Exterior shades are a great way to reduce the amount of sunlight entering your home while still allowing you to enjoy the view. But what exactly are they made of?
From fabric and metal to wood and plastic, each material has its own unique characteristics that make it an ideal choice for exterior shades. Let’s explore what makes each material special and learn more about how these materials can help you create the perfect outdoor space.
Fabric Exterior Shades
Fabric external shades are a great way to add beauty and style to your outdoor space. They’re made from durable, weather-resistant fabrics that provide excellent protection from the sun and other elements.
With their attractive designs, fabric external shades can give any outdoor area a more inviting atmosphere. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find something that will fit your home’s aesthetic perfectly. Plus, they’re easy to install and maintain, making them an ideal choice for any homeowner looking to enhance their outdoor space.
Best Fabric Outdoor Shades for Your Space
Knitted Mesh
Knitted mesh is the way to go if you want something sturdy. It won’t sag, tear, stretch or fray easily as it has a strong lock stitch. Plus, you can get it with a UV protection factor ranging from 30% to 90%.
Fabrics that are tightly woven or knitted let fewer UV rays through, while solid materials like wood, plastic and metal completely block them out.
Woven
There’s a range of fabrics used for outdoor shades, from the most hard-wearing and costly stuff to the simplest material. The fabric is often coated with UV and water protection while tightly woven fabric has additional UV-resistance and is waterproof.
Woven Shade Mesh
This fabric isn’t great for long-term use since it frays and tears easily. Woven shade mesh is usually used in agricultural settings where aesthetics, UV rays defense and sag resistance don’t matter too much.
Net, Mesh, or “Shade Cloth”
A type of shade fabric often found outdoors that is knitted or woven. It’s designed to block UV rays while still allowing air to pass through – so you stay cool while outside. Unfortunately, this fabric isn’t waterproof though.
When you’re looking for a shade for your patio, make sure to consider the fabric. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help with that.
Metal Exterior Shades
Metal exterior shades offer a unique combination of style and functionality to any home or business. They are designed to provide protection from the sun, wind, and rain while also adding an attractive aesthetic touch to the exterior of your building.
Metal exterior shades are available in a wide variety of colors, styles, and sizes to suit any design need. With their durability and versatility, metal exterior shades can be used for both residential and commercial applications.
Aluminum Exterior Shades
When choosing window treatments for the outside, go for aluminum shutters. They can add a lot of benefits to your porch, cabana, or sunroom,
Exterior shades made of aluminum are the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication to any space. Not only do they look amazing, but they also give off a vibe of luxuriousness and evoke memories of regal manors from days gone by.
Unlike wooden shutters, aluminum ones don’t need extra refinishing to stay looking good. And even better – they won’t fade, crack, chip, peel or warp over the years so your outdoor space will stay beautiful for a long time.
This type of shade is created to help keep rooms cool and well-lit before people had air conditioning and other modern comforts. You can use this feature outdoors to manage the amount of sun and heat coming into your porch area.
Louvers play the perfect role in making this happen. You can adjust your louvers to get just the right amount of airflow and make a natural air-conditioner out of your cabana. That way you can enjoy a nice cool breeze while relaxing.
Wooden Exterior Shades
Wooden exterior shades are a great way to add a touch of rustic charm to your home. They provide protection from the sun while also giving your house an elegant look. Whether you’re looking for traditional wooden shutters or modern louvered panels, there are many options available to suit your style and budget.
Wood is a natural material that resists weathering, adding to the life of your shades. Wooden shades use pressure-treated wood that won’t deteriorate or rot in the elements, making them a wise choice for homeowners who are after durability.
With the right wooden exterior shades, you can transform any outdoor space into a cozy and inviting spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Many wooden exterior shades are available in a variety of styles and finishes including, horizontal, vertical slats, quarter shades, and woven bamboo.
How to Care For Your Exterior Shades Depending on the Material
Your exterior shades are an important part of your home and need to be taken care of properly. Depending on the material, the care for your exterior shades will vary. Whether you have wood, aluminum, or fabric shades, proper maintenance is key to keeping them looking great and lasting a long time.
Fabric Shades
Fabric shades can be cleaned with a spot cleaner or by ironing them when they are dry.
Wooden Shades
Wood shades can be found in both residential and commercial areas. They are often used to make awnings, outdoor furniture, and outdoor planters. If the wood is painted or stained, the paint or stain needs to be cleaned off with water and a mild soap solution before applying any protection such as oil or wax.
Wooden shades may also need a coat of varnish or paint every year or every two years depending on how they look. When using a paint brush, use one that has soft bristles since they will not scratch the wood when brushed against it. The bristles of the brush should also not be too hard or they will scratch the wood. Use a paint roller on a smooth surface to cover an entire room in one coat of paint.
Aluminum Shades
Aluminum shades can be cleaned by using a rag dipped in vinegar and ice mixed into salt. While it is not necessary to prime the wood before painting, doing so will reduce the amount of brushstrokes.
Metal Shades
To get rid of dust and dirt on metal shades, the easiest way is to wipe it down with a dry rag or use a feather duster.
When you want to close the shades, lower it, and turn the slats downwards until they’re flat. To clean them off, start from the top and wipe each slat from middle to edges.
When you’re cleaning, start from the top and work your way down. That way you won’t have to waste time re-doing a surface when dust or dirt from a higher up one has settled on it.
Pull up your shades from the other end and carefully wipe down the slats one more time.
Upgrade Your Outdoor Space with Exterior Shades Today!
Are you looking to upgrade your outdoor space with exterior shades? Exterior shades are a great way to add a modern, stylish look to your home while providing additional protection from the sun and other elements.
Whether you want to reduce energy costs or just enhance the aesthetic of your outdoor living space, exterior shades can help. With so many options available, investing in exterior shades is an easy and practical way to upgrade your outdoor space today!
Contact us at Carolina Exterior Shades for quality exterior shades!
