Renvations Team
Regarding home improvement projects, the cost of solar screens can be one of the most puzzling topics. Why? Because everyone’s needs differ, there’s no “one size fits all” answer.
The good news is that we can provide a little clarity amid this mystery. At Renvations.com, we’ve looked in-depth at the factors determining sunshade costs, so you don’t have to. We’ll explore the factors that influence what you pay for your sunshades, including size, material, and customization.
Ultimately, these considerations will help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your home — while sun shades may not be cheap or easy to install, they can tremendously impact your energy bills and quality of life. Let’s dive in!
Different Types of Solar Screens
Solar screens are an attractive, low-cost home improvement that may save money on your monthly energy bills. But it’s essential to understand the different types of sun shades before committing to one. Here’s a quick overview of the main types of sunshades:
- Standard Solar Screens: These are the most common type of sunshade and the most cost-effective. They are easy to install, come in various colors and fabrics, and can typically block 65 percent to 90 percent of the sun’s rays.
- High-Performance Solar Screens: These are more expensive than standard sun shades but offer excellent protection from UV rays, keeping your home cooler in warmer months. High-performance sunshades can block up to 97 percent of UV rays from entering your home.
- Retractable Solar Screens: These are perfect for homeowners who want to enjoy their outdoor space when it’s too sunny or hot. Retractable sun shades can be quickly and easily retracted when desired or needed, allowing you to enjoy outdoor space without the intense sunlight.
So no matter which type you choose, you’ll invest in efficiency and comfort for everyone inside your home!
Cost Factors of Solar Screens
When understanding the cost of sunshades for your home, it’s essential to look at a few key factors.
Cost is determined by the type of product used, the size of the window, and any other customization you may want. For example, if you need light-colored frames to match your décor, those will affect the cost.
Below are some of the typical cost factors associated with sun shades:
- Type of material: Sunshades come in various materials, including metal, wood, wood composites, and vinyl. These materials vary in price from high-end to budget-friendly options.
- Size: If your windows are more extensive, then you’ll need more fabric and take more time for installation – therefore resulting in a higher cost
- Customization: Adding decorative features like borders or different finishes on the frame will also increase costs
Where to Buy Solar Screens on a Budget
If you’re looking at the costs of a solar screen for your home and wondering where to buy sunshades on a budget, the answer is…it depends! You can buy your sunshades online, directly from a manufacturer or retailer, or even start to build them yourself. But ultimately, it’s essential to understand how much you’re prepared to pay before you commit to any purchase.
First of all, you must shop around and compare the market. Prices vary significantly between companies (and even stores), so do your research and make sure that you are getting almost the best price for your solar screens.
To help ensure that you don’t end up overspending on sunshades, here are some tips on how to save money:
- Shop for quality: Choose a reputable brand and look for warranties or guarantees. Ensure you get precisely what you need so your screens last longer and withstand extreme weather conditions.
- Look at discounts: Remember that buying in bulk (like five or more) can give you essential deals from specific retailers or manufacturers.
- Check out discount codes and sales: There might be offers from different companies during special seasons like Halloween, so make sure to find those deals first!
- Make use of financing options: Financing options such as 0% interest may be available at certain retailers – be sure to keep an eye out!
- DIY kits: If it’s within your skill level and you have the necessary tools/materials, building your sunshade is also an option!
By considering these factors
Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Solar Screen Projects
Installing solar screens yourself is a great way to reduce costs and save cash. DIY sunshade projects can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the size of your windows and the materials you choose.
Initial Cost
Before starting your project, you’ll need to consider the cost of supplies, including sunshades, mounting hardware, and tools. Other stores, such as screws, tape, and sealant, may also be needed. Look for quality materials that offer maximum sun-blocking capability—cheaper options will often not block enough sunlight to be effective.
Construction Costs
If you’re mounting your sunshades directly onto existing windows, then there won’t be much construction cost associated with the project. However, creating an entirely new window system with sunshades could add a layer of expense. Consider how much time and effort will be involved in sizing and cutting window frames before purchasing.
Installation Cost
The installation cost is another factor to consider when calculating cost savings for a DIY sunshade project. Installing faux-wood or metal-frame systems properly takes significant time and effort, so ensure you have someone willing to help – or plenty of patience! Professional installation can save time and help ensure that everything is installed correctly so that your windows are airtight.
Benefits of Installing Solar Screens for Your Home
Solar screens installed in your home come with a bunch of benefits. Solar screens have plenty to offer, from saving energy costs to protecting furniture and reducing glare.
Increase energy efficiency
Sunshades provide an excellent way to regulate the temperature in your home and help reduce cooling costs significantly. By blocking the sun’s heat-producing rays, sunshades absorb up to 80% of solar heat during hot summer when air conditioning is often used for comfort. In addition, sunshades can help maintain a consistent temperature inside during cooler months by trapping heat from escaping outside. This makes year-round temperature regulation easier—not to mention cheaper!
