Do your west-facing rooms feel like an oven after 4 p.m.? If you live in Terraine on West Jordan’s West Bench, you love the mountain views, but not the late-afternoon heat and glare. You can keep the view and still stay comfortable with the right mix of shading, smart glass, and waterwise design. Below, you’ll find practical, HOA-friendly moves that work in our climate and can boost comfort, protect furnishings, and help your energy bills. Let’s dive in.
Why west exposures hit Terraine
Salt Lake Valley summers are hot and sunny. July highs average in the mid 90s, and afternoon sun comes in at a low angle that drives heat and glare right into west-facing glass. That is when outdoor temperatures are near their daily peak, so cooling systems work hardest. (See local climate normals for Salt Lake City.)
Late-day sun is also harder to block. Horizontal overhangs that help on south walls do less on the west side because the sun is lower. You need vertical or side-oriented shading and smarter glass to cut heat without losing your view.
Quick wins now
Target the hotspots
Walk your home between 4 and 7 p.m. Note rooms that overheat, glare on screens, and which windows cause it. Measure those windows and take photos. This gives you a clear plan for shading and glass upgrades.
Exterior shading that works
Exterior solutions stop heat before it reaches the glass, which is where you win. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly designed awnings can reduce solar heat gain on west windows by up to 77%. Consider exterior solar screens, retractable awnings, or vertical exterior shades on the worst west windows. Always verify HOA rules before installing.
Learn how awnings and exterior shades cut heat.
Interior control that helps
Interior shades will not block as much heat as exterior options, but they still help with comfort and glare. Tight-fitting cellular shades, lined curtains, and roller shades are solid, affordable options. Automation or timers keep them closed during peak sun.
See DOE guidance on effective interior window coverings.
Smarter glass options
Low SHGC windows
For west-facing windows, choose glass with a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient to cut summer heat, paired with a low U-factor for winter efficiency. ENERGY STAR and NFRC labels make the specs easy to compare. In our climate, low SHGC on east and west is usually the right call.
Compare NFRC ratings and choose the right glass by orientation.
Spectrally selective films
Not ready to replace windows? Professionally applied spectrally selective films can block a large portion of infrared heat while keeping views and natural light. They can also reduce UV that fades floors and furniture. Before installing, confirm warranty compatibility for insulated glass units.
Landscape and outdoor shade
Waterwise deciduous trees
Plant drought-tolerant deciduous trees on the west side to shade low-angle sun in summer, then let winter sun through after leaf drop. Choose species suited to Utah’s climate and plan for mature canopy size and clearances.
Utah State University Extension tree selection guidance.
Pergolas, sails, and vines
Shade sails, pergolas with vines, and trellises over patios can make outdoor living more enjoyable while shading adjacent west windows. Pair structures with Localscapes-inspired, low-water plantings to align with Terraine’s waterwise goals.
Local Localscapes classes and resources.
Roof, insulation, and HVAC
Cool roof materials
If you are reroofing, consider cool roof products that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. In our hot, sunny summers, cool roofs can lower attic temperatures and help reduce cooling loads.
Use cool nights
On many summer nights, outside air is much cooler and dry. Whole-house fans or controlled ventilation can flush heat out overnight so your home starts the day cooler. This works best when paired with daytime shading and tight windows and doors.
Zone your cooling
Zoned systems or a small, dedicated mini-split for west rooms let you target afternoon problem areas without overcooling the entire house. Right-sizing equipment becomes easier as shading and envelope upgrades reduce peak loads.
Building new in Terraine
Place rooms wisely
When you can, position major living spaces on north or south walls, and use sunrooms, covered decks, or flex spaces as buffers on the west. Design outdoor rooms that shade glass while preserving your Oquirrh Mountain view.
Compare builder packages
Ask your sales rep about low-SHGC glazing options for west windows, prewires for exterior shades, and automated interior shades. Review landscape plans for waterwise shade trees and patio structures that shield afternoon sun.
HOA and approvals
Most master-planned communities have design guidelines for exterior changes. Before you install awnings, exterior screens, or plant large trees, review your CC&Rs and confirm the approval process with the builder or association. Getting the green light upfront avoids delays and rework.
Resale and value
Comfort and energy features are increasingly important to buyers. Document shading, window specs, and roof or HVAC upgrades in your listing. National studies show energy-efficient homes can command resale advantages in many markets.
ENERGY STAR summary of potential resale benefits.
Your action checklist
- Verify HOA and builder guidelines for exterior modifications.
- Identify the worst west windows. Measure, photograph, and note heat and glare times.
- Add tight-fitting cellular or roller shades right away for quick relief.
- Install exterior solar screens or a retractable awning on the hottest west windows.
- Consider spectrally selective window film, after checking window warranty compatibility.
- Plant waterwise deciduous trees and add a pergola or shade sail to cover west patios.
- If reroofing, compare cool roof options that fit your home’s design and climate.
Ready to find a Terraine lot with great light or fine-tune a home you already own? Reach out to Jason J. Real Estate for local guidance on orientation, builder options, and a resale-minded plan that keeps your home cool and your views intact.
FAQs
Do awnings really help on west windows?
- Yes. DOE reports that well-designed awnings can cut west-facing solar heat gain by up to 77 percent, and exterior shading blocks heat before it hits the glass.
Can I keep my mountain view and reduce heat?
- Often yes. Use spectrally selective glass or film, exterior solar screens, or vertical shades that reduce heat and glare while preserving sightlines.
Will window film void my window warranty?
- Some manufacturers limit warranties on insulated glass when films are applied. Choose films rated for IGUs and confirm compatibility in writing before installation.
What are the most cost-effective first steps?
- Start with exterior solar screens or a retractable awning on the hottest west windows, add cellular shades inside, plant waterwise shade trees, and plan for low-SHGC glass when you replace windows.
