Question 1

How do I clean my window treatments?

Accepted Answer

Most faux wood blinds and shutters wipe clean with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Fabric shades can be vacuumed with a brush attachment. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Question 2

Do you offer free measurements?

Accepted Answer

Yes - every estimate includes a free in-home measurement by one of our owners. We measure every window ourselves so there are no surprises on install day.

Question 3

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential installations are completed in one visit, typically 1-4 hours depending on the number of windows. We'll give you a realistic time estimate before we start.

Question 4

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve Colorado Springs Metro, Denver Metro, Castle Rock, Pueblo, and the Front Range. Not sure if we cover your area? Call us at 719-344-2799.

Question 5

What is your warranty?

Accepted Answer

Our products come with manufacturer warranties, and we stand behind every installation we do. If something isn't right, we'll fix it. Call us.

Question 6

Are you a franchise?

Accepted Answer

No. We are independently owned and operated. We are not affiliated with Budget Blinds, 3 Day Blinds, or any other franchise. We hand-pick our vendors and our people.

Question 7

Do you offer discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we offer appreciation discounts for active military, veterans, first responders, senior citizens, and teachers. Ask Peter or Bri during your estimate.

Question 8

How does the Somfy® Wind Sensor work on a SunSetter awning?

Accepted Answer

The Somfy® Wind Sensor monitors wind conditions in real time and automatically retracts your awning the moment it detects sustained gusts - protecting the fabric and frame before damage can occur. You don't have to watch the forecast or rush outside. The sensor is an optional add-on and installs alongside the Somfy® motorized system.

Question 9

Can I add LED lights to my retractable awning?

Accepted Answer

Yes. LED light strips mount cleanly to the awning frame and cast warm, even light across your patio after sunset. Instead of calling it a night when the sun goes down, you stay outside - dinner, conversation, or just a quiet Colorado evening. The lighting mounts out of sight during the day and is designed to complement, not distract from, the awning's appearance. Ask us about adding it during your estimate.

Question 10

What warranty comes with a SunSetter retractable awning?

Accepted Answer

SunSetter awnings carry a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and arms - SunSetter's strongest structural coverage. SunDura® fabric is backed by a 10-year limited warranty. Weatherbreaker® and Woven Acrylic fabrics carry a 5-year limited warranty. The Somfy® motor is covered by a 7-year limited warranty. All warranties exclude damage from weather events, improper use, or lack of maintenance. We provide complete warranty documentation at installation so you have it on hand if you ever need it.

Question 11

What's the difference between SunDura® and Weatherbreaker® awning fabric?

Accepted Answer

SunDura® is SunSetter's solution-dyed acrylic fabric - color baked into the fiber so it resists fading under Colorado's intense high-altitude UV. It's water-resistant and mold-resistant, and it's our most popular choice for Colorado's dry climate. Weatherbreaker® is a 100% waterproof laminated fabric that sheds rain completely - you can sit outside again 20 minutes after a Colorado afternoon storm. The tradeoff is slightly less airflow due to the tighter weave. We bring physical samples of both to your estimate so you can see and feel the difference in your actual outdoor space.

Question 12

What should I do when a windstorm is approaching?

Accepted Answer

Retract the awning any time sustained winds exceed 25 mph - this is the single most important protection step. Colorado hailstorms can also damage the fabric, so retract at the first sign of hail. Never leave the awning extended when you're away from home or overnight. If you install the optional Somfy® Wind Sensor, it monitors conditions in real time and retracts the awning automatically when it detects sustained gusts - you don't have to watch the forecast or rush outside.

Question 13

What motor brand does SunSetter use, and can it connect to my smart home?

Accepted Answer

SunSetter motorized awnings use the Somfy® tubular motor - the same brand installed in commercial hospitality and high-end residential awnings worldwide. It's radio-frequency wireless, so no wiring is required; the RF remote is included standard. For smart home integration, you can add the Somfy TaHoma® hub or Somfy myLink™ Wi-Fi bridge to control your awning from your phone and connect it to Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or SmartThings. The wireless remote is all most homeowners need day-to-day; smart home is an optional upgrade.

