Solar Screens & More - Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do solar screens work?
The majority of sunlight striking an unprotected glass window passes through into the home, and a small percentage is reflected. Solar screens dramatically reduce the amount of sunlight striking the window. Most of the sun's heat is absorbed or reflected by the screen and carried away by convective air currents created by the warm screen. This diagram shows a window with SunTex installed. In midsummer as much as 230 BTUs can fall on an unprotected square foot of glass.

Solar Screens & More uses quality Phifer SunTex materials in which up to 90% of the sun's heat and glare is reflected, absorbed and dissipated before it strikes the window.

2. What colors should I choose and why?
All colors are effective for blocking heat, so you may choose a screen color that matches your house color scheme. We offer many different mesh and frame colors. Frame colors are usually matched to the original house window frames. There are various options and a Solar Screens & More representative can supply many samples and great advice.

3. Will solar screens block my view?
No. The strands in the screen are spaced uniformly and doesn't distort your view at all. From a distance of about ten feet it is difficult to tell if you have solar screens on your windows. Solar screens are great at maintaining excellent outward visibility, while at the same time providing additional privacy by blocking outsiders from peeping in during the day.

4. How dark will it make my house?
Solar screens will still allow light to come in, just not the blinding glare. The light that passes through is much softer on the eyes and does an excellent job of reducing that annoying glare on your television set. A lot of plants also thrive on this "softer" light.

5. Will people be able to see in my house?
Not in the daytime. Solar screens offer privacy in the daytime; however, at night when you have lights on, people will be able to see in.

6. Why are solar screens a better choice than window films or awnings?
Film or tint is an interior application and is not designed for your double pane windows. Applying window film to your windows voids out all window warranties, as it is damaging to sealed thermal pane windows. Solar screens are designed to block the heat before it reaches the window glass. Awnings are expensive and do not offer protection 100% of the time. Both of these alternatives offer no energy savings in the winter.

7. How much will solar screens save on my electric bill?
There is no way for anyone to give you a specific accurate figure; there are too many variables involved. Therefore, we are not the kind of company who will make up a statistic. However, solar screens will dramatically reduce the cooling cost portion of your electric bill considering factual statistics on how much heat Phifer SunTex material blocks.

8. Why should we use Solar Screens & More?
We offer FREE window washing with screen installation. We use metal corners that last longer than plastic corners that will turn yellow and deteriorate in time. We also use adequate screws so the screens never fall off, wide frame for durability, and larger spline to roll mesh for a tighter screen. We dispose of your old screens for you. We give personalized attention to each and every customer, apply unsurpassed reliability and professionalism and offer excellent maintenance plans and warranties to attain a long-term relationship with our valued customers.

9. Will my solar screens pay for themselves?
Yes, since solar screens save energy, they normally will pay for themselves within a short period of time by reducing your energy bills. Also they will help your air conditioner last longer and need fewer repairs due to the reduction of its normal workload. We can all certainly understand the importance of this in Las Vegas!

10. Should I take my solar screens off in winter?
No, some people think they will get more benefits from passive solar heating with the solar screen off in the wintertime. However, there are less daytime hours in the winter season, it is also usually more overcast, limiting your chances of passive solar heating. Solar screens also create somewhat of a barrier, keeping the cold winter winds off your glass, similar to a storm window, therefore, keeping the temperature of the glass warmer. The warmer you keep the glass, the less convection heat you need to pay to pump through your house will be attracted to the glass areas, thus conserving energy.

11. Are solar screens easily removed?
Yes, all of our screens are installed with turn thumb bolts. And installed properly, solar screens will not inhibit the operation of your window.

12. Will solar screens reduce fading?
Absolutely, solar screens will drastically reduce the chances of curtains, shutters, wood floors, carpets and furniture from fading.

13. How long will my solar screens last?
Solar Screens and More offers a 10 year warranty from manufactured defects as long as the screens are cleaned and maintained by Solar Screens & More annually. Solar screens can last for decades as long as they are properly taken care of.

14. Should I use the 80% or the 90% mesh?
If you want more light, better airflow and visibility, you should go with 80%. If you want more glare reduction and energy efficiency you should go with the 90%. It is also possible to put 90% on the real problem areas and 80% on less problem areas and aesthetically will not look different on the exterior.

15. Will solar screens hurt my plants?
Not normally, solar screens help reduce the damaging ultraviolet rays, however the 80% screening is usually suggested for plants that require more light.

16. Are solar screens pet resistant?
Yes, solar screens are incredibly pet resistant being vinyl-coated polyester. However, nothing is pet proof.

17. What windows or doors on my house should I put solar screens on?
Solar screens are designed to keep heat out of your home. If some of your windows don't get direct sunlight (due to trees or patio covers), heat may still transfer through the glass. For maximum energy efficiency, solar screens should protect all windows and doors. In some cases, we've covered the real problem areas first and added other screens later.

18. How can I measure my windows for solar screens?
Exact measurements depends on the style of your home. Measuring width and height to the edge of the window frame is sufficient for brick homes. Add an extra 1/2 inch to each side (width and height) if your home is stucco. Don't forget to jot down center bar measurements (if any) along the bottom and side of each window.

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