In the quest to gain maximum comfort, and aesthetic excellence for your home, the question of whether to use awnings or screens will invariably come up. In this purchasing guide, we’ll be examining which option is best and the various pro’s and con’s of each – exterior solar screens or retractable awnings.
First, we can look at some functional similarities between these two products. It must be noted that both window screens and awnings are made primarily to block the heat and glare of the sun. With that being said, both products have a long shelf life and are quite durable, especially with the right care.
Functionality
Naturally, screens including privacy screens, don’t offer a lot of window protection from flying debris, as opposed to awnings which can offer it to some degree when retracted. However, even when retracted awnings don’t give any enhanced security benefits, Talius habitat screens, on the other hand, may deliver some resistance to a would-be burglar.
Insect protection is another advantage to be had using screens as opposed to awnings, while noise reduction and sound absorption are minimal in both products.
Visibility
Though screens are sometimes called privacy screens, the level of privacy can vary largely depending on the density of screen that you invest in. Talius privacy screens come in fabric densities of 5%, 10%, and 45%. When fully retracted, awnings can offer complete privacy. The only downside is that your view is also completely inhibited at this point as well, whereas, Habitat Screens maintain your view of the outside world all of the time. Both products help to reduce the glare from the sun.
Solar Heat Protection
Screens do have some insulative properties, which can help to either keep your home or patio cool in the summer.Exterior Solar Screens provide perfect solution for extreme sun exposures. Even when fully retracted to a closed position, awnings don’t offer any insulation to your home or patio. In the same vein, a closed awning does guard against precipitation, while you’d have to close your windows if you’re using screens. Both screens and awnings can help you cut down on costs attached to running your AC units due to their high ventilation index and solar radiation protection.
Versatility
Depending on the type of awning the positioning and coverage is not always something that can be changed. Awnings can provide great overhead protection, however as the sun moves, if you are unable to move your awning, you no longer get coverage. There are retractable awnings, some with drop down arms, that allow for more flexibility in the sun protection. Screens, especially when installed on windows, provide complete coverage as the sun moves throughout the day. Most screen options, however, are not able to cover the overhead sun. Motorized retractable screens and awnings are easily adjusted to suit your specific coverage needs.
Also, depending on the awning type, especially awnings that extend over decks, on windy days these must be retracted as the high winds can damage them. Habitat Screens not only have a high wind load rating (depending on the size of the screen up to 220mph) but they also serve as a wind block due to the fabric weave density
In closing, both of these products – privacy screens, and retractable awnings have many functional similarities but they are different in distinct ways. Choosing what is right for your project comes down to your individual aesthetic tastes and what is most important to you.
