Choosing Weather-Resistant Shades for Outdoors

Many discerning Springfield and Branson, Mo homeowners spend a great deal of time thinking about the perfect indoor shades. However, outdoor shades don’t receive quite as much attention. Still, with Missouri’s regular bouts of extreme weather, the right weather-resistant outdoor shades could better protect your home and windows. 

Budget Blinds has put together this handy guide on how to choose the right shades for any outdoor space around your property. You can also contact us if you’d like to discuss the many affordable window treatments we have on offer!

Why Your Outdoor Shade Selection Makes All the Difference

Outdoor shades may seem like an afterthought, but they’re a very smart decision overall in Republic, Mo. Below are just a few reasons why shades for exterior windows could make sense.

Block the Glare

The top benefit of having outdoor blinds and shades is their light-filtering capabilities. A reduced glare in your house or outdoor areas makes it a more pleasant place to be. Lighter interior blinds may not block out enough light, so exterior shades can pick up the slack. 

Regulate Temperature

Did you know that the right outdoor blinds or shades will also regulate interior temperatures in Ponce De Leon? Outdoor shades block UV rays, helping to insulate your home in winter and summer alike.

Protect Window Panels

Harsh weather can toss rocks, sticks, and other debris at your windows. Thick fabric shades on the exterior absorb these impacts and protect fragile glass window panes. 

More Privacy

Of course, a final benefit not to miss is the additional privacy of blackout shades or blinds for your Hollister home. If you would like to completely block people’s view into your inner sanctuary, why not do it from the outside?

How to Choose Outdoor Shades

Here’s how to go about choosing a perfect set of outdoor blinds or shades for your home in Rockaway Beach. 

Material

Experts like Budget Blinds agree that the best material for outdoor shades is an acrylic fabric. It combines the flexibility and appearance of woven fabrics with the durability and resistance outdoor fixtures require. The benefits of acrylic fabrics include the following:

• Withstand water

• Won’t fade from UV rays

• Very easy to clean

Another popular material for exterior shades is polypropylene monofilament threads for a patio shade that typically lasts 10 to 12 years. 

Design

One important feature of outdoor blinds is the design you choose. Light penetration and thermal regulation change with each design. For example, cellular or “honeycomb” window shades insulate better than flat shades.

So, when shopping for shades, consider each design type’s intended purpose, including the color and pattern. Generally, outdoor shades do well in more neutral colors. However, popular trends don’t have to limit your choice if your outdoor space has specific features, tones, or details you want to accentuate. 

Automation

Modern outdoor blinds or shades cover manual and automatic options. For example:

• Automatic rollers. A small motor opens and closes the shades. 

• Smart options. Modern manufacturers create “smart” blinds and shades you can connect to and control with a smartphone or similar device. 

• Motorized shades. While more expensive, these shades provide convenience, privacy, and protection all in one. You can also buy coverings for any motorized parts to create a more streamlined look.

UV Protection

Quality outdoor blinds will include an opacity percentage rating that tells you how much light they block. The lower this percentage, the less light the sun shades admit.

Bear in mind that more opaque blinds allow for more UV control and greater privacy.

Schedule a Consultation With Budget Blinds Today!

Are you considering outdoor shades? As a locally owned and operated window treatment company, Budget Blinds has helped countless Missouri property owners dream up the perfect design and bring it to life. We’d love to help you do the same—contact us online or call (417) 633-7922 today!

SW Missouri serves the following areas:  Billings, Blue Eye, Branson, Brookline, Cape Fair, Cedarcreek, Clever, Crane, Forsyth, Galena, Hollister, Hurley, Kimberling City, Kirbyville, Kissee Mills, Lampe, Nixa, Point Lookout, Ponce De Leon, Powersite, Protem, Reeds Spring, Republic, Ridgedale, Rockaway Beach, Rueter, Springfield, Taneyville, Walnut Shade