Outdoor Solar Shades | Patio Sun Shades

How To Clean Shades

Fabric should be regularly dusted/vacuumed as appropriate. If commercial spot cleaners are used, they must first be tested and allowed to dry on an inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility.

Fabric Deductions

Fabric is cut narrower than the roller. The roller/headrail should be ordered narrower than the opening for an inside mount (1/2″ narrower is recommended).

Exposed Roll, crank: Fabric is 3 7/8″ narrower than the brackets. Gap on Crank side is 2 1/8″, gap on idler end is 1 3/4 “.
Exposed Roll, Motor: Fabric is 3 1/8″ narrower than brackets. There is a 1 3/8″ gap on the motor side, and a 1 3/4″ gap on the idler end.
Housing box, crank: Fabric is 3 3/4″ narrower than the housing box. There is a 2 1/4″ gap on the crank side, and a 1 1/2″ gap on the idler end.
Housing box, motor: The fabric is 3″ narrower than the housing box. There is a 1 7/16″ gap on the motor side, and a 1 9/16″ gap on the idler end.

Outdoor Shade Warranty

OUTDOOR SHADE WARRANTY
North Solar Screen, LLC warranties:

Motors, remotes, sensors, controls, for 5 years
Cranks, housings, side rails, cables, cable hardware, fabric seams, for 10 years
IF INSTALLED WITHIN 3 MILES OF SALTWATER, cranks, housings, side rails, cables, and cable hardware have a reduced warranty of ONE year. Fabric and motor warranties are unchanged.
Suntex 90, 95 and 97 fabrics for 10 years, Phifer 4400 Clear Vinyl, Clear Vinyl with Solid Borders and Soltis Blackout for 5 years
Shades must be installed correctly per instructions. We will request photos and videos of your installation.
Shades must NOT be left down in winds greater than the product is rated for. We may check historic wind speed data in your area.
Good for original owner of shades only.
Under no circumstances are installer fees covered, regardless of whether it is a warranty issue or not.
Replacement parts are sent Ground. If expedited shipping is desired, you may pay the difference between Ground and expedited shipping.

HOLES IN FABRIC

Please see our slide show on the Products Page that shows how carefully and meticulously our shades are manufactured and shipped. There are no sharp instruments on site. Fabrics are cut with state-of-the-art lasers, seams are sonically welded, and our tables are rounded and smooth. All shades are thoroughly inspected before they are carefully packaged to ensure they are pristine. Therefore rips, tears, or cuts in the fabric were either caused by the shipping company, opening the boxes with knives or scissors, or happened during installation.

SHIPPING DAMAGES (on receipt)

If shipping damage exception number is obtained from carrier, all damaged/missing parts are replaced free of charge if reported within 30 business days of delivery. Photographs showing damaged packaging and parts are required.
If shipping damage exception number is not obtained from carrier, all damaged/missing parts are replaced free of charge if reported within 5 business days of delivery. Photographs showing damaged packaging and parts are required.

NOT AS ORDERED OR DEFECTIVE (when installing)

If reported within 60 days of receipt of the original order, replacement parts/shipping are free of charge. If reported 61 days or more after receipt of original order, replacement parts are free BUT YOU PAY SHIPPING.
Defective means fabric mis-weave, bad powder coat finish, lumpy seams, non- working motors or remotes, non -working crank gears or clutches at installation time. We may request photos and videos.
Not as ordered means wrong size, color, fabric, lift system, cable anchor hardware, etc. We may request photos of what you received.
Our confirmations detail shade dimensions, fabric dimensions and colors, and all the specifics about the construction of the shades you are ordering. Because we are not on site, it is your responsibility to carefully read them to verify that they are correct when you OK the order.
There is a +/- 1/8” production tolerance. For wrong size you must send photos showing the product being measured. We may also request other photos/videos.

DAMAGED (after installation)

We will request photos and video and measurements to try to determine the cause of the problem (for example, failed welds, holes in fabric, cables pulling out, shades rolling crookedly, shades jamming in tracks.) Most of these problems are caused by shades being left down in more wind or colder temperatures than they rated for, issues with the installation causing the shade not to track or roll correctly, parts of the structure it is installed on interfering with the fabric and damaging it. If it is determined that the cause is weather or installation related, you will need to purchase replacement parts and pay for shipping regardless of when you report it.
If it is determined that a factory defect caused it, if reported before 60 days from receipt of the original order, replacement parts and shipping are free. If reported 61 days or more after receipt of the original order, replacement parts are free BUT YOU PAY SHIPPING.

MOTORS

If motor fails in the first 60 days, we will send you a new motor and label for sending the bad motor back no charge. If it is after 60 days, you will be charged $50 for shipping (pickup of bad motor and delivery of new one.)
Evidence of water in the motor will void the motor warranty.
Operating motorized shades without using the cable guides or side rails voids the motor warranty.

