Summer means more time outdoors, but comfort on your patio or porch still depends on managing wind, rain, and sun. Outdoor shades are built to handle all three, so your outdoor space stays usable through the season instead of being shut down by whatever the weather does that day.
Block Whirling Wind
Everybody loves a gentle breeze, but if the wind is knocking your papers or the hats off your guests or creating a wind tunnel, ruining your private reading nook, you may be in need of a solution. Lucky for you, an optional bungee type hold down bar can be included on many of our outdoor shades. This elastic band has looped cords on each side of the shade to secure your exterior shades from flopping around during high winds. Our outdoor shades also come equipped with metal guide- lines that trail up and down the window, on each side, to keep your shades taut. Here in Southern California, not all is paradise as we have super winds, the “Santa Ana Winds” that blow in over the mountains in early spring and early fall. I can attest to the strength of these “tie-down” options that keep my oversized patio door solar shades stable. Staying calm during unsettled weather can create havoc from getting restful, needed sleep. Solars are designed to remain unwavering during the worst of weather, day or night.
What do outdoor shades actually block?
| Condition | What handles it | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Wind | A bungee tie-down system, plus side guide lines on many shades | Keeps the shade taut and stops it flapping in high wind |
| Rain | Durable PVC-coated outdoor fabric | Built to stand up to the elements, though not a full rain barrier |
| Sun and UV | The fabric’s openness level, from 3% to 15% | Blocks up to 95% of UV rays, and lower openness blocks more light and heat |
Lower openness levels, around 3% to 5%, cut harsh glare and heat on the sunniest patios. Higher levels, around 10% to 15%, keep more airflow and more of your view. For wind-specific setups, see How to Keep Outdoor Shades From Blowing in the Wind.
Block Muggy Rain
Warm weather months invite us to our outdoor spaces, but rain is still a constant roadblock that keep us inside. In May, in coastal California, we have “May Gray” and “June Gloom,” when unseasonably cool and dreary weather puts a damper on enjoying our outdoor spaces. While outdoor shades won’t be able to keep the rain out completely, they are definitely an armor to keep you from getting soaked. Since these shades are constructed with a durable woven, PVC material, Solars are designed to stand up to the elements and last for many years.
Block Glaring Sun
While we all love a good tan, we also know how damaging the sun can be. Not just to your skin, but also to your expensive patio furniture. Fortunately, your outdoor shades can block up to 95% of harmful UV rays. That will help protect your furniture from fading and protect your delicate skin. Solar shades are also available in a range of openness levels, ranging from 3% to 15%, allowing you to customize exactly how much sunlight you want to invite to your outdoor event. The amount of light obviously determines what you see when enjoying your outdoor spaces, allowing you to easily customize how much privacy you require. Don’t let the glare of sun during the day or the bright street lights at night destroy your sanity as Solars can be
Outdoor Extras
If you are an outdoor lover like I am, here are a few extras to consider.
Motorized solar shades, in my mind, are a “must have” for the sheer convenience, as most outdoor spaces are large and often oversized openings that demand ease of opening and closing. Once you veer to motorized blinds, you can’t go back.
Shade Sails are another minimal overhead treatment that easily block 95% of the UV sun rays but create that superb open air feeling. Our Shade Sails are of exceptional Coolaroo quality, made with a premium fabric, highly resistant to mold.
Awnings are still popular for a traditional home and the ultimate for outdoor window coverings for many people who can’t resist that stately look. I grew up in a two-story red brick house with a white arched entrance, and an enormous wooden spiral stair case ( that I destroyed with my ornery child’s teeth marks). Another memory of the dark green canvas awnings on all of the street facing windows must have been an inspiration for me to value the importance of window coverings. At Blindsgalore, we offer two styles that have been radically transformed and modernized for today’s vagabond lifestyle.
Outdoor shades are a versatile and stylish way to protect yourself from the summer sun and whatever other surprises nature might throw your way. Weatherproof materials and the ability to choose the exact openness level of your screen make creating a paradise on your outdoor patio easy. Whether it’s wind, rain or sun, an exterior solar shade will allow you to shield yourself from your environment and ensure that nothing puts an early end to your outdoor events. Outdoor solar shades are the cure for your summertime blues!
Ready to make your patio more comfortable in any weather? Browse our outdoor shades or order up to 10 free samples to compare fabric openness levels before you buy. Love your view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Outdoor shades are built for ongoing outdoor exposure, but raising them during the off-season and in severe storms extends the life of the fabric, especially where winters are harsh.
No. Outdoor shades are made from durable, weather-resistant fabric that holds up to exposure, but they aren’t a substitute for a fully enclosed structure in heavy rain.
Yes. Motorized outdoor shades are especially useful for large or hard-to-reach patio openings, and the Somfy motors we carry run on a solar-powered rechargeable battery, so no electrical work is needed. Our guide to outdoor roller shades for sun protection covers the options.
Outdoor shades ship free within the continental U.S. in 5 to 7 business days.