Honestly, I get where you're coming from on the awnings—wind is no joke. But I wouldn’t totally write them off just yet. There are some heavy-duty options out there with wind sensors that’ll automatically retract if things get wild. Not saying it’s cheap, but if you’re really after shading the windows (and keeping that summer heat out), it might be worth a look. My cousin’s got one and it’s held up so far, though to be fair, their place isn’t a total wind tunnel like mine.
Low-e film and curtains do help, but I’ve found they can make the room feel a bit cave-like, especially in winter when you want any sunlight you can get. The inserts are cool, but yeah, they’re not exactly pocket change. I ended up biting the bullet and doing storm windows for the worst spots—more upfront cost, but at least I don’t have to mess with them every season.
Just throwing it out there—sometimes the pricier fix saves hassle in the long run, even if it stings at first.
I hear you on the “pricier fix saves hassle” angle, but I gotta say, storm windows have been a mixed bag for me. Maybe it’s just my 1940s house, but installing them was a pain (nothing’s square), and cleaning between the panes is a whole adventure. Ever tried wrangling a ladder in February? Not my idea of a good time. I’m still tempted by those low-e films, even if they make things a bit gloomy—at least I don’t have to dodge falling icicles. Has anyone actually found a coating that keeps the heat out but doesn’t kill the winter sun? Feels like chasing a unicorn.