Window Washing and Solar Screen Inspection: Why You Should Always Do Both

Should You Inspect Solar Screens When Getting Windows Washed?

Absolutely. In fact, doing both at the same time is one of the smartest home maintenance decisions a Phoenix homeowner can make. Window washing appointments give technicians direct, up-close access to every window on your home — which makes it the ideal moment to evaluate the condition of your solar screens at the same time.

Many homeowners don't realize their solar screens are damaged or deteriorating until a screen falls off, a neighbor mentions it, or they notice their energy bills creeping up. A simple inspection during your window cleaning visit catches problems early, before they become expensive repairs.

What Are Solar Screens and Why Do They Matter?

Solar screens are specially designed window screens made from a tightly woven mesh fabric that blocks UV rays and reduces heat transfer through your windows. In Phoenix, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F, solar screens can reduce heat gain through windows by 50 to 90 percent — significantly lowering your air conditioning load and energy costs.

But solar screens don't last forever. The fabric can fade, become brittle, or pull away from the frame after years of exposure to intense Arizona sun. Frames can warp or bend from heat or physical impact. Clips and fasteners can break. When this happens, the screen loses effectiveness — and may not be noticeable until someone looks closely.

What Do Technicians Look for During a Solar Screen Inspection?

During a Window Screen Guys visit, our technicians evaluate the following:

• Fabric condition — checking for tears, holes, fading, or brittleness that indicates UV degradation
• Frame integrity — looking for bent, warped, or cracked frames that prevent proper sealing
• Fit and tension — confirming the screen sits flush against the window frame with no gaps
• Fasteners and clips — ensuring mounting hardware is intact and secure
• Corner splines — checking that the rubber spline holding the mesh in the frame hasn't dried out or loosened

If any of these components are compromised, the screen may look fine from a distance while providing significantly less protection than intended.

How Often Should Solar Screens Be Replaced in Phoenix?

Most solar screens in the Phoenix area last 8 to 12 years under normal conditions. Screens on south- and west-facing windows — which take the brunt of afternoon sun — may show wear sooner. Annual inspections help you track the condition of each screen so you can replace them proactively rather than reactively.

Why Is Window Washing Day the Best Time for a Solar Screen Inspection?

Three reasons: access, perspective, and efficiency.

Access: Window washing requires getting close to every window on your home, including upper-story windows via ladder or water-fed poles. Technicians are already positioned to see each screen up close.

Perspective: Clean windows make it easier to evaluate how well a solar screen is filtering light and blocking heat. A freshly washed window with a compromised screen will immediately show more light transmission and glare than it should.

Efficiency: Combining the visit means one appointment, one crew, and one block of time on your calendar. You get your windows sparkling clean and a full report on your solar screens without scheduling a second service call.

Can Window Screen Guys Replace Solar Screens on the Same Visit?

In many cases, yes. If a screen needs a minor repair — like a new spline, a replaced clip, or a re-stretched fabric — our technicians can often address it during the window washing visit. For full screen replacements, we'll provide a quote and schedule accordingly. Either way, you leave the visit knowing exactly where your screens stand.

What's the Cost of Ignoring a Damaged Solar Screen?

A solar screen with a gap, tear, or poor fit allows significantly more heat into your home. In an Arizona summer, that translates directly to higher air conditioning costs. Studies have shown that properly installed solar screens can reduce cooling costs by 25 to 40 percent. A damaged screen can erode most of that benefit — meaning you're paying more to cool a home that's harder to cool.

The cost of a screen repair or replacement is almost always a fraction of the energy savings over a single summer season.

Schedule Your Window Washing and Solar Screen Inspection Today

Window Screen Guys provides professional window washing with complimentary solar screen inspections for every Phoenix-area home we service. Our technicians know what to look for, and we give you a straight, honest assessment — no upselling, no pressure.

Summer is our busiest season. Book early to secure your preferred date and get your home looking and performing its best before the heat peaks.