Posts

example solar shades & screens

Solar Shades vs Solar Screens: What is the Difference?

Spending time outside on your sunporch or screened-in deck can be a great way to enjoy the sun but sometimes the sun can be too hot, especially in June or July regardless of where you live. If you want to avoid a sunburn or blisters, consider installing solar shades or solar screens.

Much like how houses vary in size from one another, sunporches and decks can also vary in size; therefore, custom solar screens are often the best way to go. Exterior solar screens can be mounted onto the framing members and keep direct sunlight from causing sunburns and provide more privacy.

To discover the difference between solar shades and solar sunscreens and which application would work the best, continue reading to learn more.

What Are Solar Shades?

solar shadeSolar shades are designed to block light, protect against dangerous UV rays, and reduce glare. They can be installed as exterior window sunscreens as a window treatment option for rooms that have excessive sunlight. Additionally, they also protect household surfaces, furniture, and carpets from fading.

What Are Solar Screens?

polyester weaveSolar shades are designed with a polyester weave and PVC coating and special solar screen material, generally installed on the exterior of the windows. Solar sunscreens for windows also essentially blacken out windows. Further, it’s not the best way to reduce the transfer of heat through the glass but they do gain solar heat coefficients.

Below are some pros and cons of custom solar screens:

Pros:

  • Porch Insulation: Custom solar screens can lower the temperature on your porch by several degrees, making it more enjoyable to be outside.
  • Personalized Adjustments: The best solar shades in Phoenix come with multiple options that complement the design of your porch. They can also be easily removed for storage during the winter months.
  • Reduce Glare: Solar screens provide protection from harmful UV rays and also your patio flooring and furniture.
  • Increased Privacy: Custom solar screens provide you the ability to see outside but people passing by can’t see you. They allow the privacy of family gatherings without prying eyes from nosey neighbors.

Cons:

  • Partial Obstruction: Since solar screen material is a woven fabric, it may block your view slightly.
  • Weather Damage: One of the best ways to prevent weather damage is to get your solar screens in Phoenix installed by a professional installation company from harsh weather.
  • Can Be Hard to Move: Since solar screens block heat, it could be a benefit to remove them to allow for more natural sunlight to heat the insides of your home.
  • Darken Your Porch: Since custom solar shades prevent some natural sunlight, they may make the inside of your sunporch feel darker.

Below are some pros and cons of custom solar shades:

Pros:

  • UV Protection: The solar screen material, fabric, and pattern can be used on the solar shades to prevent ultraviolet rays from entering and causing damage to your deck furniture.
  • Maximize Viewing: Although patio solar shades are opaque, they provide a way to see out of them. Further, professional solar shades in Phoenix allow users to close and open them, enhancing your control over your privacy and brightness levels.
  • Multiple Design Options: With the best solar shades you can get lighter and darker fabrics. The only drawback to lighter fabrics is they may your view somewhat hazy.

Cons:

  • Privacy Restrictions: Depending on the custom solar shades and fabric, you could allow outsiders to see you when the light is on.
  • Sunlight in Spaces: Since some solar shades come with high light protection, you may see spaces or gaps in the framework, allowing a little extra sunlight into your porch.
  • Restrict Airflow and Light: The fabric selected to make and design solar shades can darken the outdoor living space. Additionally, they are designed to control the wind from entering your sunporch, so it’s important to raise them up once in a while to limit the stuffiness.

Professional installation of either custom solar screens or solar shades in Phoenix by an expert installer provides the best enjoyment and long-term value.

Where to Get Expert Solar Shades in Phoenix?

Stellar Sunscreens is the best place to get either custom solar screens or shades in Phoenix. Contact us today for a free on-site consultation or fill out our contact form. We provide a variety of options as well as expert advice for the best solar screen material to use for your exact location and application.

solar screen Phoenix

Most Common Sun Screen Questions

If you live in a region that experiences a temperate climate, the high temperatures due to sunlight can make living in your house feel like living inside a greenhouse. As such, finding ways to limit the amount of sunlight coming through your windows is crucial to making your house comfortable.

Sunscreens are a great solution for homeowners who wish to reduce the amount of sunlight in their homes. Not only do they reduce indoor temperature and provide UV protection by keeping the sun out but they can also help homeowners to significantly cut down on the amount of energy used, thus saving on costs.

