Your outdoor or patio area is a gathering area for friends and family. It’s also a space to relax, read a book and enjoy fantastic weather. The sun can be pleasant for a while, but over the day, it can make the environment too hot, or the glare can impact your outdoor experience. In winter, letting in too much cold air can make it unusable.
Outdoor patio shades can solve these dilemmas while providing privacy and elevating your home’s aesthetic. They may be the best option if you’re looking to improve your outdoor space. In this comprehensive guide to outdoor shades, we’ll give you all the information you need to make the right choice for your household.
How Do Outdoor Sun Shades Work?
Window sun shades for your house exterior or patio provide sun protection while maintaining airflow. They are designed to reduce heat and create a more comfortable environment. A massive 90% of Americans believe their outdoor space is more important than ever, and 74% use their patios for relaxation. The more you can achieve with your space, the better.
Outdoor and patio shades comprise materials that block a considerable amount of direct sunlight. This reduction in sunlight intensity prevents glare and heat buildup in enclosed spaces. It can also block harmful UV rays, reducing sun damage to furniture and other items in your space. They also provide privacy without you closing all the doors and windows. They block the view from the outside while still allowing airflow throughout the space.
The Benefits of Exterior Shades
Many people opt to add shades to their house exterior due to the many benefits they provide, some of which include:
- Light management: Depending on your unique setup, you can select shade materials with different opacity levels. Highly opaque materials will let less light through, while lower ones will allow you to benefit from the right amount of natural light.
- Energy efficiency: Unprotected windows can account for up to 63% of energy loss from buildings. Outdoor shades can be part of the solution. They block heat and conserve energy, preventing your property from overheating. As a result, you need less air conditioning and save on cooling costs. Sometimes, homeowners can receive tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades like insulation.
- Heat and glare protection: Outdoor shade controls the direct sunlight in your space. It also provides relief from the heat and blocks uncomfortable light, allowing you to enjoy the outdoor air for longer without overheating.
- Protection from the elements: In addition to allowing you to control the light and heat in your space, outdoor shades can also keep you comfortable during inclement weather. They are made of thick material, which prevents wind, water and debris from blowing into your home or patio.
- Improved aesthetic: Exterior shades come in a wide variety of materials, shades and colors, allowing you to enhance your home’s outdoor style.
- Elevated outdoor space: Once you install outdoor shades, you’re no longer limited by the weather. You can bring your indoor activities outside, enjoy the fresh air and entertain people confidently.
- Insect control: Depending on the type of shade you want, you can also prevent insects from entering your space, improving the area’s overall comfort.
Types of Outdoor Shades
Another significant benefit of outdoor shades is their versatility and flexibility. You can prioritize various materials and shade types to suit your budget, architecture and sun protection needs. Some of the most common types of outdoor shades include:
Roller Shades
Outdoor roller shades are made of flat material that you can roll up or down. They are available in various fabrics, colors and sizes, making them suitable for many styles. One of the many reasons for their popularity is that they complement many exterior designs. They are highly functional and easy to use, so you can quickly transform your space to suit the weather, time of day and intended use. They are excellent for sunrooms, decks, patios and porches.
These shades offer bottom-up functionality, which means you can adjust them from the bottom until you find the perfect level of sun protection. As the sun sets, you can move them to provide the ideal levels of shade. They are also easy to clean, so you can spruce them up quickly if you’re hosting guests.
Basic roller shades require manual operation, so you must pull a string or activate a simple mechanism. They are an excellent option for homeowners on a budget, as they often have fewer features and capabilities.
Motorized Shades
Motorized shades follow the same principle as roller shades — they roll up and down as needed. Instead of getting up whenever you want to adjust, you can use a remote from the comfort of your couch. Instead of dangling cords, you have a sleek and clean aesthetic. In some setups, you even schedule your shades to open and close depending on the time of day or pair them with a smart thermostat so they adjust to temperature changes.
These modern exterior window shades are an excellent option for any outdoor setup and have proven especially useful for hard-to-reach locations. Although they represent a more significant upfront investment, they are durable and can help you save on your monthly energy bills, making them an excellent addition to any household.
The Best Materials for Outdoor Shades
Outdoor shades are an excellent option for enhancing the comfort and aesthetics of your outdoor space. One of the many benefits they provide is customization. Everyone’s goals are slightly different, and you can choose the size, materials and mechanism that best suit your needs.
The best outdoor shade fabrics are durable and protect your space from the elements. Acrylic fabric is a popular option, providing excellent UV resistance while allowing some natural light to filter into the space. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated polyester is also ideal. It’s durable and resistant to fading, making it an excellent choice for long-term use. Your choice of material for outdoor shades depends on your personal preferences and the weather conditions in your area. Some common materials for outdoor shades include:
- Acrylic fabric: Acrylic fabrics are a standard option for outdoor shades. They’re purpose-built for outdoor applications and offer exceptional versatility for design and aesthetic appeal. They also have high water repellency, ensuring your shades dry quickly after rain or cleaning. This fabric attains its color when the fibers are still liquid, which enhances its ability to withstand fading.
- Polyester fabric: Polyester is another popular material for outdoor applications. It’s durable and dries quickly. It is also flame-retardant and crease-resistant, which keeps it looking new for longer. This fabric is available in numerous colors and designs.
