Solar Screens Block Heat While Enhancing Windows
(HIT) - If you are remodeling or building a new home, you probably have already discovered that windows represent a large investment. What you may not yet realize is that solar screens can work together with your windows to block heat and help reduce damage from ultraviolet rays.
Solar screens will greatly enhance the comfort, enjoyment and energy efficiency of all types of windows or glass areas and can play a large part in how useful your windows will be year-round, according to Frank S. Fitzgerald, CAE, executive vice-president and techncial director for the Screen Manufacturers Association.
During the energy crunch of the mid-1970’s, builders cut down on the size and number of windows and glass areas in many new homes. But, they quickly found out that people want windows, and the trend in recent years has been more and larger windows. In addition to windows, many new and remodeled homes now also include glass areas such as sunrooms or greenhouses. In fact, sunrooms are one of the most popular home additions.
Today, most new windows offer adequate insulation against winter cold, but far too often, little consideration is given to the sun’s heat and glare. The sun’s hot rays can quickly cause the area around your windows to become too warm, creating uncomfortable hot spots. This heat causes extra work for your air conditioner, annoying glare and can cause unsightly fading of drapes, carpet and interior furnishings.
Even in sunspaces or greenhouses, which are added to a home to allow more sun, screens that block heat are needed. The sun’s rays, even in the dead of winter, can often become too much for a small sunspace, and these windows must be shaded in some fashion.
Exterior Shading
The most effective way to control the sun’s heat and glare is to stop it before it enters your window. Once the sun’s rays enter, they are absorbed and begin to radiate throughout the room in the form of heat.
The first option is solar screening, a woven fiberglass mesh that is installed in the same manner as regular insect screening, often using the same frames. The unique ribbed weave stops insects and blocks heat while allowing gentle breezes to enter. For those desiring a more heavy-duty shading fabric, a woven vinyl-coated polyester rather than fiberglass fabric may be needed. This type of product is better suited for skylights, greenhouses and areas where the sun’s exposure is almost constant.
Both types of screens can block up to 70 percent of the sun’s heat and glare but allow good outward visibility and improved daytime privacy. They are also available in a choice of several colors to blend with any type of exterior.
Designed to give homeowners the look of regular insect screening while offering a significant amount of protection from the sun’s heat and glare, 20x30 mesh solar/insect screening is constructed of woven fiberglass yarns and is available in various colors to match regular insect screening. 20x30 mesh is a good choice where outward visibility is important but where you would also like sun and insect protection.
For maximum exterior sun protection, choose a louvered aluminum shading product. Coated in a neutral black finish, these devices are designed with a series of tiny louvers stamped from a solid sheet of aluminum and can block as much as 87 percent of the annual solar heat gain.
For additional information about screens that can help block heat from entering your home, write to Frank S. Fitzgerald, CAE, Executive Vice-President and Technical Director, Screen Manufacturers Association, 2850 S. Ocean Blvd. #311, Palm Beach, FL 33480, or point your web browser to www.smacentral.org.
Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center
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