Hear from Our Customers
Your AC stops running constantly. That’s the first thing you notice when outdoor shade blinds block the sun before it penetrates your windows.
In Crestview, where August afternoons regularly hit triple digits, exterior window blinds create a thermal barrier that interior treatments can’t match. The heat never makes it to your glass, which means your cooling system isn’t fighting a losing battle all day. Homeowners typically see a 25-30% drop in summer cooling costs within the first billing cycle.
Your furniture stops fading. Your floors stay cooler. You can actually use your patio in the afternoon without feeling like you’re standing on a griddle. These outdoor roller shades block 99% of UV rays while maintaining your view, so you’re not choosing between protection and visibility.
The difference is immediate and measurable. On a 100-degree day, unshaded windows can push indoor temps up by 15 degrees. With exterior roller shades installed, that heat never enters the equation.
A Plus Shutters & Shades has spent ten years figuring out what actually works in Texas heat. We’re not experimenting with your home.
We use Texas-made products because they’re built for this climate. Crestview homeowners deal with intense sun, sudden storms, and temperature swings that destroy inferior materials. The outdoor patio blinds we install are engineered for exactly these conditions, and our installation process accounts for the expansion, contraction, and wind loads that come with North Austin weather.
We’re based locally and we’ve worked on hundreds of homes throughout the Crestview area. You’re not getting a national franchise following a corporate playbook. You’re getting installers who understand that your $725K home deserves better than one-size-fits-all solutions.
You schedule a consultation and we come to your home in Crestview. We measure your windows, assess sun exposure throughout the day, and discuss what you’re trying to accomplish. Some homeowners want blackout roller shades for complete light control. Others prefer solar screens that block heat but preserve views.
We show you fabric samples and explain the real differences between 90% and 95% opacity ratings. We talk about manual versus motorized operation and what makes sense for your specific windows. If you have smart home integration, we discuss compatibility with your existing system.
Once you approve the quote, we order your custom exterior roller shades. Texas-made products typically arrive within two weeks. Our installation team shows up on schedule, handles the mounting without damaging your exterior, and tests every shade to ensure smooth operation.
The whole process takes 3-4 weeks from consultation to installation. You’re not waiting months, and you’re not dealing with multiple follow-up visits to fix problems. We measure correctly the first time, order the right products, and install them properly.
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Every exterior roller shade installation includes custom measurements, professional mounting, and operation testing. We’re not handing you a box and wishing you luck.
The shades themselves are weather-resistant and built to handle Crestview’s climate. You’re getting UV-stabilized fabrics that won’t deteriorate in constant sun exposure, corrosion-resistant hardware that survives Texas humidity, and mounting systems engineered for wind resistance. These aren’t interior blinds repurposed for outdoor use.
If you choose motorized outdoor roller shades, we handle the electrical integration. That includes wiring, motor installation, and programming your controls. For smart home systems, we’ll sync your shades with Alexa, Google Assistant, or whatever platform you’re using.
We also walk you through maintenance requirements, which are minimal. Occasional hosing to remove dust and pollen. That’s about it. These exterior window blinds don’t require the constant adjustment and repair that cheaper options demand.
Crestview’s housing stock includes everything from mid-century homes to new construction, and we’ve installed shades on all of it. Your installation is customized to your home’s specific architecture, not forced into a standard template.
Most Crestview homeowners see their cooling costs drop 25-30% after installing exterior roller shades on south and west-facing windows. That’s not a marketing claim, that’s what happens when you stop solar heat before it reaches your glass.
Here’s why the savings are real: unshaded windows can increase indoor temperatures by 15 degrees on a typical Texas summer day. Your AC has to work constantly to compensate. Exterior shades block up to 94% of that solar heat gain, which means your cooling system runs less frequently and for shorter cycles.
On a $300 summer electricity bill, you’re looking at $75-90 in monthly savings. Over a full cooling season, that’s $450-600 back in your pocket. The shades typically pay for themselves within 3-5 years, and they last 15-20 years with minimal maintenance.
Interior shades block light, but they don’t stop heat. By the time sunlight reaches an interior blind, the heat has already penetrated your window and entered your home. You’ve just trapped it between the glass and the shade.
Exterior roller shades stop solar radiation before it hits your windows. The heat is rejected outside, where it can’t affect your indoor temperature. That’s why exterior shades reduce heat gain by up to 94%, while interior treatments typically max out around 40-50% effectiveness.
Think of it this way: interior blinds are damage control. Exterior shades are prevention. If you’re serious about reducing cooling costs and making your Crestview home more comfortable during summer, exterior installation is the only approach that addresses the root problem.
Yes, if you choose the right fabric. Solar screen materials block 90-95% of heat and UV rays while maintaining 80-95% outward visibility. You can see your yard clearly from inside, but people outside can’t see in.
Blackout roller shades are different. They’re designed for complete light blocking and privacy, which means zero visibility in either direction. Most Crestview homeowners use blackout options for bedrooms or media rooms where total darkness matters, and solar screens everywhere else.
The fabric you choose depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. If you want heat reduction without sacrificing your view, solar screens are the answer. If you need complete privacy and light control, blackout materials make sense. We can also mix both types on different windows based on each room’s specific needs.
The motorized systems we install are built specifically for exterior use in harsh climates. The motors are sealed against moisture, the electronics are weather-resistant, and the mounting hardware is designed to handle wind loads that would destroy cheaper systems.
Texas weather is tough on outdoor installations. You’ve got intense UV exposure, high humidity, temperature swings, and occasional severe storms. The motorized outdoor shades we use are engineered for exactly these conditions. The motors carry warranties ranging from 5-10 years depending on the manufacturer, and we’ve seen them last 15+ years with proper installation.
The convenience factor is significant. You can program your shades to lower automatically when the sun hits certain windows, raise them when you want natural light, or control everything from your phone. For Crestview homeowners with two-story homes or hard-to-reach windows, motorization isn’t a luxury, it’s practical.
From your initial consultation to completed installation, expect 3-4 weeks. That includes measurement, ordering, manufacturing, and installation. We’re not rushing the process, but we’re also not making you wait months.
Here’s the breakdown: consultation takes about an hour. We measure your windows, discuss options, and provide a detailed quote. Once you approve, we order your custom shades, which are manufactured in Texas and typically arrive within 10-14 days. Installation is scheduled based on your availability and usually takes 4-8 hours depending on how many windows we’re covering.
We don’t do partial installations that require multiple return visits. Our team shows up with everything needed to complete the job in one day. You’re not dealing with weeks of disruption or waiting for missing parts. The timeline is straightforward, and we stick to it.
Quality exterior shading adds functional value that buyers recognize, especially in Texas. While you won’t see a line item for “outdoor roller shades” on an appraisal, the energy efficiency, outdoor living enhancement, and curb appeal improvements contribute to overall property value.
Covered outdoor spaces in Texas typically add 8-10% to home value, and exterior shading is part of that equation. Crestview homes average $725K, so even a conservative 5% value increase represents $36K. More importantly, homes with energy-efficient features sell faster in this market because buyers understand the long-term cost savings.
The real value shows up in lower utility bills, reduced HVAC wear, and protected interiors. When you eventually sell, you’re marketing a home that’s more comfortable and less expensive to cool than comparable properties. That’s a tangible advantage in a competitive real estate market like North Austin.
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