Outdoor Solar Shades for your Patio from Innuwindow!
Perhaps you’re familiar with indoor solar shades for your home, but did you know that there are outdoor solar shades as well? Happily, you can install high-quality, durable exterior sun shades to protect your deck or patio from the heat and glare of the sun. Read on to learn more about solar shades for patios and decks.
How do I Keep the Sun Off My Patio?
You’ve been trying to figure out a way to keep the strong sun off your patio. Do you build or buy a trellis? Plants shrubs? Screen in the whole thing? Those ideas work, but they block your view of the outdoors. Here is a solution for your sun problem that is elegant, efficient, long-lasting, and can be rolled up when you don’t need it: outdoor solar shades. Solar shades for patios come in a variety of colors and styles and varying degrees of openness so you can strike the perfect balance of visibility and protection.
What are Exterior Solar Shades?
Exterior sun shades are very similar to interior sun shades in that they are woven from special fabrics which offer UV protection and still allow light to filter through them in varying amounts. However, outdoor solar shades for patios and decks are generally constructed with sturdier fabrics to withstand the weather, and the mechanisms which operate them are stronger. Buyer beware: some manufacturers make their exterior sun shades from the same materials as their indoor shades. Choose a high quality brand from a dealer you trust so that your solar shades on your patio hold up to the elements.
What are the Benefits of Outdoor Solar Shades?
A quality outdoor solar shade is not only beautiful, but a huge asset to your deck, patio, or porch. Here are some of the benefits of solar shades for patios:
- Prevent glare so you can enjoy your outdoor space
- Reduce UV rays for healthy skin
- Protect furniture from fading
- Keep your outdoor space comfortable by reducing heat
- Offer protection from wind, rain, and bugs
- Maintain your view of the outdoors and roll up when they are not needed
- Maintain privacy
How do I Choose Outdoor Solar Shades?
Choosing a quality outdoor solar shade is wise because cheaper exterior sun shades will succumb to wind and other elements, making them less attractive, less effective, and maybe even unusable. Beyond that, you will have to choose between a light fabric or a dark fabric, and the degree of openness of your exterior sun shades. Darker colors let in less visible light but absorb more heat, which is better for glare control but less effective for privacy and cooling your space than lighter colors. The degree of openness, which describes how tightly the mesh fabrics are woven together, also affects visibility, with a low number being most tightly woven and allowing you to see out less, and a higher number being less tightly woven allowing you to see out more. At Innuwindow, we can walk you through the different types of solar shades for patios so you can find the right shade for your space.
How do you Protect Outdoor Solar Shades from the Weather?
One of the most amazing features of quality outdoor solar sun shades is their durability. Innuwindow offers solar shades for patios that are constructed from PVC-coated fiberglass or polyester which can withstand the elements and resist mold, mildew, and fading. However, basic steps and maintenance will help protect your exterior sun shades from the weather and keep them functioning optimally. First of all, secure your shades with the optional tie-down mechanism or simply roll them up during strong winds so they don’t flop around. Next, it is best to keep your exterior sun shades retracted during the winter when they are not in use. Finally, cleaning your outdoor solar shades is a must because they can accumulate pollen and debris. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid the use of power washers and harsh cleansers which can damage or discolor your solar shades on your patio. Dusting and cleaning with mild soap and water applied with a sponge usually does the trick.
Get Customized Outdoor Solar Shades for your Patio from Innuwindow!
There are a lot of brands and vendors for exterior solar shades. As with any outdoor decor or equipment, quality is important or your outdoor solar shade won’t stand the test of time. Not only that, but outdoor spaces are difficult to measure and fit properly. At Innuwindow, we specialize in high-quality outdoor and indoor window measurements and have been helping customers in the greater Boston area for over 30 years. Our friendly, highly trained staff can help you select and install the perfect exterior sun shades for your patio, porch, or deck. Contact us to learn more!