What’s the difference between a solar screen and a bug screen?
Bug screens, typically made of aluminum or polyester have a very wide-open weave, designed to stop most bugs. Most solar screen fabrics have a similar basket weave style but that’s where the similarities end.
Solar screen fabrics are specially designed to block a varying percentage of both the sun’s light and heat.
These fabrics also have a different finish to increase both the effectiveness of the fabric performance and its life expectancy.
Can you still see through them?
Yes, you can still see through the screen weave. The openness factor of these fabrics typically ranges from 10% to 3% – the higher the number, the more light passes through. The darker the color fabric, the easier it is to see through.
What is the main purpose of a solar screen?
Most consumers purchase solar screens for a combination on two main functions; to reduce solar heat gain and interior fading, and to cut down or eliminate sun glare.
Solar screens can also add privacy.
Solar screens can do all of these functions without the consumer losing their view of the outdoors.
Where do they mount? Inside or outside of the home?
Based on budget and primary function, solar screens can be mounted to both the inside or outside of the home or business.
The largest benefit of outdoor or exterior mounted units is that they stop solar heat gain BEFORE it can enter the home or office.
Indoor mounted units are usually less expensive, still block a considerable amount of the sun’s heat but are also mounted in a controlled environment and not exposed to the outdoor elements.
How do they operate?
Most solar screens are retractable and can operate in a verity of manners.
Typically, interior mounted screens (mounted in the inside of the home) are either pull chain operated or motorized.
Exterior mounted screens can operate, depending on size, with a manual pull tape, a manual hand crank or can also be motorized for easy operation
Are solar screens actually sold throughout the country?
The answer is yes.
Of course solar screens make logical sense in the non-stop sunshine states, but they are also widely sold from the northwest to the northeast of this great country too. Many people continue to use their solar screens even during the winter months to reduce sun and snow glare.
What do solar screen costs?
Due to the custom-made nature of solar screens, most providers need measurements and typically perform a site inspection before prices are quoted.
Custom-made, exterior mounted, and professionally installed solar screens will typically range between $1,500 and $4,000 each.
Interior solar screens typically range from $300 to $2,000.
Both systems depend on unit size and manor of operation. Again, the wide range of available sizes and the large variety of product options effect prices dramatically – so very rarely is one system exactly the same as the next.
Major Blinds offers numerous indoor & outdoor solar shades solutions for your Seattle area home. If you have any questions regarding solar shades or retractable awnings give us a call at (888) 662-5672.
As always, we offer free in home window coverings consultations.
Major Blinds proudly serves all of Western Washington including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Bellingham & beyond!
