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Solar Screen Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to manufacture and deliver a certain product?
For current lead times, please refer to the note at the top of our Contact page. We ship most of our products from Texas, so you will receive your order within 1-4 business days after shipment (depending on how far away you live from Texas).
2. Do you do arches or other custom shapes?
Yes we do. You can click here to view our arches and other odd shapes here. If you need an odd-shaped solar screen that you don't see there, please contact us and we'll give you a custom quote based on your needs.
3. How do I know what mounting method works best for my windows?
Please visit our How to Measure and Install page to get an overview of the various mounting methods/hardware and to learn which will work best with your window type. We also have this handy dandy flowchart to help you determine which mounting method is best for you.
4. How do I install the crossbar (or where can I get instructions on how to assemble the solar screen with a crossbar)?
Please visit our How to Measure and Install page and click on the Solar Screen Assembly section to reveal all the info in that section. You'll find a video, but directly above the video, click the Download Printable Instructions (pdf) link to...wait for it...download printable instructions! Additionally, below the video, you'll see detailed step by step instructions on how to assemble the screen with a crossbar.
5. Can you give me a price for ________?
Yes! All our pricing is online. Just visit the Shop Our Products section, click on the product category (like Custom Solar Screen Kits), then click on the product you are interested in. Read through the description, then SCROLL DOWN until you see a form where you can enter in your sizes, color options and mounting hardware. The price next to the form will auto update based on the selections you make.
6. What is the difference between the 80% and 90% solar screens?
90% Solar screen fabric has a tighter weave than 80% solar screen fabric. This tighter weave blocks more of the harmful UV rays that heat up your home and damage your drapes and other furnishings. 90% solar screen fabric has slightly less visibility, but you can still see through them fine.
7. What are the mounting options for the frameless solar screen fabric?
Frameless solar screen fabric can be mounted to the window using either suction cups or 3M Dual Lock pads. We provide you with the requested number of suction cups, as well as small pins, so you can position the suction cups where you need them and secure them with the matching pins. 3M Dual Lock pads are like extra strong velcro. They are clear, so they match any screen color, and they are specially formulated for exterior applications in high wind and temperature climates. See our mounting options page for photos and more info.
8. Can I attach frameless solar screen fabric to my sliding glass door?
Yes. We recommend using 3M Dual Lock for this as the engaged thickness of the 3M Dual Lock and screen is only about 0.25 inches. Be sure you have enough clearance when your glass door slides to allow for the 1/4 inch clearance. The thickness of an engaged suction cup is about 1/3 inch.
9. Does the solar screen fabric fray after it is cut?
The solar screen fabric manufacturer (Phifer) specifically designed the material so that the edges do not fray. You may notice some light colored fibers along the edge of your screen. We do our best to make sure none of our screen fabric ships with these fibers, but if you see it, you can easily trim the fibers off and rest assured the screen will not fray.
10. Can the solar screens be easily cleaned?
Yes, they only need an occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. They are also mildew and fade resistant.
11. How is airflow affected when using solar screens?
While airflow is diminished compared with standard insect screens, solar screens still allow good airflow.
12. Do solar screens still provide protection from insects?
Yes. Solar screens protect against insects and can replace regular insect screening on windows, doors and porches.
13. Do I need to remove the solar screens in the winter time?
To protect carpets, drapes and furniture from damaging UV rays, 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.
14. Is one color of solar screen better at reducing heat and light than another?
All colors provide the same significant heat reduction when installed on the exterior, but dark colors are better at reducing glare and improving outward visibility.
15. Do your solar screens carry any certifications?
Phifer Suntex solar screens are Greenguard Certified and Microban certified. 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. Microban antimicrobial protection is infused into SunTex fabrics to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
16. Do any of your products come with a warranty?
Phifer, the manufacturer of Suntex solar screen fabric, offers a 10 year, extended limited warranty. Please find details here: https://solarscreenoutlet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/SunTex_Warranty.pdf
Twitchell, the manufacturer of Textilene solar screen fabric, offers a lifetime warranty. Please find details here: https://www.twitchellcorp.com/warranty.html
17. Do the solar screen kits come fully assembled?
The Custom Solar Screen Kits are custom cut to the exact measurements you provide. They ship un-assembled to save on shipping costs. Assembly and installation is simple and straightforward. Our website has really good videos and photos with explanations on how to assemble and install. The average screen size can be assembled and installed in about 20 minutes.
If you are looking for fully assembled solar screens, we have those here! At this time, fully assembled solar screens can no longer be shipped and are only available for local pickup in Dallas, TX and Las Vegas, NV.
18. Can solar screens be installed on the inside of the window?
While you can place solar screens on the inside, it's recommended to place them on the outside of the window in order to prevent the heat from hitting the glass and permeating through.
We've heard rumors about solar screens that are hung on the inside of the home or building causing heat build up between the screen and the glass and cracking the glass, but I've never experienced it first hand or heard of it happening to any of our several thousand customers. That's not to say it's never happened to anyone before, but I've never experienced it first or second hand.
Having said that, even solar screens mounted on the inside of the windows would provide some heat-blocking benefit and would certainly help prevent the interior furnishings and floors being damaged by the sunlight coming through.
If you don't have the option to install solar screens on the outside of the window, consider a Roll Up Solar Shade, which are designed to mounted indoors or outdoors.
19. Are both sides of the screen the same? Which way should the solar screen be installed, spline side facing the window or spline side out?
The solar screen should be installed such that there is a small air gap between the screen fabric and the window glass. Traditionally, this means screens are installed spline side out. But if you prefer, you can install spline side facing inward as long as there is an air gap between the screen fabric and window glass.
20. Do you ship to Canada (or any other country besides the USA)?
We can only ship to verified USA addresses. However, if you want to buy our products and you live outside the USA, you can utilize the services of a 3rd party package forwarding company such as MyUSAddress.ca or similar. There are plenty of other similar companies out there as well.
Here's how it works: Sign up with a 3rd party package forwarding company that works in your country. Checkout on our website and put in the USA address they give you as the shipping address. We will ship the goods to the USA address. Then the package forwarding company will work with you to forward the package to your address in your country.
21. What is the heat gain coefficient or material thickness in nanometers or some other nerdy technical question about the solar screen material?
We get it. The tiniest technical details matter to you - either because of a unique application you need the solar screen material for. Or because you are a "numbers" person and you geek out on the technical stuff. Either way, we got you covered.
Here's the technical data sheets for both of the solar screen fabrics we sell...
Suntex Specs - https://solarscreenoutlet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/suntex.pdf
Textilene Specs - https://solarscreenoutlet.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/textilene.pdf