You may think of solar screens as a summer necessity for your Broward County porch or patio. After all, how can you enjoy your outdoor space when the temperature climbs and the sun is beating down relentlessly?
While solar screens do excel at providing relief from the scorching summer sun, they also hold a secret superpower – they can transform your outdoor space into a cozy haven during the winter months. Let’s explore how solar shades, can help you and your family enjoy your outdoor space year-round.
Energy Efficiency and Heat Retention
During the summer, solar screens work diligently to block the Florida sun’s intense rays, preventing your outdoor space from feeling like an oven. However, their insulating properties can be equally valuable in the winter. Solar shades constructed from a screen mesh with a textile solar rating of 90-97%, can act as an effective thermal barrier. During the summer months, they keep the hot sun at bay and result in reduced cooling bills. During the winter, solar shades can help keep the warmth generated inside your home from escaping through your porch or patio windows creating a cozy, winter-friendly outdoor environment while also helping to keep your winter heating bills in check.
Sun Protection without Sacrificing Visibility
In the sweltering summer heat, solar screens offer much-needed shade and protection from UV rays. In the winter, they continue to excel by filtering sunlight and reducing glare. You can enjoy the soft, natural light streaming through your porch or patio windows without the harsh brightness that can sometimes be overwhelming during the colder months. If you live in an area prone to snowfall, you are all too familiar with the brilliant glare of the sun reflecting off the snow covered ground. As an added benefit, similar to wearing sunglasses, solar screens can reduce this glare taking the strain off of your eyes and shielding you and your family from a multitude of potentially harmful effects from the sun’s UV rays.
Privacy
As winter approaches and the days get shorter, you’ll undoubtedly need to light your outdoor space. I’m sure you’ve seen neighbors’ homes that are lit up at night leaving them on full display to anyone passing by. Solar screens are designed with a thick mesh to block sunlight from steaming in. This same feature also helps provide privacy by blocking your indoor light from streaming out, protecting you and your family from prying eyes or just simply giving you peace of mind that you are not completely visible to the outside world.
Style
Whether they are used in summer or in winter, solar shades are available in a variety of styles, colors and opacity levels, allowing you to create the perfect balance between privacy and visual appeal while perfectly complimenting your home. You can also choose between manual or motorized retractable screens. Motorized screens allow you to raise or lower your screen at will with the simple touch of a button.
Add a Heater for Year-Round Comfort
To truly make your porch or patio a year-round retreat, consider adding an outdoor heater. These heaters come in infrared, electric, propane and natural gas varieties, providing ample warmth to keep your and your family cozy as the temperature drops outside.
Paired with solar shades, you’ll create a comfortable and inviting space where you can entertain guests or unwind with a good book, even on the coldest winter evenings.
Low Maintenance and Durability
Solar shades are designed to withstand various weather conditions, from rain and snow to gusty winds. Crafted from durable materials that resist fading and wear, these shades are a long-lasting investment. What’s more, they require minimal maintenance, making them a practical and hassle-free addition to your outdoor space.
Pest Protection
While not as much of an issue during the colder months, motorized screens offer an extra layer of protection against unwanted winter guests—pests. As temperatures drop, insects and critters often seek refuge indoors, and your porch or patio can be an enticing entry point. Motorized screens, with their precision engineering and tight sealing, act as a formidable barrier against bugs, keeping your outdoor space pest-free. This added benefit ensures that you can enjoy the tranquility of your winter retreat without the annoyance of buzzing or crawling intruders. With motorized screens seamlessly integrated into your outdoor space, you’ll have an all-encompassing solution for year-round comfort, privacy, and peace of mind.
While you may have initially thought of solar screens as a solution solely for beating the summer heat, their year-round benefits are undeniable. Solar shades can transform your porch or patio into a sanctuary during the winter months. These shades offer exceptional heat retention, sun protection, privacy, and style, making them a versatile and valuable addition to your home. Add an outdoor heater and you are ready to make the most of your outdoor living space throughout the year.
Don’t let Florida’s chilly winter temperatures keep you indoors. Contact Premier Awnings and let us show you how to keep your porch or patio warm and cozy so you can savor the beauty of winter like never before.
