Solar Control Shades | Texas Window Solutions

Light Control, Lower Energy Costs…

Just a few of the many benefits that Solar Control Shades offer

The simplicity and effectiveness of roll-up solar shades makes them an obvious choice for a wide range of commercial and residential applications. Solar shades are the perfect window treatment whenever there is a need to control the amount of sunlight entering a window, while still maintaining an unobstructed view to the outside.

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Light Control

Solar shades come in a variety of “openness” factors. “Openness” refers to the amount of open space between the weaves. On the high end, fabrics can have an openness of 25%. Shades made with 25% open fabric would allow more sunlight to pass through the fabric, as well as allowing greater visibility. Other common openness factors are 10%, 5%, 3% and 1%. The number of openness choices means that a fabric can be chosen based on very specific light control and privacy needs.

When absolutely no sunlight is desired, solar shades can be installed that have no openness. Called “blackout” or “room darkening” shades, these fabrics are specifically designed to eliminate sunlight. Header boxes and side tracks can also be installed with these shades to prevent light from creeping in around the top and sides of the shade.

Regardless of the openness of the fabric, whenever an unobstructed view is desired, the shade can be fully retracted leaving only the window.

Colors and fabrics

Solar control fabrics come in a variety of styles, compositions and colors to work with any type of interior designs. In fact these fabrics are so versatile, that many designers and architects use them in applications far beyond standard light control. They can be used as projection screens, room dividers, acoustical control, and they can even be customized with with graphics or messages. Many businesses take advantage of the customization by applying logos, or other advertising directly to the fabric. Parents can also customize these fabrics with images that reflect their child’s favorite activities.

Here are just a few of the common “open” solar shade fabrics.

Spanish Grey	Pearl White	Mushroom Snd.	Custard Cream	Chocolate
Sand Dollar	Espresso	Ash	Pewter	Granite
Moire Leather	Marble Slate	Wheatgrass	Tweed Buckeye	Rattan Umber

Here are a few of the “blackout” shade fabrics

White

Sand

Wheat

Mushroom

Graphite

Fabric Composition and Weave

Most solar control fabrics are made from vinyl-coated polyester or fiberglass yarns. Each type of fabric employs a particular weave patter based on the desired visual effect and type of light control. Some fabrics appear the same on both sides while others have a white appearance when viewed from the outside.

Another common property of select fabrics is that they are bacteria and fungus resistant. That is why solar shades are commonly found in hospitals and clinics. They also do not collect dust the way other common window treatments do which makes them a perfect choice for individuals with hyper-sensitivity to allergies.

Lift and Lower Operation

Solar fabrics are designed to roll onto and off of a tube. The shade is raised and lowered manually by means of a continuous loop chain that operates a simple clutch. The chains are usually made from plastic and come in colors designed to compliment the fabric being used. Stainless steel chains are also available for commercial or exterior applications. Motorization is also available.

Solar Shade clutch

Solar shade manual clutch system

Valance and hembar

Rollar shades can be installed with valance covers (sometimes called “facia”) to give the shade a more finished look. Installing a valance cover is recommended on interior shades. Valances can either be metal or they be wrapped in the same fabric used in the shade.

Hembars are weighted bars at the bottom of the shade. They can be external to the fabric or woven into it. External hembars are recommended for interior shades only.