Eventually we will upgrade these basic covers to include better thermal insulation and some nylon fabric. My reflectix window shades easily pop into each window. Use a Dehumidifier if Camping in Humid Locations I’ve written before about using Reflectix to add insulation to your refrigerator or cooler — see that article here. If you have ever placed a metallic accordion shade on your dashboard to keep your car cool during the summertime, you have used Reflectix. In that time, we made seven custom RV window shades for the camper van: three for the front and four for the back. Ingredients. Thank you so much! These are some of the benefits of having reflective window covers in your RV (and in the car) over the summer. August 13, 2019 at 8:41 am. In the second video I show you how to make an upgraded curtain. We bought rolls of Reflectix, which are basically the material that the auto windshield shades are made from and cheaper than the shades (it can be hard to find outside the US, hence using windshield shades). However, if you’d rather not feel like you’re living inside of a spaceship, these fun and easy decorative shades are perfect for you! Overview . Then put it … The kit came with a white pencil to aid in marking out my cuts. They make a huge difference if the sun is shining on the passenger side of the vehicle. With some reflectix, magnets and duct tape we were able to make some tight-fitting and surprisingly simple window covers. 1 XLG large window shade Reflectix Trim plastic as needed for better fit. But, simple as these Reflectex shades are, they provide privacy and also some useful insulation for cold nights or hot days. I recommend working with Reflectix® in the shade, as the reflection from the sun can be blinding. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 for every window. All products are handmade to […] An excellent window cover would be the combination of Reflectix and bubble wrap mentioned earlier and recommend for use on the outside of your RV’s windows. I suppose one can buy window shades online, but I happened to have a bit of Reflectix left over and was in the DIY mood. Reflectix has caused a lot … And if desired the window can be left open with the Reflectix in place. The Crazy Outdoor Mama says. RV Window Shades. I was just hanging my husband’s shirts over the blinds for a while there =P I bet they’ll turn out great! Window shade side track . The idea behind the “thermal” part of these shades is actually pretty simple: think of a giant potholder. The Reflectix bubble insulation can be purchased in a roll (7.5 m x 0.5 m, or 25 ft x 2 ft), allowing you to make several reflective panels; or you can buy a pre-cut length in some home improvement stores. What you’ll need: Roll of Reflectix (25ft x 24in was more than enough for my Ford Escape) If you aren’t planning on covering windows with reflective insulation, make sure that all window blinds are closed during the day and add black-out curtains to further block sun from hitting the windows and heating the interior of the RV. A roll of Reflectix can be cut into inserts to fit any RV window. Custom Reflectix Window Coverings. The interior temperature dropped immediately! Ok everybody, it’s arts & crafts time, grab your supplies! Use newspaper to … You can make your own window cover with some Reflectix or purchase one already pre-measured for RVs on Amazon and in stores. For more easy projects for the home, check out my post on recaulking cracked staircase stringers, installing a peel-and-stick glass tile backsplash, and creating a drawer organizer for spices!. You can make your own accordion sunshade and personalize it with a one-of-a-kind design. This product is a reflective window insulation similar to windshield sun visors. Tip: I recommend working with Reflectix in … The window shade mesh material is easily cut with a sharp pair of scissors. If you want to do an inside mount, follow the rest of the steps in this article. I knew I was going to use a material called Reflectix (basically a metallic bubble-wrap used in housing insulation, Here’s a link to the one I bought) and I would wrap the Reflectix in some kind of fabric to make it more appealing to look at from the inside and indistinguishable from the window … One of the upstairs rooms has 3 enormous west facing windows so the hot afternoon sun bakes this room for several hours each day. When parking your car in a hot parking lot, the first thing you usually do is put up one of those handy reflective window shades. Apply maximum strength duct tape, hot-dog-style, around edges of window shade to secure fabric. The EZ Snap RV window shade is encapsulated thermo-weave which does not fray. Here was my process: After unscrewing and removing my window shades and curtains and cleaning my windows with a microfiber rag wet with water, followed by a dry microfiber rag (which beats Windex at streak free glass cleaning, by the way), I held up the plexiglass to the window I planned to cover…and immediately realized I had forgotten to take into account the curved corners of the window. Add duct tape pieces to Reflectix for glue spots (Prius Stealth Camper warned that hot glue does not stick to Reflectix - may depend on type of hot glue used). This is a simple DIY project that should take less than one hour. They slide in grooves in the window molding to make for an efficient seal. 1. Spread out your beautiful roll of patterned fabric. I used newspapers to make window templates. Whether coming in or going out, a substantial amount of heat moves through a window. Today, as the mid-day sun was starting to make the interior uncomfortable, I installed the reflective insulation on the inside of my windshield. The corners can be left square or cut rounded whichever you prefer. This particular reflector panel is a 1 m x 1.5 m (3 ft x 2 ft) panel. Measure the window and figure out if you want to have the shades fit inside or outside the window frame. These diy window shades provide insulation, privacy, and keep the outside oblivious of the happenings on the inside. Window covers will keep the interior cooler. However, one of the most effective ways to improve insulation for your windows is to use bubble wrap with a layer of foil (also known as Reflectix) on either side. Close Window Shades and Add Black-Out Curtains. Window Coverings. These insulating window shades made from Reflectix insulation were described on a post to the Yahoo Solar Heat Group. Your welcome! The gaskets around the active window are too tight to use as shade retention. DIY Camper Window Cover Option #1: Reflectix. Placing the Reflectix on the inside of your RV windows, especially when it’s scorching hot outside, can cause the window to heat up to the point of cracking. Test out fit in window. We currently specialize in top-quality window shades for Sprinters, Promasters, and quickly expanding to Transit vans. How to Make Reflectix Shades. Down it came by at least a good 10 degrees. I live where it gets hot in the summer! You can buy reflectix in different size rolls online or from big-box hardware stores. The curtain has a small empty pocket which extends above the rod. How to Make Insulated Window Coverings. Automobile sunshades also protect the car interior from sun damage. Cover the silver side of window shade in Adhesive Spray. Windows are the climate control “weak point” of the van, plus they need to be covered at night to sleep comfortably.The black canvas faces outwards at night and completely blocks light in and out – no one outside can see lights on in our van. We recently completed some upgrades which included sewing fabric to our current reflectix panels. Reply. The Eurcamper shades installed in … One of those projects was reflectix window covers with some basic insulation. Cut out Reflectix with box cutters or razor blade (scissors did not work well). Right now I’ve just hung up black fleece over the window shades, but it’s such a pain to put them off and on. When choosing this method, you cut the reflectix to the size of the windows and wedge it in the tracks. Trace plastic onto Reflectix. Curtains seem like they could be a good idea, except that hanging them is a huge hassle, as is finding/making curtains that are suitably dark/light-blocking for privacy use. How to Insulate Windows from the Summer Sun – Cheaply! Yes! Our mission is to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter with the highest quality and most practical shades on the market today. When the curtain is pulled closed, that extra material blocks light gaps at the top of the rod. So, special edge preparation isn’t required. A car sunshade, placed over the windshield on the inside, keeps a car cooler on sunny days. Custom RV Window Shades. We made dual-sided window coverings for our van conversion: Reflectix on one side and black canvas fabric on the reverse. Here’s how Reflectix bubble wrap insulation works. One of the easiest and most affordable options is buying a roll of Reflectix and fitting each piece to your windows. Step 2 - Cut the Material. The flat sheet first has a tab cut at the base, which is folded up. Insulated window coverings can decrease heat loss in either direction. Plus yours are prettier. 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