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Home Decorating

Need a Lesson 101: Solar shades vs Screen shades vs Roller shades

11 years ago

Hi,

Are all these different names people use to call the same roller type window treatments?

We have south facing windows (lot of afternoon sun coming through). We like modern, sleek looking window treatments so was looking into roller shades. No issues with privacy except in one bedroom. Want protection from the sun with regards to fading of hardwood floors and rugs and furniture.

Initially was considering a film on the windows but that will void warranty on double pane windows. Read on this forum that Solar shades are supposed to go on the outside and if you put them on the inside then same warranty problems arise with double pane windows.

Went on Hunter Douglas website there are no Solar shades only Screen shades and Roller shades. So is Solar shade not an option in Hunter Douglas or is it synonymous to their Screen Shades?

Could someone give me a WT- Lesson 101 please? so I can make an informed decision on what type of rollers I need in the Family room and what type do I need in the bedroom.

Thanks

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Comments (3)

annzgw
11 years ago
I've never heard that Solar Shades are to be used on the exterior only and I've seen plenty of use on double pane windows within the house. If a shade had an insulating effect and was sealed along the edges or had sealed side tracks, then that would not be safe to use with double pane.

Solar screens are just that.....screens. They go outside the window just as any other type of screen is used.

Roller shades can be decorative lightweight window coverings, but the term 'roller' is also used for the Solar Shades since they are usually on some type of roller system.

It sounds like Solar Shades will fit your need.

Here is a link that might be useful: Interior Shades
bobtheblindguy
11 years ago
A solar shade is a mylar material. You see them a lot in offices and restaurant. They do a good job keeping the heat out. You do see them in homes but not too often.

Screen shades are being use more and more in homes. They filter out the light but you can still see out.

Both are on a roller like a roller shade but operate with a chain control.

Your right about the film voiding your warranty but solar, screen roller shades will not.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures of solar screen shades
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I’ve had a lot of different window treatments over the years. My favorite at this point is bamboo shades paired with simple drapes. I install the rod about 6” above the window and 12” out from trim if I have room. That way I can close the drapes if I need full coverage or just pull down the shade for filtered light. @chrislovesjulia on Instagram does this a lot now too. Check out Lots of pix on Pinterest or Google “shades with curtains” or roller shades to see a lot of options. As an example this is my current small dining area with simple drapes I made for my last house-paired with cordless bamboo blinds (you could do roller shades instead) I ordered from an online company red
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Roller shades that slide in tracks can be almost completely sealed, providing good insulation because the air doesn't circulate. They are used in unusual situations where near total blackout is needed. This is probably not an installation option for patio doors, but you could ask a pro who deals with high end custom shades. They would not insulate the gaps between doors and doorframes.
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WOW Great spaces. Really liking all that natural light. While I may well be in the minority, I'd like to suggest you at least consider vertical blinds. Before downsizing, I had them in the living/entry space, the den and the dining room. Would definitely use them again if I ever again have an other sliding glass patio door. They come in vinyl, wood, faux wood and fabric . I'd personally recommend the vinyl and using all one neutral color -- white or beige. Vertical blinds make it a lot easier to use the doors as doors and open and close them for that purpose -- or you can quickly just push them aside in an emergency. They're great for light control because in addition to open or closed -- pulled over the door and completely shut or pulled all the way to the side and fully opened -- when pulled over the door, the slates can be straight -- fully open -- or you can choose partially open with the tilt of the slats in either direction ... you gauge how much of a tilt and in what direction based upon sunlight available (and from what direction) and how much of it you do or do not want to let fully into the room.
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Hi I've worked with window treatments for many years. It will boil down to cost & features. As someone pointed out, box stores = DIY. You will recieve little support during or after the sale if needed. Are you handy? Most shade manufacturers sell under different names (so confusing!) occasionally making some features more or less "exclusive" to certain brands. Reach out to your local businesses 1st. See how you are treated. Do they offer free measuring, do they have their own employees install, what happens if something breaks? Will someone help you pick out fabrics in your home? You can't really know what looks right standing in a warehouse. Most shade manufacturers have good warranties, how to obtain service is an impotant piece of the puzzle. Ask :-) Also, check with your landlord. Some may have issue with you installing things yourself. Good luck!
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cwhaz
6 years ago
I've heard that solar screens installed on the outside of windows will block more heat than solar shades on the inside. Is that correct? What is the best option for cutting head in an extremely hot climate? (not worried so much about light).

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