1. What brand of Solar Screen are you purchasing?

    Never purchase a solar screen made out of fiberglass! There are many different brands that are out there. Even if you don't purchase screens from us, you never want to purchase a fiberglass based solar screen. Fiberglass can't hold its properties in the hot Texas sun and only has a life expectancy of 5-10 years. Many companies try to sell screens with less than an 80% heat blockage, almost all are made of fiberglass. We sell the Textilene brand, a PVC coated polyester yarn, and stand behind our product with our industry leading warranty.

 

1. How dark will Solar Screens make my house?

    There are a number of different factors that can determine this, including a persons own perspective. Creating shade is the main way a Solar Screen works, they will reduce the amount of light. If this is one of your main concerns, we would suggest the 80% heat blockage. When you call for a free estimate, one of our professional sales reps can bring out some large samples to put on your window to help make your decision.

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2. Do Solar Screens really work?

     Absolutely! A Solar Screen is one of the MOST energy efficient products you can put on your home. It is one of the only materials installed on the outside, to shade the glass, and stop the problem before it happens. Glass is one of the greatest conductors of heat you have on your home, so shading it is vital to greater home energy efficiency.

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3. How much will Solar Screens reduce my utility bills?

     There are too many different variables that factor into your utility cost for anyone to give you an accurate savings. Any company that does, IS misleading you. A good rule of thumb is, the screens will pay for themselves within the first 1-2 years of installing them. The more you cover up, the quicker the return on your investment.

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4. Do they provide privacy?

      Yes, they will provide daytime privacy. Allowing you to open your blinds, to provide more light or a view. However, when the light source comes from the inside at night, they will be able to see in.

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5. What is more energy efficient, Solar Screens or Film?

      Solar Screens are. Film is an interior application that can be harmful to the thermal seals of double pane windows. Along with the hot Texas sun, film can add stress to the seals. The main reason for seal failure, causing your windows to "sweat" or "fog". For this reason, it will void all window warranties. Screens installed on the outside, shade the seals and stop the heat before it is conducted in. (see question 2)

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6. Which windows and doors should I cover?

      The more windows and doors you cover up, the more energy efficient you will make your home. Even on the North side where radiant heat is conducted in. Radiant heat is indirect heat conducted in on the shaded side of your home. When it gets over 100 degrees in the summer, it can still be 90 degrees in the shde. So you will notice benefits even on the North side.

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7. Should I choose the 80% or 90% heat blockage?

     The 80% will allow more light in, as well as more airflow and better visibility. The 90% is a tighter weave so it will block more heat. A lot of customers will mix and match them, according to their desires.

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8. Will they block my view?

      No, Solar Screens still allow for full visibility. Once installed most customers say it becomes second nature within the first week of being installed.

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9. How long will my Solar Screens last?

      They have a life expectancy of 20-30 years, but are backed with a Full Coverage Warranty (ask details). We WILL stand behind the product we put on your home!

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10. What size frame should I use?

        The type of window you have dictates the size of frame required. All of our screens are custom built to the size of the tracks in your windows. A common misconception is that a 1" frame is bigger, so it has to be better. This is simply not true and is often pushed by a sales rep. selling an inferior product. Beware of a company pushing one type or size frame. If correct size isn't installed, your screens will rattle when the wind blows.

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11. Does Color of screen effect how well they work?

      Yes, the main way a Solar Screen works is off shading, So naturally the darker screens will create more shade. One thing to keep in mind is the lighter colored screens reflect the light, which will create a distortion in your view looking out.

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12. Are Solar Screens harmful to my plants?

       That all depends on how much light your plants need. Some plants actually thrive after screen installation, because they get the filtered light and not the extreme, magnified heat. We suggest the 80% for windows with live plants behind them, to allow more light in the room.

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13. Will Solar Screens prevent fading?

       Yes, they will shade out the harmful UV rays and help protect your floors, curtains and paintings. However, nothing will prevent fading, short of boarding up your window.

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14. Will my windows still be operational for airflow?

       Solar Screens are installed on the outside of your windows, replacing the existing bug screen. So the windows ARE still fully operational. We suggest the 80% to allow for the most airflow.

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15. How well do Solar Screens  hold up to pet damage?

       Our screens have a protective PVC coating over the yarn that makes them very pet resistant. However, no screen is pet proof. Pet damage is covered by our warranty (restrictions apply).

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16. Should I leave my Solar Screens on in the winter?

       Some people feel like they really benefit from solar heat gain. Due to the shorter hours of sunlight in the winter and the fact that it is normally overcast, you maybe only benefiting from the sun just a couple hours a day. The screens will create an insulation barrier, helping keep the wind chill from directly hitting your glass. Most people leave them on all year long.

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17. How fast can I get them installed?

       The installation is relatively quick, usually 30 minutes to an hour. The lead time from when you place your order depends on the time of year. In the slower off season it's generally 2-5 days, and in the peak summer time it could be 1-2 weeks. 

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18. Why should I choose Texas Elite Solar Screens?

        From our customer service, to our choice of using the highest quality materials, to our outstanding warranty. We are the industry leader in providing Elite solar screens

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