Exterior Sun Control FAQ's

• Q: How does exterior shading work? A: Exterior Sun Control Screens absorb and dissipate a large percentage of solar heat and glare before it reaches windows and doors; this keeps the glass and interior cool.
• Q: Are Sun Control Screens easy to clean? A: Yes, they only need an occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. They are also mildew and fade resistant.
• Q: Do Sun Control Screens come with a warranty? A: Yes, Phifer offers a warranty on Exterior Sun Control Products.
• Q: Do Sun Control Screens block airflow? A: Exterior sun control products still allow good airflow.
• Q: How are Sun Control Screens at insect protection? A: These products protect against insects and can replace regular insect screening on windows, doors and porches.
• Q: Does Sun Control Screening look like standard insect screening? A: Sun Control Screening is available in a wider range of colors than regular insect screening. From the outside, sun control screening offers a uniform look to windows and doors, providing a more aesthetically pleasing overall look to home and building exteriors than regular insect screening. Outward visibility remains good through exterior sun control.
• Q: Do Sun Control Screens provide privacy? A: Visibility through Sun Control Screens depends on light location. Lighted interiors allow inward visibility at night, while sunlight during the daytime diminishes inward visibility, offering more privacy.
• Q: Will Sun Control Screens affect houseplants? A: 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.
• Q: Can Sun Control Screens be installed over different shapes of windows: A: Yes. All shapes and sizes of windows can be shaded with sun control products including rakes, octagons, circles, etc.
• Q: If I have storm windows or windows containing insulated glass, is Sun Control Screen still effective? A: Storm windows and insulated glass are effective ways to increase thermal efficiency of any window.
• Q: What should be the payback period from utility savings after installing Sun Control Screens? A: Many Sun Control Screen payback period estimates fall between two and three cooling seasons. A University of Texas study predicts a 32% savings for an average home.
• Q: How do Sun Control Screens compare to glass tinting? A: Glass tinting filters the light along with the UV rays. Sun Control Screens reduce the volume of light without filtering. As the glass filters sunlight through the tint, it will maintain heat, which dissipates into the house, making sun control screens more effective than glass tinting for energy savings.
• Q: If I have reflective light-colored drapes or blinds, are Sun Control Screens still beneficial? A: Yes, along with the heat that is absorbed by the drapes/blinds, they are also subject to UV damage. The combination of light-colored interior shades and dark exterior screens will provide optimum results.
• Q: Should Sun Control Screens be removed in the winter? A: To protect carpets, drapes and furniture from damaging UV rays, the Sun Control Screens should remain in place even during cooler months. They also provide approximately 15% increase in the thermal performance of the window.
• Q: Can Sun Control Screens be removed to clean the windows? A: Yes, Sun Control Screens are removable just like insect screening for ease in washing screens and window glass.
• Q: How much will Sun Control Screens darken the interior? A: While UV blockage is 65% to 90%, actual visibility is diminished by only 15% to 40% depending on the screening fabric selected. Light through the Sun Control Screen is not tinted, but it is reduced in volume, allowing good light with reduced glare.
• Q: What color Sun Control Screen is more effective for heat reduction? A: Dark colors are more effective than light colors on exterior screens.
• Q: How much ultraviolet light do Sun Control Screens block? A: UV blockage depends on the fabric's weave and openness. In general, the UV blockage percentage will be the reciprocal of the openness factor.