What are Side Tracks? Everything You Need to Know

We all know that shades are an excellent solution for everything from insulation, blocking out sunlight, and creating privacy in your home. But have you ever wondered how you can enhance all of these qualities in your cellular shades? If so, we’ve got you covered. 

The answer? Side tracks. 

Side tracks are an easy-to-install system that creates an additional seal between your window frame and shades, blocking out as much exterior light as possible. However, side tracks offer much more than just superior light blocking. Let’s dive into their full capabilities. 

Side Tracks: What Are They?

Side tracks, also known as side channels, are specially designed vertical guides installed on either side of your window frame. At EcoSmart Shades, we use our customized side tracks to increase the barrier against sunlight, heat, and cold. These easy-to-install systems maximize the already outstanding r-value provided by our cellular shades.

And since side tracks help insulate your windows from the elements, energy savings are a given. For example, our Double-Cell Blackout Shades with side tracks can reduce heat gain or heat loss by an additional 370% as compared to an unshaded single-pane window, resulting in  a significant chop to your monthly energy bill. 

Note: Side tracks are only available for shades mounted inside the window frame and those with double-cell fabric. Side tracks are not available with motorized shades.

Composition and Installation

Our side tracks are composed of a durable material that ensures that they’ll remain effective over time. Because we use a magnet system for our side tracks, they can be easily installed AND easily removed if necessary – for window cleaning or other purposes. 

Side tracks are usually designed to blend in seamlessly with your window frame, offering a clean, streamlined appearance that matches your home decor. 

Benefits of Side Tracks

Improved Insulation

The major benefit of side tracks is the significant improvement in your home’s insulation. Side tracks seal off gaps between the window shades and the frame, helping to reduce air leakage and drafts. This makes your home more energy-efficient and helps save you money on heating and cooling bills.

Enhanced Light Control

Side tracks eliminate the gaps on the sides of window shades where light often seeps through, enhancing your ability to control the amount of light that enters your space. 

Increased Privacy

Side tracks provide an additional layer of privacy to your home. This makes them an excellent addition to bathrooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where a little extra privacy is appreciated.

Noise Reduction

By creating a seal around your window, side tracks help dampen external noise, creating a quieter home environment.

Aesthetically Pleasing

With a sleek design and customizable colors, side tracks enhance the overall look of your windows. Their discreet magnet system streamlines the appearance of your shades, creating cleaner lines. 

If you’re looking for a solution that combines aesthetic appeal with energy efficiency (and much more), side tracks are an excellent choice to add to your cellular shades. Our side tracks perfectly complement our already energy-efficient window shades, helping you achieve maximum insulation, light control, and privacy.