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Roll up film.

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403 views 26 replies 11 participants last post by  highfigh  
#1 ·
I built this porch about 5 years ago and now my customer is wanting some kind of clear film installed on the inside where she can use the porch in the winter months and roll up during the summer months. I've recently hurt my back and can't spend long enough on the internet to see if that is possible. Does anyone know of a product.
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#2 ·
Roll ups will not seal around the edges well enough to keep any heat in.
A framed piece will be a better approach.
I made individual frames to cover my 6 ft x 6 ft windows in the cold Michigan winters.
They helped a great deal. I used a clear vinyl something like this;
 
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#3 ·
my customer is wanting some kind of clear film installed on the inside where she can use the porch in the winter months and roll up during the summer months.
Extra work, just leave the film in place year round.

Low-E 20 Thermal Insulation Window Film, also referred to as climate control energy-saving window film. The film works by capturing heat during the winter and directing it back into the room for added warmth. In the summer, it reflects harmful UV rays and solar heat away from windows, reducing the need for cooling.
Many competing products, just one example;
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#4 ·
#5 ·
Sorry to hear about your back; I hope you’re on the mend soon.

I’d propose isinglass with bound edges and twist lock fasteners to hold it in place. Snaps are less aesthetically intrusive, but make it harder to take the Isinglass on and off. It can be removed entirely or rolled up with straps to secure it. A good canvas shop should be able to make them.

Isinglass is used a lot on boats and the solar gain often exceeds the heat loss from air infiltration around the perimeter.
 
#7 ·
It is pretty common for folks that have patio spaces and fireplaces to use heavy curtains, let's you enjoy the space when it is cold without the wind or snow, and keeps some of the heat from the fireplace in the space. We use ours a lot like that.

Orchestrating something that is clear, and rolls up would be a challenge. Something like clear shower curtains would be a lot easier.
 
#8 ·
She mentioned it a couple years ago and off the top of my head all I could think of is to make frames out of wood and insert plexiglass. In the summer months they would have to take them down and store them in her garage which she wasn't keen on. I also told her the plexiglass would scratch easily and would be expensive. Nothing more was said about it. Then she asked about the roll up film. I don't think it would withstand being rolled up in the Texas summer months and then unroll in winter. I think at best it would come half way down and she would have to fight with it to straighten it. I'm also picturing it being like the rear window of a canvas top on a Jeep where you can barely see through it. I know she would want it to be clear. I appreciate everyone starting the search. I think I'm well enough today to look some.
 
#21 ·
I’m surprised you have not seen the use of clear plastic curtains, such as used by restaurants to allow use of their patios during colder weather. Several reliable suppliers of these. Available in various thickness of film. Very common usage. Can get them with roll up hardware or with a mounting rod that requires you take them down but the high quality ones are relatively heavy. We used these in our shop for dust control
 
#10 ·
I just recalled an acquaintance who had a cottage up in MI with a porch that faced a lake. They had glassed frames to cover the screened windows in the winter. The frames were hinged at the top and could be raised up to the porch ceiling and secured in the warm seasons. Not sure this is a workable solution in your situation. Probably not attractive enough for your customer.
 
#11 ·
When I was a kid the old house I lived in had tall double hung windows. For a screen we used a wooden frame which just hung on hooks at the top and was latched on the inside at the bottom. This is what came to mind using plexiglass. Glass would be nice but the sections are roughly 40" wide and 96" tall. It would be awful heavy for them to take down. Then I would have to use tempered glass since it goes to the floor.
 
#13 ·
I'm sure she would know anything you could roll up would distort the view of her yard. The yard isn't that attractive anyway. What she really needs is to take the screen down and glass in the porch. The house is in Dallas and you could only stand to be outside in early morning in the summer months. When I built the porch I took out a large window to the house and put in french doors. She could just leave the doors open and heat and air condition the porch.
 
#14 ·
I certainly understand the folks who live in a subdivision or have a nice home with a patio or lanai. For me, I'm not keeping up with the Joneses, and I put together just a "quick fix" 10 years ago to cover my open patio that is my workspace/hobby area. It doesn't need to be "pretty", just functional to keep the blowing rain out. I am in Central Florida, so cold and hot are not an issue. I only did two sections that have hinges at the top. The other end is permanently sealed with a PVC strip and metal screws. The whole thing will be redone this winter as I am getting the home ready to sell.
I got the 1x2 extruded aluminum screen-room frames and made the window frames on hinges held up with stainless cable. They are lowered and held closed with clips when a storm is imminent. The thick marine-grade clear plastic is held in place with exterior-grade VHB double-sided tape. The clear vinyl is a high-maintenance item on a home as it attracts mold and mildew and needs to be cleaned constantly. Which I stopped doing. They stay up 99% of the time.
Just food for thought.
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