Discover the simple steps to create solar screens for your windows, providing energy efficiency and a comfortable home environment.
Are you tired of the sun’s harsh glare and heat penetrating through your windows? Well, have you ever considered making solar screens for your windows? Not only are they an effective way to block out unwanted sunlight, but they can also save you money on energy bills. In this article, we’ll be discussing how to make solar screens for windows step-by-step so that you can enjoy a more comfortable and eco-friendly home.
So let’s get started!
Benefits of Solar Screens
One of the most significant advantages is that solar screens block out up to 90% of harmful UV rays, which can damage your furniture, carpets, and other household items over time. Solar screens help regulate indoor temperatures by reducing heat gain during hot summer months while still allowing natural light into your home.
Another benefit is that they provide privacy without sacrificing visibility. Solar screen fabrics come in different colors and densities so you can choose one that suits your needs best – from a more transparent fabric with less privacy but better views outside or a denser fabric with more privacy but less transparency.
Installing solar screens on windows also helps reduce glare on computer or TV screens making it easier to work or relax indoors without being disturbed by harsh sunlight.
UV Protection and Energy Efficiency Benefits
These rays can cause damage to furniture, flooring, and other household items over time. By installing solar screens on your windows, you can reduce the amount of UV light that enters your home while still allowing natural light in.
In addition to providing UV protection benefits, solar screens also offer energy efficiency benefits. They work by blocking out a significant portion of the sun’s heat before it has a chance to enter through windows and doors.
This means that during hot summer months when air conditioning is running at full blast; you’ll be able to keep cool without having high energy bills.
By reducing heat gain through windows with solar screens installed on them, homeowners can save up 25% or more on their cooling costs each year! Not only does this help lower monthly utility bills but it also reduces carbon emissions associated with power generation – making for a greener planet overall!
Cost of Solar Screens
The size of your windows and the type of material you choose will affect the overall price. However, keep in mind that while solar screens may require an initial investment, they can save you money on energy bills in the long run.
The cost per window for a DIY solar screen project typically ranges from $20-$50 depending on materials used and window size. If hiring a professional installer is preferred or necessary due to lack of time or expertise, expect costs ranging from $100-$300 per window.
It’s important to assess whether investing in solar screens is worth it for your specific situation by considering how much sunlight enters through your windows throughout each day and what impact this has on cooling costs during hot months.
Assessing the Investment Value
Solar screens are no exception. While they can provide significant energy savings and UV protection benefits, they do come with a cost.
When assessing the investment value of solar screens for your windows, consider factors such as:
- The number of windows you plan to cover
- The size and type of windows
- Your location (climate)
- Energy costs in your area
It’s also important to factor in any potential rebates or tax incentives that may be available for installing solar screens.
While there is an initial cost associated with purchasing materials and assembling the screens yourself or hiring a professional installer, over time you will see savings on your energy bills. Solar screens can increase the resale value of your home by providing added energy efficiency benefits.
Choosing the Right Solar Screen Material
The most important factor is the openness factor of the fabric. This refers to how tightly woven or loose-knit the fabric is and determines how much light can pass through.
A higher openness factor means more light will be able to enter your home, but also more heat and UV rays. A lower openness factor means less light will enter your home, but also less heat and UV rays.
Another consideration when choosing solar screen material is color. Darker colors absorb more sunlight than lighter colors which reflect it away from your windows.
Ultimately, you want a balance between blocking out unwanted sunlight while still allowing natural light into your home for energy efficiency purposes.
Choosing the Best Solar Screen Color
First and foremost, you want to choose a color that complements your home’s exterior. Solar screens come in various colors such as black, brown, gray and beige.
If your house has light-colored walls or siding then lighter colored screens may be more suitable for maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look.
However, if you live in an area with intense sunlight or high temperatures during summer months then darker colored solar screens may be more effective at blocking out heat and UV rays from entering your home.
Another factor to consider is how much natural light do you want inside of your home? Darker colored solar screens will block out more sunlight than lighter ones which can affect the amount of natural light coming into the room.