- Mesh fabric: Mesh offers considerable advantages, including sun protection and water resistance, with the additional benefit of facilitating airflow in your space. This option is also available in various thicknesses and colors. You can pick the right opacity level and ensure it fits your home’s design.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Shades
When you work with experienced professionals, you won’t need to worry about how to install outdoor roller shades. Once they are installed, however, you want to keep them in the best possible condition. Many exterior shade materials are designed to be easy to use, so you’ll only need minimal cleaning and maintenance. Some tips and tricks for maintaining outdoor shade longevity include:
Clean Your Shades Regularly
Regular cleaning can help maintain the quality and effectiveness of your shade materials, eliminating the need for harsh cleaning methods. Clean the material with water and a soft cloth and rinse it gently with a hose. Use a sponge and mild, soapy water if this method doesn’t remove the buildup. Let them dry completely before rolling them back up.
Remove any stains as soon as you see them. You can use a mild solution of household detergent mixed with warm water and a soft cloth. Once you’ve removed the stain, rinse the fabric with fresh water to remove any residue.
Inspect Your Shades
One of the best ways to keep your outdoor shades in good condition is to check for wear or damage and address it immediately. Keep an eye out for the following issues:
- Mold and mildew: Mold and mildew are common in outdoor areas, especially during humid conditions. Remove any black spots with a soft-bristled brush, rinse the material and let it dry in the sun. You can also prevent mold and mildew growth by ensuring your shades are completely dry before rolling them up after rain or cleaning.
- Tears and loose threads: Check for any issues affecting your shades’ material, like small tears or signs of wear. A reputable provider will issue a warranty so you can handle the issue before it becomes severe.
Maintain the Proper Shape
Over time, leaving your shades rolled up can affect their shape and cause creases. You can prevent this by unwinding and securing them with tension for a few hours weekly.
Secure Your Shades During Inclement Weather
Although your shades can protect you from wind and rain, leaving them unattended during storms and heavy winds can cause damage. Roll them up, secure them in harsh weather and open and leave them until completely dry to prevent mildew.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Whenever you inspect your shades, use the opportunity to perform some routine maintenance, including:
- Lubricate moving parts: If your shades have moving parts and mechanisms, lubricate them regularly with a lubricant your provider recommends.
- Clean the tracks and guides: Dust and debris can build up in your shade’s mechanisms. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to remove debris and maintain smooth movement.
How to Choose the Best Exterior Sun Shades for Your Needs
Choosing the right outdoor shades for your home can be a significant decision. The right choice can increase outdoor comfort and protect furniture and appointments from costly sun damage. With numerous options, these tips and tricks can help you make the proper selection for your unique requirements:
Consider the Intended Use
The most crucial factor in your outdoor shade choice is the print benefit you want to experience. For example, if you use your outdoor shades primarily for privacy, you’ll want a more opaque material. A less opaque solution is ideal if you like more natural light in your space.
Your intended use also depends on your environment. If you live in a hot area, take the climate into account when making your choice. Your shades should allow some airflow while providing good insulation. If your location experiences heavy rain, snow or wind, selecting shades made from durable materials is essential.
Complement Your Existing Aesthetic
Your outdoor shades should meld seamlessly with your home’s style and design. Whether your home is traditional, contemporary or minimalistic, your shades should reflect your style. Many people choose a more neutral color palette to avoid drawing attention away from the rest of the home. However, many outdoor shade materials are entirely customizable so that you can make your selection in many colors.
Prioritize Your Budget
Your choice of outdoor shades depends heavily on your budget. Luckily, there are options available for almost any budget. Discuss your budget and requirements with your provider so they can help you find the most applicable solution.
Ease of Use
Your shades should complement your lifestyle instead of giving you another thing to worry about. With today’s technology, motorized shades can be life-changing. You can manage the temperature in your outdoor area with a simple app on your phone and adjust the shades from the comfort of your couch. In some setups, you don’t even have to be at home to make changes. They offer the ultimate usability and give you the freedom to use your space when you need it.
However, usability is still essential if your budget is limited and you choose manual roller shades. The pulley system should be smooth, easy to use and simple to maintain. Discuss the maintenance requirements with your provider so that you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor shades than you do trying to adjust them.
Quality and Durability
Outdoor shades are an investment in your home. Regardless of your budget, aim for the highest quality materials and installation. Look for products and materials with a proven durability and weather resistance track record.
Customization Options
Every outdoor environment is different. Your provider should offer comprehensive customization options to suit the size and design of the area while meeting quality and durability requirements. This customization can enhance your space’s functionality and style, creating a feel in your home that’s uniquely yours.
Professional Advice
The most effective way to ensure you find the best outdoor shutters for your needs is to work with an experienced team of professionals. They are fully equipped to take precise measurements, provide design recommendations and take care of the installation, giving you confidence in your new exterior shades. When you work with professionals, you can relax during the installation process and enjoy the benefits of a warranty.
Find High-Quality Outdoor Shades With Shutter & Shade Shoppe
While this comprehensive guide to exterior shades has likely garnered some excitement, you still have some decisions to make before enjoying your outdoor space to the fullest. Shutter & Shade Shoppe is here to simplify the process. We can improve your property’s comfort and style in as little as three weeks. Our extensive selection of outdoor shades can be installed in almost any environment and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Our experienced and professional team will visit your home and take accurate measurements. Before you know it, we will be back to conduct an installation at a time that works for you. No matter what outdoor shades you choose, we’re committed to providing a stress-free experience. Feel free to visit our virtual showroom to see our shade options firsthand, or contact us and schedule a free consultation today!
