Life Pro Tip: Preventing Foggy Glass

I'm in the window business so I see a lot of foggy glass. Once your glass has failed it's too late, but can foggy glass be prevented?

The key to reducing the chances of a failed foggy glass window is shade.

How does shade help to prevent foggy window failures?

Foggy glass occurs when condensation builds inside windows as the air between the panes cools and heats throughout the cycle of day and night. Windows that accumulate more heat throughout the day are more likely to fail faster.

If your windows are unshaded or sun struck, we recommend solar screens rather than window films. Solar screens block up to 90% of the sun's energy, and, because they don't rest against your window, the heat is dissipated harmlessly into the air. Read more about why we choose solar screens over window films here.

LPT: reduce the chances of foggy glass by shading your windows.

Shameless plug: call and ask for me (Rick Middleton) for a free estimate and 30% savings on solar screens (512-358-1560) with no minimum purchase requirements.

Solar screens versus window film - cut summertime heat and AC bills

Affordable Screens & Glass chooses solar screens over solar films. Why do we choose to install solar screens and not window film?

Choosing between solar screens and window film can be confusing. Solar screens and window film both filter light and heat to save money on high summertime electricity bills, provide daytime privacy and filter out harmful UV rays. Both products are recommended by the City of Austin for single paned windows. The main differences are double paned windows and film reflectivity.

Double paned window, solar screens versus window films

• Solar screens are recommended for double pane windows while window films can cause double pane windows to break or void the manufacturer's warranty.
  From the Florida Solar Energy Center: "...many double pane window manufacturers void their warranties if the homeowner puts a window film on their product. One reason for this is that when the film gets hot, it makes the pane it is affixed to get hot as well. The glass expands, and expands more than the outer glass without the film. This difference in expansion can create stresses in the window which in worst cases can cause the window to break, through no fault of the window."

Window film reflectivity

• Solar screens diffuse reflected light while highly reflective or metallic window films can act as a mirror and 'beam' damaging heat rays outward. To combat the double pane window breakage, new solar window films are on the market that reflect rather than absorb solar heat. Unfortunately, we still see many manufacturers voiding their warranties. Furthermore, the new reflective films have caused  a host of other issues such as reflected heat beamed onto a neighbors home or car causing damages. Finally, overly shiny and odd colorations of windows are frowned upon by most neighborhood associations.  

Currently we're sticking with solar screens for the local Austin area. Once the double pane window manufacturers stop voiding their warranties and the issues with reflectivity and/or odd colorations are sorted out we will analyze the solar film market and consider offering it in addition to solar screens. In the meantime, enjoy savings for now with 30% off our custom solar screens and for years to come.

Free solar screens samples or no obligation consultation

Just call 512-358-1560 or connect with us below and schedule your free solar screen consultation or get a solar screen sample.

Our website:
https://clearchoiceaustin.com
On Social Media
Myspace: https://myspace.com/solarscreenguy/portfolio
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Google+: +AffordableScreensGlassLLCAustin

Solar Screens on Limestone Home, Austin - Texas

A Solar screens installation by Affordable Screens & Glass 512-358-1560

This homeowner chose solar screens in bronze for their limestone home in Austin, Texas. Solar screens and screening frames are available in a variety of colors.

The homeowner chose the silver frames for her windows, while I would have chosen a dark frame. However, it turned out beautifully and made the windows pop. I'm rather partial to our local limestone and I like these limestone bricks with the bronze solar screens.

View of solar screens on home from street

I can't see it in the picture, but the bronze solar window screens carry a hint of warmth, unlike a true black, so they blend well with this color palette. Very pleasing results on this solar screen install for this beautiful Austin home.

We used Phifer's SunTex exterior screening mesh for our solar screens. Phifer solar screening materials is manufactured in the U.S.A. and carries a 10 year exterior warranty.


If you'd like a free quote or samples please call me at 512-358-1560 or you can use our contact form online here: http://clearchoiceaustin.com/appointment-contact/

Video: Exterior solar screen product overview from Phifer

New solar screens example on stone and stucco home in Austin, Texas.