Read on to find out more about sunscreens and get answers to some of the most pertinent questions about these products.

What Are Sun Screens?

A sunscreen (also known as a solar screen or window screen) is a specially designed mesh that is used to cover a window to block heat and UV rays from the sun from hitting it. Solar screens are made out of synthetic fiber, metal wires, or fiberglass and are designed to cut down the amount of heat from the sun that enters a home by 80-90%.

Below are some of the commonly asked questions about sunscreens:

What Are the Benefits of Having a Solar Screen?

sun UV raysAs mentioned before, solar screens work by deflecting brightness from the sun as well as absorbing heat and UV rays. Homeowners who live in sweltering climates can use solar shade screens Phoenix to keep their homes cool and comfortable all year round.

In addition to this, the significant reduction of heat from the sun that reaches a home’s windows means that there is less need to have the air conditioner running all day long. As such, installing solar screens can help a homeowner to achieve energy efficiency and save on energy costs.

Do Some Window Solar Screens Block More Heat than Others?

Yes. Not all shade screens for windows are made equal. Over the years, many different types of sunscreens have been developed with varying levels of heat-blocking capabilities. If you are shopping for the most efficient sun shades in Phoenix, consult our professionals to see the range of materials we have and find what suits your needs.

Can Window Solar Screens Damage My Windows?

window solar screen contactNo. Window solar screens Phoenix are usually installed in such a way that they do not come into any kind of contact with the windows. However, even if they were to do so, they would still not harm a window. On the contrary, they help extend the life of a window by keeping it cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter months.

Generally, sunscreens improve the visual appeal of a building. The best part is that they are also cheaper and easier to install. As such, they have continued to gain more traction among homeowners.

Professional Solar Shade Screens Phoenix Services

As you can see, installing window solar screens is one of the best investments you can make if you live in a temperate region. Not only will they keep your home cool throughout the day but will help you save money by improving your A/C efficiency.

At Stellar Sunscreens, we pride ourselves on manufacturing high-quality and durable solar screens in a wide range of colors to suit any homeowner’s needs. Our sunscreens will help you reduce heat from the sweltering Arizona sun by up to 90% thus enhancing the comfort of your home.

Give us a call today to make an order and get started.

cat laying near the window in the sun

Do Solar Screens Reduce Heat?

The sweltering summer heat can make a home uncomfortable, and most homeowners are compelled to cool their homes in various ways. Having a working HVAC system, and DIY solar screens, blinds, or shades can serve the purpose.

Solar screens help to cool a home by about 10-15° Celsius. They achieve this by blocking solar rays from reaching indoor surfaces. They also diffuse the sun’s rays, thus reducing the effects of solar energy. This helps to maintain optimal room temperatures, especially during hot weather seasons.

Read on to learn more about how solar screen mesh works, how to properly maintain it, and where to seek a professional installer.

Do Solar Screen Keep Heat Out?

Yes, they do lower the indoor temperature by about 15 degrees Celsius. The screen’s cooling effect is achieved when they block the sun rays from reaching indoor surfaces. The screens also have a reflective surface that reflects the sun’s radiation and prevents it from heating the window parts.
solar screens protecting from sun radiationSolar screens also minimize the fading effect that the sun’s radiation has on carpets, curtains, furniture, and fixtures. The screens improve privacy, while also letting in enough light for indoor pot plants.
Should I Replace My Old Window Screens?

Like most home accessories, solar screens on the windows can be damaged by various elements. The durability of screens depends on environmental and structural factors, including screen mesh type, usage, and the elements of weather. If well maintained, they can last for 10-15 years. Thereafter, homeowners may replace them to ensure they work perfectly.

The Benefits of Solar Screens to Reduce Heat

Solar shades are vital window units that can be attached to the exterior or interior parts of the window. Apart from reducing heat, there are so many benefits that homeowners stand to gain by installing these accessories.

