The following is a list of questions most asked by our customers.

1. Why are solar screens a better choice than window films or awnings?

Film is an interior application and is not designed for your double pane windows. It is not nearly as effective as solar screens, and voids out all window warranties, as it is damaging to sealed thermal pane windows. Awnings are expensive and do not offer protection 100% of the time. Both of these alternatives offer no energy savings in the winter.

2. Will solar screens block my view?

Solar screen will still allow full visibility; only you will be looking through a material so it is almost like looking through a regular screen, only a little darker.

3. How dark will it make my house?

Solar screens will still allow light to come in, so it will not completely darken the room. However, there are no current statistics available as each person's homes will be subject to different variables. Such as, the angle of the sun on said windows, the cloudiness of the day, and even the amount of trees in the yard. Customers' opinions vary on this and the best idea is to have a Lone Star Rep hold a screen over your window and let you make your own decision.

4. Will people be able to see in my house?

Not in the daytime. Solar screens offer privacy in the daytime; however, at night if you have lights on, people will be able to see in.

5. How much will solar screens save on my electric bill?

There is no way for anyone to give you a specific accurate figure; there are too many variables involved. Therefore, we are not the kind of company who will make up a statistic. However, solar screens will dramatically reduce the cooling cost portion of your electric bill.

6. Are all solar screens the same?

No. Companies use different materials and building methods, [link to building materials].

7. Why should we use Lone Star Solar Screens?

We are the leader in the industry from our material choices, services, to warranties. Review entire packet to see why.

8. Should I take my solar screens off in winter?

No, some people think they will get more benefits from passive solar heating with the solar screen off in the wintertime. However, there are less daytime hours in the winter season, it is also usually more overcast, limiting your chances of passive solar heating. Solar screens also create somewhat of a barrier, keeping the cold winter winds off your glass, similar to a storm window, therefore, keeping the temperature of the glass warmer. The warmer you keep the glass, the less convection heat you need to pay to pump through your house will be attracted to the glass areas, conserving energy.

9. Will my solar screens pay for themselves?

Yes, since solar screens save energy, they normally will pay for themselves within a short period of time by reducing your energy bills. Also they will help your air conditioner last longer and need fewer repairs due to the reduction of its normal workload.

10. Do solar screens really work?

Yes, they are the most energy efficient product for your windows. [link to energy diagram].

11. Are solar screens easily removed and how are they installed?

Yes, all of our screens are installed with either a thumb bolt (wing nut) or screwed on. Your individual window track system or lack of will determine proper installation. We use only stainless steel hardware including our screws; they are also all phillips pan head screws, which every homeowner usually has a phillips screwdriver. Unlike some companies, they use a hex head screw for faster installation and then recommend using pliers to take them off, a ridiculous idea.

12. Will I still be able to open my windows for airflow?

Yes, solar screens installed properly will not inhibit the operation of your window. However, some airflow will be restricted due to the thickness of the material.

13. Will solar screens reduce fading?

Yes, solar screens will drastically reduce the chances of curtains, carpets and all items from fading.

14. How long will my solar screens last?

Lone Star Solar Screens' screens are warranted for as long as you live in your home. However, 20-30 years is a realistic life expectancy.

15. Should I use the 80% or the 90% screening?

If you want more light, better airflow and visibility, you should go with 80%. If you want more glare reduction and energy efficiency you should go with the 90%. It is also possible to put 90% on the real problem areas and 80% on less problem areas and aesthetically will not look different on the exterior.

16. Will solar screens hurt my plants?

Not normally, solar screens help reduce the damaging ultraviolet rays, however the 80% screening is usually suggested for plants that require more light.

17. Are solar screens pet resistant?

Yes, solar screens are incredibly pet resistant being PVC coated polyester. However, nothing is pet proof.

18. What color of solar screen should I choose and why?

The darker colors are more efficient and also have the best view. However, we offer 8 different colors and you should pick the color you will be most happy with remembering again that the darker the color the better the view.

19. What windows or doors on my house should I do?

For maximum energy efficiency, solar screens should protect all windows and doors. However, you may order any windows done as you would like, such as just the real problem areas and add others later.

20. How fast can I get them?

That depends on the time of year. Normally in the busy season, 7 to 14 days. Sometimes in our slower season as little as 2 to 5 days.

21. Why do some companies not sell TEXTILENE®?

Lone Star Solar Screens is the exclusive Statewide Distributor in Texas. Therefore we will not sell TEXTILENE® to companies who we feel do not meet our high professional standards. We have a responsibility to keep TEXTILENE®'s reputation as the best material on the market. If there is a problem with a TEXTILENE® installation, as distributors we would find out about the problem and deal with the situation, since all TEXTILENE® goes through Lone Star Solar Screens at one point. We will not allow false claims or shoddy workmanship from contractors carrying TEXTILENE®. Therefore, most companies who sell a different brand would like to carry it. If they don't meet our standards we will not let them carry TEXTILENE®.

Lone Star Solar Screens is the Statewide Distributor of TEXTILENE® for Texas and Oklahoma and the largest retailer and #1 volume dealer of solar screening in the nation. That is why with our purchasing power, we are the only retailer who can afford to purchase the highest quality products and retail them at a reasonable price to the consumer. We have the unique ability to order any size frame, any brand or style of solar screening material by the semi load to ensure we can keep our prices down and quality unrivaled. Being a duel state exclusive TEXTILENE® wholesaler is a responsibility we take seriously and with pride.

At Lone Star Solar Screens we have divided our employees and trained them for only specific aspects of the solar screen production to ensure our people will be the best in the business since that is all they will do, such as; frame cutters, regular screen rollers, screen door builders, specialty builders (arched windows), and gridwork builders.

Our professional estimating and installation crews are all trained to the highest standards to ensure quality installations and are also trained to be the most knowledgeable sales/estimating solar screen force in the nation. All of this is done to ensure continued customer satisfaction.

Again, thank you for you allowing us the privilege of sharing some information with you.