NOT COVERED

Installer fees—ever.
Expedited shipping for replacement parts
Damage caused by weather (wind or temperatures that the product is not designed for)
Damage caused by improper installation or installing in ways that are against our
recommendations
Normal wear and tear, wear from fabric rubbing on walls, posts, or any part of the structure the
shade is mounted on, or extra bolts you wrongly installed on the shade.
Damage to plastic hand brace handles from being left out in the sun or hanging on the shade
Rusting to stainless steel or steel components if within 3 miles of saltwater or adjacent to a chlorinated pool (warranty reduced to one year)

Cleaning For CITADEL Clear Vinyl Shades

CARING FOR CITADEL CLEAR VINYL WINDOWS

Clean the surface carefully to make sure there is nothing abrasive on the clear vinyl window by flushing with clear water.
Apply either IMAR 313 Clear Vinyl Clean & Protect or Sumner Labs 210 Plastic Cleaner and Polish. These are both spray cleaners. Wait 20 seconds or so and then wipe with a soft cloth—microfiber is the best (not paper towels)
If you accidentally scratch the clear vinyl window, you can polish the scratches away using Sumner Labs 210 Scratch remover. This comes in a flip top bottle. Follow up with IMAR Strataglass Protective Polish if necessary.
NEVER USE: Windex, Rain-X, Pledge, Plexus, Simple Green, Orpine, car wax or any other harsh cleaner.

Important Information

DON’T ROLL SHADES DOWN in windy conditions–however, you may roll them UP in windy conditions.
Housing box and side rails must be mounted flush with each other. Housing must be level. Side rails must be plumb and parallel.
Watch the shades when you are operating them. Stop the shade if it is not operating correctly. Do not continue to operate a shade that appears to be jammed. Reverse the direction and inspect the track for debris, etc.
Keep tracks clear of debris. Hose the shades and tracks occasionally, especially if you have not operated them for a while.
Lubricate the zippers and PVC inserts inside the rails with a dry silicone spray regularly to ensure smooth operation.
Do NOT use oil based lubricants as these will cause dirt to build up and affect the way the zipper operates.
It is best to cover all openings and have them all up or all down. If you have most closed but a few open and it’s windy, air pressure will build up inside and the shades that are down may malfunction

Film Shades Warranty

North Solar Screen, LLC. warrants that its window treatments will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the original residential purchaser owns the product, provided that the product was installed properly and in accordance with the installation instructions. The limited lifetime warranty is extended to the original residential purchaser only, or for the original purchaser of shades installed in commercial, institutional, or multi-tenant facilities in the original window for which it was installed.

WARRANTY PERIOD AND TERMS FROM DATE OF SHIPMENT 1st Year: Full Replacement 2nd Year: Charged 1/3 of current cost 3rd Year: Charged 2/3 of current cost

COVERED: 1. Defective Shade Material 2. Seams opening 3. Shade Material delaminating 4. Defective Spring Motor 5. Defective Bead Chain Drive Unit

DAMAGES IN SHIPPING: When you receive your shipment, if there is any sign of damage to the outer packaging, you MUST notate that there was such damage on the bill of lading when you sign it and send us photos of the damaged packages and shade products. If you do not, we will NOT be able to replace parts or shades that are damaged. We can ONLY REPLACE, we CANNOT REFUND for damaged shipments. We are constrained by the freight companies’ policies in this matter. 15% restocking fee for return of components (i.e., motors, replacement clutches, chains. We do not take returns on custom cut shades.)

NOT COVERED: Vandalism, improper operation, customer installation, any installer fees (North Solar Screen will not assume responsibility for any labor installation problems, including NBI and installation of replacement of in-warranty parts), wear on cords, scuffing/scratching of mylar film, chains pulleys and locks, rusting of décor bar, change of color from continued exposure to strong sunlight, damage to exterior shade and/or motor when not retracted in windy conditions. We reserve the right to request specific pictures/videos detailing the problem to send to our factory for inspection and final decision. We may require you to speak to factory personnel for assistance troubleshooting to determine what parts need replacing or if the product needs to be remade. We are not responsible for the payment of any labor associated with the re-installation of parts or shades. Battery life is estimated based on raising and lowering the shade once daily. We do not warranty batteries. Estimated battery life for a single 12 volt wand is about 1-1.5 years. A Booster Battery Wand extends battery life to about 2 years. The life of the battery depends upon the weight of the material and how often it is used per day. Average battery life is about 1.5-2 years depending upon those factors.

RollEase Lifetime Warranty: RollEase Inc. warrants that RollEase clutches shall conform to RollEase, Inc.’s specifications and therefore, when properly installed in a window covering, in accordance with intended category, diameter, size, weight and assembly practices, and when used in conjunction with other RollEase, Inc. components or previously-approved components of other manufacturers, shall be free of defects in workmanship and materials under the normal use and service for which intended, for so long as the original purchaser owns the product. During the warranty period RollEase Inc. shall, at its expense and at its option, repair, replace or issue appropriate credit for any clutch that proves to be defective. RollEase Inc.’s liability in such cases applies only to the clutch mechanism and does not extend to include any related costs or expenses incurred by replacement, repair or return. This warranty does not apply to any RollEase clutch subjected to unauthorized repair or alteration, or to misuse or abuse. The warranty herein is in lieu of all other warranties, oral or written, express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of fitness for use. In no event shall RollEase, Inc. be liable for loss of anticipated profits or for special, collateral, consequential or incidental damages, direct or indirect.

