The large majority of people choose 95% light blocking density.  It stops basically all heat, and has great outward visibility.  65-90% densities are available if you highly value maintaining your view.

Our structural components (housing, roller, side rails…) are the industry standard for quality. We use thick gauge aluminum tracks and mounting brackets, weather resistant vinyl-coated polyester fabric, and durable epoxy metal coating. All of these elements mean your shade will look and perform like new for a very long time. 

Motors, manual cranks, and chain pulleys are highly durable. We’ve never had to replace a motor or manual crank because of age.  Plastic chain pulleys usually last 10+ years.

Fabrics can start to show age after about 10-15 years, but can be replaced for a fraction of price of the original retractable sun shade.

When we do have an issue, it is usually under warranty. 

You can learn more about our product by visiting our suppliers, Polar Shades and TEXTON.

It varies, but generally:

• Four weeks during cold seasons
• Six weeks during spring or fall
• Eight weeks during summer

Anything from 24′ span to 18′ drop can be covered by a single patio shade. Multiple shades can link together to cover larger spans.

We like to bring samples to show how your shade will operate and look like in your space. A representative will generally show you colors of fabrics, metals, and explain any applicable details. Once your representative gets measurements and you decide what you like, they are typically able to give you pricing on the spot. 

Generally the whole process lasts around 40 minutes.

• Metal and sliding plastic parts: Lifetime
• Screen mesh: 5-10 year depending on the density
• Motor: 5-7 year
• Manual crank: 5 year
• Chain pulley: 1 year

Not currently.

95% density fabrics are what you’re looking for.

During the day when the sun is shining, they offer great privacy.

During the night when your home lights are shining out, neighbors can see some figures and shapes, but not more detail than that. Occasionally customers will have lights installed that shine on the outside of the fabric at night to maintain the same privacy they had during the day. There are blackout fabric options on the market, but for several reasons they arent a better option for privacy than having lights installed.

It can be confusing. “Patio shade” is the most commonly used term. They’re also referred to as sun shades, outdoor shades, outdoor roller shades, and exterior shades.

Awnings are a different class of product that extend horizontally instead of dropping vertically.

Screens are lighter weight, and are designed for bug control rather than sun control.

Both options work well. Retractables are generally preferred because they can roll up when you’re not using them, making your view unobstructed. That comes at a higher price point compared to the permanent option.

Permanent screen-ins work better than most might expect. We install these with tuff screen to resist pets and abrasions, so it lasts. However, the permanent solution comes at the cost of posts every 36-48″ across the span. Its the only way to make something that stands up to the wind.

While it is a less common application, we do many installs over a garage door to create a screened-in workshop space. Using zipper side tracks, mounting the roll on the outside of the garage door opening, we can completely seal the full opening.