These include:

  • Solar screens reduce the solar radiation entering the home by almost 90%, and thus cut heat gain by more than 10 degrees Celsius.
  • The cooling effect of solar screens eases the burden of the air conditioner and cuts the cooling costs.
  • The exterior solar screens also block the outdoor view while giving the home excellent privacy and ambient lighting indoors.
  • The solar screens for patio areas reduce glares on most display screens including laptops, TVs, and smartphones.
  • They protect carpets, furniture, and floors from harmful UV radiation that degrades them.
  • Exterior solar screens are pest-resistant and can filter out dust and debris.
  • Solar screens for the patio also allow ambient filtered light that is sufficient for indoor pot plants.
  • Apart from reducing solar radiation, the solar screens also block UV rays from getting into your indoors.
  • Well-designed exterior solar screens can also add to the beauty and aesthetic appeal of a home.

To experience the benefits of solar shades, it is crucial to have them installed by an expert. Homeowners also need to buy high-quality solar screens made from materials that do not biodegrade when exposed to excessive sun radiation. Moreover, ensure the screens have a warranty, as it will guarantee longevity or a refund in case it malfunctions.

Professional Solar Screens Installation Services in Phoenix

book sun screen installationDo you need solar screens, but you are clueless about how to install solar screens? Solar screen installation is a simple process, but if you lack the expertise to install DIY solar screens, you can get a local technician. A professional service is ideal because it ensures that the screens are installed properly.

At Stellar Sunscreens, we offer perfect solar screen installation services for all property owners. If you’d like to get solar screen mesh installation services in Phoenix, AZ, do not hesitate to contact us.

solar screen

Most Common Solar Shades Questions Answered

Solar shades have turned out to be one of the best options in the control of light and energy in homes. With sunscreens, it is possible to control the amount of light entering the house and consequently the heat levels.

What is impressive about sunscreen shades is that they can do more than just block light. They trap UV light, which might be harmful to the skin and even to the furniture at home. Due to the diverse uses of custom solar screens, they have become a popular option in residential homes. They can be installed on doors and windows among other areas.

For those considering putting up the shades on their houses, keep on reading as we answer some of the most common questions in this area.

1.What Are Solar Shades?

Solar shades are solar blinds that block light and sun from penetrating the house. The best solar shades also offer protection against UV light, which can be harmful to the skin and the furniture. Solar sunscreen shades can be installed on windows, the ceiling, or doors.

2.Can Solar Shades Control the Heat Levels at Home?

buy suncreen Solar shades can help control the heat levels in the house in summers. The sunscreens block the number of UV rays penetrating the house, consequently reducing heat. In winter solar sunscreen shades may not have any significance on home temperatures.

3.Can You See Through Solar Shades?

The best solar shades Phoenix do allow a person inside the house to view outside. They are loved because they offer privacy by blocking views from outside. Exterior solar shades block views from inside but allow viewing from inside. They can be used for privacy during daytime hours.

4.Where Can Solar Shades Be Installed?

Solar Shades are commonly installed on windows. They also come with brackets that allow installation on doors and the ceiling. Custom solar shades can be installed on regular doors. The regular sunscreen shades are ideal for French doors. Exterior solar shades are mainly installed on the ceiling.

When purchasing Sunscreens it is necessary to ask for custom options that work for the area you wish to install. For wooden doors and ceiling, the regular screws used on windows will work. But in the case of metallic doors, special screws are needed.

5.Do Solar Shades Protect Furniture From Fading?

solar shadesSince they protect UV light from penetrating the house, they can help prevent furniture from fading. Most household items are likely to fade when exposed to the sun and UV light. By using the shades, the furniture in your life will have a long lifespan.

6.Who is the Best Solar Shades Installer in Arizona?

Solar shade installation is an important process that determines the effectiveness of the custom solar shades. Choosing the right solar shades installer is the first step towards achieving the best results.

Contact Stellar Sunscreens Today for Professional Installations

Stellar Sunscreens knows all about sunscreens and the installation process. We try to cut down solar screen costs for our clients to reduce cost implications. For more information, reach out to us via our contact page.

Are My Solar Window Screens Working?

solar window panel
Yes, solar window screens absolutely work. Solar screens offer inexpensive and temporary protection from the sun, heat, and glare. They offer an excellent way to get some privacy while not blocking your view when looking out. Since solar screens reduce the glare your view is often improved.

Solar window screens protect your privacy by blocking the view from outside looking in. They also help reduce the heat of the sun by up to 90 percent before the sun rays even hit your window. With concrete scientific facts proving that yes, solar window screens do work, making this a highly beneficial product for homeowners.

