How does exterior shading work?

Exterior Solar Screens absorb and dissipate a large percentage of solar heat and glare before it reaches windows and doors. This results in a more comfortable indoor temperature, more efficient air conditioning and ultimately energy conservation.

Are Solar Screens easy to clean?

Yes, they only need an occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. They are also mildew and fade resistant.

Do Solar Screens come with a warranty?

Yes, Austin Window Screens offers a 10 year warranty on Exterior Solar Screen Products.

Do Solar Screens block airflow?

Exterior sun control products still allow good airflow.

How are Solar Screens at insect protection?

These products protect against insects and can replace regular insect screening on windows, doors and porches.

Does Solar Screening look like standard insect screening?

Solar Screening is available in a wider range of colors than regular insect screening. From the outside, solar screening offers a uniform look to windows and doors, providing a more aesthetically pleasing overall look to home and building exteriors than regular insect screening. Outward visibility remains good through exterior sun control.

Do Solar Screens provide privacy?

Solar screens can provide daytime privacy. Visibility through Solar Screens depends on light location. Lighted interiors allow inward visibility at night, while sunlight during the daytime diminishes inward visibility, offering more privacy.

Which products provide extra strength?

SunTex: Heavy-duty mesh is tear and puncture resistant.

Will Solar Screens affect houseplants?

No. Most houseplants require filtered light. Shading reduces yellowing and water loss. In most cases, plants do better with shading than without but will require some amounts of direct sunlight.

Can Solar Screens be installed over different shapes of windows?

Yes. All shapes and sizes of windows can be shaded with solar screen products including rakes, octagons, circles, etc.

What should be the payback period from utility savings after installing Solar Screens?

Many Solar Screen payback period estimates fall between two and three cooling seasons. Studies have shown that shaded windows can save up to 25% of the cost of air conditioning when compared to unshaded windows.

How do Solar Screens compare to glass tinting?

Glass tinting filters the light along with the UV rays. Solar Screens reduce the volume of light without filtering. As the glass filters sunlight through the tint, it will maintain heat, which dissipates into the house, making solar screens more effective than glass tinting for energy savings.

If I have reflective light-colored drapes or blinds, are Solar Screens still beneficial?

Yes, along with the heat that is absorbed by the drapes/blinds, they are also subject to UV damage. The combination of light-colored interior shades and dark exterior screens will provide optimum results.

Should Solar Screens be removed in the winter?

To protect carpets, drapes and furniture from damaging UV rays, the Solar Screens should remain in place even during cooler months. However, if passive solar heat gain is desired in the winter months the screens can be removed and stored until springtime.

Can Solar Screens be removed to clean the windows?

Yes, although windows and doors are kept cleaner with the Solar Screens installed, they are removable just like insect screening for ease in washing screens and window glass.

How much will Solar Screens darken the interior?

While UV blockage is 65% to 90%, the Visual Transmittance is 14% to 40% depending on the screening fabric selected. Light through the Solar Screen is not tinted, but it is reduced in volume, allowing good light with reduced glare.

What color Solar Screen is more effective for heat reduction?

All colors provide significant heat reduction when installed on the exterior but dark colors are better at reducing glare and improving outward visibility.

How much ultraviolet light do Solar Screens block?

UV blockage depends on the fabric's weave and openness. In general, the UV blockage percentage will be the reciprocal of the openness factor.

What is the GREENGUARD Certification?

GREENGUARD is an indoor air quality certification program for low emitting products. GREENGUARD tests products' chemical emissions by evaluating over 75,000 chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, carcinogens and reproductive toxins. All Exterior Sun Control fabrics are GREENGUARD certified.

What is Microban?

Microban antimicrobial protection is infused into SunTex fabrics to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.

How long does it take for the Solar Screens to be manufactured and installed onto my house?

The turnaround on Solar Screens is typically 7-10 business days.