Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Solar View Mylar Shades?

Mylar Shades use a flexible tinted material mounted on a roller system. Lower them for solar protection or roll them up when not needed. They reduce heat and glare while preserving a clear daytime view—like “sunglasses for your window.”

2. How are Mylar Shades different from window tint?

Unlike permanent window tint, Solar View Mylar Shades lower for heat, glare, and UV protection, then roll up completely for an unobstructed view and maximum natural light.

3. How much heat do Mylar Shades reduce?

Solar View Mylar Shades reduce solar heat gain by up to 73%, helping keep spaces more comfortable while lowering cooling costs.

4. How much glare do they block?

Mylar Shades block up to 90% of glare, making them a strong choice for offices, restaurants, retail spaces, homes, and rooms with computer screens or large windows.

5. Do Mylar Shades block UV rays?

Mylar Shades block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, helping prevent fading in furniture, flooring, artwork, and merchandise.

6. Can I still see outside?

During the day, you maintain an excellent outward view while significantly reducing heat and glare. During the night, you will not be able to see out with these shades.

7. Can people see inside during the day?

During daylight hours, the reflective feature provides increased daytime privacy looking inward while allowing you to see out.

8. Do they provide privacy at night?

No. At night, when interior lights are on, people outside may be able to see inside. If nighttime privacy is needed, additional window coverings are recommended.

9. Are Mylar Shades good for homes?

Absolutely. They are ideal for living rooms, sunrooms, lake homes, large windows, and any room where preserving the view is important.

10. Are they good for commercial buildings?

Yes.  For over 35 years, Solar View has successfully solved heat and glare issues for:

  • Restaurants
  • Retail Stores
  • Car Dealerships
  • Commercial/Residential
  • Gas/Convenience Stores
  • Banks
  • Schools
  • Government Contracts
  • Air Traffic Control Towers (Non-Reflective Mylar)
  • Ocean Vessels
  • Security Stations

11. What are Solar View Woven Shades?

Solar View Woven Shades are made from a see-through perforated fabric, available in 3% and 5% openness factors. They provide a softer appearance while reducing heat and glare.

12. Which should I choose: Mylar or Woven Shades?

  • Mylar Shades: Maximum heat reflection and excellent outward visibility.
  • Woven Shades: Softer designer appearance with excellent glare control and varying the openness factor changes the tightness of the weave, changing the viewable outward.

13. What is an Inside Mount?

Inside Mount is installed within the window frame for a clean, built-in appearance.

14. What is an Outside Mount?

An Outside Mount installs on the wall or trim surrounding the window and provides greater coverage to reduce light gaps.

15. How do I measure my windows?

We provide step-by-step measuring guides for both Inside Mount and Outside Mount installations on our website.

16. Can I install the shades myself?

Yes. Installation instructions are included; only a few basic tools are needed.

17. Are the shades custom made?

Yes. Every Solar View Shade is custom-manufactured to the measurements you provide.

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18. What if I measure incorrectly?

Every Solar View Shade is custom manufactured to the exact dimensions you provide. To ensure the best fit and performance, please follow our measuring instructions carefully before placing your order.

If you have any questions about measuring, mounting options, or selecting the right shade, please contact us before ordering. Our knowledgeable team is happy to assist you and is committed to making your experience as easy and successful as possible.

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19. What colors are available?

Our Mylar Shades are available in:

  • Our most popular tinted shade has a warm blue-gray color and is referred to as GSG-6
  • Our Neutral color is a light blue color and is commonly used for UV protection only.

Solar View Woven Shades stocks basic colors and openness levels

3% (a tighter weave) and 5% (medium weave).

  • Black
  • White
  • Light Gray
  • Dark Gray
  • Tobacco
  • Special requests for other colors and densities can be made.

Minor variations in color, weave, finish, and dimensions are considered normal manufacturing tolerances..

20. Are the shades made in the USA?

Solar View Mylar Shades are proudly manufactured in the USA using high-quality materials.

Solar Woven is made outside the US

21. What warranty do you offer?

Solar View Mylar Shades are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty, which covers the working mechanism.

22. How do I clean my shades?

Mylar Shades

Dust regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster. For deeper cleaning, wipe the shade gently with a soft microfiber cloth dampened with a mild, ammonia-free cleaner. Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or harsh chemicals, as they may damage the shade’s finish.

Woven Shades

Dust regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster. For more thorough cleaning, wipe the fabric with a soft cloth using mild soap and water. Allow the shade to air dry completely before rolling it up.

23. How long does it take to receive my order?

Mylar Shade ships within 7–10 business days.

Quantities over 20 may take up to 30 days.

Woven Shades will ship within 10- 30 days

Once your order ships, you will receive tracking information so you can monitor its progress. Please note that once the shipment has been turned over to the carrier, delivery times are outside of our control, and we cannot guarantee a specific delivery date.

Production times may vary depending on the season, holidays, and current order volume. If you need your shades by a specific date, we encourage you to contact us before placing your order so we can provide the most current production timeline.

24. Do you ship nationwide?

Mylar Shade ships within 7–10 business days.

  • Quantities over 20 may take up to 30 days.
  • Woven Shades will ship within 10- 30 days

Once your order ships, you will receive tracking information so you can monitor its progress. Please note that once the shipment has been turned over to the carrier, delivery times are outside of our control, and we cannot guarantee a specific delivery date.

Production times may vary depending on the season, holidays, and current order volume. If you need your shades by a specific date, we encourage you to contact us before placing your order so we can provide the most current production timeline.

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