FAQs
Q. "How much does this stuff cost? Can you send me a price list?
A. As a custom-manufacturer, there's no such thing as a price list or a price per square foot (think of it as having a custom-tailored suit made for yourself). Because everyone's application sizes differ, our product pricing is based on height. length and number of pieces.
Q. "What's it made of?"
A. Our primary product offering is 100% lathe-leno. UV-treated, open-mesh black polypropylene. Essentially, it's the same fabric as a trampoline only with a wider weave.
Q. "What colors does it come in?"
A.You can get any color you want as long as it's black. Actually, we're just joking although there is a great deal of truth to this just the same. The traditionally used polypropylene, seen primarily as tennis court windscreen, comes in a forest green color. The problem is that the forest green "chalks white" after about three years--our black poly doesn't do this. There are certainly other fabrics that come in a variety of colors but the aren't polypropylene and, with few exceptions, don't last as long yet cost much more.
Q. "Do I buy a pre-made size and cut it to fit?"
A. Gosh no. Working together, we determine the size of the opening you want to cover and custom-manufacture our screen to fit that opening specific to the 1/2 inch. We can produce something as small as an envelope or as big as a billboard.
Q. "How is it installed?"
A. There are basically three ways to install our screens: lace them on with our supplied polpropylene rope, screw them on or a combination of both. We provide detailed installation instructions or, if engaged, perform the installation ourselves on-site. Installation is far from rocket science.
Q. "I would like to order some screens. How do I go about doing that?"
A. The best option and the one that saves the most time is to call us toll-free at 888.827.7789. Since we're going to tailor your screens down to the 1/2 inch, specifics concerning your structure are critical to obtaining the proper fit. Once we understand what size are required, how it's to be installed, and a few other things, then we can generate a price quote and process your order.
Q. "Do the screens work well for providing shade and holding up to the wind?"
A. We've found that once screens are installed correctly, that is, they're secured on all four sides (top, bottom, left and right) they will stand up to extremely high winds. Obviously, this will depend upon the integrity of the structure. We've also determined the screens will reduce temperatures during the hot summer by about 15 degrees and reduced winter's wind-chill 100%.
Q. "Can you give me an idea on how long these will last?.
A. Well, it's really hard to say. We have a 3-year warranty assuming the customer permanently installs the product. If the screens don't move or look like the sails from Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, who knows how long they'll last. We have had the product last for 18 years.
Q. "What would cause damage to the screens?"
A. Basically, there are two ways to damage our windscreens: slash them with a shape object or melt it under flame. Customers have experienced vandalism where someone evidently took a pair of scissors or a knife and cut into the fabric. Others have seen cigarette holes or welding debris burn thought it.
Q. "Can animals eat at it?.
A. Not really--if the screens are installed as tight as a drum, you're asking your animals to do something as difficult as "eating paint off a wall." Only loosely-fitted screens can afford your animals the opportunity to gain purchase and then they can gnaw at it causing damage. We suggest that you use hog wire between the animals and the screens.
Q. "I need some pre-screen structural work, do you guys do that?"
A. We have access to plenty of welders to have it done.
Q. "Why should I buy screens when I can use metal or wood?"
A. Solid materials such as wood or metal cost more and may necessitate added purchase of heating or air-conditioning. Our ventilated screens allow air to circulate but still stop the wind, rain, snow and heat enhancing what we refer to as ambient temperature.
Q. "Can we still see out after the screens are up?"
A. Absolutely. While our screens are certainly opaque, during the daylight the view outside is quite clear. On the flip side, when it's dark outside without any lights, the view disappears.
Q. "What happens if I want to roll them up during the summer?"
A. You can certainly do that if you wish, but rats, birds and other rodents can nest in them. The biggest problem with rolling the screens up, is that you never get them as tight as the screens were when the screens were initially installed. That can shorten the life.
Q. "Can I use your screens as an overhead covering?"
A. Most certainly but remember, as a ventilated product, it'll be a "leaky roof." This will make it much cooler then no shade structure at all.
Q. "Is black hotter?"
A. Unlike wearing a dark wool sweater in the winter to absorb heat, polypropylene has little if any absorption properties.