Buyer Beware

Unfortunately like in any industry, all consumers need to choose their company and their products carefully for their own protection. Here are some things to be aware of:

-Never give $ down

Protect your hard earned money. Many customers have been taken advantage of. Do Not pay for your solar screens until the work is finished.

-Know what kind of solar screen you are getting

Many companies sell inferior material that will fade, some companies even switch material. Have in writing what you are getting, including brand name and efficiency.

-Know what type of frame you are getting

Some companies use a light gauge frame or use a gaudy 15/16" wide frame and call it 1". A 15/16" frame is too wide for your screen tracks and will protrude onto your glass surface, easily seen from the inside. Also it is only 5/16" thick, your screen tracks will be 3/8" x 3/4". Therefore the 15/16" frame is not thick enough and will rattle, plus it tends to bend easily. Lone Star Solar Screens uses the strongest roll form frame available, provided especially for us. It is a 3/8" x 3/4", 24 gauge, 4 ½" camber, double crimped aluminum, making it not only the strongest frame but also the right size frame for your windows. No rattling, No view obstructions, No gimmicks or false claims.

-Know what type of installation hardware you are getting

Some companies use plastic hardware that will break easily. Some companies also use hex head self-tapping screws because it's faster and less work. At the same time claiming they are easy to take off with pliers, this is very difficult and not smart to be using pliers by a glass surface. That is why we use only stainless steel phillips head screws, as most home owners tend to have phillips head screw drivers around the house.

-Know what kind of spline you are getting

Don't be fooled by "synthetic spline", this is a fancy name that some companies use for a cheap plastic smooth spline that will crack and dry out fast, causing screen wrinkles and sagging. Some companies use this because it is fast to roll and goes in easy because it is smooth. The problem is, since it goes in easy it also comes out easy. All roll form aluminum has a crimped spline track to "hook" the spline into the frame to hold the screen securely, keeping the screen tight and wrinkle free. A smooth spline cannot grip the grove, therefore it is useless. Our spline is a high quality serrated rubber (serrated means ribbed vertically). Since it is serrated it is designed specifically to grip the spline crimp when rolled, it makes it very difficult to get the spline back out insuring a long lasting tight screen. The rubber spline is made out of the same quality rubber that your automobile tires are made of, making it an incredibly durable, long lasting spline.

-Make sure the company you choose builds their own screens or has a reputable company building them

All screens are not built equally, therefore it is important not to have an amateur or unskilled person build your screen that you'll be paying good money for and have them fall apart after a few years. You deserve the best.

-Make sure the company you choose is not a fly by night, garage operation, or worse yet has just a PO Box for an address

Some customers have lost their screen $ investment to companies who work out of a garage or a PO Box. It is very easy in this industry to change a business name and relocate to another garage, storage facility, or change PO Boxes. Leaving it to the consumer to solve any problems that may occur and voiding all warranties. Do not let this be you.

-Know what kind of warranty you are getting, and see it in writing. Your warranty is only as good as the company that you are getting it from.

If another company goes out of business or if you can't find them, due to a PO Box then you are on your own. No one offers a better warranty than Lone Star Solar Screens' Full Coverage Warranty. We are here to stay and serve you through the years and hopefully there won't be any problems but if there is we will be there for you.

-Is a company claiming to cut out the middleman by claiming to be factory direct?

Ask to see a receipt from the manufacturer of the screen material not the local wholesale distributor.

-If you are unsure what company to go with, ask each company if you may make an appointment to see their operation and place of business.

You may come and see our 20,000 sq. ft. facility anytime Mon - Sat from 8:30 - 5:30. We are always here and would be happy to show you our building process so you may see for yourself our quality and why we ARE #1.

-Does the company actually answer the phone during normal business hours and will they set an actual appointment time for an estimate?

Some companies say how successful they are and don't even have someone to answer the phones. Obviously you cannot have great service without a real person you can talk to, especially if there is a problem.

-Does the company only do solar screens?

Some companies use the solar screen business as just a sideline business or as a second job. Obviously the service cannot be as good through the off-season, if you can get service at all. At Lone Star Solar Screens, solar screens are not our hobby; we are a specialized professional full service solar screen company. We will be here for you every year, January through December. At Lone Star Solar Screens all we do is solar screens, and we do it better than anyone!