Somfy Warranty: Somfy warrants their motors and motor control systems to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal and proper use for a period of five years starting from the date stamped on the motor. Mechanical, electrical and electronic accessories are warranted for one year from the date of invoice. SOMFY 5 Year Warranty (pdf)

RollEase Motor Warranty: Rollease warrants its battery powered DC motors to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 5 years when installed properly and operated under normal use from the date stamped on affixed label on each device.

Inspection of Defect: We reserve the right to inspect shades to determine if there is a manufacturing error. Please do not return shades unless we request it. Returns MUST be put in a box and then shipped to us. Returns MUST be shipped in a box and packed well to prevent damage. Freight is not covered. Inspect all cartons immediately for damage. Please do not accept your shipment if the cartons are damaged.

Our Return Policy: When shades are ordered from North Solar Screen, our shade materials must be cut to fit. Once materials have been cut, orders CAN NOT be cancelled.

Color Disclaimer for All Shades: We always recommend that you received samples before ordering your shades. Despite every effort to accurately duplicate each product’s color when scanned to our website, actual colors may vary. Due to monitor and/or video card differences, subtle variations in color and surface texture may not be fully revealed. Again, these are custom products and CANNOT be returned for reasons other than warranty repair or service. Therefore you need to be certain that any slight variations occurring between the actual color, and the representation on our website, will be acceptable. Slight variations might occur between the sample and the finished product. These dye lot variations are common to the manufacturing process, and are within industry tolerances. They are not defects. Due to these variations we recommend that when identical products and colors are to used for more than one opening, that they all be ordered at the same time. North Solar Screen cannot be responsible for dye lot variances.

Motorized Skylight Shades Warranty

North Solar Screen, LLC. warrants that its window treatments will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the original residential purchaser owns the product, provided that the product was installed properly and in accordance with the installation instructions. The limited lifetime warranty is extended to the original residential purchaser only, or for the original purchaser of shades installed in commercial, institutional, or multi-tenant facilities in the original window for which it was installed.

The warranty does not include any conditions or damages resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, misapplication, improper handling, installation, repairs, operation or cleaning, exposure to any and all natural and manufactured excessive heat sources. (Excessive Heat sources include, but not limited to: magnification of sun light through cubes of glass, heaters of any kind, ovens, candles, lighting fixtures, etc.) This warranty does not cover variation in color, grain, or texture in natural wood products nor excessive warping of wood slats in high humidity areas. Loss of pleating is not covered if the product is not being cycled (held in the raised position a portion of the time). Normal wear and tear is not covered. North Solar Screen, LLC. will not assume responsibility for any labor installation problems, whether measuring or installing,( including NBI and including the installation of in-warranty replacment parts.) We do not employ installers.

All moving parts, such as cords, will eventually wear out and fabric may fray. North Solar Screen, LLC. considers these things as normal wear and tear and residential applications carry a three year limited warranty. All fabric, including fabric vanes, panels, inserts, and shades carry a five year warranty. All wood alloy and faux wood slats carry a five year warranty. Commercial applications carry a five year warranty on both fabric and moving parts.

This limited warranty does not cover transportation costs to and from the retailer, costs of removal, re-measure, or reinstallation of product, or any incidental or consequential damages.

If a shade purchased through North Solar Screen, LLC. is found to be defective in materials or workmanship, we will, at our discretion, repair, replace or refund the cost of a product which fails to conform to this limited warranty.

We reserve the right to request specific pictures/videos detailing the problem to send to our factory for inspection and final decision. We may require you to speak to factory personnel for assistance troubleshooting to determine what parts need replacing or if the product needs to be remade. We are not responsible for the payment of any labor associated with the re-installation of parts or shades. Colors vary from lot to lot and may not exactly match sample swatch, sample book, or previous purchases. Discontinued components or color selections will be replaced with the closest equivalent current product. This shall be your sole remedy under this limited warranty.

To obtain service, contact North Solar Screen (866) 230-4700

Simplicity Warranty

Simplicity motors and controls have a 5 year warranty. Specifically, we warrant the Simplicity motors and controls to be free from defect in material and workmanship under normal and proper use for a periods of 5 years commencing with the date stamped on each product. If the Simplicity product fails within this 5 year period, we will repair or replace it free of charge. We will warranty batteries for up to 3 months from date of purchase; batteries are not covered by the 5 year warranty.

If you have trouble with your motor, contact North Solar Screen and let us have you work with Tech Support. If after going through trouble shooting steps, Tech Support tells you you need a replacement motor, let us know. You will be sent a new motor and a label for returning the defective one, using the box the new one is sent to you in. We will take your credit card information, which will only be used if the defective motor does not come back, or if it is found that the motor was damaged by water or other abuse.

This Warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other obligations, liabilities or warranties. In no event shall North Solar Screen, LLC. or its licensed fabricators or distributors be liable for incidental or consequential damages, or for any other damage, loss or expense, cost or fee associated with such damage. In some states, exclusions for incidental or consequential damages are not allowable.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. Policy is subject to change without notice.

Skylight Shades Warranty

OEM PLEATED SKYLIGHT LIMITED WARRANTY
OEM warrants that subject to the following conditions and exclusions, the product will be free from defects in manufacturing and workmanship for the following periods after purchase:

Fabric: Three Years
Standard Hardware: One year (Brackets, rings, handles, restringing)
Motorized Components: One year

OEM’s obligations with respect to the express warranties and remedies contained herein are conditioned on the following:

Product which is less than the minimum or more than the maximum size as set forth by North Solar Screen LLC website.

With respect to fabrics, the above warranty is limited to defects which cause fading, oxidation, flaking or discoloration.

Defects occurring in OEM’s sole judgment as a result of 1) improper installation 2) abuse or misuse 3) normal wear and tear or 4) maintenance and care not in accordance with the instructions included with the product are not covered under the warranty.

OEM disclaims all other warranties, whether arising by law or otherwise, including but not limited to the implied warranties and fitness for a particular purpose.

The sole and exclusive obligation of OEM and North Solar Screen under the above warranty is the repair or replacement of the product or any part of the product. This obligation excludes labor cost in measurement or installation and the cost of returning the product. Neither OEM nor North Solar Screen shall be liable for any special, indirect, consequential or incidental damages, including but not limited to loss of use.

If the product requires warranty service it must be returned to OEM together with the original sales slip or other valid proof of the original date of purchase. If you are not satisfied and or require additional assistance you may write to VP Operations Manager, OEM Shades, Inc. 700 First Avenue, Ford City, PA 16226

Cleaning - Insulator Blackout Cellular & Modular Light Sealed

Cleaning Blackout Fabrics:
Blackout cellular fabric is easy to care for. The fabric can be dusted with a soft, clean cloth, feather duster or lightly vacuumed with a soft brush attachment. To spot clean, use a cloth or sponge dipped in a light solution of lukewarm water and clear dish detergent and lightly. Do not scrub the surface. Rinse thoroughly. Complete immersion in not recommended.

Cleaning - Light Filtering Symphony & Premium Honeycomb Skylight

Cleaning Light Filtering Fabrics:
The Symphony® double honeycomb fabric is easy to care for. Regular dusting with a feather duster or vacuum cleaner brush is recommended. Most stains can be blotted with a damp sponge and mild detergent. For problem stains, the shade can be removed from the installation brackets and soaked in warm water. When damp, raise shade tightly to recrisp pleats. Before using anything stronger than mild detergent and lukewarm water, test an unobtrusive corner of the shade.

Cleaning PVC or Vinyl Fiberglass Shades

Determined upon the shade material of choice there are two different ways to clean your indoor shades.

For PVC Shades
Light vacuuming initially to remove the airborne particles followed by cold water with a mild non-ammoniated liquid detergent on a standard sponge. Avoid rubbing too hard. Rinse by immersing in clean water. Dry by hanging the shade in a rolled-down position. Make sure the fabric is flat.

For Vinyl Fiberglass
Fabric should be regularly dusted/vacuumed as appropriate. If commercial spot cleaners are used, they must first be tested and allowed to dry on an inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility.

Cleaning Film Shades

The best way to maintain the optical clarity of film shades is to avoid the dust adhesion caused by the natural static that occurs with all mylar shades. We recommend a light feather dusting on a regular basis. It helps to spray an anti-static aerosol on the dusting implement. Look for electronic anti-static sprays such as 3M and Endust for Electronics, available at home improvement centers, hardware stores and cleaning supply companies.

If there is a smudged area use a mild, highly diluted dishwashing liquid with a clean soft cloth. Apply gently to avoid scratching the surface. Do this on small surfaces to ensure shade is completely before being re-rolling back around the tube, otherwise permanent marking of the film surface may occur.

NEVER use a Windex-type ammonia cleaner. It will age the film and leave additional chemicals on the surface, compromising the optical clarity of the material.

Economical Crystal View Testimonials

“Karen and Carla were TERRIFIC when we had questions about the Mylar shades for our severe glare problem. They were also terrific in proactively making sure we understood aspects of our installation request. North Solar sent us samples quickly, and answered all our questions about using these shades in the unconventional way we had in mind. We are EXTREMELY happy with North Solar Screens. And the shades are fabulous.”

Jody Sandman – Brooklyn, NY

“Although we have not measured the temperature difference, it must be significant. Now we can comfortably use two west-facing rooms – a sunroom and a bedroom – during the heat of the day. We feel good about conserving energy and almost certainly trimming our cooling bill.”

Heather Ward – Elm City, NC

Cleaning Indoor Shades

Light vacuuming initially to remove the airborne particles followed by cold water with a mild non-ammoniated liquid detergent on a standard sponge. Avoid rubbing too hard. Rinse by immersing in clean water. Dry by hanging the shade in a rolled-down position. Make sure the fabric is flat.