Solar screen Phoenix creates deep protection for your home on multiple levels. Continue reading to find out why solar screens are the ideal product that every homeowner needs.

What are Solar Window Screens?

Solar screens are created with a durable window solar screen mesh. Usually polyester is the main solar screen material used, with PVC coating added sometimes for extra durability. Solar screens are installed on the outside of the window. They block the sun’s heat, UV rays, even insects, and add an extra layer of privacy to your home.

Which is Better Solar Screens Or Window Tinting?

solar protectionWhen comparing solar vs tinted for heat reduction, custom solar screens are the most superior choice for your home. Tinting windows can appear invisible and it does provide slight energy efficiency, it can be easily damaged. Solar screens are also inexpensive while tinting isn’t.

Here are the pros of each type:

Window Tinting :

  • Increased privacy
  • Helps to reduce heat during the summer
  • Fewer UV Rays
  • Increased security

Solar Wind Screens:

window screens

  • Inexpensive
  • Significantly reduces solar heat
  • Adds value to your home
  • Makes your home secure and protected

Tinting has its pros and cons but as you can see solar screens are much more efficient. Solar screens also are considerably less costly and will add more value to your home.

Get Professional Solar Window Screens Installation Today

Are you ready to see how solar window screens will work for your home? Stellar Sun Screens is the perfect place for you. We are industry leaders and guarantee our customers a satisfying experience. Stellar Sun Screens will professionally install your solar screens, and we only use the highest quality materials.

Stellar Solar Screens are not only efficient but affordable. Solar window screens are an extremely effective way to reduce heat entry, block harmful UV rays, and add not only privacy but protection to your home. Contact us today to schedule your free in-home consultation.

Do Solar Screens Really Save Money?

Solar screens are screen panels that are placed on windows. Do solar screens really save money? The answer is yes. If you would like to lower your household expenses, you can try using solar screens for your windows.

Do Solar Screens Really Save Money? – Do window screens save energy?

While there are many things to consider when buying solar screens, many want to know about how solar screens can help save money. Solar screens help to deflect the brightness of the sunlight to make sure that no sun glare enters your home. The screens can save you some money in different ways.

Do Solar Screens Really Save Money?
Do Solar Screens Really Save Money?

Solar screens are unique as compared to other standard window treatments such as curtains and blinds. Other than blocking out the sunlight, solar shades and screens can provide more privacy by making it hard for someone to see into your home from the outside. You can enjoy all the benefits of using curtains or blinds but without blocking your view.

How does a Solar Screen Work?

The screens work in several ways, depending on what you choose. Before you buy solar screens, ensure that you consult an expert to help you make an informed decision based on your needs.

Sunscreens work by a thing called shade coefficient . The material absorbs heat and reflects it away before the heat is able to touch the glass. If the screen was not present, it would increase temperatures in the home. Stellar Sunscreens can block either 80% or 90% of the heat coming in through the window. The difference between 80% and 90% is that the 90% has more material per square inch, hence a better shade coefficient.

How do Solar Screens save Money?

  • Keeping a Home Cool during the Summers.

Maintaining a cool environment during the summer is not an easy task, and it comes at a cost. By using solar screens, you will keep solar heat and sun rays out of your home. However, do not replace your air conditioning with window screens or shades.

The air conditioner and the screens work together to provide a cooler environment in your home. According to experts, solar screens can help to lower the temperatures in your home by up to 15 degrees. During the winter, you can replace them with shades.

Do Solar Screens Really Save Money?
Do Solar Screens Really Save Money?

Outdoor condensers for HVAC systems can hardly cool the hot refrigerant in a home. A canopy can be helpful in providing a shade and keeping your home cooler and hence lower energy bills.

  • Providing Protection for Furniture and Equipment.

Solar screens and shades help to block the sun’s glare and filtering the UV rays. The features are beneficial as they will help to prevent damages to your home furniture and decor. Homeowners are forced to replace faded items in their homes because of the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. Solar screens will help to stretch the lifespan of your household items.

Do solar screens really save money? One of the top reasons why you should consider having solar screens in your home is that they will help you to save money, especially on energy bills. Although there are many types of window treatments available for home, solar screens are very cost effective. For more information about how solar screens can benefit you, our professionals here at Stellar Sunscreens can help you.