Orientation
West- and south-facing openings usually deserve the first look because they collect the strongest daily sun exposure.
Energy Saving Screens
Stop solar heat before it reaches the glass.
Exterior stainless steel screens reduce the solar heat reaching windows and doors, helping lower cooling demand and damaging UV exposure while preserving natural light, normal visibility, and airflow.
How It Works
Heat control works best before sunlight reaches the window.
Glass allows solar energy to enter and warm interior surfaces. Fortress Screens sit outside the glass, where the stainless steel mesh intercepts solar heat before it becomes part of the indoor cooling load.
The system is exterior-mounted and permanent. There is nothing to lower, deploy, or switch on during the hottest part of the day.
☀
Sunlight arrivesSolar energy reaches the exterior opening.▦
The mesh intercepts itHeat is reduced before reaching the glass surface.◇
Less reaches the glassThe window receives a lower direct solar load.⌂
The room stays more comfortableCooling equipment has less heat to remove.What changes indoors
Less solar heat reaches the glass, reducing the cooling burden and UV exposure created by sun-exposed openings without adding another system to operate.
Where to Begin
Start with the windows and doors taking the most sun.
A complete property can be protected at once, or the first phase can focus on the elevations and rooms with the strongest sun exposure.
A practical first phase is where four conditions overlap: stronger sun exposure, more glass area, frequent daily use, and required access or egress planning.
First-Phase Planning
The first phase usually starts where exposure, glass area, and daily use overlap.
Instead of treating every opening the same, begin with the elevations taking the strongest sun and the rooms where heat is felt most often.
How Fortress scopes itOpening by opening, with attention to operable doors, required egress, and how the space is actually used throughout the day.
Opening size
Sliding doors, window walls, bays, and other larger glass areas often contribute more heat than smaller isolated windows.
Room use
Living areas, bedrooms, offices, and customer spaces benefit most when they stay brighter and more comfortable during peak sun hours.
Access requirements
Doors, operable panels, and bedroom egress openings should be planned carefully so the final scope works with daily use and code needs.
Typical first-phase candidates: sliding glass doors, connected window groups, sunrooms, lanais, and occupied rooms with strong afternoon exposure.
Start with one hot room or the complete property.
We can evaluate the openings, sun exposure, frame selection, required egress, and the scope that makes the most sense for the building.
Daily Livability
Control solar heat without closing the view.
Fortress Screens remain part of the architecture every day. They are designed to reduce solar heat while keeping occupied spaces open, bright, and usable.
- Visibility from inside remains similar to a conventional window screen
- Normal airflow remains breezy
- Natural light continues to reach the room
- Reduced visibility into the property from outside can add privacy
- White, Bronze, and Black standard frame colors
- Custom fit for unusual sizes, shapes, doors, and large openings
Property Applications
Solar control for homes, businesses, and multifamily properties.
The same exterior system can be scoped around the way each property is occupied, cooled, and exposed to the sun.
Residential
Cool the rooms that take the most sun.
Prioritize west- and south-facing windows, sliders, sunrooms, lanais, bedrooms, and living areas.
Commercial
Improve comfort across large glass areas.
Plan storefronts, offices, waiting areas, window bays, entries, or complete elevations as one coordinated scope.
Housing Authority
Plan around residents and building operations.
Evaluate resident units, common areas, offices, doors, windows, and required egress openings property by property.
The Product
Solar control built into a structural protective screen.
The energy-saving benefit comes from the same custom stainless steel system used for hurricane and security protection. No separate shade product is added to the opening.
Mesh12x12 stainless steel per square inch
FrameStructural aluminum
InstallationPermanent exterior mount
Standard colorsWhite, Bronze, Black
Hurricane ratingCategory 5
Tensile strength120,000 lbs
CertificationsFlorida Building Code FL32125.1-R2 / FL32125.2-R2 · NAMI NI014823-R2 / NI014824-R2
More Than Energy Savings
The same screen protects the opening in more than one way.
Storm Readiness
Category 5 hurricane protection
The permanent system absorbs debris impact before it reaches the glass and requires no seasonal deployment.
Explore hurricane protectionPhysical Security
Cut-proof barrier outside the glass
Stainless steel mesh remains a physical layer at vulnerable windows, doors, and other protected openings.
Explore security screensDaily Use
Insect control and exterior privacy
The 12x12 mesh remains insect-proof while reducing visibility into the property from outside.
Plan the Project
Custom pricing for the openings you want to improve.
Payments as low as $140/month
Every project is measured and quoted for the exact openings, frame selections, installation conditions, and scope of work.
- Custom-manufactured screens for each opening
- Your choice of White, Bronze, or Black standard frames
- Professional installation
- Tiered warranty coverage, including 10-year structural frame protection
Free onsite estimate
We bring samples, review the sun-exposed openings, take measurements, and prepare a custom quote. Most residential projects receive a same-day quote after measurement.
Phase the scope when appropriate
Begin with the hottest elevation, large glass areas, or the rooms where comfort matters most, then expand later if that fits the property plan.
Financing through Hearth
Pre-qualify online to review possible monthly payment options with no loan origination fees.
Estimates are for planning purposes only and are not a quote, approval, or guarantee. Actual offers and monthly payments vary by borrower credit profile, lender, loan amount, selected term, and final approval.
Questions
Energy Saving Screens FAQ
How do Fortress Screens help reduce cooling demand?
The exterior stainless steel mesh reduces solar heat before it reaches the window glass. With less heat entering through protected openings, the cooling system has less heat to remove from the interior.
Which windows or doors should be screened first?
West-facing and south-facing glass, large sliding doors, window walls, sunrooms, and rooms that become uncomfortable in direct sun are strong places to begin. The onsite visit can identify a first-phase scope or a complete-property plan.
Do energy saving screens make rooms dark?
No. The mesh reduces solar heat while preserving natural light and visibility from inside, similar to looking through a conventional window screen.
Do the screens reduce airflow?
Normal airflow remains breezy. Fortress Screens are a 12x12 stainless steel mesh, so the protected space remains ventilated during ordinary conditions.
Do Fortress Screens help protect furniture and flooring from UV exposure?
Yes. Reducing solar radiation at the exterior also reduces damaging UV exposure reaching floors, furniture, artwork, finishes, merchandise, and other interior surfaces.
Do energy saving screens also provide hurricane and security protection?
Yes. Every Fortress Screen uses the same Category 5-rated, cut-proof stainless steel system. Hurricane protection and enhanced security are built into the same permanent installation.
Can energy saving screens be used outside Florida?
Yes. Solar heat gain occurs wherever sunlight reaches glass. Fortress Screens can support properties in warm and sunny climates beyond Florida through direct service and distribution partners.
How much do Energy Saving Screens cost?
Every project is custom. Pricing depends on the opening dimensions, quantity, frame selection, location, and installation conditions. Estimates are free, and financing is available through Hearth.
How are Fortress Screens cleaned?
Use Windex or a similar glass cleaner connected to a garden hose. Spray the screen, allow the cleaner to soak, then rinse with a nozzle held about 6 inches from the screen.
Reduce solar heat at the openings that need it most.
Reduce solar heat at the glass while adding permanent hurricane protection and enhanced security in the same custom installation.