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What are Solar Screens?
Solar Screens are the most effective window treatments that you can
apply to your home for lowering energy bills by stopping the heat transfer
through your windows and doors while still maintaining your view. Window
film, interior products, or awnings cannot compete with the efficiency
rating of PHIFER SUN TEX solar screens.
Solar Screens are exterior full-length screens that cover the entire glass
of your windows and doors.
Solar Screens work in three different ways: 1. Shading Coeffiency - the amount of shade created between the solar
screen and exterior pane of glass. 2. Reflectivity - reflecting the direct sun's rays of light off of
the screen, defusing the amount of direct sun's rays. 3. Absorption - the heat that is absorbed and held into the screen
material itself and then dispersed back into the air away from the glass.
The following graphs show the difference between the amount of heat transfer
that comes through the glass. The red line is the amount of BTUs that comes
through without any protection, where the blue line is showing how many BTUs
come through with the PHIFER SUN TEX solar screening under the same
conditions. (Black 90% was the screen used for the test.)
PHIFER SUN TEX is made of PVC coated woven polyester non-stretch
yarn. PHIFER SUN TEX is flame retardant, heat sealable, mildew resistant
and stable under either hot or cold temperatures. A PHIFER SUN TEX is only made out of woven polyester because of its
proven durability and performance qualities, as compared to fiberglass based
solar screen products. Fiberglass based products do not have the ability to
hold their color and the stability of the product itself over a reasonable
period of time.
We do not use fiberglass in any of our solar screening products. PHIFER SUN TEX is the #1 solar screening on the market today for
quality, durability, and performance for the Texas Heat.
Don't be fooled by cheap imitations.
Why are solar screens a better choice than window
films or awnings?
Film is an interior application and is not designed for your double pane
windows. It is not nearly as effective as solar screens, and voids out all
window warranties, as it is damaging to sealed thermal pane windows. Awnings
are expensive and do not offer protection 100% of the time. Both of these
alternatives offer no energy savings in the winter.
Will solar screens block my view?
Solar screen will still allow full visibility; only you will be looking
through a material so it is almost like looking through a regular screen,
only a little darker.
How dark will it make my house?
Solar screens will still allow light to come in, so it will not completely
darken the room. However, there are no current statistics available as each
person's homes will be subject to different variables. Such as, the angle of
the sun on said windows, the cloudiness of the day, and even the amount of
trees in the yard. Customers' opinions vary on this and the best idea is to
have a R.C. Glass & Windows Rep hold a screen over your window and let you
make your own decision.
Will people be able to see in my house?
Not in the daytime. Solar screens offer privacy in the daytime; however, at
night if you have lights on, people will be able to see in.
How much will solar screens save on my electric bill?
There is no way for anyone to give you a specific accurate figure; there are
too many variables involved. Therefore, we are not the kind of company who
will make up a statistic. However, solar screens will dramatically reduce
the cooling cost portion of your electric bill.
Should I take my solar screens off in winter?
No, some people think they will get more benefits from passive solar heating
with the solar screen off in the wintertime. However, there are less daytime
hours in the winter season, it is also usually more overcast, limiting your
chances of passive solar heating. Solar screens also create somewhat of a
barrier, keeping the cold winter winds off your glass, similar to a storm
window, therefore, keeping the temperature of the glass warmer. The warmer
you keep the glass, the less convection heat you need to pay to pump through
your house will be attracted to the glass areas, conserving energy.
Will my solar screens pay for themselves?
Yes, since solar screens save energy, they normally will pay for themselves
within a short period of time by reducing your energy bills. Also they will
help your air conditioner last longer and need fewer repairs due to the
reduction of its normal workload.
Do solar screens really work?
Yes, they are the most energy efficient product for your windows.
Are solar screens easily removed and how are they
installed?
Yes, Your individual window track system or lack of will determine proper
installation. We use just a few screws to hold it in place and can be easily
removed with a hand screwdriver.
Will I still be able to open my windows for airflow?
Yes, solar screens installed properly will not inhibit the operation of your
window. However, some airflow will be restricted due to the thickness of the
material.
Will solar screens reduce fading?
Yes, solar screens will drastically reduce the chances of curtains, carpets
and all items from fading.
How long will my solar screens last?
R.C. Glass & Windows screens are warranted for as long as you live in your
home. However, 20-30 years is a realistic life expectancy.
Should I use the 80% or the 90% screening?
If you want more light, better airflow and visibility, you should go with
80%. If you want more glare reduction and energy efficiency you should go
with the 90%. It is also possible to put 90% on the real problem areas and
80% on less problem areas and aesthetically will not look different on the
exterior.
Will solar screens hurt my plants?
Not normally, solar screens help reduce the damaging ultraviolet rays,
however the 80% screening is usually suggested for plants that require more
light.
Are solar screens pet resistant?
Yes, solar screens are incredibly pet resistant being PVC coated polyester.
However, nothing is pet proof.
What color of solar screen should I choose and why?
The darker colors are more efficient and also have the best view. However,
we offer 4 different colors and you should pick the color you will be most
happy with remembering again that the darker the color the better the view.
What windows or doors on my house should I do?
For maximum energy efficiency, solar screens should protect all windows and
doors. However, you may order any windows done as you would like, such as
just the real problem areas and add others later.
How fast can I get them?
That depends on the time of year. Normally in the busy season, 7 to 14 days.
Sometimes in our slower season as little as 2 to 5 days.