Frequently Asked Questions
A: Exterior Sun Control Screens absorb and dissipate a large percentage of solar heat and dissipate a large percentage of solar heat and glare before it reaches windows and doors. This keeps the glass and interior cool.
A: Yes, they only need cleaning with mild soap and water from time to time. They are also mildew and fade resistant.
A: Yes, Phifer offers a warranty on Exterior Sun Control Products.
A: Exterior sun control products still allow good airflow.
A: These products protect against insects and can replace regular insect screening on windows, doors and porches.
A: Sun Control Screens are available in wide range of colors than regular insect screening. From the outside, sun control screening gives a uniform look to windows and doors, providing a more aesthetically pleasing overall appearance to home and building exteriors than regular insect screening. Outward visibility remains good through exterior.
A: Visibility through Sun Control Screens depends on light location. Lighted interiors allow inward visibility at night, while sunlight during the daytime diminishes inward visibility, giving more privacy.
A: SunTex: Heavy-duty mesh is tear and puncture-resistant.
A: No. Most houseplants require filtered light. Shading reduces yellowing and water loss. In most cases, plants do better with shading than without but will require some amounts of direct sunlight.
A: Yes. All shapes and sizes of windows can be installed with sun control products including rakes, octagons, circles, etc.
A: Storm windows and insulated glass are effective ways to increase thermal efficiency of any window.
A: Many Sun Control Screen payback period estimates fall between two to three cooling seasons. A University of Texas study predicts a 32% savings for an average home.
A: Glass tinting filters the light along with the UV rays. Sun Control Screens reduce the volume of light without filtering. As the glass filters sunlight through the tint, it will maintain heat, which dissipates into the house, making sun control screens more effective than glass tinting for energy saving.
A: Yes, along with the heat that is absorbed by the drapes/blinds, they are also subject to UV damage. The combination of light-colored interior shades and dark exterior screens will provide optimum results.
A: To protect carpets, drapes, and furniture from damaging UV rays, the Sun Control Screens should remain in place even during cooler months. They also provide approximately 15% increase in the thermal performance windows.
A: Yes, Sun Control Screens are removable just like insect screening for ease in washing screens and window glass.
A: While UV blockage is 65% to 90%, actual visibility is diminished by only 15% to 40%, depending on the screening fabric selected. Light through the Sun Control Screen is not tinted, but it is reduced in volume, allowing good light with reduced glare.
A: Light colors are more effective than dark colors on exterior screens. Darker colors absorb more of the light energy therefore retain more heat that can transfer to the glass. Difference is about 3%.
A: UV blockage depends on the fabric’s weave and openness. In general, the UV blockage percentage will be the reciprocal of the openness factor of 70-90%.