Rising summer temperatures are uncomfortable, and raising your power bill to run your AC is even more painful. A smooth, inexpensive way to lower costs and upgrade your home is with the use of solar screens.
Solar screens, more commonly referred to as sunscreens, are a great way to reduce heat, block direct sunlight, and repel harmful UV rays from entering your home during warmer months, keeping your home pleasant and refreshing.
Sunscreens are durable, stable, repel mildew and fade resistant because they are made of woven, vinyl-coated polyester. Solar screens protect your property from sun glare, heat, and interior fading, making sunscreens a worthwhile and lasting investment for your home.
The Pros of Solar Screen
1. UV Protection
In addition to protecting you and your loved ones from the harsh summer heat, sunscreen shields harmful UV rays as well. By blocking UV rays, indoor temperatures stay moderate and fresh, which means less use of your AC and lower energy costs.
2. Personality and Privacy
Sunscreens come in many different color options that can add more interest to your home, many of which also provide a great deal of privacy. For the most privacy, choose a lighter color screen such as white or concrete. The lack of contrast between the bright color and the light of the sun will make it near impossible to see inside.
3. Upkeep
Low maintenance additions to your home will continue to keep costs low while maintaining a well-kept exterior. Solar screens are both mildew and fade-resistant, so they require almost no upkeep. Maintenance of your sunscreen is as easy as washing them with mild soap and water, ensuring they stay shiny and new. It’s recommended to clean your screens at least once a year.
4. Versatility
Solar Screens are perfect for any room that receives a lot of sunlight. Many property owners choose to put shades on south-facing windows because these will receive the most morning light and the most sunshine throughout the day.
Solar screens also create privacy when used on bathroom windows, and can provide privacy in large rooms without sacrificing views of the outside. Sunscreens can also fit well on sliding screen and swinging screen doors. Solar screens are also resistant to daily wear-and-tear caused by pets.
Cons of Solar Screens You Should Know
1. Visibility
Because of their thicker weave and ability to block out light, solar screens can at times offer less visibility than standard screening material. To keep your home’s outdoor view, there are darker sunscreen options to choose from that allow more light to pass through the screen and provide better visibility.
Solar window screens will also reduce sun glare; which makes reading or watching television more enjoyable. Solar screens have an open weave fabric that, during the day, you can see out, but passers-by can’t see inside. However, at night the effect is reversed. At night, when lights are on in your home at night, the screen can be more transparent, allowing for some outside-in visibility.
2. Airflow
Some sunscreens have a tighter weave than others. The closer the pattern, the smaller the openings in the screen will be. If you get a model that is too tight, it may restrict airflow. The most common weaves are either 80% or 90%.
An 80% weave will let in a decent amount of light and air, and therefore best suited for windows which open, or sliding screen doors. A 90% weave blocks out almost all light and is only recommended for windows which do not open, such as skylights.
Solar Screen Considerations
Solar screens come in a variety of frame colors to choose from to match the trim of your home, and aside from traditional rectangular window shapes, there are even custom-made solar screens. The variety and curb appeal of your rental will promote a sense of pride in both you and your tenant, thus creating an incentive to continue renting the property.
California’s habitability laws don’t require landlords to install or pay for window screens on their rental properties. Still, it’s recommended that you communicate with either your tenants or landlord to ensure your home is comfortable to inhabit.
The investment-to-value ratio of solar screens is incredibly high; investment can result in energy saving, lower energy bills, and proven dependability. It’s always recommended that a professional install your solar screen to ensure a proper fit. A professional screen company’s accurate measurements will increase the already substantial longevity of the solar screen.
Solar screens tend to cost more than a traditional bug screen, but they will save you money in the long term by lowering energy bills and lasting significantly longer than their counterparts. Solar screens are an easy and affordable way to upgrade your home and windows without costly and repetitive repairs.
This article is from Mike’s Mobile, a screen and chimney professional servicing the Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, Napa and Bay areas.
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