characteristics of window coverings.
R-value measures resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more insulation the material provides. A typical exterior wall, including framing, sheathing, fiberglass insulation and drywall, has an R-value of about 15. The building components which provide the least resistance to heat flow are windows. A typical double-glazed window (two panes of glass) has an R-value less than 2.
HunterDouglas products can significantly increase a window's R-value, thereby reducing both the amount of heat lost in winter and the amount of heat gained in summer. In the example above, Duette® 3/4" opaque fabric increases the winter R-value of a double-glazed window to 4.17 and its summer R-value to 3.33. This provides two benefits: lower utility bills and an increase of the home's comfort level.
Summer Shading Coefficient
Summer shading coefficient measures the amount of radiated heat passing through a covered window versus a bare window. The lower the number, the less heat is transmitted. In the summer, less heat transmission means a cooler room.
A bare single pane window has a summer shading coefficient of 1.00. In the example shown above, Duette 3/4" opaque fabric has a summer shading coefficient of 0.36 with a double-glazed window. The difference can be felt on your skin when sunlight is passing through the window by first raising and then lowering the shade.
Sound Absorption
Have you ever tried to carry on a conversation in a bare, empty room? The sound reverberates too much, making the words difficult to understand. This excessive reverberation results from reflected sound waves bouncing off the walls, windows, and floors.
Carpeting and furniture help to absorb sound, as do most HunterDouglas window coverings. Sound absorption helps make the living environment quieter and more pleasant.
In the example shown above, Duette 3/4" opaque fabric has a sound absorption of 0.40. The higher the number, the more sound is absorbed. A measurement of 1.00 would indicate total sound absorption.
UV Blockage
Ultraviolet (UV) is the range of radiation that is responsible for colors fading. Window coverings can prevent harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from entering the home's interior and fading its furnishings.
UV blockage is measured in percentages. Typical semi-opaque and opaque Hunter Douglas window coverings block 98% to 99% of all ultraviolet rays.
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