DIY EZ Snap On Sun Screens to Reduce Heat From Window Without Tint - Coolaroo Shade Installation

DIY EZ Snap On Sun Screens to Reduce Heat From Window Without Tint - Coolaroo Shade Installation
Product Links:
Snap Button Tool Kit (Marine Grade): amzn.to/3KTIvyr
Coolaroo Shade Fabric (Gray): amzn.to/4cxBeQn
Coolaroo Shade Fabric (Tan): amzn.to/3zeRAzb
Black and Decker Cordless Drill: amzn.to/3RGuMhY
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro-Why Make Snap On Window Shades
00:38 - How to Mark Locations for Window Covers
01:14 - Preparing UV Fabric for Snaps
01:33 - How to Adjust Snap Tool
01:57 - How to Install Snap Connectors to Fabric
02:56 - Test Fit the Window Covers
04:18 - Snap On Window Cover Final Installation
04:36 - Coolaroo Brand UV Fabric Description
05:24 - Completed Window Snap Covers that Reduce Heat
When the weather gets hot, the inside of my house really heats up when the sun shines through these windows. So I decided to make my own snap on window shades. I was about to buy a kit from EZ Snap Covers but it was really pricey. That's when I decided to make shades on my own. In this video I'll show you step by step how you can make your own. The fabric I'm using is made by Coolaroo and protects from heat and UV rays. It comes in a roll and needs to be cut to fit same as if I had bought the kit from EZ Snap.
First I need to mark the corners of where the fabric is going to sit on the window molding. Then I need to mark the top corners where the snaps will go... it's about an inch in from the corners. And it's easy because the pencil goes right through the fabric. Next, screw in the studs. On the snap tool, insert the hole cutting bit. This is the cone shaped attachment. I'm going to use this to punch a couple of holes in the fabric. Then switch to the flat disk shaped bit.
To adjust the right pressure, adjust the grip until the clamp touches together. Then rotate the adjustment screw counterclockwise a half turn twice. From the kit, grab a cap and snap fastener. Now insert the cap into one of the holes. Then place the snap on the other side with the open part facing out. Place the pieces into the snap tool with the cap seated in the flat bit. Slowly close the tool until the top part fits into the center post of the cap. Now all I have to do is squeeze the handles together until it clamps down locking the pieces together. Most of the time, the newly made snap will be stuck to the tool but it'll come off no problem.
Repeat until the number of snaps are installed. There is a bit of a learning curve to installing these snaps in the right way. And even when I thought I got the hang of it, I still ended up wasting a cap now and again because some of them just didn't compress in the right way.
Now I'll now mark the screw positions for the bottom corners and install the screw studs. Once the studs are in, I can mark the location on the cover. This process takes repetition to get proficient. So I recommend that before attempting this on your actual covers, do some practice snaps on paper or cardboard to get a feel for it.
My windows get many hours of intense sunlight and because of that, the second floor hallway really heats up. Since installing these snap covers, I can really feel the temperature reduction upstairs. It's still warm but definitely cooler with the windows covered versus uncovered.
The fabric I'm using is from Coolaroo and I'll list the and the snap kit in the description so it's easy for you to find. You can also use other fabrics like canvas if you prefer. The best part is that from the street, it's not even noticeable if you're not looking for it. That way, it's unlikely that the neighbors or HOA will complain about it. Having a 2nd person around really helps when positioning the fabric, especially on larger windows. Also make sure to measure and allow for extra slack. You can always trim it down later.
Making these window covers myself really saved a lot of money because the EZ Snap brand I was going to buy was quite expensive. Especially the required amount of snap connectors. My snap kit cost me $27 and included more than enough fasteners.
And finally, the Coolaroo UV fabric I got was $115 for a 6 foot by 50 foot roll. So if you want to keep your house a bit cooler in the summer, making these great looking window snap covers will really help. If this video was helpful please give me a thumbs up and hit the subscribe button to stay up to date on all my DIY videos.
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[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

What a great idea. I wonder if we could use different materials and get similar results. Maybe similar is too optimistic...
I know generations of grandmother's would swap curtains from heavy winter to light colored summer curtains years back. tHanks for the video

[@digitalcamproducer]

You can definitely use different materials. If you want to use something different an outdoor canvas material could work. Or something else that is waterproof. The Coolaroo fabric I’m using is lightweight and still lets light in so my house isn’t dark.

[@marketmom5283]

Nice

[@digitalcamproducer]

Glad you enjoyed my window shade tutorial!

[@cdh2328]

Just wondering why you wouldn’t put them on the inside? With air conditioning on it’s not like you’d be opening the windows.

[@nancyholter5646]

putting them on the outside keeps the sun from coming in at all - much more efficient.

[@digitalcamproducer]

Like the other commenter said, this keeps more of the direct sun/heat away from the house. It prevents the window from getting as hot in the first place. Also, these windows are 2 stories up in an open area above a niche and over stairs. In my case the particular windows shown in the video aren’t easy to access without a long ladder from the first floor on the inside. It’s easier to walk on the roof to install these.

[@gailarnold2660]

Would this work with magnets and the metal window trim?

[@digitalcamproducer]

Yes! You could use magnets to attach the window covers. I had that very thought myself. In my mind I was thinking I could countersink strong magnets into the window trim and maybe sew a metal strip into the fabric. The fabric I used would work well for that. Plus it still allows some light in so your house isn’t dark. If your window trim is metal, make sure it’s the type of metal that magnets will attach to.

[@roadfordays]

Can you see out the windows afterwards? I was also looking at EZ snap but if you have to cut it yourself anyway, this would be 80% cheaper.

[@digitalcamproducer]

With this fabric I can barely see through it. And I mean barely. The nice thing is that it still allows light to come through so the room isn’t completely dark. Got these installed just before the heatwave and it has really helped keep it a bit more comfortable at home.