Cellular Insulation and R-Value

Cellular Shade Fabric Is Built for Insulation

Why? Because the fabric forms air pockets (cells), which trap heat and cold. When surrounded by the right material, air pockets are a tremendous insulator. In fact, that’s how most insulation works!

Yes! Our Premium Fabrics are Built for Superior Insulation

Hey, this is what we were ‘born’ for! Seriously, we’re in Vermont. It’s coooold. The entire reason we came into existence 30+ years ago was to find a way to help people keep their houses warmer without spending a lot of money. That’s why we’re committed to using only the very best insulating cellular fabrics!

With that in mind, we build our cellular shades with high-end bonded fabrics, whereas most name-brand shades use what’s called ‘spun lace’ (a woven polyester). Bonded fabrics have several advantages, including better insulating properties. You can learn all about our EcoSmart fabrics at our Cellular Fabrics Page.

They Sure Do!

Most of us have heard that if you have single-pane windows, you must upgrade them to at least double-pane, right? Well, did you know that adding an EcoSmart  cellular shade to a single-pane window provides more insulation than upgrading the window to double-pane? Depending on which type of EcoSmart cellular fabric you choose and whether you add side tracks, it could add much more r-value than upgrading and could cost a whole lot less!

A Lot! Windows Are a Huge Source of Heat/Cold Loss

That’s right, up to 30% of your heating and cooling energy could be flying right out your windows. Whether you care about saving money on your energy bills, or conserving energy to help the environment, or you just want to feel cozy and comfortable in your home, insulating your windows with EcoSmart Cellular Shades is an investment that pays you back!

R-Value Is the Most Common Insulation Rating.

Basically, R-value measures how well a material reduces energy (heat) gain or loss. It’s a measure of thermal resistance, used most commonly with building and construction materials. The higher the R-value, the more energy you are saving!

EcoSmart Shades Add Tremendous R-Value

The R-value of our EcoSmart Cellular Shades depends on the type of fabric selected and whether or not side tracks are added. See the chart below for details. The chart shows the R-value of each type of shade alone, and the combined R-values of our shades with various types of windows. Our cellular shades outperform nearly every type and brand of window covering on the market!

We Got Our Hands on an Infrared Camera!

And this was the result. First, we measured the window glass with no shade on the window. Then, we installed one of our EcoSmart Cellular Room Darkening Shades and measured the glass temperature again. Finally, we added Energy Saving Side Tracks. Mind blown, right??

Glass Temperature
With No Shade

Glass Temperature With EcoSmart Cellular Shade

Glass Temperature With Shade and Side Tracks