Not only can direct sunlight be harmful to people, but to our homes as well. If sunlight is allowed to shine inside unfiltered, over time the same UV rays that can burn your skin will damage rugs and hardwood floors; fade furniture and artwork; and even brown the leaves on your plants.
Most people think curtains, drapes and blinds are their only options when it comes to window coverings. "They do a great job of blocking your view, but can't prevent the heat of the sun from entering your home," says Todd Westover, general manager of Awnings By Design in Scottsdale, Ariz. "If you want to be able to protect your home and enjoy your view too, you should put solar screens over your windows."
Solar screens, which are available as interior or exterior window coverings, log on to
Solar screens offer homeowners three main benefits. Perhaps the most significant of which is that they help keep cooling costs down. According to a study prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy by the Midwest Research Institute, a home with windows protected by solar shading will require 50 percent less energy to keep it cool than an unprotected home.
During the winter months, the most notable benefit is the reduction in glare. Because the sun is so low in the sky, in some parts of the country, rays shine into people's homes pretty much all day. Without solar shading, the glare on televisions, computer screens and even mirrors can become unbearable.
They are also beneficial from a privacy standpoint. During the day, like the tinting on a car window, solar shades give the people inside the house a clear view of what's going on outside; but those walking past the house can't see in.
"Not only are they practical, but pretty pleasing from an aesthetic standpoint as well," says Westover. "If you install exterior shades, the hardware can be painted to match your house's paint color. The fabric on the actual shades we offer is available in dozens of colors."
Westover's company is part of a network of distributors for Durasol, an industry leader in retractable awnings and solar screens. These custom-made, professionally installed solar shading systems incorporate specially designed PVC coated fiberglass and polyester fabrics which can withstand the long-term effects of the sun. The fabric will not harden, crack or peel; it blocks the effects of moisture and mildew; and resists excessive fading.
Because they're not needed all the time, most solar screens, including those offered by Durasol, are retractable. Both interior or exterior mounted solar screens can either be operated at the touch of a button or programmed to respond automatically with a sun sensor.
To view an online catalog that will show you all the styles and colors available, log on to
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