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!

Major Blinds Seattle has the room-cooling solutions you need. We offer numerous affordable products that will block the sun’s harmful UV rays & help keep your home cooler & more comfortable

• Durasol SunShelter® Elite Awnings that help to block out the sun & create an outdoor living space.
• Durasol DuraShade Solar Shades that will eliminate the sun’s damaging glare.
• Hunter Douglas’ complete line of Honeycomb shades are proven to help lower your heating & cooling bills.
• Custom wood shutters also block out the heat & misery during these hot summer months in Washington.
• Wood & Aluminum blinds, vertical blinds & sliders for sliding glass doors, manual or remote controlled light blocking skylight shades, as well as custom drapery are other available cooling & energy saving solutions.

Major Blinds strives to meet every home’s window covering needs. We are locally owned & operated, so we understand the unique needs of Pacific Northwest homes!

Let us show you affordable ways to decrease the temperature of your home without having to spend thousands. Give us a call at (888) 662-5672. We look forward to serving you.

Local Phone Numbers

Seattle: 206-623-1379

Bellevue/Eastside: 425-453-3216

Bellingham: 360-671-7091

Tacoma & Auburn: 253-826-4513

Major Blinds Seattle proudly serves all of Western Washington including Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Bellingham & beyond!

This means no more annoying glare on your television screen, and no more blinding light pouring in as you try to read. Plus, your solar screen greatly reduces damaging UV rays that can destroy your home’s valuable furnishings & artwork.

A DuraShade solar screen will help to prolong the life of your drapes, carpets, wood floors, furniture and more.

Durasol offers specifically-designed, interior-mounted shading systems that can completely block outdoor light or simply darken a room. Add privacy to a bedroom or bathroom, or darken a media room — we can custom design a system to meet your unique needs.

Major Blinds proudly offers Durasol Solar Shades & Awnings in Seattle, and all of Western WA.

Please give us a call at (888) 662-5672 for your free in-home consultation. One of our highly trained window fashion consultants will come to your Seattle area home, at your convenience, with all the options offered by Durasol to help you find the right look, color and filtration for your home.

Major Blinds proudly serves all of Western Washington including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Bellingham & beyond!