Hear from Our Customers
Your AC stops running constantly because exterior roller shades block heat before it ever hits your windows. That’s not a small difference—homeowners across North Rim see cooling costs drop up to 30% during summer months when outdoor shading does the heavy lifting.
Your patio furniture stops fading. Your kids can play outside without you worrying about sunburn every time they’re out for more than twenty minutes. You can actually sit on your deck in July without feeling like you’re melting.
Outdoor roller shades aren’t just about comfort. They’re about getting full use of the space you already paid for. Most people in North Rim love their outdoor areas but can only enjoy them a few months a year because the sun makes it unbearable. Motorized outdoor shades let you control exactly how much sun comes through, so you’re not choosing between shade and breeze—you get both.
When storms roll in, you’re not scrambling to move everything inside. Retractable outdoor shades handle wind and rain, and if you go with weather-resistant materials, your setup lasts years without looking worn down or stretched out.
A Plus Shutters & Shades is a branch of A Plus Home Remodel, and we’ve spent more than ten years working on homes around Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas, and North Rim. We’re not new to construction, and we’re not learning on your property.
Our team knows what works in Texas weather. We’ve seen what holds up and what doesn’t, which materials handle the heat and which ones start sagging after one summer. That’s why we focus on Texas-made products that are built for this climate, not just shipped in from somewhere else and hoped for the best.
We run a dedicated showroom where you can see samples, test fabrics, and talk through what actually makes sense for your setup. No pressure, no runaround—just straight answers from people who do this work every day and live in the same weather you do.
We start with a free consultation at your place. We measure your windows, patio, or pergola, and talk through what you’re trying to solve—whether that’s heat, UV protection, privacy, or all three. We bring samples so you can see the actual materials and how much light they block.
Once you pick your fabric, color, and operating system, we order everything custom-fit to your measurements. No guessing, no adjustments later. If you want motorized shades with smart home integration, we walk you through how that connects to your phone or voice assistant.
Installation day is straightforward. Our crew shows up on time, installs your outdoor patio blinds or solar screen shades, tests everything to make sure it operates smoothly, and cleans up afterward. If it’s motorized, we program it before we leave so you’re not stuck figuring it out on your own.
After install, you’ve got shades that actually fit, operate the way they should, and hold up in North Rim weather. If something ever needs adjusting, you call us directly—no customer service maze.
Ready to get started?
You’re getting custom-measured exterior window shades built specifically for your space. We don’t sell pre-cut sizes that “sort of” fit. Every shade is made to your exact dimensions, so it looks clean and operates without binding or gaps.
Material options matter more than most people realize. In North Rim, where summer heat is relentless, upgraded fiberglass and vinyl screen mesh outlast cheaper polyester that stretches and looks baggy within a year. We carry solar screen shades that block up to 99% of UV rays while still letting you see outside, and blackout roller shades if you need full privacy or want to turn your patio into a true outdoor room.
Motorization isn’t just a luxury feature—it’s practical when you’re dealing with large shades or multiple windows. You can set schedules so your shades lower automatically during peak sun hours, or control them from your phone when you’re not home. Systems integrate with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa if that’s how your house is already set up.
We also install weather-resistant shades designed to handle Texas storms. Clear vinyl retractable roller shades let you enclose your patio when rain hits but still enjoy the view. Hurricane-rated options exist if you’re in an area that sees serious wind.
Exterior shading blocks heat before it reaches your windows, which is far more effective than interior blinds that trap heat between the glass and fabric. In North Rim’s climate, that typically translates to a 25-30% reduction in cooling needs during summer months.
The exact savings depend on how much sun exposure your windows get and how much of your home you’re shading. South and west-facing windows see the biggest impact because that’s where afternoon heat hits hardest. If your AC runs constantly from May through September, outdoor roller shades usually pay for themselves within a few years just from the energy savings.
