FAQ - Outdoor Shades

There are two types of outdoor shades: permanent shades and temporary shades. Permanent shades are often made of metals and have large sizes, including structural, pergolas, gazebos, carports, and sunrooms. In comparison, temporary shades can be removed, such as canopy tents, patio umbrellas, shade cloths, curtains, and screens.

A pavilion, canopy, pergola, or gazebo can be used for porch shade. These structures often feature several panels or a large roof to create a shady area for your porch. To add more shade, you can attach outdoor roller shades to the sides of these structures.

Patio shades are worthy investments. For instance, a louvered pergola features an adjustable roof for users to customize the shaded area. The louvered roof not only can allow gentle sunlight to shine in but also can block strong UV light and rain when the panels are closed.

The roof structure is the key to distinguishing a canopy and a sunshade. Canopies are a seamless covering that can completely block all the outdoor elements like water and light. Sunshades often feature a semi-open roof that allows a portion of light to filter in.

There are several alternatives that can serve a similar role as outdoor umbrellas or even better, such as pergolas, gazebos, sunrooms, and pop-up canopies. For instance, a double-top gazebo and a pop-up canopy tent can provide a larger shaded area while staying steady in windy conditions. 

Four steps to calculate the size of the sunshade you need:
1. Locate the boundaries or corners of the area you want to cover.
2. Measure the distance between mounting points and the height of your structure.
3. Ensure the base can support the weight of your construction.
4. Find the matched size according to your measurements.

Five ways to cheaply shade your patio:
1. Build a metal structurelike a pergola, gazebo, or sunroom.
2. Set up canopies like a pop-up canopy or frame canopy tent.
3. Add small, portable shades like patio umbrellas.
4. Install retractable awnings on your walls.
5. Hang outdoor curtains and screens on your structures.

For outdoor shading cloth, polyester with polyvinyl chloride coating (PVC) is the most popular and durable fabric for modern outdoor shades. This material is excellent at blocking sunlight and water while offering effective resistance to wear and tear.

PVC and acrylic fabric are ideal materials to block out rain. They have strong stability and durability against natural elements like moisture, mildew, and UV light. 

Normally, neutral colors like white and beige have a better ability to reflect harmful light than dark colors. However, it’s also important to consider the hues of your environment and match an appropriate color to create a harmonious feeling.

Since the outdoor shades can block or filter the strong and harmful lights, you can have a cool area in the shade. Shades with good ventilation design can also help to reduce heat.

Motorized outdoor shades are the most advanced type that combines functionality and convenience. They use an electrical motor to control the louvered roof, offering an effortless open and close procedure for the users. Some motorized structures are even equipped with LED lights, allowing people to enjoy outdoor events at night. 

The average price of a premium motorized outdoor shade can range from $6,000 to $20,000. However, the final price can be higher due to the sizes, materials, additional features (e.g., screens, remote control, LED), and even the installation fee.

Retractable roller shades are a cost-efficient outdoor addition to cut out the sun and heat, while the retractable design allows you to roll it up when it’s not in use. Choosing the rollers made of PU-coated fabrics can also effectively block the rain and enclose your outdoor structure. 

Three ways to keep your outdoor shades stable in windy conditions:
1. Weighted bags: Fill the bags with sand or concrete bricks and place them in the corners of your outdoor structure.
2. Anchors: Anchor your metal outdoor structure to the solid ground.
3. Stakes and Ropes: Hang wind ropes on the canopy and stick the other sides into the soil.

Shade cloth can be attached to the frames of your constructions by using velcro, hooks, or strings. Alternatively, you can purchase outdoor structures with built-in retractable side curtains or screens.

Shade cloths are a simple and effective material to block sunshine, but they are not capable of dealing with harsh weather conditions. Metal structures like gazebos and pergolas are brilliant alternatives to create a stable and versatile space for your patio, garden, and backyard.

Generally, a motorized shade construction can last up to 10 years. Maintaining your structures annually by cleaning the stains and replenishing the anti-rust coating can effectively increase their lifespans.

Cons of Motorized Blinds:
1. Expensive: Since the motorized shades use advanced motors to control the roof, the price can be very high.
2. Electricity: A motorized shade needs electricity to work, and it needs to be charged regularly.
3. Complex Installation: Installing a motorized shade can be more complicated than others since they have additional circuits.

Downsides of a Sunshade:
1. The fabrics of a canopy can be degraded gradually after prolonged exposure to strong sunlight.
2. The metal structure may get mildew or rust if the construction is placed in a drippy and moist place for a long time.
3. Some types of sunshades are not able to withstand windy and snowy conditions.