Posted by EZSnapDirect on February 21, 2012 | No Comments
SHGC stands for Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. This number is commonly used as a guide line for rating the energy efficiency of windows and their various shading treatments. 
The old term for term for this measurement was shading coefficient. SHGC values range from 0 to 1. The lower the SHGC number, the less solar gain or heat passing through the window. Many power utilities offer rebates to customers who upgrade their windows. They typically will give you a rebate based on the total SHGC number of your upgraded product.
Little known Secret
Most of these rebate programs will give you a rebate if your upgraded windows have a SHGC # of .4 or less.
Many times you can still qualify for a rebate if you add an exterior shading product that has a SHGC # of .4 or less. Be sure to check with your local power utility to find out the details of their specific rebate program.
The EZ Snap shading mesh has a SHGC of .1827. This SHGC number is based on a solar profile angle of 45 degrees (most common) and a clear, double pane window.
Posted by EZSnapDirect on February 14, 2012 | No Comments
Pergolas and gazebos are a popular and attractive way to add shade to a back yard or over a patio or deck. They do have some short comings though. Depending on the time of day and the angle of the sun, they may be long periods of time when there is little or no shade under the pergola.
Many pergolas are built with a number of upright wooden timbers placed on top of the pergola frame. These provide shade to the area below when they are positioned perpendicular to the rays of the sun and when the sun is not too high in the sky. As the sun moves throughout the day, the shading effect is lost as the rays of the sun become more parallel to the direction of the boards.
What is the best way to provide full shade coverage from your pergola, without totally blocking out the light?
Adding a solar mesh cover across the top of your pergola will instantly and economically solve this problem. The solar mesh blocks up to 90% of the sun’s heat, while still allowing plenty of ambient light to enter. The mesh also retains the open feeling of the pergola by allowing you to see the sky through it.
We have had many of our customers tell us that they have covered their pergolas in this way using the EZ Snap exterior window shade kits. The non-fray EZ Snap mesh is easily sized to the top of the pergola. If the pergola is wood, use the stainless steel EZ Snap screw in studs into the wood. Use the EZ Snap adhesive studs for vinyl or aluminum pergolas. Next fit and fasten the shading mesh into place just as you would if you were doing a window or skylight. The EZ Snap mesh is a quick and easy way to add more shade and comfort to your pergola project.
