Common Solar Screen Questions – Answered
Common solar screen questions.
[/caption]- Question: What type of solar screens are there? Answer: The 3 basic types of Phifer solar screens are Sunscreen – 70%, Suntex – 80%, and Suntex or Super Solar – 90%. The percentages represent the value of sunlight and heat that is rejected by the screen. The higher the percentage, the more light and heat that is rejected.
- Question: What screen type is the best for my windows? Answer: It depends on several structural and lifestyle factors. First, how intense is the sunlight and heat coming through the window(s)? Windows that face directly toward the morning or afternoon sun, where no other objects like trees, fences or other buildings provide shading, might be a good candidate for the Suntex 90% screen. Windows in rooms with televisions or computers are used during the day, may be good candidates for 90%. Windows that are opened in the spring or fall to allow cool breezes in might be good candidates for an 80% or 70% fabric. Rooms with only a single window may be a good candidate for a 70% or 80%.
- Question: What will my homeowner's association say about my new solar screens? Answer: You need to check with your association before installing solar screens on your street facing windows. Most associations do allow solar screens, but they generally require that the architectural grid pattern ("colonial pattern") of the window is maintained in the solar screen. Colonial grid patterns can easily be built into the screens, but they effectively double the price. Some associations also have restrictions for the color of the screen. There are generally no restrictions or requirements for non-street facing windows.
- Question: Will my screens have to be screwed onto the windows? Answer: Not necessarily. Most window frames have a track system that is designed for a full-sized screen. In these applications, we install the screens with tension springs which are more than adequate to hold the screen in place (except during hurricanes). Even if no such track exists, screens can be installed with fasteners like brick clips, or even adhesive fasteners.
- Question: What is the difference between solar screens and solar window film? Answer: The biggest difference by far is price. Solar Screens are 1/2 the price of solar film installed. The lower cost of screens means a faster rate of return on the investment. Also, solar screens allow the homeowner to control the heat and light coming through the windows. During a cold winter, the homeowner can take the solar screens off and allow beneficial solar heat into the home. Solar films are permanent so there is no way to allow more heat light in during the winter. Solar films do reflect inside heat back into the home which is beneficial. Solar films may also void certain warranties on dual pane, gas filled windows so solar screens may be the only choice for newer homes.
- Question: How much in energy savings will I see on my next electric bill? Answer: It takes a detailed study to determine an exact figure. The savings are a direct result of how much window square footage is being covered, the direction and duration of sunlight coming through the windows being covered, and how much shading is provided by other objects like trees and buildings. An honest salesman will not give you a percentage or number. They will tell you that you will know a savings is taking place by the way the rooms stay cooler in the morning and do not heat up near as much in the afternoon. You may also notice that it takes a little longer for your A/C system to come on the morning since less morning heat is coming through the windows.
- Question: What type of warranty do solar screens have? Answer: Phifer solar screens have a 10 year warranty against defect. The warranty does NOT cover natural fading though.
- Question: What is the difference between the darker mesh colors and the lighter ones? Answer: This can be answered in two areas: First, when the screen is exposed to sunlight, the lighter colors tend to obscure the visibility through the screen. Every hole in the screen reflects sunlight, and the lighter colors reflect more than the darker colors. Second, the darker colors offer slightly more energy efficiency than the lighter colors. Darker colors absorb more heat; lighter colors reflect more heat, but some of that reflection can be into the room depending on the angle of the sun. This difference is only very slight though. Most choices regarding color are made based on the appearance of the screens from the outside. Black is by far the most popular.
- Question: Can solar screens be made for my odd shaped windows? Answer: Absolutely. With professional measurements, virtually any type of window can be covered by a solar screen.
- Question: Can a solar screen be installed on my skylight windows? Answer: Yes, but it won't be pretty. There is currently no manufactured system designed for sky light windows. Some companies make the screen into a sack with a draw string that can be placed over the skylight. Texas Window Solutions makes a box frame on which a standard rectangular screen can be installed.
- Question: How long will it take to get solar screens installed? Answer: 1 week
One Response to “Common Solar Screen Questions – Answered”
Phifer Suntex 90% with black mesh in white colonial frame
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