| How to measure for Solar Shade
Panels |
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| Note: Measurements should be kept to within
1/8 inch (0.125") tolerances. You may also want to read about suction cups
& dual grip pads before deciding upon your final configuration. |
| On most windows or doors, measure the actual glass area from frame edge to frame
edge. This is the size (width and length) that you will want
the solar screen panel to be. In most instances, this is all that is needed. If
you have special shapes, wishes, applications or considerations, then please
read further and be sure to view any of the subjects listed above that
pertain. |
| To Assist Us in
determining where to place cups or pads, the "width"
measurement is considered to be the top and bottom dimensions and the "length"
(or "height")
to be the sides (we space cups and pads closer together on top and bottom).
Also, selecting the "Style" closest to your application
should be done. |
| Mounting Inside or Outside:
There is very little
difference in heat reduction between inside mounting and outside mounting. This
is because UV rays pass through untreated glass without causing much excitement to the
glass molecules (see Treated Glass, bottom of this page). Glare reduction is obtained
whether mounted inside or outside. |
| When feasible, it is most often desirable (for aesthetic
purposes and ease of handling) to mount the panels on
the interior. Interior mounting has a tendency to lessen the view of the suction
cups from the inside. |
| Home and Office Windows: |
 Rectangular windows with parallel sides can,
as said, be easily
described with measurements of the width and length. Individual
panels should be used for double hung and swing out windows.
Custom shapes: Our self explanatory "Special Shapes" section
on our "Ordering" page make it easy and accurate to order
most custom shapes. See Special
Shapes for explanation of measurements needed for
triangles, unequal quadrilaterals and curved sections. You can also place your
order and email, fax or postal mail drawings,
templates or exact specifications. |
On windows with
dividers (french doors, etc.):
You can generally use one panel to cover the entire set of panes if the dividers do
not protrude more than 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch from the surface of the glass
(more about dividers). |
|
In our "Advanced Features" section on our "Ordering"
page we provide a section where you can specify the location of the dividers
(you can also explain these locations in the remark section or send us a rough
drawing). This will let us know where those dividers reside so that we do not place the suction
cups or pads at those locations. |
| Low profile window frames:
These are frames that normally only protrude approximately 1/8 to 3/16 inch outward
from the surface of the glass.
It may be desirable to have the solar screen overlap these frames by 1/4 to
1/2 inch to give a very sleek look. If adding the extra width and length to
allow for the overlap, it will be necessary to have the cups or pads
installed further in from the edge of the screen. This can be selected in
the "Advanced Features" section on the "Ordering" page. |
|
| RV and Watercraft Windows: |
| Note: When mounting to painted surfaces, only
suctions cups should be used in order to protect the finish. |
 Quite often
RV and watercraft windows are not exact
rectangles and are in various shapes with curves, etc. Therefore it is sometimes
desirable to use a rectangular (or custom shape) panel larger than the window and mount it to the
smooth exterior surface surrounding the windows. If this is done, the panel should measure a minimum of
3 inches larger
than the window on all sides to provide room for the suction cups. |
| Important: exterior mounted panels should be removed when
using the vehicle or watercraft at speeds exceeding 20 mph. It is generally wise
to request the larger cups (7 lb pull force) when mounting on the exterior. |
| If there is no room around the window for
mounting to the painted surface, then mounting directly to the glass may be
necessary. Due to the various possible shapes, a drawing or template may be necessary for
accurate communication of measurements. |
| When mounting on the interior, the only smooth
non-porous surface may be the window pane. Therefore again, it may be necessary to provide
a drawing or a template so that the panel can be custom cut to the exact dimensions
of the window. |
| On very small windows, such
as marine "port hole" type, it is often desirable to use the Dual Grip
Pads. These pads occupy less space than the suction cups and have become very
popular when working with smaller areas. |
|
| Treated
Glass: |
| When the windows are
tinted or have window film on them or are of the "Low-E" type, outside mounting of
solar shade provides a slightly greater temperature relief. This is because the properties of film, tinting
and special glass treatments tend to heat the glass as they attempt to reflect the UV rays away.
Solar shade will prevent the UV rays from reaching the glass surface. Thus,
exterior mounting will prevent this heat. |
| However,
the interior heat expelled from the glass surface is only incidental in comparison
to the amount of heat generated by ultra violet radiation (UV rays) entering
through the glass. Consequently, unless your are in a tight space without
ventilation, you will reap nearly the same benefits by mounting the
solar shade on the interior. |
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