6 Types of Screens For Roller Shades and Blinds – Know the Difference!
By Mitch Wiznitzer | Submitted On December 03, 2008
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There are 6 main categories of screen or mesh fabric that can be used on roller blinds and related products, such as panel tracks, retractable doors, verticals and roman shades. They are not the same and being informed as to their differences can be the reason between proper function and a useless blind, and thus your personal satisfaction.
1. Solar Screens
2. Privacy Screens
3. Blackout Screens
4. Woven Wood / Yute
5. Paper Screen
6. Insect Mesh
1. SOLAR SCREEN
Solar Screens are the most industrial of all of the selections, as they are made with energy efficiency and durability in mind. While manufacturers have found ways to make these blinds in a variety of designer colors, they are a function first item in that they are the most efficient in cutting glare, reflecting the sun and keeping UV rays and heat out while still letting some degree of light to filter through.
Other features:
a. Most solar screen offers privacy during the day.
b. Act as insect mesh, even for NoSeeUms.
c. Are inherently fire retardant due to the vinyl coating, a solar screen will seldom help a fire spread.
There are three main categories of Solar Screens:
1a. Vinyl Coated Polyester:
A polyester yarn provides the coloring for the shade, while a vinyl coat acts as a reflective property and protects the coloring, allowing you to clean any stains easily and without worry of having the color fade. The combination of Polyester & PVC screen is the reason solar screens are the most durable of all screening material. Cortinas Roller Duo Most manufacturers add other materials to their weaves to improve performance.
1b. Vinyl Coated Fiberglass:
Similar to Polyester-PVC except that it is not favored by some due to its reliance on Fiberglass, a harsh, rough and toxic material. Note that since the Fiberglass is coated with Vinyl this is not an issue except in the case of fire.
1c. Polyester or Fiberglass coated with Vinyl, with an aluminum backing:
Similar to the above products except the material is coated with aluminum backing. A relatively new technology, and as such terribly overpriced at the moment, the aluminum backing provides additional reflective properties which raise energy efficiency.
2. PRIVACY SCREENS
Privacy Screens are usually made of Polyester, Fiberglass, Linens, Cottons or other materials. They can provide similar solar protection when compared to Solar Screens, but they lack the added durability of the Vinyl coating. Privacy Screens are usually considered more decorative and softer looking than Solar Screens, but are not as easy to wash and maintain, and in many cases when a nasty stain gets on one you simply cannot remove it without the risk of discoloring your shade. Many privacy screens have designs and patterns you would not otherwise find on solar screening.
3. BLACKOUT SCREENS
The majority of blackout screens are made of Vinyl and provide 99% blackout as it is a closed, near-impenetrable fabric. Vinyl screen is very durable and easy to clean. Some manufacturers attempt to make their screens more decorative taking decorative fabrics such as a suede or linen and backing them with Vinyl giving the fabric a blackout effect. While these are certainly more pleasing to the eye, the price of the fashion element lessens durability.
4. WOVEN WOOD / YUTE
Yute, Bamboo and other materials are woven in such a way as to have the elasticity and thickness to work on a roller, roman or panel track mechanism. These are classic and highly decorative, but it is important to note that they suffer from the same drawbacks as privacy screens as they are harder to maintain. In fact, depending on the weave and manufacturer, woven woods can be less durable than most privacy screens as natural materials fade faster than their synthetic counterparts.
5. PAPER SCREEN
Low end Acrylic, Polyester or Cotton weaves, some might classify them as Privacy Screens, but I more aptly call them paper blinds, because this is exactly what their texture feels like. This screen material is thin, can tear or be punctured and is easily dirtied. The upside is that the paper-like material is easy to print on, and many of these designs usually are. This is usually the material you’ll find in low-end ready-made blinds.
6. INSECT MESH
Loose weave Fiberglass, Wire Mesh or Polyester Coated Vinyl provides minimal sun control and privacy but protect from insects. While all of the above screens, thanks to the tightness of their weave, provide the same function as Insect Mesh- Insect Mesh is usually much more economical than any other screen type.
Note that you you must buy screening based on the insects in your area. Most Flies and Bugs will be stopped by most mesh, but small NoSeeUms require a special, tighter mesh.