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By North Phoenix Solar Screens · Phoenix-area window screening
Quick answer: Solar screens can reduce afternoon sunlight and glare at west-facing windows in Phoenix by shading the glass from outside. Start with exposed windows in rooms you use during the afternoon. Compare 80% and 90% mesh samples for the balance of sun control, daylight and visibility that suits each room.
Why do west-facing windows feel hotter in the afternoon?
West-facing windows face the direction of the setting sun. As the afternoon progresses, sunlight can enter at a lower angle, reaching past a shallow roof overhang and farther into a room. That direct sunlight can create glare on a computer screen, warm a seating area and make one side of a home feel less comfortable than another.
The Australian Government’s Your Home shading guide explains the challenge as low-angle morning and afternoon summer sun
on east- and west-facing openings. Its discussion of shading east and west elevations describes why overhead protection alone may not stop low-angle sun. This is a general shading principle, not a Phoenix-specific temperature or energy-savings study.
Window direction is only part of the diagnosis. A room with large exposed glass may behave differently from a smaller room behind a covered patio. If a room remains uncomfortable after direct sun is gone, consider air leaks, insulation, ductwork and HVAC performance too. Solar screens address sunlight at the window; they are not a substitute for repairing another building problem.
How do exterior solar screens help with afternoon heat?
Solar screens, also known as sun screens, use exterior woven mesh to reduce incoming sunlight before it reaches your glass. Phifer describes SunTex® 80/90 as a vinyl-coated polyester fabric that can block 80–90% of the sun’s hot rays before they enter a window. See the manufacturer’s SunTex product specifications for its description and performance data.
That percentage describes the screening material’s sun-control performance, not the reduction in your home’s temperature or electricity bill. Actual results depend on the mesh color, glass, installation, shade and room conditions. No single dollar savings or room-temperature change can be promised for every Phoenix home.
North Phoenix Solar Screens installs custom solar screens for Phoenix-area homes. An exterior screen is a different product from solar panels, which generate electricity, and a different specification from standard insect mesh. If the problem is afternoon glare or direct sun, ask for the named solar-screen fabric rather than simply requesting a replacement bug screen.
Which windows should you screen first?
Prioritize the windows that create the problem you actually experience. Before requesting an estimate, walk through your home during the hours when it feels uncomfortable. Note whether sunlight reaches the couch, television, workspace or bed, and whether the window has outdoor shade.
- Start with occupied rooms. A west-facing home office used in the afternoon may be a higher comfort priority than a rarely used room with similar glass.
- Separate direct exposure from shaded exposure. Trees, patios and neighboring structures can change the needs of windows on the same wall.
- Record heat and glare separately. A room may need glare control even when its air temperature feels acceptable.
- Compare the rest of the home. Do not ignore an east-facing bedroom with strong morning sun simply because this guide focuses on west-facing glass.
You can begin with selected windows instead of screening the entire house at once. This practical approach applies in North Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Anthem, Cave Creek and Carefree, but the decision should come from your home’s exposure—not an assumption that every house in a city needs the same product.
Should west-facing windows use 80% or 90% mesh?
Consider 90% mesh when stronger sun control is the main goal, particularly at exposed windows with persistent afternoon glare. Compare 80% mesh when preserving more daylight is important. A room with limited natural light may call for a different balance than a bright living room with several large windows.
| Room priority | Option to compare | Check before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Stronger control of direct afternoon sun | 90% mesh | Indoor brightness and view |
| Sun control with more daylight | 80% mesh | Whether glare reduction meets your needs |
| Different needs across the house | Compare both by window | Exterior appearance and HOA requirements |
Phifer lists approximately 25% fabric openness for SunTex 80 and 10% for SunTex 90. Openness describes the open area of the fabric; it is not the same measurement as UV blockage, visible-light transmission or utility-bill savings. Look through actual samples from inside your room, rather than choosing from the product name alone.
Use our solar screen mesh guide to compare the options visually. Screens are not blackout shades, and daytime visibility does not guarantee privacy at night when interior lights are on. Keep blinds or curtains where nighttime privacy is required.