Question 14

How do I clean a retractable awning?

Accepted Answer

Twice a year is the right cadence for most Colorado homeowners. Fully extend the awning on a calm, dry day, brush off loose debris with a soft-bristle brush, then apply a mild soap solution (dish soap or gentle fabric cleaner - not bleach) with a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose; do not use a pressure washer, as it can damage the fabric coating. Let the awning air-dry completely before retracting - retracting damp fabric promotes mildew. For stubborn stains on SunDura® or Weatherbreaker® fabric, a solution of 1 cup bleach + ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of water works well; rinse completely afterward. Do not use bleach on woven acrylic fabric.

Question 15

How durable is the powder coat finish on Suncoast pergola structures?

Accepted Answer

Suncoast's proprietary powder coat finish carries a limited lifetime warranty against peeling, cracking, and corrosion. The finish is bonded at 400°F - not surface-sprayed - so it becomes part of the aluminum rather than sitting on top of it. The color is UV-stable and won't chalk or fade under Colorado's high-altitude sun. Because the substrate is aluminum, there's nothing to rot or rust underneath; the finish simply keeps the frame looking new. No repainting. Ever. We offer black, white, bronze, and custom RAL colors.

Question 16

Can a Suncoast pergola handle Colorado snow and wind?

Accepted Answer

Yes - Suncoast structures are engineered specifically for real weather loads, not just fair-weather use. Standard configurations are rated for 110 mph wind exposure to ASCE 7 standards, the same code used in commercial construction. For snow, standard patio cover and louvered roof systems are built for a minimum 20 psf ground snow load, with upgrade options to 30-40 psf for higher-elevation Front Range properties where heavy wet spring snow is a real concern. Louvered roof systems also shed snow naturally when the louvers are open, so buildup isn't an issue during operation. Colorado Springs sits at 6,000 ft - this isn't an afterthought; it's baked into the engineering.

Question 17

What's the difference between a Suncoast retractable screen and a louvered roof?

Accepted Answer

They solve different problems. A retractable screen drops vertically from the perimeter of your patio - it blocks wind, insects, and up to 99% of UV rays, and retracts completely out of sight when you want the open air. It doesn't provide overhead weather protection on its own; it's paired with an existing roof, awning, or patio cover overhead. A louvered roof sits overhead and replaces or augments your roof structure - motorized aluminum louvers let you dial in the exact amount of sunlight, shade, or rainfall protection at any moment. When the louvers are closed, they create a watertight seal that keeps your space dry during Colorado afternoon storms. Many homeowners combine both: a louvered roof overhead for weather control and retractable screens on the sides for insect and wind protection.

Question 18

Will window film void my window manufacturer's warranty?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your specific window manufacturer's terms - and this is one of the first things we check before recommending any film. Some manufacturers explicitly permit professionally installed, spectrally selective film; others restrict certain film types or require products that meet specific thermal stress thresholds. We review your window warranty documentation before installation and flag any potential conflict so you're never surprised after the fact. If your warranty restricts film, we'll tell you clearly before anything is installed.

Question 19

Can window film be applied to double-pane (insulated) windows?

Accepted Answer

Yes - with the right film. The concern with double-pane insulated glass units (IGUs) is thermal stress: certain dark, high-absorption films trap heat in the outer pane, which can stress the seal over time. The solution is spectrally selective film, which rejects heat through reflection rather than absorption and is rated safe for double-pane glass. Most Colorado homes have double-pane windows, so this is standard territory for us. We only specify IGU-rated films for dual-pane projects - never a general-purpose film that wasn't designed for sealed units.

Question 20

Does window film work on Low-E glass?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but film selection matters more than with standard glass. Low-E glass already has a metallic coating that reflects some infrared energy, so adding certain films can interfere with that coating's performance or, in some combinations, create thermal stress in the unit. Spectrally selective films that are designed to complement - rather than compete with - Low-E coatings work well and are what we specify for Low-E glass. Peter or Bri will assess your glass type during the consultation and confirm compatibility before recommending any product.

Question 21

How long does window film last?

