How To Choose The Right Solar Screens For Windows

In the months of overwhelming heat, the harsh UV rays from the sun heat your house and patio to the point you feel like you are being cooked.

In addition, that infuriating glare of the sun hits your eyes repeatedly while you have to retreat to house corners to get some daytime privacy. Not to mention the health hazards!

So many problems and a rather simple solution, solar shades!

What are Solar Screens?

Solar screens are window coverings that block the sun's glare and reduce heat intake. To regulate the quantity of sunlight entering a room, they are made of a black, dense mesh material placed over a window and may be pulled down or up.

Solar screens are a terrific option for lowering energy costs and enhancing comfort in homes and businesses. They also help the environment since they lessen the air conditioning demand, lowering energy use and carbon emissions.

Types of Solar Screens for Windows

An eclectic range of solar screens can be found in the market. Some of the most notable ones are.

Exterior Solar Screens

Exterior solar screens prevent the sun's rays from entering a building, keep the home cooler, and reduce the need for air conditioning. They also reduce the glare and harmful UV rays entering the building, which is especially beneficial for reducing eye strain and preventing discoloration of interior furnishings.

Interior Solar Screens

Most interior solar shades are constructed from a dark, dense mesh cloth mounted on a frame and fastened to the window's inside.

Internal sunscreens are a practical and affordable way to lower energy expenses and enhance building comfort. They are a perfect substitute for other window treatments like curtains or drapes because they are simple to install and have low upkeep.

These window frames block the sun's UV rays and can be available in various colors.

Retractable Solar Screens

The amount of sunshine that enters a building can be managed by retractable solar screens and shading systems that can be extended or retracted as needed. They are a fantastic way to enhance the energy efficiency, UV protection, and comfort levels in buildings since they are versatile, practical, and customizable in various colors.

Components of Solar Screens for Windows

Before adding screen doors to your cart, you must know the components of sun shades to enhance your shading experience.

Solar screen material

The fabric used in solar screens is crucial since it provides shade and glare reduction benefits. Polyester, PVC, and fiberglass typically create the high-quality mesh material used as screen fabric.

In addition, it is a low-maintenance solution for shading buildings since it is also resistant to fading, weathering, and insect damage while preserving airflow.

Frame

The solar screen frame is a crucial part of solar screens because it assures the stability of the shading device and provides the required support for it. The frame is often constructed from a tough material, like metal or aluminum, and is intended to withstand weather conditions like wind, rain, and the sun's UV rays.

Hardware and mounting

All types of sunscreens, including retractable, internal, and external sunscreens, require hardware for mounting. They are the components and devices that fasten sunscreens to structures and regulate their movement.

Sunscreen mounting hardware normally consists of brackets, screws, and other fasteners to attach the screens to a structure. Additionally, they might have a manual or automated mechanism for raising and lowering the screens—for instance, roller shades.

Additional accessories

Solar screens can have extra components added to them to improve their performance and functionality. Remote controls, motorized systems, weather sensors, timers, and automatic shading systems are some examples of these accessories.

How much do Solar Screens cost?

The type of solar screen, the size of the window or door, and the type of fabric used can all significantly impact the price.

For example, a retractable solar screen can cost upwards of $300 to $800, whereas a basic exterior solar screen typically costs between $100 and $300. In addition, the price of solar screen fabric can vary from $10 to $50 per linear foot.

How to choose the right Solar Screen for Windows or patio?

Choosing the ideal solar screen for windows can be difficult, but it's crucial to pick one that matches the type of windows you have.

Type of Windows

Determining the type of windows, you have is the first step in selecting the ideal solar screen. There are various windows, including double-hung, casement, and sliding windows; each type requires a different kind of solar screen.

Size of Windows

When picking a solar screen, precise window measurements are crucial. To ensure the solar screen fits properly, measure the correct inch of the window's height, breadth, and depth.

Quality of mesh fabric and frame

Solar screen cloth comes in various forms, including fiberglass, aluminum, and PVC. The features of each type of fabric vary, including UV resistance, sturdiness, and color fastness; it is crucial to select a fabric that suits your demands.

When selecting a solar screen, the frame is another crucial aspect. Select a frame that fits the design of your house, is solid, and is long-lasting.

Installation of a Solar Screen for Windows

Installing solar screens is simple enough, but you must do it accurately to maximize protection from the sun's UV rays, heating, and insect protection. You can follow the following steps to attach your shade.

• To choose the appropriate sunscreen size, measure the window frame's height and breadth.
• To ensure the installation goes smoothly, thoroughly clean the window frame and glass of debris, grease, or dirt.
• The majority of sunscreens include window-frame-attached brackets. To install the brackets securely, adhere to the instructions with the sunscreen.
• After installing the brackets, fasten the sunscreen to them by hooking them into the brackets and pushing the screen firmly.

Maintenance of Windows Solar Screens

To boost the productivity and longevity of your sunshade, you must not spare any effort in its upkeep. Some of the common tips to follow are:

• Use a soft cloth, mild soap, and water solution to clean your solar screens occasionally. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents that could harm the display's material.
• Regularly check the hardware, such as the hooks and brackets, to ensure they are firmly attached and functioning properly. If required, tighten any loose screws or replace any damaged elements.
• To prevent damage, store them properly over the winter. The screens should be carefully rolled up and kept dry, free from moisture and severe temperatures.

Are solar window screens worth it?

Sunscreens have several pros and cons that come with them. So before making any final decision, consider them closely.

Pros

Solar screens can cut heat gain by up to 80%, lowering energy bills by lowering ac consumption and maintaining a more comfortable indoor climate.

Solar screens shield your skin from the sun's UV rays by blocking up to 90% of them, preventing your carpeting, flooring, furniture, and curtains from fading. By obstructing visibility for outsiders, solar screens can promote privacy.

Cons

Solar screens can limit the natural light entering your building or home, creating a darker, less appealing atmosphere.

In addition, the cost of buying and installing solar screens can be high, particularly if you need to cover a lot of windows or if the windows are big or difficult to reach.

Finally, to keep screens operating properly, they may need to be cleaned and maintained regularly, such as by clearing debris or tightening screws.

Bottom Line

Solar screens are environmentally-friendly, user-friendly, and great for preserving personal privacy. However, while protecting you from the sun's hot rays, they also block natural lighting and can be a blot on the overall aesthetic of your house.

FAQs

Which type of Solar Screen is better: aluminum or polycarbonate?

Although costly and highly visible, aluminum is a durable, lightweight, and robust material that resists wear and tear. Because it is transparent and less noticeable from the outside, polycarbonate is desirable for homes or other structures where keeping a clear view is important and less expensive.

However, it cannot match the ultraviolet resistance and durability of aluminum.

Which are better solar screens or window tinting?

Solar screens can be more expensive; thus, tinted film is a more inexpensive alternative for some individuals. However, compared to solar screens, the tinted film may be more prone to peeling, cracking, or fading over time.

Solar screens may block up to 90% of dangerous UV rays and reduce heat gain by up to 80%.

Can you put Solar Screens inside a window?

Yes, it is possible to install solar screens inside windows. This is an inside solar screen, and it deflects the heat and light of the sun away from the window to work.

To lessen heat gain and increase energy efficiency, interior solar screens are installed inside a structure, generally on the window frame.

How long do Solar Window Screens last?

A solar window screen's lifespan may differ based on various criteria, such as the material used, the standard of the production process, and the degree of exposure to the elements.

However, solar window screens can last between 5 and 15 years or even longer when properly maintained and shielded from bad weather.