Are screens, blinds or other shading options the right starting point?
Choose the product according to the problem. Interior blinds can manage glare and privacy inside a room. Exterior solar screens shade the glass from outside. A porch, vegetation or another exterior shade can also affect exposure, but a shallow overhead shade may not cover low afternoon sun at the window.
The Your Home guide discusses multiple exterior shading methods for low-angle sun; it does not establish that one fixed-screen product is the best option for every home. When comparing alternatives, consider access for cleaning, window operation, exterior appearance and the daylight you want to retain. Keep required emergency escape openings usable.
If you are also considering film on the glass, our solar screens versus window tint comparison explains the product differences. Check film compatibility with your glazing and window warranty rather than assuming a film and an exterior screen are interchangeable.
What information helps us estimate your west-facing screens?
A useful first request includes the number of screens and approximate window dimensions. Mention that the windows face west, explain which hours are uncomfortable, and describe any existing patio or tree shade. If an opening is irregularly shaped, such as a semi-circular window, include that detail instead of treating it as a standard rectangle.
- Your name, email address and phone number.
- Your city or ZIP code and the approximate number of windows.
- Approximate width and height for each window or group of matching windows.
- Room use, direct-sun concerns, irregular shapes and any HOA color requirements.
North Phoenix Solar Screens can provide a rough estimate by email based on your window sizes and the number of screens needed. Exact pricing is determined after an in-person measurement. Initial dimensions help start the discussion; they are not a replacement for confirming the finished screen size and mounting method. Our window measuring guide can help you gather those details.
Frequently asked questions about west-facing windows
Why does my west-facing room get so hot in the afternoon?
West-facing windows receive afternoon sunlight at a lower angle as the sun moves toward the horizon. Direct sun through the glass adds heat and glare. Window size, glazing, existing shade, insulation and air-conditioning performance also affect how warm the room becomes.
Are solar screens a good option for west-facing windows in Phoenix?
Exterior solar screens are an option for reducing direct sunlight and glare at exposed west-facing windows. They shade the glass from outside rather than relying only on an interior covering. They do not fix air leaks, inadequate insulation or an air-conditioning problem.
Is 90% mesh always better than 80% mesh for afternoon sun?
No. Consider 90% mesh when stronger sun control is the priority, and compare 80% mesh when retaining more daylight matters. The right choice depends on room use, window exposure, existing shade and the view through an actual sample.
Can I put sun screens on only the hottest side of my house?
Yes, a window-by-window project can start with the rooms most affected by direct sun. Prioritize exposed windows in occupied rooms, then consider other orientations as needed. You do not have to choose identical screening for every window.
Will solar screens make my room completely dark or private at night?
Solar screens reduce incoming light but are not blackout coverings. Interior brightness and views vary with mesh, color and lighting. They also do not guarantee nighttime privacy; use blinds or curtains when privacy is needed after dark.
Can I get a solar screen estimate by email for my Phoenix home?
North Phoenix Solar Screens can provide a rough estimate by email based on your window sizes and the number of screens needed. Include your city or ZIP code, window direction and any irregular shapes. Exact pricing is determined after an in-person measurement.
Get a free quote for your Phoenix home
Ready to address afternoon glare? Request a free solar screen quote and tell us which west-facing windows are bothering you most. We will provide a rough estimate by email from your window sizes and screen count, with exact pricing determined after an in-person measurement. You can also call (602) 652-2927.
Sources and product information
- Australian Government, Your Home: Shading — general principles for low-angle east/west sunlight and exterior shading. Northern/southern orientation advice elsewhere in that resource is written for Australia; this article cites only the east/west shading discussion.
- Phifer Incorporated: SunTex® 80/90 Exterior Solar Screen — manufacturer information about material composition, sun control and fabric openness. Product ratings are not whole-home energy-savings guarantees.
Sources reviewed November 5, 2026. Recommendations are general guidance; suitability and exact pricing require evaluation of your windows.