Consumer Tips

Buyer Beware: Here are some things we would like to inform you about to help save you the headache of "Finding Out the Hard Way". Here is what you need to keep in mind when comparing Solar screens.

Know what kind of solar screen you are getting.
Some companies out there sell a screening material claiming it is for windows when in fact it was originally designed for patio furniture. Yikes! Don’t be fooled by imitations, when in doubt look for the "Phifer or Suntex" logo.

Know what type of frame you are getting.
There is only one thing that matters when it comes to picking aluminum frames for your solar screens, the THICKER THE FRAME THE STRONGER THE FRAME. We only use 15/16” (almost 1” thick) and 24 gauge double crimped aluminum, the heaviest in the industry. Remember that the smaller the frame, the weaker it is and less expensive it is to make. Other companies might try and save a buck and tell you that their skinny frames are superior because they say they won’t rattle. Don’t believe it! Solar screens won’t rattle if they’re installed properly.

Know what type of corners hold your screens together.
Make sure to ask what type of corners will be used on your screens. A slick way some companies try to keep the costs down is to use cheap plastic corners in the construction of their frames. Over time, plastic becomes brittle and weak making it risky to remove your solar screens at a later date. At Cool Shades of San Antonio we use only the strongest all ALUMINUM corners to ensure the highest quality and longest life of your solar screens. We never skimp on quality!

Know what spline you are getting.
Again, here is another place some companies may try and cut costs. Spline is the rubber gasket that goes around the perimeter fitting inside the groove of the screen frame securing the screen in place. The better the spline, the better job it does at keeping your solar screen secure and TIGHT. At Cool Shades of San Antonio we use only the highest quality spline made from serrated rubber making sure you enjoy a long lasting tight solar screen.

Do they use a center bar?
Center bars give your screen rigidity. It prevents the sides of the frame from bowing in, causing the screen to ripple and have waves in it. By having the center bar showing, you can create more of a custom look to your solar screens.

Make sure to ask for references before you buy.
Make sure the company you choose is not a fly by night, or a garage operation. Ask to see references. Feel free to check out our references and see our half page ads in many Yellow Pages. We were in this game right from the start, how else would we have this URL.

Does the company offer a warranty?
Cool Shades of San Antonio Solar Screens does. 1 year on installation and 5 years on all the screen components.