Accepted Answer

Professional-grade window films carry manufacturer warranties of 10-15 years for most residential applications (solar, UV, privacy, and safety films). Decorative and frosted films typically carry 5-10 year warranties. Consumer film sold at home improvement stores carries 1-3 year warranties - the quality and adhesive systems are meaningfully different. With proper installation and care (gentle cleaning, no abrasive scrubbers), professional film routinely lasts the full warranty period and beyond. We provide manufacturer warranty documentation at installation. See our Window Tinting page for full warranty details by film type.

Question 22

Is window film visible from outside the house?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the film type. Solar heat-rejection and UV protection films are nearly invisible from outside - the glass looks essentially the same as untreated glass. Privacy and one-way films have a reflective exterior surface that gives the glass a mirror-like appearance from outside during daylight (which is the point - people see their reflection, not your interior). Frosted and decorative films are clearly visible, since their purpose is an aesthetic effect. During your consultation, we show you sample swatches at each visible light transmission level so you can see exactly how the film will look from both inside and outside before we install anything.

Question 23

What's the difference between window film and tinted glass?

Accepted Answer

Tinted glass is manufactured with color baked into the glass itself - it's a permanent feature of the pane and can't be changed without replacing the window. Window film is a polyester layer applied to the interior surface of your existing glass and can be removed or updated if your needs change. Film also outperforms factory tint in several ways: modern spectrally selective films reject significantly more heat and UV per unit of visible light blocked than standard tinted glass, and they're available in a much wider range of performance and appearance profiles. Film is also the practical option for existing homes - you get the performance benefit without replacing windows.

Question 24

How long does window film take to cure - and what can I expect right after installation?

Accepted Answer

Professional window film goes through a curing process as the water-based adhesive fully bonds to the glass. Expect 3-4 weeks for complete cure in normal Colorado conditions (lower humidity can extend this slightly). During the curing period, it's normal to see small water bubbles or a slightly hazy appearance - this is not a defect. Those bubbles work their way out and the haze clears as the adhesive sets. Do not wash the film for the first 30 days after installation, and avoid any contact with the film surface during that window. Once cured, the film is stable and durable for the full warranty period.

Question 25

Does Colorado's high altitude affect how much UV window film actually blocks?

Accepted Answer

Yes - and this is exactly why UV film matters more here than in most states. Colorado Springs sits at roughly 6,000 feet elevation, which means 25-50% more UV radiation reaching your windows compared to coastal cities at sea level. The thinner atmosphere at altitude filters less UV-A and UV-B radiation before it hits your glass. Professional UV protection films block up to 99% of UV-A and UV-B regardless of elevation - the film's performance doesn't change with altitude, but the consequences of not having it are meaningfully worse here. Your hardwood floors, rugs, upholstery, and artwork fade significantly faster in Colorado than they would in a lower-elevation state, and UV film directly addresses that.

Question 26

What certifications do safety and security films need to meet?

Accepted Answer

Safety and security window films are tested and certified under two primary standards: ANSI Z97.1 (American National Standard for Safety Glazing Materials) and CPSC 16 CFR 1201 (the Consumer Product Safety Commission's safety glazing standard). Films that meet these standards have been tested for impact resistance and fragment retention - they hold glass shards in place when a pane breaks, rather than letting them scatter. The certifications matter in two contexts: first, for building code compliance in commercial or high-occupancy applications where safety glazing is required; second, as a straightforward benchmark for comparing film quality. We only install safety film that carries these certifications. Ask us to provide the product data sheet for any safety film we recommend - it will list both certifications.

Question 27

How do I clean windows after window film is installed?

Accepted Answer

After the 30-day curing period, window film is cleaned essentially the same way as untreated glass - with a few important exceptions. Use a soft, clean microfiber cloth or a soft rubber squeegee. A mild soap-and-water solution or an ammonia-free glass cleaner works well. Avoid anything ammonia-based (many standard glass cleaners contain ammonia), abrasive scrubbing pads, razor blades, or anything that could scratch the film's outer coating. Ammonia degrades the film's adhesive layer over time and will shorten its service life. If you're unsure whether your cleaner is safe, check the label - ammonia-free formulas are widely available. We leave a care card at installation with specific cleaning instructions for your film type.