Solar screens are an excellent way to control the sun’s harsh rays and heat from entering your home. They can dramatically reduce your air conditioning costs and help make your furniture, paintings and carpet last longer by reducing the strain on them.
To keep solar screens in good shape, you should clean them often. Use a soft brush or cloth dipped in warm water with mild soap to scrub them, then rinse the fabric thoroughly.
1. Light Control
When the sun’s glare comes streaming through your windows, it can be difficult to enjoy reading, watching TV or even working on a computer. Instead of squinting to see your work, solar screens can keep the sunlight off the window and allow you to relax in your home without distraction or discomfort. This is especially helpful for those who suffer from migraines and other headache-causing conditions that can be exacerbated by light.
There are a number of factors that determine the overall cost of solar screen projects. One of the most significant is the quality of the fabric used. The best solar screen fabrics, including Phifer Suntex and Twitchell Textilene, are made in the USA and will withstand heavy use and wear. Solar screen fabric is also available in several colors, from neutral to brighter hues. These options give homeowners a wide range of customization to suit their specific aesthetic.
Another factor is the size of the windows to be covered by the solar screens. Larger windows may cost more than smaller windows because of the amount of material required to cover them. Additionally, if the homeowner opts for gridwork on the interior of their solar screen, this will add to the total cost as well.
In addition to the above, homeowners should consider the timing of their purchase. Late spring and summer are peak seasons for solar screen contractors, so homeowners should expect to pay higher prices during these times. However, homeowners who wait until late fall or winter can often get better deals on their solar screen installation project. They also have the benefit of having the option to choose a darker color for their screens, which can help with energy savings and privacy issues.
2. Privacy
Many homeowners choose shades for sun control as sunlight overheats interior spaces and can damage the flooring, furniture, or art that is placed in direct sunlight. Shades can help to protect these items while allowing some light to filter into a room, decreasing glare or creating a more pleasing lighting environment. Solar screens are similar to standard window and door shades in these aspects but offer a few more advantages.
For one, they are a great way to reduce energy costs during summer heatwaves. They create an insulating layer that keeps the air conditioning system from working overtime to cool rooms. This also lowers utility bills and can help the homeowner recoup the initial investment in just a few summers.
Solar screens also block harmful UV rays from entering the room through windows and doors, helping to protect family members’ skin. This can be a lifesaver for anyone who is sensitive to sunlight and cannot go outdoors during the hottest part of the day.
Like most other types of window treatments, solar screens do require some regular maintenance and cleaning. To keep them looking their best, homeowners should gently brush them down with a soft-bristled brush and soapy water at least once per month. After brushing, the fabric should be rinsed thoroughly to remove any remaining soapy residue and excess water. It is important to let the screen dry completely before reattaching it to the window frame.
For those who are not comfortable brushing their solar screens, most hardware stores sell DIY kits. These kits include heavy-duty screen frames, your choice of screen fabric, a spline roller tool and detailed instructions for installation. They are also available in a variety of widths, heights, and crossbar locations to ensure that the screen will fit the window perfectly. These kits are an inexpensive and easy way to upgrade the look of any home or business with the added benefit of energy savings.
3. Temperature Control
The dark, tightly woven mesh of solar screens helps to block out the sun’s heat and UV rays to reduce energy costs and help your home or commercial structure stay cooler. Compared to regular window screens, they keep the sunlight out while still allowing airflow in. They also help to reduce glare and provide privacy. Solar screen fabrics come in a variety of openness factors, colors and solar blockage percentages for customers to choose from.
These windows treatments are a great option for many homes because they don’t interfere with the view and are easy to clean. They can also prevent fading and discoloration of furniture, carpets and artwork. They can also cut down on the workload of your air conditioning system.
If you want to get the most out of your solar screens, it’s important to maintain them properly. This includes regularly cleaning them and keeping them free of dirt, dust and debris. It’s best to clean your solar screens using a mild detergent and water mixture, and to avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing brushes that may damage the fabric.
Solar screens are also available in a variety of frame colors, width fractions and height fractions to fit most window types. They are a smart investment for your home or commercial property, and can be purchased from most window screen contractors. Choosing the right shade fabric and color is essential to get the most benefits out of your solar screens.
Depending on the climate of your area, you may have to pay a little more for your solar screens than if you live in an area with cooler weather. However, shopping around can help you find the best deal on these innovative windows treatments.
4. Insect Control
In areas like Austin that experience summer heat and blazing sunlight, solar screens reduce the amount of heat that gets blasted through your windows. As a result, your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the interior of your home cool and comfortable.
Solar screen fabrics are also designed to be insect-resistant, and they can help keep mosquitoes, flies, and other insects away from your home. The mesh material in these screens is significantly thicker than standard window screening fabric, which helps to deter insects from entering the interior of your home or business.
One thing to consider is the fact that attaching fabric solar screens to the exterior of your windows does change the aesthetic of your building. Some homeowners don’t want to deal with a visual difference that can decrease their enjoyment of their homes. Fortunately, window film is an alternative that doesn’t change the appearance of windows while still providing UV protection and glare reduction.
A solar screen’s openness factor, or OF, determines how much light can pass through the screen. The higher the OF, the more light passes through the screen, and a lower OF allows for greater UV protection and glare control. If you’re looking for a happy medium between visibility and sun protection, Titan Screen offers an 80% solar-rating fabric that blocks 80% of the sun’s heat and UV rays without impeding outdoor visibility.
While it is possible to install solar screens inside a window frame, the best way to get the most out of them is to have them installed on the outside of your windows with a gap between the frames. This installation option is especially effective in hot climates because it traps the heat and glare on the outside of the windows, preventing it from reaching the interior of your home or business.
5. Security
Solar screens are thicker and more sturdy than traditional window sunscreens, so they can be harder to see through. While this doesn’t mean that people outside can’t see into your home, it does make it much harder for them to peek in. This added layer of privacy is also great for those who want to use their porches and patios during the day without having to close their curtains.
In order to keep your solar screens in good shape, you will have to clean them regularly. It is recommended that you have a pair of work gloves and a bucket or bowl of warm water with mild detergent ready. Scrub both sides of the screen with a soft-bristled brush and then rinse it off using a clean garden hose. You should let the screen dry completely before reinstalling it in your window frame.
Another drawback of solar screens is that they are semi-permanent and change the appearance of your windows. Some homeowners are not happy with this and are better off with other types of window treatments. In addition, they can inhibit airflow when opened since they are thicker.
Overall, solar screens are an excellent investment for those who want to cut their energy costs, regulate internal temperature, protect their furniture and furnishings from harmful UV rays, keep pesky insects at bay, and maintain privacy. They are also easy to clean, come in a variety of colors and styles, and offer the same benefits as other sunscreens while being more durable. If you would like to learn more about the various solar screen options available to you, contact a local window treatment specialist such as the experts here at Glass Guru!