Introduction to Shading

Mylar

Mylar shades are high-performance window treatments made from multi-layered, aluminum-coated polyester film, often called ‘sunglasses for windows.’ They reduce solar heat gain by up to 73–86%, block 99% of UV rays, and minimize glare by over 90% while maintaining clear outdoor views. Ideal for residential and commercial spaces, they enhance energy efficiency and daytime privacy. Mylar shades are high-performance window treatments made from multi-layered, aluminum-coated polyester film, often called ‘sunglasses for windows.’ They reduce solar heat gain by up to 73–86%, block 99% of UV rays, and minimize glare by over 90% while maintaining clear outdoor views. Ideal for residential and commercial spaces, they enhance energy efficiency and daytime privacy.
Key Features & Benefits
·        Energy Efficiency: Significantly reduces air-conditioning costs by     acting as a heat-reflective barrier.
·       Glare & UV Control: Cuts down glare while protecting furniture and   flooring from UV fading.
·        View Retention: Maintains outdoor visibility unlike traditional blinds.
·       Daytime Privacy: Reflective exterior prevents outsiders from seeing   in during daylight hours.
·       Versatile Operation: Available as roller shades with clutch   mechanisms, bead chains, or motorized systems.

Solar Weave

Light colors, such as white, reflect solar energy away from interior spaces
Light‑colored fabrics reflect a significant portion of solar energy and transmit diffused natural light into the room. These colors are highly effective for reducing overall solar heat gain, lowering cooling costs, and minimizing the need for artificial lighting. Because of their high reflectivity, light colors do limit outward visibility.
Dark colors, such as black, absorb solar heat and light for significant glare reduction
Dark fabrics offer excellent glare control, making screens, monitors, and electronic devices easier to view while reducing eye strain. Although dark colors do not reduce solar heat gain as dramatically as lighter fabrics, the heat is distributed more evenly throughout the room, improving comfort and minimizing hot spots caused by direct sunlight. They also provide superior outward visibility.
Openness factor refers to the tightness of the weave or mesh construction
The fabric’s openness, combined with its color, determines its overall performance. More open weaves allow greater transmission of heat and visible light into interior spaces while also maintaining clearer outward views. With openness factors ranging from 0% to 25%, selecting the right combination of color and openness ensures your goals for energy savings, comfort, glare control, and visibility are met.

Solar View Roller Shade Installation Manual

IMPORTANT: Do not remove the protected brown paper wrap until the shade is mounted in the brackets.
USE: Cloth gloves when handling the mylar shade.  Pull off the tape holding the protective brown paper wrap after the shade has been installed. (DO NOT CUT)

How to Measure

Following these simple instructionswill save you from an expensive mistake.

All orders are final. The WIDTH (left to right) is the most critical measurement for custom shades. ALWAYS take the width measurement at the point where the brackets will be installed.

Deductions for inside mount will be made to fit into the opening. 

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

Inside Measurement (IM)

(IM) Measurements refer to ordering a shade that will be installed within the window casement. When an IM measurement is provided, the factory automatically makes the necessary deductions to ensure the brackets, shade, and rotating control mechanism will fit inside the opening.

Because of these deductions, inside‑mounted shades will ALWAYS have a light gap of up to 5/8″ on both sides of the shade (± 1/8″).

Example:
A shade ordered at 70″ IM will be manufactured to fit inside a 70″ opening.
However, the fabric width plus bottom bar will be approximately 68 ¾”, creating the standard operational gaps.

Outside Measurement (OM)

(OB) Measurements are for mounting the shade brackets on the outer casing, on the ceiling, trim, molding, or mullion. This measurement will be manufactured with NO factory deductions. When ordering OB measurements, you can customize the opening for no-light gap coverage by simply increasing the mounting width size.  The final rule is Measure to and from the point of the bracket installation. Material width or bottom bar width is never considered as a viable measurement in and of itself.

Depth

The mounting depth for fully recessed shades should be at least 3″. The tubes and mechanisms become larger for shades that measure beyond 76” wide. The large shade will need a 4” minimum depth to be fully recessed

Safety wrap

The factory always adds length to each shade as a “safety wrap”. This insures that the material will hang securely to the tube. The material safety wrap remains around the tube when the shade reaches the ordered length.

Chain-driven mechanism

The default length of the chain is 60% of the shade’s ordered height. A roll shade positioned over a door or a tall window where the windowsill is greater than 48” from the floor will need an extended chain length. The extended chain will lower the drop length to allow reach and access to the roll shade. An extra chain must be requested at the time of order.

How to Install

IMPORTANT: Do not remove the protected brown paper wrap until the shade is mounted in the brackets.
USE: Cloth gloves when handling the mylar shade.  Pull off the tape holding the protective brown paper wrap after the shade has been installed. (DO NOT CUT)

How to Measure

Following these simple instructionswill save you from an expensive mistake.

All orders are final. The WIDTH (left to right) is the most critical measurement for custom shades. ALWAYS take the width measurement at the point where the brackets will be installed.

