Window Treatments 101: A Guide To Solar Screens

Posted On Monday, 03 April 2023 20:58

Window treatments are excellent for adding style, sophistication, and privacy to any room in your home. Are you looking for new ways to explore your windows? Solar screens are ideal for window treatments, as they offer all the advantages of traditional sunscreens without sacrificing style or comfort.   

Installing solar screens is perfect for getting the benefits of natural light while reducing energy costs. If you need help figuring out where to start, this article covers you. At the end of this guide, you'll feel confident enough to choose which type best suits your home decor needs and budget requirements. 

What Is A Solar Screen?

A solar screen is a type of window treatment that helps to reduce the amount of sunlight and heat entering a home. Manufacturers may use aluminum or fiberglass mesh material for their solar screens. 

Solar screens come in many sizes, colors, and styles, allowing you to customize their look to match any décor. Surprisingly, they’re easy to install. You can use them on windows and patio doors for added protection against harmful UV rays. 

With proper maintenance, solar screens can last for years—providing efficient sun protection with minimal effort required from homeowners.

Benefits Of Solar Screens

Now that you know what a solar screen is and how it works, it's time to explore its benefits. 

  1. 1. Insulate Your Porch

Porches are a great way to enjoy the outdoors without leaving home. However, they can be exposed to direct sunlight, making them too hot during certain times of the day. Some homeowners insulate their porches to make them more comfortable and enjoyable all year round.

A solar screen can insulate porches and protect you from the sun's rays while allowing ventilation. This window treatment consists of tightly woven panels that protect against wind, rain, sound pollution, and insects. 

For it to last long, it would be best to engage the services of reliable experts, like Arrowhead Solar Screen or similar ones, to install and maintain it.

  1. 2. Reduce Glare

Solar screens can reduce the glare entering your home. Typically, glare can be a nuisance, especially when trying to watch TV or work on your computer when the sun is at its brightest. Here's how solar screens can help:

  • Solar screens provide an effective barrier between the sun and your windows, minimizing the room's incoming light levels and bright spots.
  • The materials used in these window treatments can block harmful rays, further reducing glare and protecting furniture from fading due to sunlight exposure.
  • Many styles have adjustable slats, allowing more natural ambient lighting throughout the day. They can also help prevent eyestrain or headaches due to excessive brightness levels indoors.

 

Solar screens offer many advantages when dealing with glare issues inside and outside your home. 

  1. 3. Protection Against UV Rays

It's crucial to understand how solar screens can protect against UV rays. These harmful rays can cause damage if they penetrate through windows into your home or office. Solar screens allow you to block out damaging rays while enjoying natural sunlight. 

The reflective layer helps keep the interior of your home cool while also blocking out any potential skin-harming radiation. Proper installation and maintenance allow you to enjoy all the benefits of having a well-lit room without sacrificing comfort and safety.

  1. 4. Energy-Efficient

Do you want to save on energy costs? Solar screens create an insulating layer that controls the light and heat entering your home. They can also reduce strain on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. 

Consider adding solar screens to your windows if you're looking for an easy and cost-effective way to improve the comfort of your home while saving money on energy bills.

  1. 5. Provide Privacy

Solar screens are an excellent choice when it comes to providing privacy. You can install these unique window treatments in any room of the home. They block out prying eyes from outside, help limit the light entering the room, and provide added security against intruders. 

Nowadays, solar screens offer more than just protection. They’ve become fashionable additions to many homes due to their stylish appeal. With modern designs available, you can find one that fits your style and still provides all the above benefits.

  1. 6. Customizable

Whether you want to reduce your energy bill or add a bit of privacy, you can adjust solar screens to fit your preferences. The first step is deciding what type of fabric you want for the screen, which will dictate several other factors. You have many choices that range from vinyl and polyester to aluminum and fiberglass. 

After choosing the fabric, deciding how much light control you prefer is the next step. Some materials allow up to 90% of sunlight, while others block out nearly all light. Different amounts of protection are better suited for different rooms. 

Some rooms may require full blackout curtains. Meanwhile, living rooms often call for lighter shades that let some natural light into the space. These considerations make it easier to customize your home's solar screens according to your needs.

How To Clean Solar Screens

Now that you know the benefits of solar screens, it's time to learn how to clean them effectively. Proper cleaning will help ensure your window treatments last for years and remain in good condition. Here are some viable steps you can follow:

  1. 1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you can begin cleaning your solar screens, it's essential to make sure you have all the supplies you'll need. Gather a pair of work gloves and a bucket or bowl of warm water with mild detergent. You'll also need a soft cloth or sponge. Alternatively, you can use a towel to dry off the solar screens after cleaning them.

  1. 2. Remove The Solar Screens From Your Windows

When taking them down, be sure to do so carefully and slowly. It’s best to ensure they don't get damaged in the process. Make a mental note of how they were installed because you'll need this information when reinstalling them.

Depending on the type of solar screen, you may need a few tools like pliers or screwdrivers to remove them properly. Once everything is detached from the wall, gently roll up each panel carefully and set it aside for cleaning later. 

  1. 3. Wash Your Solar Screens

It's vital to keep your solar screens clean. The best way to do this is to use a mild detergent in warm water and a soft cloth or brush. It would be wise not to use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing brushes, as these could damage the fabric. Make sure to rinse all soap residue thoroughly after washing. Otherwise, it can attract dirt over time.

It’s best to vacuum your solar screens once every month using an upholstery attachment on a low setting. Doing so can remove dust and small particles on the screen's surface.

  1. 4. Rinse Your Solar Screens

Fill a bucket with cold water and submerge each screen for at least two minutes. This step will help remove any soapy residue and ensure none of the detergents remains on the surface. After rinsing your screens, carefully lift each one out of the bucket. You can place them onto a flat surface or hang them up to dry.

It’s essential to let your solar screens air dry entirely before reattaching them to your windows. Otherwise, moisture could cause mildew or mold growth due to trapped heat from direct sunlight exposure. So be patient and allow plenty of time to dry, usually about 48 hours, depending on your climate's humidity. 

  1. 5. Let It Dry 

The drying process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Remember that when the solar screen material is wet, it’ll be more prone to damage, such as mildew or tearing, if mishandled. Therefore, waiting until your screens are completely dry is best before attempting further maneuvers. 

If you need help determining how long they need to dry thoroughly, consult your manufacturer's instructions or contact their customer service department.  

  1. 6. Reinstallation

Once your solar screens are dry, it’s time to reinstall them. Some solar screens require measuring your windows and cutting the screen fabric accordingly. In this case, ensure you leave room for a one-inch hem on all sides of the window frames when cutting the fabric. 

Before beginning installation, ensure that hardware or tools are available nearby. If using snap clips, affix one clip every six inches along both horizontal edges of the frame. Next, attach adhesive strips around the perimeter of the frame and then place the structure in its designated spot. 

Ensure to level your screen correctly before pressing down firmly on each side, securing it tightly. Once complete, carefully insert your measuring tape into each corner pocket and pull tight to ensure proper tension. 

Conclusion

Solar screens can reduce energy costs and protect your home from the sun's rays. Knowing their benefits and the effective ways to maintain them is vital when deciding whether solar screens suit your property. 

If you choose to invest in this type of window treatment, consider your needs to get the most out of your purchase. Lastly, remember that solar screens can provide long-term benefits for years with proper installation and upkeep.

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