Verosol Testimonials

“Hello Debby,
Attached are two pictures of the roller shades that we purchased from you in May 2011. They were received in perfect condition and the measurements were exactly as ordered. It was a pleasure doing business with your company. We live in Mexico and the sun is very strong. The shades have cut down on the heat and we can still enjoy the fabulous views.

Thank you again for all your help.”

Nancy & Clark Waite

“Dear Debby,
I have attached a variety of pictures from the inside, outside, with and without flash. As I told you and you will see, the improvementis remarkable. The quality of the SilverScreen Shade was much greater than we had expected. Each shade was labeled with the dimensions and numbered to correspond to the location on the diagram I had drawn. Your check and double check system proved the order could be made without error the first time. We sensed this is how everything would be when the order first arrived. We have never seen anything packaged with such attention to detail as your shades.

I do not normally write letters, but our experience with your company has been beyond what we expected. I think you deserve kudos for your efforts, follow thru, and results…you have a lot of good people helping make that happen. Good luck going forward, we know your business will be successful.”

Bruce & Fran – Snowshoe, WV

“Dear Debby,
Thanks for all the help your company gave me to make sure these were measured correctly. We love the shades!.”

Kim Guzzetti – Oroville, CA

“Dear Debby,
I thought I would let you know that last summer when the temp was 100 plus outside my husband measured the temperature of the glass of the west facing slider with an infared thermometer then we pulled the transparent solar shade and measured again and there was a 30 degree difference. We truly love this shade. It makes a big difference in the temperature inside the room.”

Ellen LaMotte – Huntington Beach, CA

“Dear Debby,
I just wanted to write and let you all know how much your Verosol Silver Screen shades are helping us stay cool! In this record breaking heat the shades, kept down all day, have helped the inside temp stay about 10 degrees cooler than when we left them up. My customers are happy and you can actually FEEL a cold breeze from our ac.

Thank you for a great product.”

Peter Pappas, Pappas and Haley Inc. – Fayetteville, NC

Indoor Shade Warranty

North Solar Screen, LLC. warrants that its window treatments will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for as long as the original residential purchaser owns the product, provided that the product was installed properly and in accordance with the installation instructions. The limited lifetime warranty is extended to the original residential purchaser only, or for the original purchaser of shades installed in commercial, institutional, or multi-tenant facilities in the original window for which it was installed. The warranty does not include any conditions or damages resulting from accidents, alterations, misuse, abuse, misapplication, improper handling, installation, repairs, operation or cleaning, exposure to any and all natural and manufactured excessive heat sources. (Excessive Heat sources include, but not limited to: magnification of sun light through cubes of glass, heaters of any kind, ovens, candles, lighting fixtures, etc.) This warranty does not cover variation in color, grain, or texture in natural wood products nor excessive warping of wood slats in high humidity areas. Loss of pleating is not covered if the product is not being cycled (held in the raised position a portion of the time). Normal wear and tear is not covered. North Solar Screen, LLC. will not assume responsibility for any labor installation problems, whether measuring or installing,( including NBI and including the installation of in-warranty replacement parts.) We do not employ installers. All moving parts, such as cords, will eventually wear out and fabric may fray. North Solar Screen, LLC. considers these things as normal wear and tear and residential applications carry a 5 year limited warranty. All fabric, including fabric vanes, panels, inserts, and shades carry a five year warranty. All wood alloy and faux wood slats carry a five year warranty. Commercial applications carry a five year warranty on both fabric and moving parts. This limited warranty does not cover transportation costs to and from the retailer, costs of removal, re-measure, or re-installation of product, or any incidental or consequential damages. If a shade purchased through North Solar Screen, LLC. is found to be defective in materials or workmanship, we will, at our discretion, repair, replace or refund the cost of a product which fails to conform to this limited warranty. We reserve the right to request specific pictures/videos detailing the problem to send to our factory for inspection and final decision. We may require you to speak to factory personnel for assistance troubleshooting to determine what parts need replacing or if the product needs to be remade. We are not responsible for the payment of any labor associated with the re-installation of parts or shades. Colors vary from lot to lot and may not exactly match sample swatch, sample book, or previous purchases. Discontinued components or color selections will be replaced with the closest equivalent current product. This shall be your sole remedy under this limited warranty. To obtain service, contact North Solar Screen (866) 230-4700 This Warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other obligations, liabilities or warranties. In no event shall North Solar Screen, LLC. or its licensed fabricators or distributors be liable for incidental or consequential damages, or for any other damage, loss or expense, cost or fee associated with such damage. In some states, exclusions for incidental or consequential damages are not allowable. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. Policy is subject to change without notice.

