Solar Screens

Speak about Solar Screens and you will hear stories of homes with unattractive blacked out windows or views that make you feel dizzy from inside the home. Today’s screening materials are far better than those of recent years.  There are a variety of colors and shading values that match with any homes decor.  Solar Screens remain a top priority for updating older homes that don’t have low-e windows.  Florida Solar says there are appreciable gains when we place screens over existing low-e windows.  But Solar Screens do more than just block heat gain from direct sunlight.

UV or ultraviolet light is a source for fading fabrics and bleaching flooring and other construction materials.  Solar Screens effectively reduce the damage from this type of light.

Some folk believe a good set of drapes are effective at keeping the heat out along with the sun. Drapes are effective in keeping radiant heat out however when we darken a room the temptation is to add lighting which is another source of heat energy and a revenue drain.  It is important to remember that once heat gets past the glass (behind the drapes) it will have to be managed by the air conditioning.

While Solar Screens do a good job reducing heat gain in sunny climates we must remember we may want to remove them when using sunlight as passive heat in the winter.

It is important to remember the investment you make in Solar Screen should last 10 years.  Make sure the company providing the screens use quality screening materials and heavy gauge frame stock.  Large windows may need a mid window support to prevent the screen material from moving in a wind or keep the frame from flexing.

Is a window or a group of windows a candidate for Solar Screens?  If  a windows receives direct sunlight for over an hour over half the window or more there can be immediate savings.  Remember the amount of sun a window receives will change as the earth moves seasonally.