Solar shades are an excellent window treatment option for windows in rooms that are exposed to the sun. Besides simply blocking the light, solar shades also reduce glare, protect against harmful UV rays, and prevent fading from the sun on carpets, furniture, and household surfaces.
Solar shades come in different levels of opacity, varying from 14%-1% openness. Now what does that mean? A 1% shade will block 99% of the UV rays, while a 14% will block 86%, and so on. The lower the percentage, the tighter the weave, and the less light will be let through.
Speaking in numbers, they reduce the sun's heating of your home by about 80%. Interior solar shades have a 30-70% effectiveness. You might also like exterior solar shades because they don't affect the interior décor of your home. They also rock at eliminating the sun's annoying glare.
Cellular window shades
Cellular window blinds block up to 99 percent of UV rays, offer complete privacy, and provide great insulation. One great advantage of such shades is that you can choose a day/night option that combines two fabrics—both sheer and blackout— in a single shade.
If a screen roller shade has a 5% openness factor, the solar screen shades block 95% of the UV rays from passing through the fabric. The tighter the weave the lower the openness factor and the more UV rays the screen shades block.
Roller shades are made from a range of textiles, often woven light filtering fabric or vinyl, to control a room's light. Solar shades are made from a mesh material screen designed to combat the sun and block UV rays without entirely blocking the view.
Translucent panel blinds
The gorgeous translucent fabric shields your family from the sun's harmful UV rays, whilst at the same time allowing beautiful filtered light to fill your home with life and vibrancy.
In general, all lanai screens will block some of the sun's rays, although there are additional materials available that can keep porches much cooler, eliminating up to 90% of the heat radiated from the sun.
All solar fabrics reduce glare so you can see your television and other electronic screens better. They also save on cooling and heating costs by reducing the heat transfer (both ways). So anyway, solar shades make good sense for your home.
Protection from harmful UV rays not only is important for our skin, but it is also important for your home. Carpets, furniture, and many objects in your home are susceptible to the damaging effects of exposure to UV. Too much sunlight will cause colors to fade and can especially harm wooden furniture.
When solar screens are properly installed, you can expect them to last 10 years or more.
Solar shades have an open weave fabric that allows light and air to pass through. During the day you can see out but, passers-by can't see in. However, at night the effect is reversed.
Direct UV rays to your windows are reduced by 80%. In fact, some exterior sun shades reduce heat transfer by as much as 15%. For those of us in hot climates, especially where it can get blazing hot during the summer, the idea of keeping the air cool inside the house isn't just a convenience, it's a necessity.
While you can purchase solar shades with varying degrees of openness, which range from 1% to 17%, when lights are on indoors, people will be able to see into your home. However, at night you will not be able to see out of your home through the shades.
Cellular Shades. Cellular shades, or honeycomb shades, are one of the most energy efficient window coverings you can buy. They use a series of honeycomb-like cell pockets to trap air around your windows, keeping your rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
When a light is on in the room, people outside will be able to see directly into your home. While a solar shade provides privacy during the day, it will provide no privacy at night. So, in reality the answer is no, solar shades are not “magic” shades that provide privacy during both daytime and at night.
A solar shade with medium openness factor (7%-10%) will preserve the view and provide protection against UV rays that could otherwise cause damage to you interior finishes and furnishings. A high openness factor (14%) of a solar screen results in the best visibility and significant glare reduction.
Virtually all commercial and automobile glass blocks UVB rays. As a result, you will not be able to increase your vitamin D levels by sitting in front of a sunny window, though much of the UVA radiation will penetrate the glass and may be harmful.
Wire mesh or fly screen significantly reduce transmission, mainly by physically blocking the passage of the UV light. For species requiring lower levels of UV light, the reduction in UVB caused by mesh may be useful.
Pool cages are very common in central Florida due to the pool safety requirements. They also provide an excellent barrier to bugs and harsh sunlight. Some of the best features of a screened pool cage is that it provides security from both debris and unwanted visitors (yes even alligators).
Curtains & Drapes
Curtains and drapes will certainly block the UV rays when they are closed, but unfortunately, they also block the sunlight which some people enjoy, especially in sunrooms.
3. Do Solar Shades Keep Heat and Cold Out? Solar shades can help reduce heat in a window, but they will not block cold. They reduce heat by blocking the amount of sunlight coming into a space, and making the windows more energy efficient.
A key factor with screen roller shades is that they are see through. They will provide privacy during the day when it is lighter outside but when the interior is light and it is dark outside they can be seen through.
How Do Smart Solar Blinds Work? The solar powered blinds are photovoltaic systems, and just like rooftop solar panels and solar roof tiles, they convert solar energy into electricity. To do that, they harness the sun's rays and convert them into direct current (DC) electricity.
While airflow is diminished compared with standard insect screens, solar screens still allow good airflow.