Color Disclaimer for All Shades We always recommend that you received samples before ordering your shades. Despite every effort to accurately duplicate each product’s color when scanned to our website, actual colors may vary. Due to monitor and/or video card differences, subtle variations in color and surface texture may not be fully revealed. Again, these are custom products and CANNOT be returned for reasons other than warranty repair or service. Therefore you need to be certain that any slight variations occurring between the actual color, and the representation on our website, will be acceptable. Slight variations might occur between the sample and the finished product. These dye lot variations are common to the manufacturing process, and are within industry tolerances. They are not defects. Due to these variations we recommend that when identical products and colors are to used for more than one opening, that they all be ordered at the same time. North Solar Screen cannot be responsible for dye lot variances.

Simplicity motors and controls have a 5 year warranty. Specifically, we warrant the Simplicity motors and controls to be free from defect in material and workmanship under normal and proper use for a periods of 5 years commencing with the date stamped on each product. If the Simplicity product fails within this 5 year period, we will repair or replace it free of charge. We will warranty batteries for up to 3 months from date of purchase; batteries are not covered by the 5 year warranty. If you have trouble with your motor, contact North Solar Screen and let us have you work with Tech Support. If after going through trouble shooting steps, Tech Support tells you you need a replacement motor, let us know. You will be sent a new motor and a label for returning the defective one, using the box the new one is sent to you in. We will take your credit card information, which will only be used if the defective motor does not come back, or if it is found that the motor was damaged by water or other abuse.

Somfy Warranty Somfy offers end product suppliers a 5 year warranty on all motors and controls. Specifically, Somfy warrants its motors and controls to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal and proper use for a period of 5 years commencing with the date stamped on each product. If the Somfy product fails within this 5 year period, Somfy will repair or replace it free of charge through your end product supplier. Batteries are not covered by this warranty. If you have trouble with your motor, contact North Solar Screen and let us have you work with Tech Support. If after going through trouble shooting steps, Tech Support tells you you need a replacement motor, let us know. You will be sent a new motor and a label for returning the defective one, using the box the new one is sent to you in. We will take your credit card information, which will only be used if the defective motor does not come back, or if it is found that the motor was damaged by water or other abuse. Download Full Somfy Warranty

Cleaning Verosol Shades

Occasional light vacuuming with a soft bristle attachment or gentle feather duster is all the is required to keep shades looking fresh and neat.

Verosol fabrics are also easy to maintain dust can be removed with a soft feather duster or vacuuming with a soft brush at the lowest position. When intensive cleaning is required the colored (room) side can be cleaned with a wet cloth. NEVER use an alcohol or ammonia-based cleaner (such as Windex) on Verosol fabrics or allow those cleaners to come into contact with the silver side of the shade. Verosol fabrics cannot be ultrasonically cleaned.

Greenguard

GREENGUARD CERTIFICATION

Vela GreenScreen, E Screen, M Screen, SilverScreen Heat Reflecting, PVC Free Supreme Polyester Blackout, The Insulator Symphony, Symphony Light Filtering, Phifer 2360, Phifer 2390 and Phifer 2410 solar shades have been certified by GREENGUARD.

These fabrics meet or exceed the field validated standards for products and materials with low chemical and particle emissions for indoor usage. They have also been certified to meet or exceed the stricter emission guidelines for GREENGUARD Children and Schools. These guidelines take into consideration the heightened sensitivities of school populations. These solar shade fabrics do not contribute to indoor air pollution making them an excellent choice for all interior projects.

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) governs and administers the GREENGUARD Product Certification program. GEI is an independent, non profit organization founded to create healthier indoor environments which improve public health and the quality of life. An Advisory Board, made up of indoor air quality, public health and green design experts reviews the GREENGUARD Certification program and assures its acceptance.

Fortress FAQs

Q: What is the depth required?

A. For a flush mount 5 1/2″ . If mounting inside a ‘pocket’ you will need about twice this depth to install the shade.

Q: What is the fabric width?

A. Fabric zips into side channels. There is no gap.

Q: Will Solar Shades save me money?

A. Exterior Solar Shades are the best defense against the heat. They started in Europe as a way to keep buildings cool. Because they absorb the solar radiation before it passes through and needs to be reflected out, they keep the interior much cooler. Darker colors on the exterior absorb more light and are therefore 10% more effective than light colors against the heat.

Fortress Testimonials

“Just wanted to let you know we received and installed our solar screen and it looks great. It fit great and blends in beautifully. When it is rolled up, it is hardly noticeable. With the help of the videos on your website, the installation went very well. ”

Tom Ashman, PA

“The installation went smoothly. The instructions were clear. I like the way the shades look and operate. They blend nicely with the décor of the porch. They do a good job of blocking the winds and sunlight. The North Solar Screen experience was very good, they made the process easy.”

Kelvin Bogle – Westminster, CO

“The zipper track shades work great. I’m very pleased. This is the introduction but there will definitely be more orders.”

W Britz – Wheatland, WY

“We had a bad storm and they held their ground, just as advertised. Nothing got wet nor ruined. Great product.”

D. Hanson – Dallas, TX

Cleaning Affordable, Baby Grande, and Grande Clear Vinyl Shades

Because it is very pliable, vinyl can easily be scratched and caution needs to be exercised when working with the material.

