Community Forums

paz · 02-02-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Savannah:
PAZ

Where in Florida might one find the material for the shades/screens? We have a large side window and I'd like to use an inside screen on it sorta like a curtain. Thanks, Savannah

Savannah, Beasley Mfg. is where we bought the shade cloth. They are located at 59 S. Maryland Ave. in Center Hill, FL (33514). Center Hill is a little way off the Florida Turnpike or a little way off I-75 to the northwest of Orlando. Their phone number is 352-793-5055. They are only open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Fabric is $1 to $2 a linear foot, depending on width (3' to 8') and whether it's first or second quality.

Check our blog at the link at the bottom of the post. I just posted an entry about making the sunscreens.

Tom N · 02-02-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Savannah:
PAZ

Where in Florida might one find the material for the shades/screens? We have a large side window and I'd like to use an inside screen on it sorta like a curtain. Thanks, Savannah

I bought the screen material at Home Depot here in FL. I think Lowes also has it. I found it in the garden section. It is mostly used to screen in swimming pools. I had planned to make a sun shade for my awning but ended up using what I bought for an outside carpet. The screen material makes a nice carpet, doesn't kill the grass and allows the rain to drain through. I placed grommets around the perimeter and use aluminum gutter spikes to hold the screen material to the ground.

-Tom

paz · 02-06-2009, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tom N:
I bought the screen material at Home Depot here in FL. I think Lowes also has it. I found it in the garden section.
-Tom

Even some larger WalMarts here in Florida have shade cloth, and they have a variety of colors. The price isn't bad - $22 for a 7' x 15' pre-packaged piece.

I don't know about the material Lowes and HD sell, but the problem with the stuff WalMart has is that it only blocks 75% of the sunlight. That's probably better for the grass if you're going to use it for outside carpet, but if you're going to use it for it's intended purpose as shade cloth, most RV sunscreens block 90% (or at least 80%) of the light.

Tom N · 02-06-2009, 05:32 AM

My Sunguards block 94% of the light. I haven't compared the shade cloth material but I'll take a look at the material and read the packaging label.

I do have a 6X30 piece of black sunshade material.

I plan to have tire protectors made that snap on.

-Tom

Below is a photo of a Mountain Air that parked next to me a few years ago. This fellow's wife made windshield covers, mirror covers, tire covers, wiper covers and an awning drop shade all from the swimming pool enclosure material. He also used some for a patio carpet underlayment and a sidewalk!

Tom N · 02-07-2009, 05:43 AM

I'm not certain what the 75% indicates but this material is dense enough for RV sunshades.

-Tom

http://www.easygardener.com/in...play&category_ID=106

SRT · 02-08-2009, 07:29 AM

One thing to consider with outside sun screens is the type of "camping" you do. If you camp in pine tree forests sap dripping on outside sun screens create a problem. That's why, many years ago, we opted for inside sun screens. Also bird poop can cause temporary cleaning problems.

Savannah · 02-08-2009, 11:26 AM

Thanks everyone for the info on the screen material. Since it hasn't been very warm in Florida I forgot all about this thread. I wanted some sunshine to come in that big window and give us some heat.

Tom N · 02-08-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SRT:
If you camp in pine tree forests sap dripping on outside sun screens create a problem. That's why, many years ago, we opted for inside sun screens. Also bird poop can cause temporary cleaning problems.

This could also be perceived as a plus. Outside shades mean clean windows. I've also noticed less window rubber molding deterioration with outside shades.

-Tom