New Orleans Solar Screens - Conserve Energy with Our Sun Shades

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.

What is a solar screen?

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.

What is the difference between an exterior solar shade and an interior solar shade?

Which is right for me?

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.

Why install solar screens or shades for my home or office?

There are a number of advantages to solar shades. By installing retractable solar screens, you:

• Protect your flooring from uneven fading due to sunlight exposure
• Protect your couches, artwork, framed pictures, and other possessions from fading and wear from UV light (sunlight can even burn a hole through a precious framed photo if the photo is left near an open window for too long)
• Protect your skin from cancer-causing UV rays
• Improve your energy efficiency (up to half the heat in your home is caused by sunlight)
• Reduce glare for electronics (such as computer screens) without forcing you to close windows entirely
• Increase privacy without completely losing view or natural light

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.

Our recommended solar screens

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:

• Knowledge of New Orleans: We know high winds and heavy rains can wreak havoc on anything left outdoors here in New Orleans, and we understand concerns about weather damage for exterior screens as well. Our experts can recommend brands and materials that will stand up to Louisiana storms for years to come.
• Recommended expertise: Our time in New Orleans has allowed us to build a network of happy clients. We meet many of our clients through word-of-mouth from previous satisfied jobs and pride ourselves on maintaining a strong reputation for service and quality. When you hire us, you know you’re hiring a company that is highly recommended by countless others in your community.
• Installations for office and home: If you’re working in an office where we’ve installed solar screens in the past, and you’d like some in your home – we can install them for you. And if you’ve had solar screens installed at home, and you decide you’d like them installed at the office as well, we can do that. Our expertise gives us the flexibility to install solar shades and screens in a variety of environments.
• Our business is near you: If you’re looking for quick, personal service, don’t go to a big faceless company. We live in your city – we’ve made a point of focusing on your city – and this local focus means we offer prompt service that meets your unique needs.
• Solar energy equipment supplier: When you’re decreasing your energy footprint, it can be a hassle to talk to multiple companies, get dozens of quotes for a handful of different improvements, and work with multiple teams. With us, you have one company that can meet many of your solar energy equipment needs. Just call for a list of everything we can do for you!
• High-quality materials, every time: There’s nothing like paying for a home or office upgrade, only to have it fall apart the following year. We know that frustration. You deserve better. That’s why we’re picky with the materials and products we install: we only install high-quality materials, every time, so they’ll serve you for years to come.

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.

Other Services from our New Orleans LA Office

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:

• Porch enclosures made from screens or from solid glass panels; these protect you from bugs and rain while allowing you to spend time outside on your porch or deck
• Storm doors that can improve the insulation in your home, and allow airflow during good weather
• Security windows that will protect children from falling out a high window, while giving you the freedom to leave windows open for fresh air
• And more…Next time you need an energy-efficient weather-friendly home upgrade, give us a call!

About New Orleans

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:

• New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: Did you know that New Orleans played a part in the development of modern medicine? From cocktails to voodoo, this museum documents the efforts of New Orleans doctors to find cures to dangerous diseases – and the successes that made a mark on the international pharmaceuticals of today.
• NOLA Museum of Art Sculpture Garden: Our art museum is home to thousands of beautiful pieces; in fact, there are so many that it’s easy to miss the standout sculpture garden exhibit outdoors. This unique experience takes you through a wandering path of modern sculptures from around the world, and is one of the hidden gems of New Orleans.
• New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter: The French Quarter is one of the most famous, tourist-filled areas of our city. With the food walking tour, you’ll be able to focus in on some of the French Quarter’s best cuisine. Maybe you’ll find your new favorite place to get dinner!

Driving Directions

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.

Resources

Pros and Cons to Solar Screens (Medium)
How to Get the Most From Your Solar Shades (DIY Network)
Outdoor Solar Screens and Shades (HomeGuides)

Business information

Big Easy Iron Works
3436 Magazine St., Suite #120-B
New Orleans, LA 70115