Solar screen shades are particularly effective because they reflect heat while still allowing airflow. You’re not sealing off your space—you’re just filtering out the intensity that makes your AC work overtime.
Solar screen shades block UV rays and heat while maintaining visibility. You can still see outside, and light comes through—just filtered. They’re ideal if you want to reduce glare and temperature but don’t need full privacy or total darkness. Most people choose solar screens for patios and decks where airflow and views matter.
Blackout roller shades block everything—light, UV, and visibility. They’re better for creating enclosed outdoor rooms, blocking neighbors’ views, or if you want your patio to feel more like an extension of your indoor living space. Some people use blackout shades on outdoor entertainment areas where they mount a TV or projector.
Both handle weather, but the fabric weight differs. Blackout materials are heavier and provide more wind resistance, while solar screens are lighter and better for areas where you want maximum airflow. If you’re unsure which fits your situation, we can show you samples during the consultation so you see exactly how much light and visibility each option allows.
Yes, if they’re installed correctly and built for outdoor use. The motors are sealed and weather-rated, so rain and humidity don’t damage the components. We’ve installed motorized systems across North Rim and surrounding areas for years, and they handle summer heat and occasional storms without issue.
The bigger factor is the shade material itself. Cheap polyester fabrics stretch in heat and sag over time, which puts strain on the motor. We use upgraded fiberglass and vinyl mesh that stays taut, so the motor isn’t working harder than it should. That extends the lifespan of both the fabric and the operating system.
Motorization also makes it easier to protect your shades during severe weather. If a storm’s coming, you can retract them from inside instead of going out to manually roll them up. Most systems we install include wind sensors that automatically retract shades if gusts hit a certain speed, so you’re not worrying about damage while you’re away from home.
Most installations finish in a few hours, depending on how many shades you’re adding and whether you’re going motorized. A single patio shade typically takes about an hour once we’re on site. If you’re outfitting multiple windows or a large pergola, plan for a half day.
Motorized setups take a bit longer because we’re running wiring and programming the system. If you want smart home integration, we handle that during install so everything connects to your phone or voice assistant before we leave. You’re not left with instructions to figure out on your own.
We schedule installations after your custom shades arrive, which usually takes a few weeks from order. We’ll give you a specific timeline during the consultation so you know what to expect. On install day, we show up when we say we will, get the work done, test everything, and clean up. You’re using your new outdoor shades the same day.
Absolutely. Privacy shades for patios block sightlines from neighbors or the street while still allowing airflow, which matters in North Rim where you don’t want to seal off your space and lose the breeze. The fabric density determines how much visibility you’re blocking—tighter weaves offer more privacy, while looser screens provide some coverage without fully obscuring the view.
If you need full privacy, blackout outdoor shades eliminate visibility entirely. They’re common in neighborhoods where homes are close together or if your patio faces a busy area. You can still roll them up when you want openness and lower them when you’re entertaining or just want seclusion.
Motorized privacy shades make it easy to adjust throughout the day. Lower them during peak times when neighbors are outside, then retract them in the evening when you want to see the sky. You control exactly how much exposure you’re comfortable with, and it takes seconds to change.
Not much if you choose quality materials. Fiberglass and vinyl mesh shades handle North Rim heat without breaking down, and they don’t collect dirt the way cheaper fabrics do. Most homeowners hose them off a few times a year and that’s it.
If you’re in an area with a lot of pollen or dust, you might need to rinse them more often during spring. For tougher spots, mild soap and water work fine—no special cleaners required. The key is not letting debris build up, which can make the fabric harder to clean later and puts extra strain on the roller mechanism.
Motorized systems need occasional checks to make sure the sensors and controls are responding correctly, but that’s something we can handle during a quick service visit if you ever notice anything off. Most issues we see come from people using low-grade polyester shades that stretch and need replacing every few years. The upgraded materials we install last significantly longer, so you’re not dealing with constant upkeep or early replacements.
Local Resources
