guide to Exterior solar shades

Summer is almost here! Temperatures are heating up and we're all eager to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. But with all that summer sun comes blazing heat which can make your patio, deck or pergola unbearable. The solution is exterior solar shades!

Outdoor solar shades are the best solution to beat the heat because they let you control the amount of sun beating down, allowing you to enjoy your exterior area no matter the time of day. 

What is a solar shade?
An outdoor solar shade (also known as exterior shades) is very similar to a traditional roller shade. The difference is that the shade is typically woven from PVC or HDPE material, creating a mesh-like fabric that allows light to pass through in varying degrees. Solar shades come in different "openness".  Openness refers to how tight the weave is, which directly reflects the amount of light that is let in through the fabric.  The percentage of openness ranges from 1% to 14% and tells you the percentage of UV rays that are allowed through the fabric.

You can see through outdoor solar shades. Although the level of privacy they provide will depend on the openness rating of the fabric you choose. The smaller the percentage, the less you can see through. For example, a 1% solar shade blocks 99% of light while a 14% percent only blocks 86% of light. So you'll be able to see through a 14% solar shade much easier than a 1%. This makes outdoor solar shades great for cutting down on sun while still preserving your view.  In general, a darker colored shade will be easier to see through than a light colored shade, as they do not reflect as much light. 

How to keep exterior shades from blowing in the wind?
Our outdoor shades are available with optional tie-downs than will stop the shade from flapping in the wind. Tie-downs may look like bungee cables looped on each side of the shade's bottom hem bar that attach to hooks on the wall or into the patio floor (see picture on left). Another type of tie down system, typically used on larger size shades, is a cable guide system (see picture on the right).  This system uses stainless steel cable guides to stabilize the shade and avoid wind flap.  
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Designed to withstand the elements
​Unlike traditional indoor shades, exterior solar shades are designed to hold up under tough conditions for years and years.  Our exterior solar shades are tested to endure the harshest elements, including constant UV rays, rainfall, and strong winds.  Additionally, outdoor shades are easy to clean. Since they are designed to hold up in rainy conditions you can gently hose them down to rinse off pollen, dust and minor debris. For tougher spots, a bit of diluted, mild dish soap and a soft sponge should do the trick. 

​Schedule your free in home consultation today!
We are available to help answer all your questions, measure your space and help you decide on color and opacity level.  Give us a call today at 628-400-1665