Hear from Our Customers
Your patio stops being a seasonal space you avoid half the year. You can sit outside in July without feeling like you’re standing on the surface of the sun. Your AC isn’t battling triple-digit heat pouring through west-facing glass all afternoon.
Outdoor roller shades drop the temperature in covered areas by up to 20 degrees. They block up to 99% of UV rays that fade your furniture and burn your skin. And because they stop solar heat before it reaches your windows, you’re cutting cooling costs by 20-30% during the months that matter most.
This isn’t about decoration. It’s about making outdoor living actually livable in a place where summer lasts from May through September. You get shade that holds up to wind, rain, and relentless sun—and you get to use the space you paid for.
We’ve spent over a decade helping homeowners across the Dallas-Fort Worth area solve the same problem you’re dealing with: brutal heat that makes outdoor spaces unusable. We’re a branch of A Plus Home Remodel, and we’ve built our reputation on quality work that holds up to Texas weather.
We’re not a national chain shipping generic products. We work with Texas-made shades designed specifically for the conditions around Lake Travis—high heat, sudden storms, and UV exposure that destroys anything not built to last. Our team handles everything from custom measurements to professional installation, and we back our work with a warranty.
Lago Vista homeowners know what it’s like to love the view but hate the sun. We’ve been solving that problem locally for years, and we’re not going anywhere.
First, we come to your home and take exact measurements of your patio, deck, or outdoor area. We’ll look at sun exposure, wind patterns, and how you actually use the space. Then we’ll recommend the right fabric, color, and motorization options based on what you need—not what we’re trying to move.
Once you approve the plan, we custom-build your exterior roller shades to fit your exact specifications. Most systems are motorized, so you can control them with a remote, smartphone app, or voice command through Alexa or Google Assistant. If high winds are common where you live, we can add sensors that automatically retract the shades before damage occurs.
Installation typically takes a few hours depending on the size of the project. We mount the shades, test the motors, walk you through the controls, and make sure everything operates smoothly. You’re left with a system that works when you need it and stays out of the way when you don’t.
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These aren’t basic roll-up blinds. You’re getting motorized outdoor roller shades with sealed edges that block heat, UV rays, and insects. The fabrics are engineered to withstand wind speeds between 85-105 mph, which matters when storms roll in off the lake. You can choose blackout options if you want total shade, or solar screens that block heat while preserving your view.
Because we’re working in Lago Vista, we account for the specific challenges of living near Lake Travis. High humidity, intense sun exposure, and sudden weather changes all factor into which materials and mounting systems we recommend. Shades installed on west-facing patios get different treatment than those facing north.
Motorization isn’t just convenient—it’s practical. You’re not manually cranking shades up and down in 105-degree heat. You’re adjusting them from inside your air-conditioned home or setting them on timers that respond to the sun’s position. Smart integration means your shades can work with your existing home automation setup, and wind sensors mean you’re not rushing outside during a storm to protect your investment.
The honest answer is it depends on the size of your space, the type of fabric, and whether you’re adding smart controls or wind sensors. A standard single patio opening typically runs between $800-$1,500 installed. Larger areas with multiple shades or premium blackout fabrics will cost more.
Motorization adds to the upfront cost, but it’s worth it if you’re actually going to use the shades. Manual systems are cheaper initially, but most people stop adjusting them because it’s inconvenient. Then you’ve paid for shades you don’t use.
We don’t give quotes over the phone because every setup is different. We need to see your space, measure accurately, and understand how you plan to use it. Then we can give you a real number that includes everything—materials, labor, and warranty.
Yes, but the savings depend on where your windows face and how much glass you have. Shades installed on west or south-facing patios block solar heat before it radiates through your windows and doors. That means your AC isn’t working as hard to cool spaces that are constantly being reheated by the sun.
Most homeowners see cooling cost reductions of 20-30% during peak summer months. If you’re currently running your AC at 72 degrees all day to fight heat gain, exterior shading can help you maintain that temperature with less energy. The savings are most noticeable in homes with large sliding glass doors or floor-to-ceiling windows.
External shading is significantly more effective than interior blinds because it stops heat outside your home rather than inside. Interior blinds absorb heat and then radiate it into your living space. Exterior roller shades block up to 80% of solar heat before it ever reaches the glass.
Quality motorized systems are rated for wind speeds between 85-105 mph, which covers most weather you’ll see around Lago Vista. The key is proper installation and using the right mounting hardware for your structure. Shades with sealed edges and tensioned systems perform better in wind than loose-hanging fabric.
If you’re in an exposed location where high winds are frequent, we recommend adding an anemometer—a wind sensor that automatically retracts your shades when gusts exceed safe levels. That way you’re not worrying about damage every time a storm rolls through. The sensor does the work for you.
We also make sure the fabric and hardware are designed for Texas weather. UV-resistant materials that won’t break down after a few summers of intense sun exposure. Corrosion-resistant components that handle humidity. These aren’t indoor products adapted for outdoor use—they’re built for this climate from the start.
Solar shades block heat and UV rays while still allowing some visibility and light through. You can see out, but the view is slightly filtered. They’re ideal if you want to preserve your lake or tree views while cutting glare and heat. Most solar fabrics block 90-95% of UV rays and significantly reduce solar heat gain.
Blackout roller shades block everything—light, heat, and visibility. They create complete privacy and maximum temperature control, but you lose your view when they’re down. They’re better for areas where you want total shade or need privacy from neighbors.
For most Lago Vista patios, solar shades make more sense because you’re living here for the views. But if you have a west-facing outdoor TV area where glare makes the screen unwatchable, blackout shades might be the better choice for that specific section. You can also mix both types depending on what each area of your outdoor space needs.
Installation for a typical single-patio setup usually takes 2-4 hours. Larger projects with multiple shades, complex motorization, or custom configurations can take a full day. The actual timeline depends on the size of your space and whether we’re mounting to wood, brick, or metal structures.
The longer part is usually the custom fabrication after we take measurements. Once we know your exact dimensions and you’ve selected fabrics and options, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to build your shades. We’re not pulling stock sizes off a shelf—everything is made to fit your specific openings.
We schedule installation when the shades are ready, and we don’t leave until everything is working correctly. That includes testing motors, programming remotes or apps, and making sure you’re comfortable operating the system. If something needs adjustment, we handle it on the spot.
Generally, no. Exterior roller shades are considered removable fixtures, not permanent structures, so they typically don’t require permits in Lago Vista. They’re mounted to existing covered patios or overhangs, and they don’t alter your home’s structure or roofline.
That said, if you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you should check their guidelines. Some HOAs have rules about exterior color choices or visible hardware. We can work with you to choose options that meet those requirements while still giving you the performance you need.
If your project involves building a new patio cover or pergola where the shades will be mounted, that structure might require a permit. But the shades themselves usually don’t. We’ve done enough installations in the area to know what’s typical, and we’ll let you know if we see anything that might need approval before we start work.
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