Comparing Solar Screens to Window Film
While both can be effective in reducing heat and glare, they have some key differences.
Window film is a thin layer of material that adheres directly to the glass surface of your windows. It’s available in different shades and tints, which can provide varying levels of UV protection and privacy.
However, window films may not be as durable as solar screens since they’re more prone to scratches or peeling over time.
On the other hand, solar screens are made from a mesh-like fabric that’s stretched across an aluminum frame installed on the exterior side of your windows. They come in various colors but typically block up to 90% of harmful UV rays while still allowing natural light into your home.
Measuring Your Windows for Solar Screens
This will ensure that the screens fit perfectly and provide maximum efficiency. To begin, gather a measuring tape and a notepad to record the measurements.
Start by measuring the width of each window from edge to edge at three different points: top, middle, and bottom. Record these measurements on your notepad.
Next, measure the height of each window from top to bottom at three different points: left side, center point (if applicable), and right side. Again record these measurements on your notepad.
It’s essential that you take accurate measurements as even small discrepancies can cause problems when installing solar screens later on in the process.
Preparing the Window
This will ensure that the screens fit perfectly and function effectively. First, clean the window frames thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris that may interfere with screen installation.
Next, inspect each window frame for damage or rotting wood as this can affect how well your solar screen fits on the window.
If there are any issues with your windows’ condition, repair them before proceeding further. Measure each of your windows accurately so that you know what size of a frame is needed for each one.
Tools and Materials Needed
You’ll need a few basic hand tools such as a measuring tape, utility knife or scissors, spline roller tool, and screwdriver. You’ll need some specific materials like solar screen fabric (available in different colors), aluminum frame material (cut to size), corner connectors or miter saws for cutting angles on frames if needed.
It’s essential that you have all these items ready before starting your project so that there are no delays during assembly.
Supplies Needed for Making Solar Screens
Here are some of the essential items that you will need:
1. Solar Screen Fabric: This is a specialized mesh fabric designed to block out sunlight while still allowing air flow.
2. Aluminum Frame Material: You can purchase aluminum frame material in various lengths and widths from most hardware stores.
3. Spline Roller Tool: A spline roller tool is used to insert spline into the frame channel, securing the screen fabric in place.
4. Spline (Screening): The spline holds the screen fabric securely in place within its frame channel.
- Tension Springs or Clips: These help keep tension on your finished screens so they fit snugly against window frames without sagging or bowing over time.
- Screen Corner Connectors : These connectors join together four pieces of aluminum framing at each corner creating a sturdy rectangular shape for holding up screening materials
7.Measuring Tape/Ruler : To measure accurately.
8.Hacksaw/ Miter Saw /Jigsaw : For cutting aluminum framing.
9.Pencil/Marker Pen : For marking measurements on materials.
10.Scissors/Cutter Knife :For cutting screening fabrics.
Cutting the Solar Screen Fabric
This step is crucial as it determines how well your screens will fit on your windows. To begin, lay out the solar screen fabric flat on a clean surface and measure out the dimensions needed for each window.
Use a straight edge or ruler to mark where you need to cut with a pen or marker.
Next, use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to carefully cut along these lines. Be sure not to pull or stretch the material while cutting as this can cause uneven edges that won’t fit properly in their frames.
It’s important also that you take into account any patterns in your chosen material when cutting so they align correctly once installed onto their respective frames.
Assembling the Screen Frame
The first step is to cut four pieces of aluminum frame material according to your window measurements. Make sure that each piece has a 45-degree angle at both ends so that they can fit together seamlessly.
Next, lay out two of the pieces on a flat surface with their angled edges facing up and towards each other. Connect them by sliding one end into the other until they lock in place.
Repeat this process with the remaining two pieces of aluminum frame material, creating another identical rectangle shape.
Now take one rectangle and place it on top of another so that their corners are aligned perfectly. Use corner connectors or mitered clips (depending on what came with your kit) to secure all four corners together tightly.