Clear vinyl should be cleaned regularly to remove dirt. Abrasive cleaners cannot be used on window vinyl. Cleaning should be done with a mild vinyl cleaner or basic mild neutral soap such as Ivory or Lux mixed with lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly with water. Do Not Use Detergents.

Use the Plexus Wax provided with your shades to help protect the vinyl and help it operate well in humid conditions. Once or twice a year is usually sufficient; apply when vinyl appears dull. To use, shake can well. Spray on lightly. Wipe off and buff with clean cloth. (Do not use paper towels)

Vinyl shades should not be folded and stored for an extended period of time when damp or wet.

Grande FAQ's

Q: What is the depth required?
A. Depth required for a flush mount depends on the headrail option chosen

Exposed Roll, crank or motor: 4 7/8″
Housing box, crank or motor: 5 1/2″ (9” if fitting this in a ‘pocket’)

Q: What is the fabric width?
Fabric width varies depending on lift system and headrail option.

Exposed Roll, crank: Fabric is 4″ narrower than the brackets. Gap on Crank side is 2 1/2”, gap on idler end is 1 1/2″.
Exposed Roll, Motor: Fabric is 3” narrower than brackets. The gap on both sides is 1 1/2″ on each side.
Housing box, crank, cables with L brackets or turnbuckles: Fabric is 3 1/2″ narrower than the housing box. There is a 2″ gap on the crank side, and a 1 1/2″ gap on the idler end.
Housing box, motor, cables with L Brackets or turnbuckles: The fabric is 3″ narrower than the housing box. The gap on both sides is 1 1/2″ on each side.
Housing box, motor or crank, with magnetic cable lock: The fabric is 4″ narrower than the housing box. The gap is the same size on each side.

Q: Will Solar Shades save me money?
Exterior Solar Shades are the best defense against the heat. They started in Europe as a way to keep buildings cool. Because they absorb the solar radiation before it passes through and needs to be reflected out, they keep the interior much cooler. Darker colors on the exterior absorb more light and are therefore 10% more effective than light colors against the heat.

Sun Guardian FAQ's

Q: What is the depth required?
Depth required for a flush mount depends on a combination of width, height, material ordered, lift system, and headrail option. Contact us for specific information about your particular order. General guidelines:

Exposed Roll: Smallest shades require 2 3/8″ (most shades under 84″ wide) while wider and taller ones can take up to 3 3/8″ or 3 7/8″.
Fascia: Either 3″ or 4″. Most shades under 84” wide take 3”, while all shades over 84″ take 4″.
Housing box: All shades take 4” housing box, unless they are both wider and taller than 120″, in which case you may need to upgrade to a Grande Shade

Q: What is the fabric width?

Fabric width varies depending on lift system and headrail option. Contact us for specific information about your particular order.Bottom bar and end caps extend 1/4–5/16″ wider than the actual cloth. General Guidelines:

Exposed Roll or Fascia : Fabric is 1 3/8″ narrower than the tips of the roller. Gap is larger on the chain side than the idler end. Gap is the same on each side for motorized shades.
4″ Housing box: Fabric is 2″ narrower than the end caps of the box. Gap is the same on each side.
4″ Housing and 2″ Side Channels: Fabric is 4 1/4″ narrower than the end caps of the box. There is a 1/4–1/8″ gap between the fabric itself and the channel.

Q: Will Solar Shades save me money?
Exterior Solar Shades are the best defense against the heat. They started in Europe as a way to keep buildings cool. Because they absorb the solar radiation before it passes through and needs to be reflected out, they keep the interior much cooler. Darker colors on the exterior absorb more light and are therefore 10% more effective than light colors against the heat.

Q: Q: The material on my shade is rolling up crooked. What causes this and how do I fix it?
This is usually caused by the installation not being level; the shade will roll towards the higher side. It must be corrected immediately or the shade material, telescoping over the end, will rub the shade brackets and get damaged. Best solution is to remount the brackets so the shade will be level.
Another solution is to lower the shade until the roller is exposed. On the side opposite the incorrect roll place a 3 inch length of 1 1/2″ masking tape on the long edge of the shade material, or on the roller edge. This will balance (level) the roller. Additional layers of tape may be required until the shade rolls up evenly.

Operate the shade slowly to be sure the roll is correct; stop at once if the material runs to one side.

Affordable Sun Guardian Testimonials

Thank you North Solar Screen!!! Our patio is usable in the afternoon now. Super easy to install and great customer service.

Jon White, TN

Hi Debby,
Thought you would like to know – Got the Sun Guardian screen and got it up – it works great and looks great. Thank you all.

Paulette Thebert, WI

We received our shades last week, and got them installed over the weekend. They look great, we really like them, as advertised, they block a lot of the sun, but lets the breeze go thru, and you can see thru them.

They are long enough to block the sun until it goes behind the roof of the home behind us, and the one on the entry way, we can still walk under without having to duck. The bungee cords work well to hold them down against the wind.

