Solar screens for Mesa homes
Solar screens are fabric screens mounted outside the window that block much of the sun before it reaches the glass. In Mesa, where summer highs in the Sonoran Desert often run past 105 degrees for weeks, they are one of the simplest ways to cut heat and glare on west and south windows. A local installer measures each window and builds screens to fit.
Why Mesa homeowners add them
- West windows that heat up rooms through the long Arizona afternoon.
- Older homes in established areas like Dobson Ranch that still have original screens.
- Newer builds in Eastmark and the southeast with large, unshaded glass.
- Fading and glare in rooms that face the afternoon sun.
How it works
- You call or send the short form.
- A local installer sets a time to measure your windows and show fabric samples.
- You get a written price per window or for the whole house.
- Screens are built to size and installed, often in a single visit after they are made.
What to decide first
Most people start with the windows that get afternoon sun. You can add the rest later. Darker fabric usually keeps the outward view clearer, and a higher shade rating blocks more sun but lets in less daylight.
Where to go next
Common questions
Do solar screens really make a room cooler?
They block a large share of the sun before it hits the glass, which reduces heat gain through that window. How much cooler a room feels depends on the window size, which way it faces, and your insulation. Ask the installer to point out which windows will make the biggest difference.
Can I still see out?
Yes. During the day you can see out, and it is harder to see in. Darker colors tend to keep the view clearer from inside. At night with lights on, the effect reverses.
Which windows should I screen first?
West-facing windows first, then south. East windows matter if morning sun hits a bedroom or kitchen. North windows rarely need them.
How long do solar screens last?
It depends on the fabric, frame, and sun exposure. Ask the installer what fabric they use and what warranty comes with it.
Will my HOA allow them?
Many Mesa communities with an HOA, including master-planned ones, set rules on screen color and frame finish. Check your HOA design guidelines before you order.
Are solar screens common in Mesa?
Yes. Exterior sun screens are a familiar upgrade across the East Valley, and several local shops specialize in them.
Mesa Solar Screens is a referral service. An independent local company quotes and does the work. How this works.
Last updated November 12, 2026