Solar Shades: How They Work, and Why They’re Worthwhile

You might have have heard about solar shades, but perhaps you don’t know how they work, or what makes them beneficial for your home. As a resident of Southwest Florida, you know better than most how punishing the sun’s rays can be, and cloudy days are a scarcity here, too. Homeowners in Cape Coral, Naples, and Fort Myers will see an average of 350 days of sunshine every year, and the sun can do some serious damage to your house’s interior. Here’s a rundown of the way solar shades work, and why you should consider investing in them for your home.

How Solar Shades Work

When the sun’s light passes through unprotected glass directly into your home, it will beam 230 BTUs on a square foot of glass; when you utilize solar shades, you’ll be protected from up to 99% of the UV rays without sacrificing your view.

Solar shades are made from a polyester weave with a PVC coating to make them more durable. You can purchase solar shades in a variety of openness factors. The higher the openness factor, the easier it will be to see outside; however, when your openness factor is higher, you’re letting in a greater amount of heat as well as more UV light.

You can purchase solar screens in three different varieties of fabrics: dark, light, and high performance reflective fabrics.  Regardless of the fabric you choose, they’ll offer you glare and heat control as well as natural light management. You’ll be able to view the outdoors, and it will offer you UV protection that you wouldn’t get from a bare window.

Why Are Solar Shades Necessary in Southwest Florida?

UV Ray Protection— You know that the sun’s UV rays can be very damaging; not only is it dangerous to your skin, but it can seriously fade your carpet, flooring, and your furniture. You’ll get significantly more wear out of your furnishings if you invest in solar shades.

Glare Reduction— The sun’s glare is irritating; it can affect your view of your television as well as other electronic devices. When your windows are uncovered, there’s a portion of the day that your screens are all but unusable.

Energy Efficiency— When the sun’s rays are beating into your home, it’s raising the temperature significantly, forcing your air conditioner to work overtime. Conversely, when your windows are uncovered in the winter, the heat in your home is escaping through your window panes. Solar shades keep the punishing rays out in the summer, and help you keep your home warmer in the winter.

Privacy— Solar shades offer privacy as well as protection; you’re able to see out, but others cannot see in.

Style and AffordabilityBeach Bungalow Blinds is proud to carry solar shades in a variety of attractive styles and for a price that you can afford. Our blinds are durable, and created from quality materials that won’t fade or yellow over time.

If you’re ready to invest in your home’s appearance and in protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays, contact us today to learn more about solar shades.

Topics: solar shades