What is the difference between solar shades and regular shades?

Solar shades are made from a screen-like mesh material designed to block UV rays without entirely blocking the view, while roller shades can be made from a range of textiles, often vinyl or fabric, with the purpose of controlling the light in a room.

Are solar shades worth it?

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.

Are solar shades better than cellular shades?

Making the Right Choice for you

Your final choice will, ultimately, come down to personal preference. If privacy is a main concern, cellular shades may be the right choice for you. If being able to enjoy the view while still being protected, solar shades may provide a better fit.

Can you see through solar shades at night?

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. When the lights are on in your home at night, it makes the shades transparent.

What's the difference between solar shades and roller shades?

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.

What color solar shade works best?

Dark colors absorb more light, therefore reducing glare. This also translates to view through. People are always surprised to learn that dark colors in solar screen offer superior view through and are best if you wish to preserve your view.

What can I put on my windows so I can see out but no one can see in?

Contra Vision® White 24/7 Concealed Vision™ is a one way window film that works at night. Most one-way vision films can only provide privacy during the daytime. At night the films become see-through if the inside is illuminated and blinds or curtains are needed.

What do solar shades look like from the outside at night?

Solar shades are designed to allow you to see out, but other's not see in, providing daytime privacy. The exact opposite is true at night! 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.

How much privacy do solar shades give?

Solar Shade materials come in a variety of transparency levels, from 10% to 1%, named for the amount of light they let through. So while you may think you should choose 10% for maximum privacy, it's actually the opposite, with 1% Solar Shades creating the most privacy of all the material options.

Do solar shades insulate?

They reduce heat by blocking the amount of sunlight coming into a space, and making the windows more energy efficient. This heat reduction can help you save money on energy costs during the hot summer months. However, the holes in the woven fabric do not allow for the shade to insulate against the cold.

What kind of shades block heat?

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.

Do blackout cellular shades work?

1. Single-cell/double-cell cellular shades – We have single cell blackout honeycomb fabrics and double-cell blackout shades that work very well. The fabric for both of these shades will block 100% of light. Be sure to add to your width and height measurements.

Do solar shades block glare?

Solar shades are a great choice where privacy isn't a factor, but blocking light and glare are important. Solar shades will prevent UV rays from fading your furniture, floors, and other household items. They'll also keep glare off your TV. They're just like sunglasses for your windows!

Are solar shades in style?

Solar shades. 'They're a new fave,' says Mary Patton. 'I've become more and more interested in solar shades, as they now come in stylish and beautiful options,' Mary explains. 'These are great investment pieces for larger spaces such as a living room or bedroom.

What is the best window covering to keep heat out?

Exterior Shutters and Shades

They are most effective at reducing solar heat gain. Shades are typically fabric or vinyl and the material may have openings that allow some visibility through the window. The larger the openings, the less protection from solar gain.

Which blinds are best for privacy and light?

Sheer shades and zebra shades - also called dual shades - are one of the most ideal choices for privacy in any room. This combination of a privacy protector and light filter will allow you to enjoy your surroundings when it's light, but will also block the outside view .

What shades look best from outside?

Sheer Shades

Traditional Sheer Shades or Dual Sheer Shades are both a fantastic choice for exterior style. The large slats give you the clean look of shutters, and the softness of fabric. If you can't decide between blinds and shades, these are truly the best of both worlds.

How can I keep light in but keep privacy?

What are windows called that you can't see through?

This type of glass is called frosted glass.

Is it worth it to tint house windows?

Yes, it is. Older windows benefit the most from tinting as they do not have a low-emissivity (Low-E) coating that comes standard with newer windows. By tinting older windows, you will increase your home's energy efficiency by keeping heat out during the warmer months and retaining more heat in during colder months.

How long does window film last?

The lifespan of window film depends greatly on its quality and the materials used in its manufacture. Most window films last somewhere between 10 to 20 years. However, this time can be longer or shorter depending on the amount of stress put on the film.

What are the best shades for privacy?

What colors do solar shades come in?

Solar Screen Fabric

No fiberglass is used in any of our exterior solar screening. Our products are available in 80% and 90% woven patterns. Available colors include: Beige, Black, Brown, Buffalo, Desert Sand (or Stucco – depending on the Brand), and Gray.

What does 3% on solar shades mean?

The percentages attached to each solar material (1,3,5,7 & 10%) indicate both the tightness of the material's weave, and how much protection from the sun it offers. Lower percentages mean tighter weaves, less transparency and more UV protection.