What are Solar Screens?
Solar screens are an innovative and cost-effective way to enhance your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and aesthetics. Solar screens are specially designed window coverings that block and absorb up to 90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays while allowing natural light and ventilation to enter your home. Solar screens can significantly reduce your cooling expenses by preventing heat gain and glare, and they can also extend the life of your interior furnishings by preventing fading and deterioration. Solar screens are custom-made to fit any window size and shape, and they are available in a variety of colors and styles to complement your home’s exterior design. Solar screens are easy to install and maintain, and they can add value and appeal to your home. Solar screens are the ultimate solution for enjoying the benefits of the sun without the drawbacks.
What is Solar Film
Solar film is a window covering that blocks some of the sun’s light and heat but lets some of it in. It can help you save money on your energy bills and keep your furniture and carpets from getting damaged by the sun. It can also make your home more comfortable and valuable. Solar film fits any window and comes in different colors and styles. Solar film is a smart way to enjoy the sun without problems.
Solar Screens vs Solar Film
Solar heat gain through windows accounts for up to 1/3 of the cooling costs in your home and office according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Both window film and solar screens are effective solutions to issues like heat, glare, and fading… but we prefer window film – why?
1. Window Tints Can Last a Lifetime
The first difference you’ll notice between the two is the general aesthetic of window film is far superior. Solar screens, especially in areas that have intense sunlight, will begin to fade after just three years. After ten years they will more than likely need to be replaced. The exterior of your home will look dull and dingy with faded, matte mesh covering all of your shiny glass. Window film will never fade and is virtually undetectable once applied to your glass. With a lifetime guarantee of no fading, your home’s windows will continue to sparkle for years to come.
2. Better Visibility With Window Tint
Windows serves several functions in the home, but simply being able to see out of them is important. Whether it’s enjoying a scenic view or just checking on your children playing outside, most homeowners need or at the very least want to be able to look out their window. Solar screens have about an 80% to 90% light-blocking rate. This essentially means you only have 10% to 20% visibility with solar screens. Window film blocks 99% of ultraviolet rays and allows 100% visibility – this enhances your view by reducing glare.
3. Solar Screens Take More Time To Clean
Cleaning windows is a difficult, time-consuming chore… but adding solar screens makes it even worse! Solar screens are mounted and secured to your home’s exterior, so to successfully clean an exterior window, solar screens must be taken down, and then re-installed afterward. Most window cleaners will charge as much as 50% more to clean windows with solar screens for this reason. Window film’s unique ability to cling seamlessly to the interior of glass makes it a non-factor to the window cleaner. Even while cleaning the interior, no special treatment is needed while cleaning a piece of glass with film on it.
4. Window Tint Is More Cost Effective In The Long Run
Because of the added cost and/or hassle of removing solar screens every time a window is cleaned… some homeowners opt to just not clean the exterior of their windows. This can be disastrous for the glass. Each time it rains, water will blast through the screens, bringing dirt, debris, and pests with it, caking a thick film onto the glass. Build-up of these pollutants can cause serious damage to not only the glass, but also the surrounding frame. Glass or full window replacement is extremely expensive and avoidable with regular cleanings.
5. Both Can Help Keep Your Home Cooler
Solar screens will help keep the sun from heating your home, but what most people don’t know is that window film can help keep cool air in as well. Window film is designed to insulate the glass. While your window film is deflecting heat from entering the home, it’s working double time to insulate the glass, keeping cool air in and your HVAC system from wearing out.
So, which is more efficient: sunscreens or solar film?
As you can see, there are many differences between solar screens and window tint that affect the appearance, visibility, maintenance, and energy efficiency of your windows. Window tint is a superior option that offers more benefits and fewer drawbacks than solar screens. Window tint is more durable, more transparent, easier to clean, and more cost-effective in the long run. If you want to protect your windows and your home from the harmful effects of the sun, window tint is the best choice for you. Contact us today to get a free estimate and find out how window tint can transform your windows and your home.
