Make DIY Solar Screen Windows with (or without) a Sun Screen Kit [Easy Steps!]

Solar screen windows are great! They’re an affordable and effective way to reduce energy costs and increase comfort.

Solar screens are designed to reflect the sun’s rays away from your windows. This way, they keep the inside of your home cool in summer and warm in winter. (I hate being in a room that’s too warm!)

This can save you money on monthly energy bills – always a bonus. Plus, they can make your home more comfortable throughout the year.

If you are considering adding solar screens to your windows, you may be wondering how to choose the right product. People have lots of questions about how to install and maintain them properly.

This article will provide an overview of solar window screens. We will discuss the benefits and types available. We’ll also look at tips for choosing and installing the right screens for your home or building.

Ready? Let’s jump in.

Supplies Needed for Making Solar Screens

Here is a list of materials you will need to make DIY solar screen windows with a sun screen kit:

• Solar screen kit, including screen material and mounting hardware
• Screwdriver or drill
• Measuring tape
• Scissors or a utility knife
• Pencil or marker
• Ladder (if needed for accessing high windows)

You may also need additional materials. It depends on the specific kit you purchase and the type of window you install the solar screen on.

It is important to read the instructions carefully! Make sure you have all the necessary materials and tools.

Preparing the Window

You must measure and cut the screen material to prepare a window for a DIY solar screen project. It’s important that the screen is cut to fit the window.

Here are the steps to do this:

Measure the width and height of the window frame. Be sure to measure at the outside edges of the frame, as this is where the solar screen will be installed.

Cut the screen material to size using scissors or a utility knife. It is important to allow for a few inches of overlap on all sides, as this will ensure a secure fit and proper tension on the screen.

Mark the screen material at the window’s top, middle, and bottom. These marks will be used as a reference when installing the screen.

Repeat the measurement and cutting process for any additional windows.

Once you have cut the screen material to size, you can begin installing the solar screen.

Installing the Solar Screen

To install the solar screen, you must follow the instructions provided with the solar screen kit.

Generally, the process involves mounting the screen material to the window frame using hardware or mounting brackets. Here are some tips for a successful installation:

Be sure to use the proper mounting hardware for your window type. If you are unsure what type of hardware to use, consult the instructions or consult a professional.

Pay attention to the tension of the screen material as you install it. The screen should be tight enough to hold its shape. But you don’t want it so tight that it becomes difficult to open and close the window.

When installing the screen, leave a few inches of overlap on all sides. This will help ensure a secure fit and proper tension on the screen.

Regularly check the screen for damage or looseness. Make any necessary repairs or adjustments to maintain its condition.

To clean the screen, use a soft brush or vacuum to remove dirt and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the screen.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your solar screen is properly installed.

The bottom line, if you install the screen right, it will provide effective protection from the sun’s heat and glare for years to come.

What Are the Questions People Ask when Installing Solar Window Shades?

Now that we’ve covered how to use a solar screen kit, let’s look at some frequently asked questions.

Like any DIY project, most of us learn how to do it by researching online. Having questions is normal!

What are popular brands or websites for purchasing DIY solar screen kits online?

Several brands and websites offer solar screen kits for purchase online.

Some popular options include:

Phifer: This company offers a wide range of solar screen materials and kits for residential and commercial use. You can find their products on their website or through online retailers such as Amazon.

Coolaroo: This brand offers solar screen kits in various sizes and colors, and their products are available on their website and through online retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s.

Redi Shade: This company offers solar screen kits that are available in various sizes for easy installation. You can find their products on their website or online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Metro Screenworks: This company offers a variety of solar screen materials and kits, including custom sizes and colors. You can find their products on their website or through online retailers such as Amazon and Lowe’s.

These are just a few examples! Many other brands and websites offer solar screen kits. It is important to carefully research and compare products to find the best option for your needs and budget.

Are they worth the investment?

Solar screens are a great investment for any home. They can help reduce your energy costs.

They keep your home cooler in the summer while allowing natural light to come in.

Solar screens are also made from durable materials that will last for years.

Plus, their design is attractive enough to enhance the look of any home exterior.

Aside from energy savings, solar screens protect from harmful UV rays. This helps to reduce fading and damage caused by the sun.

Also, if you live in an area prone to strong winds or hail storms, solar screens can provide another layer of protection against potential damage.

Overall, solar screens are worth the investment!

Are solar screens expensive?

Solar screens can be expensive, but they can also provide a substantial return on that investment.

Solar screens are durable materials that block the sun’s rays from entering your home.

This keeps your home cooler, reduces energy costs, and helps protect your possessions from UV damage. Also – this is good to know – solar screens may sometimes lower your homeowner’s insurance rates.

The cost of solar screens depends on a few things. Remember your windows’ size, the screen’s chosen material, and the installation process.

While more expensive than traditional window coverings, you’ll save money in the long run.

What color solar screen is best?

Solar screens come in various colors and can help reduce solar heat and protect your home from UV rays.

The best color solar screen will depend on your window type and the look and feel you want.

Generally, lighter colors like white or tan are more effective at reflecting sunlight than darker colors.

This is because they absorb less heat and create less glare. This is good for making them better for blocking unwanted heat and light.

Additionally, neutral colors like gray or beige can help blend in with the rest of your home’s exterior design.

If you’re looking for something that stands out, vibrant colors like blue or red may work better for some windows or applications.

Ultimately, the best color solar screen depends on your needs and preferences.

What’s the difference between solar screens vs window film?

Solar screens and window film are options for improving a home’s energy efficiency. That said, they have distinct differences.

Solar screens are a type of window covering made from tightly woven fabric. They absorb some sunlight before it reaches the window.

This helps to reduce glare, heat gain, and UV exposure without sacrificing visibility.

Window film is a thin adhesive plastic applied to a window’s glass surface.

It reflects sunlight and reduces heat transfer. But it can also reduce visibility when installed on windows facing the sun.

Solar screens allow more natural light than window films. Because of this, they are better suited for south or west-facing windows that get a lot of direct sunlight.

Window films are best used on east or north-facing windows to reduce glare while allowing more natural light.

Do solar window screens block UV or reduce energy consumption?

Yes! Solar window screens block and reduce the amount of UV radiation and heat that enters a building through windows.

By blocking or absorbing some of the sun’s energy, solar screens can help reduce the heat that builds up inside a home or other building. This leads to lower energy consumption and costs.

Solar screens are specialized screen materials that block or absorb a portion of the sun’s energy.

The amount of energy blocked or absorbed will depend on the specific properties of the screen material and the angle and intensity of the sun’s rays.

Solar screens can effectively reduce energy consumption and costs, particularly in hot, sunny climates where air conditioning is heavily used.

By blocking some of the sun’s energy, solar screens can help reduce the load on air conditioning systems, resulting in lower energy consumption and costs.

They can also help reduce the heat entering a building, making it more comfortable and reducing the need for air conditioning.

Let’s Wrap Up

We hope this article has provided helpful information! The goal was to get you up to speed on making your solar screen windows using a solar screen kit.

If you have tried this project, we would love to hear your tips and experiences in the comments below.

And if you have any questions about the process or materials needed, don’t hesitate to ask.

I’ll do my best to answer any questions you may have.

Thanks for reading, and we hope you found this article useful!