Florida’s Sun and Your Screens: Does Solar Screen Really Keep Your Patio Cooler?
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Florida’s Sun and Your Screens: Does Solar Screen Really Keep Your Patio Cooler?
Battling the Florida Sun
Enjoying your patio on the Treasure Coast can be a challenge during the hottest parts of the day due to intense sun and heat. This leads many homeowners to ask: does installing solar screen on my patio screen enclosure really make a difference? The answer is a definitive yes. This specialized mesh is one of the most effective ways to keep your outdoor living space cooler and more comfortable. Right Way Enclosures & Pavers frequently installs solar screen for this very reason.
How Solar Screen Works
Solar screen is a denser, thicker screen mesh specifically designed to absorb and dissipate a large percentage of the sun's heat and block harmful UV rays before they enter your screen enclosure. Unlike standard screen which primarily stops bugs, solar screen's main job is to manage the sun. Different grades are available, blocking anywhere from 65% to over 90% of solar heat, a significant benefit for Vero Beach and Sebastian homes.
The Result: A Cooler Space
The difference is noticeable. A patio enclosed with solar screen will feel significantly cooler than one with standard screen because less solar energy is penetrating the space and heating up the air and floor surfaces. This can make the difference between a patio that's unusable from noon to 4 PM and one that remains a comfortable retreat throughout the day. It makes your screen porch or lanai screen much more functional.
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Additional Benefits: Glare & Privacy
Beyond cooling, solar screen offers two other key benefits. It dramatically reduces sun glare, making it easier to read books, look at screens (laptops, phones), or simply relax without squinting. It also provides excellent daytime privacy; from the outside, the dark, dense mesh is difficult to see through, while from the inside, you can still see out quite well. This is a great feature for screen enclosures for patio areas in Port St. Lucie where homes may be close together.
The Trade-Offs to Consider
The primary trade-offs for these benefits are slightly reduced airflow and visibility compared to standard screen. Because the mesh is denser, it can restrict breezes a bit more. The view looking out will also be slightly darker or more tinted. However, for most homeowners, the significant increase in comfort and usability from the heat reduction far outweighs these minor compromises. The cost is also higher than standard screen, but it's an investment in comfort.
Is Solar Screen Worth It?
If your patio or pool deck receives intense sun exposure that makes it uncomfortably hot for much of the day, then yes, solar screen is absolutely worth it. It's a highly effective upgrade that can reclaim those lost hours of outdoor enjoyment. Right Way Enclosures & Pavers can install solar screen during a new build or as part of a rescreening project. Contact your local screen company near me to discuss how it can improve your screen enclosures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cooler can a solar screen make my patio?
While it varies, a quality solar screen can make the ambient temperature in your patio screen enclosure feel up to 10-15 degrees cooler than it would be in direct sunlight. This is because it blocks a significant portion of the sun's infrared heat from entering the space.
Will a solar screen make my patio too dark?
No. While it does reduce some visible light and creates a tinted effect, it does not make the space dark. It allows plenty of pleasant, diffused natural light to pass through while cutting down on harsh glare, making it more comfortable for activities like reading.
Can I get solar screen for just one or two walls of my enclosure?
Yes, this is a very common and cost-effective strategy. We often install solar screen only on the west and/or south-facing walls of a screen enclosure in Vero Beach, as these receive the most intense afternoon sun, while using standard screen on other walls to maximize airflow and views.
Brevard, Indian River & St. Lucie's trusted screen enclosure, paver and outdoor kitchen experts! Call now for fast, affordable new screen enclosure, paver and outdoor kitchen installation.
Call us at ☎ 772-758-5372
