Common Questions About Solar Screens & Motorized Patio Shades
Yes, they only need an occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. They are also mildew and fade resistant.
While UV blockage is 65% to 90%, actual visibility is diminished by only 15% to 40% depending on the screening fabric selected. Light through Solar Screens is not tinted, but it is reduced in volume, allowing good light with reduced glare.
When your windows are open, Solar Screens still allow good airflow.
These products protect against insects and can replace regular insect screening on windows, doors and porches.
Film is an interior application and is not designed for double pane windows. It is not nearly as effective as solar screens, and voids out all window warranties, as it damages sealed thermal pane windows.
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.
The mounting method depends on your window. They can be directly screwed onto the window or mounted with clips for easier removal. In rare cases, we can use brick clips.
It’s not necessary to remove solar screens during the winter. There are fewer daytime hours in the winter and it is usually more overcast, so the chance of passive solar heating through your windows is limited. Solar screens also create a small barrier, protecting windows from cold winter winds (similar to a storm window), which keeps the temperature of the glass warmer. The warmer you keep the glass, the less your heater needs to run, thereby conserving energy.
Motorized retractable patio screens are automated shading systems that can be raised or lowered with the push of a button. They provide flexible protection from sun, rain, wind, and insects while creating instant privacy for your patio space. When not needed, they retract into a protective housing, which keeps your space open and clear.
These screens offer multiple benefits including sun shading, wind and rain reduction, insect protection, instant privacy, energy conservation by reducing heat gain, and protection for furniture and rugs from UV damage. They allow you to enjoy your patio year-round regardless of weather conditions.
The screens can create shade within a matter of minutes with the simple press of a button on your remote control, and they retract just as quickly.
Generally, motorized retractable patio screens do not require frequent maintenance. Longhorn provides a best practices guide covering essential care tips, routine maintenance, and proper operation instructions to help extend the life of your screens.
Yes, we offer a manual crank-operated screen with cable side tracks.