Thanks again,

Abby Hopkins – Witchita, KS

My wife and I are truly happy with our outdoor solar screens that were installed several weeks ago. We are very impressed with the professional and courteous way we were treated from the first phone call until the shipment arrived. Carla, Karen, and the rest of the gang at North Solar Screen are true experts and they really mean it when they say, “The customer comes first.” I highly recommend this company.

Duane Gregg – Port Allegany, PA

The screens arrived yesterday undamaged and I installed them today. They are absolutely wonderful and really cut the sun and heat. We could never sit out on our patio in the afternoon before because of the hot Texas sun, but now we can comfortably. Your screens are amazing. We can even feel it is cooler inside the house too. I’ve enclosed a couple photos of the screens taken at 4pm with the hot, bright sun blasting away, but is nice and shady and cool on the patio, thanks to North Solar Screen’s shades!

Ann Ackroyd, TX

Grande Testimonials

“Carla,
Just wanted to let you know we received and installed our solar screen and
it looks great. It fit great and blends in beautifully. When it is rolled up, it is hardly noticeable.
With the help of the videos on your website, the installation went very well.”

Tom Ashman, PA

“Our new Grande Shade is installed and working perfectly. We are enjoying our
deck and sunsets much more. Thanks!”

Jay Collins – Steamboat Springs, CO

“Your Grande Shades have made a tremendous impact in the use of our pergola. Now we can use it all day all year.”

Bob Walker – Houston, TX

Baby Grande FAQS

Q: What is the depth required?
A. Depth required for a flush mount depends on the headrail option chosen

Exposed Roll, crank or motor: 4″
Housing box, crank or motor: 4 1/2″ (8″ if fitting this in a ‘pocket’)

Q: What is the fabric width?
Fabric width varies depending on lift system and headrail option.

Exposed Roll, crank: Fabric is 3 3/4″ narrower than the brackets. Gap on Crank side is 1 7/8″, gap on idler end is 1 1/2″.
Exposed Roll, Motor: Fabric is 2 5/8″ narrower than brackets. There is a 1 1/8″ gap on the motor side, and a 1 1/2″ gap on the idler end.
Housing box, crank: Fabric is 3 3/4″ narrower than the housing box. There is a 2 1/4″ gap on the crank side, and a 1 1/2″ gap on the idler end.
Housing box, motor: The fabric is 2 7/8″ narrower than the housing box. There is a 1 3/8″ gap on the motor side, and a 1 1/2″ gap on the idler end.
Housing box, side channels, crank or motor: Fabric is 4 1/4″ narrower than the housing box. There is a 1/8″ gap between the side channel and the fabric on each side.

Q: Will Solar Shades save me money?
Exterior Solar Shades are the best defense against the heat. They started in Europe as a way to keep buildings cool. Because they absorb the solar radiation before it passes through and needs to be reflected out, they keep the interior much cooler. Darker colors on the exterior absorb more light and are therefore 10% more effective than light colors against the heat.

Packaging and Shipping

Packaging and Shipping:

Please notify North Solar Screen, LLC at the time of order if you have a preferred shipping carrier. It is imperative that you open all shipments upon delivery while in the presence of the delivery person(s) and inspect the product for damage. If damages are concealed, it is very important that claims are filled immediately. North Solar Screen, LLC will not be responsible for claims that cannot be collected due to non-reporting of damages in time.

Outdoor Shade Cleaning

Cleaning Outdoor Shades

Sponge with a solution of one cup mild detergent with one cup household bleach in three gallons of water. Avoid rubbing too hard. Rinse thoroughly with clear water and air dry by hanging shade in a roll down position. If you see mildew on the fabric or do not see any but know it is a problem in your area periodically scrub or sponge the fabric with a commercial mildew remover or 1 part bleach to 3 parts water and rinse thoroughly. Avoid skin and eye contact when working with bleach solutions.

Baby Grande Testimonials

Dear Debby,
The 3% openness Grande Shades were absolutely the right choice for the hot bright Texas sun. Not only is our patio considerably cooler but our living room just inside of the patio is now cooler in the afternoon, thanks to the new solar screens. We could not be happier. Thanks for a truly great product.

Eric Hornquist, TX

Hello, Your Grande Shades have made a tremendous impact in the use of our pergola. At this time of year and in the spring we could not fully use it because it faces south and the angle of the sun raised the temperature greatly. By adding your shades we now can use it all day all year. I will recommend your product to anyone who has an interest.

Bob Walker
Houston, TX

I am very pleased with my Grande Shades. They were well packaged and the Installation videos were thorough. The shades themselves are excellent in finish and fit. The finished product is exactly what we talked about and designed. Thank you for all your help and thoroughness in the ordering. I will certainly recommend you to others.

Christopher Case – Tulsa, OK

Carla,
Just wanted to let you know we received and installed our solar screen and it looks great. It fit great and blends in beautifully. When it is rolled up, it is hardly noticeable. With the help of the videos on your website, the installation went very well.

Tom Ashman, PA

Our new Grande Shade is installed and working perfectly. We are enjoying our deck and sunsets much more. Thanks!

Jay Collins – Steamboat Springs, CO

Indoor Shades

Outdoor Shades

Resources