Deductions for inside mount will be made to fit into the opening. 

Inside Mount vs. Outside Mount

Inside Measurement (IM)

Outside Measurement (OM)

(IM) Measurements refer to ordering a shade that will be installed within the window casement. When an IM measurement is provided, the factory automatically makes the necessary deductions to ensure the brackets, shade, and rotating control mechanism will fit inside the opening.

Because of these deductions, inside‑mounted shades will ALWAYS have a light gap of up to 5/8″ on both sides of the shade (± 1/8″).

Example:
A shade ordered at 70″ IM will be manufactured to fit inside a 70″ opening.
However, the fabric width plus bottom bar will be approximately 68 ¾”, creating the standard operational gaps.

(OB) Measurements are for mounting the shade brackets on the outer casing, on the ceiling, trim, molding, or mullion. This measurement will be manufactured with NO factory deductions. When ordering OB measurements, you can customize the opening for no-light gap coverage by simply increasing the mounting width size.  The final rule is Measure to and from the point of the bracket installation. Material width or bottom bar width is never considered as a viable measurement in and of itself.

How it’s Made

Our roller shades have little to no maintenance or repair compared to other types of shades or blinds. Painted baked enamel steel rollers add greater strength and are used to control warping or sagging. Available in 1 1/8” – 1 3/8” – 1 3/4″ diameter. Shade components have a limited lifetime warranty. 

Fascia

  • A snap-on aluminum fascia panel covers the shade’s roller and mounting hardware and provides a sleek finished look. Brackets mount to the ceiling, side, and rear wall.
  • Standard finishes: WHITE, BLACK, BROWN & ANODIZED ALUMINUM
Most photographs do not do justice in viewing fascia in a commercial window. When color matched the fascia blends with the framing and appears to be part of the window casement.

Mylar Gallery

RESIDENTIAL

RESIDENTIAL

Mylar Gallery

COMMERCIAL

Woven Gallery

RESIDENTIAL

Woven Gallery

COMMERCIAL

Introduction to Shading

Woven technology allow the view out, and lets adequate light in without the glare. They also do an excellent job of controlling the sun’s heat and fading of interiors.

SolarView shades are used extensively in most franchise restaurants like; McDonald’s, Starbucks, Panera, Cracker Barrel etc. They have also replaced most mini and vertical blinds in new and remodeled office spaces.

SolarView interior sun control fabrics provide the perfect balance of light, comfort, and beauty, making them the ideal window covering solution for residential and commercial spaces alike. A sleek and functional alternative to Ordinary window coverings SheerWeave effortlessly and elegantly manages the sun’s harsh heat and blinding glare.

…conserving energy and helping to create a more comfortable environment. SolarView also helps reduce the fading of interior furnishings and flooring by protecting these surfaces from the sun’s harmful effects. And unlike many window treatments, SolarView allows excellent outward visibility – even when shades are lowered – to maintain optimal views.

… and transmit diffused natural light toward the interior. These colors are excellent for reducing overall solar heat gain, lowering energy costs associated with air conditioning, and reducing the need for artificial lighting for additional energy savings. Due to high reflectivity, light colors will limit outward views.

Benefits include improved clarity of electronic devices, diminished eye strain and excellent outward views. While the overall impact on solar heat gain is not as significant with dark colors, this heat will be more evenly distributed into the room, improving comfort and eliminating hot spots created by direct sun light.

… and, combined with color, determines the fabric’s overall performance. The more open a fabric the more heat and light will transmit to interior spaces and the more outward views are maintained. With openness factors ranging from zero to 25 percent, selecting the right combination of color and openness will ensure your goals for energy savings, light management and outward visibility are achieved.

Troubleshooting

1. The round steel pin in the end plug is designed to be pulled out up to 1/8” using pliers.
2. FABER end caps are also designed for adjustment on the job. A notch is provided on both ends to insert a flat screwdriver and pry out 1/8”. If ends are pried out, secure in place by indenting the metal tube into the plastic plug by using a nail or center punch.
3. For in jamb installation, the brackets can be moved closer together with the use of a wood shim, penny, or washer behind the brackets.
4. Relocate the universal brackets and mounting locations from in jamb, to outside, wall or ceiling mount.

The steel tube should be exposed about 1/8” – Fabric should be narrower than the tube. The tube may be filed or trimmed down to the proper width.

1. Reposition the brackets to a ceiling or outside mount. DO NOT FILE THE PINS.

2. To return a shade to the manufacturer for cut down, A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER must be assigned before the shade will be accepted back. If the cut down is not the fault of the manufacturer, a service charge will be added

1.Always use a carpenter’s bubble level to make sure the shade is level. It does not necessarily have to be eye level or parallel with the window frame.

2. If the tube is level, pull down a shade or unroll material until the metal tube is exposed. Stack or shim several pieces of tape (not a thin Scotch tape) 3” – 4” along the tube on the end opposite the direction that the material is tracking towards.

