Sunshine streaming through your windows can quickly heat up your home or office. It’s hard to enjoy a beautiful view or sunshine if you’re trying to avoid skin damage from harmful UV rays.
While we all enjoy a bright sunny day, those hot solar rays also tend to drive up the energy costs needed to keep your home or office minty cool. And while sunshine has many energy benefits, not every office or home is equipped to harness that potential.
If you’re struggling with sunlight heating your home, solar screens may be your solution. Solar screens are window shades created from materials that block the UV rays and heat from sunshine, allowing you to enjoy open windows without feeling the harsh effects of too much sunlight.
As shades, they can be easily installed in an adjustable format: lower them during the hottest part of the day, and open them when the sunlight is less intense.
At Big Easy Iron Works, we supply solar screens and solar shade options to New Orleans homes and businesses that are dedicated to reducing their energy footprint and UV exposure.
If you’re considering installing solar screens in your home or office, give us a call. We can answer any questions you may have about how these screens work; we can also set up an appointment for a free estimate on the cost of installing solar screens in your most sunlit windows.
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A solar screen is a window shade made of a specially fabricated UV-blocking material, designed to let in sunlight while keeping out harmful UV rays.
Because solar screens block a percentage of light from seeping in, they do decrease the amount of natural light let in through your windows, and thus may make interior rooms a bit darker. They also slightly obstruct your view in the same way you might experience looking through a screen door. However, as screens are adjustable, you can still enjoy your view when you like – just close the screen when the sunlight begins to affect your air conditioning effectiveness.
And unlike traditional shades, solar cool screens don’t completely block your view. You’ll still be able to see clearly outside, and you’ll still enjoy moderate natural light indoors. How much you’d like to see is up to you: solar screens are offered in varying protective levels, such as 80% UV blocking or 90% UV blocking.
An interior solar shade is like a regular blind: it’s installed inside of your home, at the top of your window frame, and can be raised and lowered per your preference at any given time.
An exterior solar shade can also be raised and lowered as needed, however, this version is instead installed on the outside of your window or around the perimeter of your New Orleans porch. Exterior solar shades are more effective at blocking heat and UV rays than interior screens.
With interior shades and screens, the sunlight still heats the glass of the window pane, building up heat inside your home. Whereas exterior shades shield your window pane from heat and conserve energy. If your exterior solar shades are installed on a porch, they can shield you from UV damage without entirely blocking your view.
Exterior solar window screens are made of high-quality material that does not wear quickly, even with the stormy weather.
Aside from effectiveness, the difference is usually personal preference and aesthetics. Contact us if you have any questions or need advice regarding which type might be better for you.
There are a number of advantages to solar shades. By installing retractable solar screens, you:
Our clients generally install solar screens in office windows that receive a lot of sunlight, causing their office to overheat. They also prefer solar screens for windows with sweeping views or for home windows facing the backyard, to increase privacy without obstructing the window’s view.
We’ve been working in the NOLA area for over 30 years. When you call us about installing solar screens, you’re not dealing with any old service provider, you’re calling a company with strong roots in the community and one that is dedicated to providing top service to businesses and residents.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Our company is proud to be New Orleans owned and operated, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to provide personal service to the NOLA community. For high-quality solar screens for windows or decks, call us. We’ll help you move towards a more energy-efficient and UV-protected life.
Once you’ve decreased your energy bill, you may decide you’d like to upgrade other areas of your home. We offer a variety of home improvement services, from fences to doors to railings, and would be happy to work with you on your next renovation.
Here are a few other services we offer:
We’ve based our business in New Orleans because we love this city. If you’re new to the area, we know you’ll enjoy living here as much as we have.
Here are a few of the top places to see while you’re here:
Big Easy Iron Works is located at Magazine St., 3 minutes away from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and 7 minutes away from The Muses Apartments.
From Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (0.8 mile): Head northwest on Washington Ave toward Prytania St. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Prytania St and another left onto Louisiana Ave. Turn right onto Magazine St.
From The Muses Apartments (1.7 miles): Head northwest toward Baronne St. Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Baronne St and another left onto St. Andrew St. Turn right onto Prytania St. Turn left onto Louisiana Ave. Turn right onto Magazine St.
Pros and Cons to Solar Screens (Medium)
How to Get the Most From Your Solar Shades (DIY Network)
Outdoor Solar Screens and Shades (HomeGuides)
Big Easy Iron Works
3436 Magazine St., Suite #120-B
New Orleans, LA 70115
Contact with us through our representative or submit a business inquiry online