Drape98 currently manufactures and installs several types of window treatments for beach condominium units in Panama City Beach, Destin and others along the Florida Panhandle. We have worked hard to develop the best possible beach product and, through our extensive services with Florida resort rental and homeowner association managers, we're familiar with rental management company requirements. One of the main requirements from beach rental vacation condominiums and homes is window treatments with maxium sun-blocking ability. For drapes, that means blackout lining on every treatment. There are three main reasons that drapes need heavy blackout lining. One is sun protection for unit interiors. Beach front properties are subjected to heavy sun exposure that can quickly fade furniture fabrics and carpet. Second, energy costs are significantly lessoned when blackout drapes are closed. Even with today's more energy efficient windows and sliding glass doors, windows heat quickly. Closing a blackout lined drape keeps cool air in and helps insulate from windows radiating heat. Finally, and possibly most important to rental managers is what customers require while staying in vacation rentals. Sleeping at the beach can be a challenge when strong rays come in the early morning hours. 100% blackout lined drapes keep bedrooms and living room sleeping areas dark and private. Many rental managers we work with have had customers complain when there is no sun blocking options on windows. Roger Sadd, CAM in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida says, "We can't rent units with nothing on their windows, and even those with blinds let some light in. We always get complaints."
How do you know the drapes you're considering are 100% blackout lined? There is a simple test to make sure your blackout is 3-ply and offering full sun blockage. Hold a flashlight directly to the back of the lining. If ANY light shows on the other side then you do not have 100% blackout lining. Several property homeowners buy discounted blackout lined drapes over the internet, and yes, there are some great deals offered. The products will be described as blackout lined, but do your research and make sure you are getting the 100% sun blockage you need from the drapes you install. Often times, 3-ply, 100% blackout lining is not what is included in the "budget" drape, but instead, a 1 or 2-ply dim-out is used. Dim-out lining offers very little sun blockage and almost no energy savings. Customers may be getting a great deal initially, but then after the time and trouble to install the treatments, they learn that too much light shows through, their rental managers don't approve thier unit's rental availability and they are then in the position of having to replace the drapes and treatments much sooner than anticipated.
Custom blackout lined drapes don't need to be expensive and in the grand scheme of custom drape cost, can be very affordable. Customers must consider that the best custom, blackout lined treatment may not be the "cheapest" product available and, in the end, the cheapest may not save the most money. Make sure and research your options, consult window treatment professionals in your area that are affiliated with professional associations and have the credentials to make the kind of drape necessary for your resort property. Customers should expect a quality treatment that is durable and gives them maximized rental opportunity for the longest period of time.
When you're getting your vacation rental property ready, keep blackout lined drapery requirements in mind. If you need assistance or more information, please contact Drape98 Express at info@drape98.com or visit our website at www.drape98.com