Installing the Solar Screen Fabric
Start by laying out your cut-to-size solar screen fabric on a flat surface with its shiny side facing down. Place the frame over it and ensure that there is enough excess material around all sides of the frame.
Next, use a spline roller tool to press one end of the spline into one corner of your window’s channel groove while holding onto both ends tightly. Then, roll along each edge until you reach another corner and repeat this process for all four corners.
After securing all four corners with splines, stretch out any wrinkles or creases in between them before rolling in more splines along each side until they are evenly spaced apart from one another.
Trim off any excess material using scissors or a utility knife so that only about 1/4 inch remains beyond where you rolled in your last spline.
Securing the Screen Corners
This is an important step in ensuring that your solar screens are durable and long-lasting. To do this, use a corner clip or a square cut of aluminum angle to hold each corner together tightly.
Firstly, place one end of the clip on top of one side of the frame at a 45-degree angle. Then align another end with it on top of another side at 45 degrees as well so that they form an L shape over both sides.
Next, drill pilot holes through both pieces where they overlap using self-tapping screws for metal frames or wood screws for wooden frames. Repeat this process for all four corners until all clips are securely attached.
Adding the Spline and Tension Springs
The spline is a rubber cord that holds the screen in place on the frame, while tension springs keep it taut. To begin, insert one end of your spline into a corner of your frame and use a roller tool to press it firmly into place along one side of your window.
Next, pull tightly on opposite sides of your solar screen fabric as you work around each edge with more splines until all four sides are secured in place. Be sure not to leave any slack or wrinkles in between each point where you attach them.
Install tension springs at regular intervals along both vertical edges by pressing them down over their respective slots on either side before sliding them up towards their corresponding corners until they snap securely into position.
Installing the Solar Screens On Windows
The installation process is relatively simple and can be done in a few easy steps.
Firstly, clean the window frame thoroughly to ensure that there is no dirt or debris that could interfere with the screen’s adhesion. Next, place the screen over the window frame and press it firmly into place.
To secure the solar screen onto your window frame, use small screws or clips around its perimeter. Be sure not to overtighten these fasteners as this may cause damage to both your screens and windows.
Check for any gaps between the edges of each panel of solar screening material where they meet at corners or seams; if necessary fill these areas with additional spline material until everything fits snugly together without any visible gaps remaining.
Care and Maintenance of Solar Screens
Regular maintenance will ensure that they last longer and continue to provide the benefits you desire. Here are some tips for caring for and maintaining your solar screens:
1. Clean the Screens: Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the screen fabric regularly.
2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or vinegar on your solar screens as they can damage the screen material.
3. Check for Damage: Inspect your solar screens periodically for any signs of wear and tear such as holes in the fabric or bent frames.
4. Repair Damages Promptly: If you notice any damages, repair them promptly before they worsen and require replacement.
5.Store Properly During Winter Months : Remove Solar Screens during winter months if possible , store them in dry place.
FAQ
What is the difference between sun screens and solar screens?
Sun screens (solar screens) are fabric-based materials installed on a house to block UV rays, using a variety of materials like polyvinyl, polyester, and fiberglass.
Do solar screens really work?
Yes, solar screens really work, as they are up to 90% effective at allowing visible light while reducing solar heat transfer and UV rays.
What are solar window screens made of?
Solar window screens are made of special window screen mesh, usually a polyester weave with added durability from PVC coating.
What factors should be considered when choosing the right solar screen for a specific window?
When choosing the right solar screen for a specific window, consider factors such as the window’s size, orientation, shading requirements, and energy-efficiency needs.
How do you properly install solar screens on windows for maximum effectiveness?
To properly install solar screens on windows for maximum effectiveness, ensure the screens cover the entire glass surface tightly and are securely mounted on the window’s exterior frame.
Can solar screens be combined with other energy-saving window treatments?
Yes, solar screens can be combined with other energy-saving window treatments for optimal energy efficiency.