3. Repeat or thicken shims if necessary.

4. When using Sheer Weave material, there may be existing shims. You may want to remove them and start over.

Solar View – Roll Shade Measurement Guidelines

SolarView will provide custom roll shades made to the measurements that the customer records.

1. Understanding Measurements

  • All measurements must be recorded in inches, rounded down to the nearest 1/8 inch.

    • Width = Left to right
    • Height = Top to bottom
    • Depth = Front to back (inside the window casement)

2. Important Requirements

    • Measure at the bracket installation points.
      The width must be taken at the exact location where the brackets will be mounted.
      Do NOT measure based on the desired shade fabric size.
    • Use a steel measuring tape only.
      Cloth or flexible tapes are not accurate enough.
    • Accepted units: Inches with fractions (rounded down to nearest 1/8″).
      Feet, decimals, and metric measurements will not be accepted.
    • Record exact window measurements.
      Do not add or subtract anything—Solar View will make appropriate manufacturing adjustments.

3. Rounding Instructions

  • Round down to the nearest 1/8 inch.
    Examples:

    • 35 3/16″ → record 35 1/8″
    • 27 5/32″ → record 27 1/8″
    • 42 7/16″ → record 42 3/8″

Tools Needed

Included Hardware

  • Cordless drill or screwdriver
  • ¼” hex drive attachment
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil & level
  • Possibly a 3/32″ drill bit
  • Specific wall anchors when needed
  • 2 universal brackets
  • 4 × #6 × ¾” self‑tapping screws (for wood, sheet metal, aluminum)
  • 2 flat‑head screws for clutch side (inside/jamb mount)

Mollies/toggles for plaster, drywall, or concrete are not included.

Bracket Notes:

Faber/Benthin universal brackets may be mounted left or right, inside, outside, or on the ceiling. Brackets must be installed perfectly level for proper shade operation.

Standard bracket length: 1 3/8″. Extended length: 2 3/8″.

Inside Measurement (IM) Guidelines

What is an Inside Measurement (IM)?

  • Inside Measurement refers to ordering a shade to be installed inside the window casement. When you provide an IM width, you are giving the exact space within the opening.
    The factory will then take precise deductions to ensure the shade, brackets, and rotating control mechanism fit properly.

Factory Deductions & Side Gaps

  • Round down to the nearest 1/8 inch.
    Examples:

    • 35 3/16″ → record 35 1/8″
    • 27 5/32″ → record 27 1/8″
    • 42 7/16″ → record 42 3/8″
  • Because of these required deductions:

  • IM shades will ALWAYS have a gap of up to 5/8” on both sides

  • (± 1/8” depending on tolerances)

    This gap is necessary so the shade can raise, lower, and rotate freely.

Example

  • If you order a shade at:

    • IM Width: 70”

    The shade will be manufactured to fit within that 70” space.
    However, due to bracket/mechanism allowances:

    • Approximate material width (including bottom bar): 68 ¾”

    This remaining space is the functional “gap” required for operation.

When IM Gaps Are Not Acceptable

If the side gap is visually unacceptable or you need more complete coverage:

Consider an Outside Bracket Mount (OB)

Mounting the shade on the wall, trim, or mullion allows you to add width beyond the window opening and cover more area.

When IM Gaps Are Not Acceptable

If the side gap is visually unacceptable or you need more complete coverage:

Consider an Outside Bracket Mount (OB)

Mounting the shade on the wall, trim, or mullion allows you to add width beyond the window opening and cover more area

Important Ordering Rules

  • Do NOT use fabric/material width or bottom bar width as measurements.
    These are not accepted for ordering and will result in incorrect shade sizing.
  • Record only true window opening dimensions.
    The manufacturing team will apply all appropriate deductions.
  • Check for obstructions.
    Trim, molding, handles, sensors, and other protrusions must be measured and accounted for before ordering.
  • Photos or additional measurements may be required to ensure a proper custom fit.

Outside Measurement (OM / OB) Guidelines

What Is an Outside Measurement (OM)?

  • Outside Measurements—also referred to as Outside Bracket (OB) measurements—are used when mounting the shade outside the window casement. This includes mounting on:

    • The outer window casing
    • Wall surface
    • Ceiling
    • Trim or molding
    • Mullions
  • When you provide an OM/OB measurement, you are giving the exact dimensions you want the shade to cover, based on where the brackets will be installed.

Factory Deductions

  • OB measurements are manufactured with NO factory deductions.

    The shade will be made exactly to the width and height you order.

    This gives you complete control over the final coverage area.

Improved Light Gap Coverage

  • For Outside Mount installations, you can eliminate or reduce light gaps by:

     Simply adding extra width to your bracket mounting measurement.

    Because the shade sits outside the opening, you can widen the shade beyond the window frame to improve privacy and light control.

Golden Rule for OB Measurements

Always measure to and from the exact points where the brackets will be installed.

This ensures:

  • Correct overall width
  • Proper bracket alignment
  • Accurate shade fit