Quality Metal Frame and Fasteners
Each screen that I sell is custom made to fit a specific window. I use a sturdy one-inch aluminum frame that is color matched to the window (the frame comes in all the standard window colors). A strong frame is key to prevent the screen from sagging, especially a heavier screen like Suntex.
You Cannot Buy A Higher Quality Screen!
You may have seen some screen products at home-improvement superstores, but what you won't find is the quality that I offer. My most popular screen (Suntex 90) is heavier, stiffer, and harder to work with than the products they sell. The lightweight frame that they carry is not suitable for a heavy screen. I never use plastic corners or clips that become brittle in the sun, only quality metals that will provide years of trouble free use. All my screens come with a five-year warranty covering materials and workmanship (any defects, not neglect or abuse). You shouldn't't have any problems with your screens, but if you do just give me a call, I stand behind my work. You'll find that I offer an amazing value when you consider the price of materials and the time that you'll save.
Some Commonly Asked Questions:
Q: How much can I expect to save on my electric bill?
A: SRP claims that by shading all sun-struck windows you can save up to 25% of your cooling costs. With 80% screens a good portion of that savings may be obtained. Maximum savings will be achieved with 90% Suntex, but with a reduction in natural light. Figure your cooling cost by subtracting out the "base" amount of your electric bill. (For example one month when you didn't use heat or AC your bill was $80. In July your bill was $280. Your cooling cost is $200 for July.)
Q: It gets so HOT in Arizona, why would anyone choose 80% instead of 90% screens?
A: There are a few reasons, the most common is to allow more sunlight to illuminate the room while still having some protection. Common applications for Suntex 80 are windows where the sun exposure is minimal, or on any room where maximum natural light is preferred.
Q: Will Suntex 90 block too much of the light, making my rooms too dark?
A: Suntex 90 does make a noticeable change in the lighting of your rooms. It's a natural trade off, blocking most of the sun's heat does require a reduction in the amount of light coming in. In the end it is a personal choice and only you can say how much light is needed in your home. It may help to consider which concerns you more: having too much heat, -or- having too much shade.
Q: If the screens block so much of the sun won't 90% screens also block some of my view?
A: Look at the photo below, the straight-ahead daylight view is actually better than the old 70% sun screens (but the room will be darker). If you are trying see out at an extreme angle to the window then your view will be blocked, it's the same properties that block more of the sun as the angle gets sharper.
Q: Should I remove the screens during winter months?
A: It's a personal choice, if you want a little more solar heat gain during the coldest winter months you can certainly remove the screens. Just take care in storing them that nothing pushes against the screen to stretch it out of shape.
Q: I can't easily turn the clips to remove the screens for cleaning.
A: Though they appear to simply twist off, the clips should be kept snug enough that high winds over time cannot work the screen loose. In most cases a turn with a Phillips screwdriver will loosen the clips enough to twist off. Remember to re-tighten when putting the screen back on.
Q: How do I keep my screens clean?
A: If they are just dusty a light rinsing with a hose should easily take the dust off.
Q: My screens are dirty and they won't rinse off easily, how can I clean them?
A: When dirt becomes "baked" on the screen they are a little harder to clean. A soft window scrubber and some Cascade Dishwasher detergent should do the trick. Be sure to rinse well to remove all the detergent. Also take care not to stretch the screen out of shape.
Q: Will the screens be more effective if the entire window frame is covered?
A: This is one of the selling points of some screen shops and in my opinion is simply a sales line. Solar screens do help shade the window but they are still a "partial" shade. As long as some sun is still hitting the glass the amount of heat radiating through the window frame is negligible. The real problem is solar energy easily penetrates the glass and then the resulting heat is trapped inside. All focus should be on shading the glass, and until all the direct rays are completely blocked the thermal conductivity of the frame is a non-issue. Windows will never insulate like a wall, but shading the glass from direct sun can significantly reduce your cooling costs.
drapes, and window film all block the sun after they have penetrated and heated the window glass, so the heat is free to radiate into the home.
