Do Solar Shades Keep Heat Out of a Home?

As the warm days intensify, one thing is certain: Summer has officially started in our lovely city of Tucson, Arizona. While we love a sunny day by the pool, coming into a hot home is the last thing you want to deal with. Does this mean you need to throw blackout curtains on your windows and only enjoy sunlight during the winter? Of course not! With solar shades from Hunter Douglas, you can enjoy natural light without heat gain, glare, or other unwanted sunny side effects. Here’s how they work and why we recommend them: 

Solar Shades 101

To answer the question of this blog: yes, solar shades are excellent at keeping heat out of the home. They work by filtering sunlight through a tightly woven fabric that limits how much solar radiation passes through the glass. For example, a 1% openness solar fabric reduces sunlight and damaging UV rays by 99%. At the same time, the weave still allows you to enjoy your views during the day. This is why many homeowners choose Designer Solar Shades for windows in rooms where views matter.

Best Rooms for Solar Shades

West-facing rooms, for example, tend to take the hardest hit in the afternoon when the sun is strongest. Sunrooms and open living areas with large glass walls also tend to trap heat quickly. This is where solar roller shades become especially useful because they can be adjusted throughout the day to respond to changing sunlight. These shades are often requested for west-facing rooms, sunrooms, or rooms with large windows and/or sliding glass doors.

How Much Heat Do Solar Shades Block?

Solar shades aren’t a one-size-fits-all shade. And that’s a good thing! When you can select the weave tightness, color, and/or fabric opacity, you can have a say in how much (or little) light enters your home. Tighter weaves block more heat but allow less visibility. Lighter colors tend to reflect more sunlight, which can improve performance in very hot climates. We can help you craft the perfect shade for each room’s needs.

Solar Shades for Windows Near Tucson, Arizona

For homeowners in the Tucson area, sun control is a must-have to prevent UV damage, glare, and heat gain. With solar shades, you can combat the sun's most intense effects while still enjoying natural light. To learn more about Designer Solar Shades or our collection of roller shades, be sure to reach out to our team today!

Scooter and Julie Sprotte own The Blind Guys, southern Arizona’s largest Hunter Douglas gallery, and are both Arizona natives. With extensive knowledge of the area, they have helped the community find window treatments that suit our city's elements as well as each homeowner’s aesthetic and practical needs. Their long-standing connection to Tucson reflects a lifelong pride in serving and being part of the local community.

We are located in Tucson, Arizona, and proudly serve Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Green Valley, Casas Adobes, Sahuarita, and Vail, Arizona.