As you may know, over half of the United States is experiencing above average temperatures this summer, and, in many cases, are breaking records. If these trends continue, both your home and your air-conditioner could be ill-prepared for the sudden and unexpected heat waves that could potentially follow. Fortunately, there are many ways to shade your home from the outside heat, solar screen shades being one of the best. 

In this informative post, learn how solar screen shades block heat and other types of light and why they’re a terrific way to beat the heat and keep your home comfortable year-round. 

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How Solar Screen Shades Block Heat

Unlike other types of window treatments, solar screen shades (also known as “retractable sun screens” or “solar shades”) actually block heat—both by absorbing infrared radiation and reflecting it—ultimately lowering the temperature in whatever space they happen to be protecting, while making it feel more comfortable. 

We know what you’re thinking. ”But don’t my windows reflect heat?” It’s true. Windows do block some heat—particularly if they’ve been manufactured with low-e glass—but even then, some heat will leak through. When it does, it not only heats up the air inside your home, but heats up whatever objects the light happens to touch. This can cause heat to then radiate back throughout your home, causing it to get warmer and warmer with no reliable way for the heat to escape. 

That’s where solar screens can help. By providing an additional protective layer between your window’s glass and your home, solar screens can block much more heat than your windows alone. In fact, while the openness factor and color of your fabric will also determine how much heat is absorbed, solar screens in general perform exceptionally well when it comes to blocking solar heat when compared to almost all other types of window treatments.

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The Sun Blocking Benefits of Solar Screen Shades

So far, we’ve explained how solar screens block out heat-causing, infrared light—the kind that contributes to heat gain through your windows. As you may have guessed, in-fared light is also what causes your air conditioner to work twice as hard to keep your home just as comfortable. That’s why solar screens are traditionally thought of as an energy-saving device, effectively making your home more energy-efficient. 

Of course, infrared light isn’t the only type of solar radiation that can enter your home. You may have heard about ultraviolet rays—or “UV rays” for short. This is the type of radiation that—when exposed in high doses—increases your risk of developing skin cancer and cataracts. In addition to posing a risk to your health, it can also damage your furniture or upholstery, via a phenomenon known as “photodegradation.” You’ll be happy to know that solar screen shades can block up to 99% of the sun’s UV-rays, as well. 

Finally, numerous studies have shown that solar screens can cut down on glare—otherwise known as “visible spectrum rays.” By significantly reducing glare and enhancing colors, solar shades not only increase the visual acuity of what’s on screen, but allow you to enjoy the comforts of home in a whole new way.

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Numerous Fabrics. Numerous Benefits. 

As previously covered, solar screens offer many benefits. They block out heat, excessive glare, and make your home more energy-efficient. But that's not all they do. Since solar screen shades are just that, screens, they can be made using a wide-variety of fabrics, in a range of colors and styles. This makes it especially easy to find one that perfectly compliments the aesthetic or decor of your home, as well as customize your shades to your specific preferences and needs. 

Moreover, homeowners can choose from a spectrum of fabric options, which, depending on their opacity, can determine both the look and key characteristics they provide. Dark screened fabrics, for example, block as much as 96% of visible light and provide excellent glare control, whereas lighter fabrics are better at reflecting heat, while allowing more visible light to enter. You can also choose from specialty high-performance fabrics which provide uncompromising view-through, glare reduction, and heat-management while still retaining the outside view. 

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Get A Professional Recommendation!

Not sure if a solar screen shade is the right window treatment for you? Overwhelmed by your options and want a professional option?

Whether you need help choosing the right window treatment for your home or need help choosing fabric textures, weaves, and colors for your shades, we can help! Our experienced team of window treatment designers know all the ins and outs of specialty window treatments, and can recommend a specific product for whatever look or room you have in mind!

Contact us today to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our designers, or to get a custom recommendation based on your unique needs, goals, or budget!