These solar screens are the 90% suntex solar screens by Phifer in black. Phifer solar screens (www.phifer.com) were originally made as an outdoor material for furniture and have a 10 year manufacturer's warranty. Phifer solar window screen material is made in America. We are the affordable solar screens installer for Austin Texas. Affordable Screens has been installing solar screens in Austin since 2008. 512-358-1560 or on the web at clearchoiceaustin.com

About this solar screen installation:

We love the juxtaposition of the dark solar screens against the warmth of the stone. This solar screen example photograph was snapped just as the cold snap blew in. We've gone from enjoying warm upper 70's to freezing rain in Austin this week. This may be our last arctic blast, at least I hope so. And, if it is the case that spring has sprung it's time to think hard about upgrading to solar screens.

Solar Screens Save

Solar screens can help homeowners save up to 25% on electricity bills in the summer. Solar screens are the best thing you can do to your home to save money on high summertime ac bills.

Choose Solar Screens in an array of colors

Solar Screens: SunTex 90

 Phifer states:

SunTex is a unique woven mesh that can block 80-90% of the sun’s hot rays before they enter your window.  SunTex exterior shading fabric is made of strong vinyl-coated polyester and is pet resistant.  SunTex is mildew and fade resistant and needs only an occasional cleaning with mild soap and water.

Solar Screen Round Rock | Solar Screen Install

Solar screen installation Round Rock 80% Dark Bronze

This is an example of one of our recent solar screen installations in Round Rock Texas. This home in particular benefits greatly from solar screens.

Note the western sun on the front facade of the home. Texas homes that face West are particularly vulnerable to the sun's heat and benefit greatly from solar window screens. They benefit because solar screens shade the windows and prevent the sun's heat energy from entering the home. Much like a shade tree.

The small tree in the yard does nothing to prevent the sun's heat and energy from entering the home. Perhaps in 10 years. Solar screens solve the problem now and the home will be much cooler this summer.

Scientific studies show that solar screens can save up to 25% of a home's cooling costs. That's real savings you can put in your pocket for years after a solar screen installation.

Call Affordable Screens & Glass for a free, no obligation, consultation: 512-358-1560

About this solar screen install:

This solar screen installation in Round Rock, Texas uses the SunTex 80 dark bronze solar screen fabric manufactured by Phifer. Solar screens provide the benefit of standard screens plus give shade. With solar screen shaded windows you can save up to 25% on your electric bill. Commercial property or rental? Solar screens add up to savings all year around. If you're not in Round Rock and a customer of Austin Energy. Take advantage of the Solar Screen rebate. Learn more at  http://clearchoiceaustin.com/?attachment_id=1812 or Austin Energy Power Saver Program. Solar screens allow you to choose the amount of the sun's light, heat and UV energy enter your windows.

Product Information

SunTex Solar Screen 80%

Phifer 10-year Exterior Warranty
Affordable Screens & Glass 3 warranty

Standard Widths 36" (91.4cm), 48" (121.9cm), 60" (152.4cm), 72" (182.9cm) and 96" (243.8cm) Standard Roll Length 100 Linear Feet (30.48m) Composition 31% Polyester, 69% Vinyl on Polyester Mesh Weight 13.5 (oz/yd2) Fabric Thickness .040 (in) Openness Factor Approximately 25% UV Blockage Approximately 75%
About SunTex Solar Screens: Read more about solar screen options here: http://clearchoiceaustin.com/solar-screen/ Solar screens protect from the sun, and reduce high summer electricity bills, solar screens provide daytime privacy, and solar screens allow control of the amount of light, glare, and harmful UV entering the home.
Contact: Web: http://www.clearchoiceaustin.com Phone: 512-358-1560 Email: office@clearchoiceaustin.com Affordable Screens & Glass specializes in solar screens and exterior or interior solar mesh products designed to reduce the sun's heat build up and glare.