Reduce Glare
If you’re constantly struggling with glare from the sun, installing sunshades can make a difference. Sunshades are designed to reduce up to 90% of direct sunlight entering your home, allowing you to enjoy natural light without all negative aspects. In addition, these thin mesh fabrics provide protection that won’t obstruct your view or block natural light from entering your home.
Protect Your Furniture & Floors
Sunshades can prevent furniture and flooring from fading due to UV exposure over time. Sunlight causes fading on fabric furniture, carpets, and curtains over time due to exposure to UVA & UVB rays — but installing sunshades directly on windows blocks out these dangerous rays before they enter the room and protects your investment in decor and furniture items.
Hiring a Professional Contractor for Installation
Hiring a professional contractor is best when installing sunshades on your home. They can give you an accurate cost estimate and ensure the installation is done correctly, so your screens are optimally efficient and effective.
A professional contractor will charge you an installation fee plus the cost of materials. The installation fee may include visiting your home to measure your windows and generate a custom sunshade design. Afterward, they’ll have unique materials produced to fit your windows precisely so that you can maximize their efficiency.
Many contractors will also provide other guarantees, such as labor and quality warranties, so ask about them during the initial consultation. Don’t be afraid to look for the best deal–it always pays to compare multiple quotes from reputable contractors to get the best value for your money.
Tinted window screens
Tinted window screens may be worth considering if you want to save energy. Not only do they offer privacy and block out harmful UV rays, but these screens can also help regulate your home’s temperature. By reflecting and absorbing sunlight, these tinted window screens help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
But what’s nice about these sunshades is that you don’t need to sacrifice style for efficiency. Adding a tinted window screen does not affect how your windows look from the outside—it provides an extra layer of protection against heat transfer. Plus, you can choose from a variety of colors and also styles so that you can find something that matches your esthetic preferences.
Regarding costs, tinted window screens are typically more affordable than traditional film-based window treatments. They’re often twice as efficient as film-based treatments at a fraction of the cost. On average, you can also expect to pay anywhere between $15-$25 per linear foot for several types of sunshade materials – some homeowners have reported spending an average of $17-$20 per linear foot on their solar screen costs depending on style and durability preference.
The average cost of solar screens
Installing solar screens for your home can be an expensive proposition. A typical sunshade installation ranges from $600 to $2,000, with the national average installation cost of around $1,250.
It’s important to note that this cost range covers various sunshades and sizes, so this number is best used as a rough guide when doing your research. Here are some factors that will influence the cost of a solar screen installation:
Types of Solar Screens
The type of sunshades you choose will significantly impact the overall cost. There are two main categories to consider when looking at sunshades: exterior and interior. Exterior sunshades are more expensive than internal varieties because they require more labor and installation materials.
Shape & Size of Solar Screens
Another factor affecting home sunshade costs is the shape and size of the windows or doors you cover with screens. Larger projects will require more time and effort than smaller ones, so the final price tag could be higher depending on the scope of your project. Getting an estimate from a professional before committing to any purchase or installation is best.
Though installing sunshades can be pricey upfront, many homeowners find it worth it for the energy savings they get in return over time. Your local HVAC technician can even help you estimate potential long-term protection for your particular home before taking on any project.
Window screens that don’t block the view
You may be thinking about what happens if you want to keep your view and receive the benefits of a solar screening but don’t want to disrupt your property’s esthetic.
Openness Factor
The good news for you is that multiple solutions can fit your needs! You’ll need to look out for the Openness Factor (OF), which indicates the amount of light that passes through the screen. The higher the OF, the more sunlight comes through. Additionally, a higher OF usually means a lower cost for installation, making it an excellent option for cost-sensitive homeowners.
Fiberglass mesh
Fiberglass mesh with an OF of around 25-40% is popular. It’s very durable, can handle direct sunlight without fading or breaking down, and since it’s so lightweight, it won’t add any significant stress to your windows.
Sunshades with this level of openness will still provide some protection from UV rays, reduce solar heat gain in summer, and insulate during winter. This makes them an ideal choice as they protect while preserving most of your view.
Conclusion
Solar screens can be a great addition to any home, offering energy efficiency benefits, UV protection, and privacy. Depending on the type of sunshade you choose, you may be able to save money if you install them yourself, but it can also add up quickly depending on the size of your windows and doors.
No matter the cost you pay for sunshades, you can be sure you will have made a wise investment in your home and your family. Not only will sunshades help you save money on energy bills, but they will also help protect you and also your family from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Investing in sunshades can be a great way to improve the look and functionality of your home and protect your family from the sun’s rays.
