Hear from Our Customers
Your AC runs constantly. Your energy bill climbs every summer. And even with the thermostat cranked down, rooms that face the sun stay uncomfortably warm.
Exterior roller shades stop heat before it enters your home. They block up to 99% of UV rays, which means your AC doesn’t fight a losing battle against solar gain. Studies show these shades can reduce cooling runtime by 3 to 5 hours daily—that’s real money back in your pocket every month.
Beyond the bills, you’ll notice your furniture stops fading. Your floors stay vibrant. And your patio actually becomes a place you want to spend time, not a space you avoid between May and September. Outdoor roller shades give you control over sun, heat, and privacy without sacrificing airflow or visibility.
We’ve spent over 10 years installing custom window treatments across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Smoot. We’re a branch of A Plus Home Remodel, and we’ve built our reputation on straightforward service and quality installations that last.
We source Texas-made products because they’re built to handle the climate here. Our team knows what works in Smoot’s heat and what doesn’t. We don’t oversell or push products you don’t need—we measure, recommend based on your actual situation, and install it right the first time.
We start with a free consultation at your home. You’ll see fabric samples, discuss motorized vs manual operation, and we’ll take exact measurements of the areas you want to shade. No pressure, no upselling—just a clear conversation about what makes sense for your space and budget.
Once you decide to move forward, we order your custom outdoor roller shades. These aren’t off-the-shelf products. They’re built to your exact specifications using durable materials designed for Texas weather—intense sun, sudden storms, high winds.
Installation typically takes a few hours depending on the number of shades. We mount the housing, ensure smooth operation, and test motorized controls if you’ve chosen that option. You’ll see the temperature difference immediately. On a 95-degree day, a shaded patio can feel 15 to 20 degrees cooler than an exposed one.
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Every exterior roller shade we install includes UV-blocking fabric rated for outdoor use. You can choose from solar screen materials that maintain your view while blocking heat, or blackout options for complete privacy and light control. Both handle Smoot’s weather—sun, wind, and occasional heavy rain.
Motorized shades come with remote controls, and many customers add smart home integration so they can adjust shades from their phone or set them on timers. Manual shades use a simple crank system that’s reliable and requires zero power. We’ll walk through both during your consultation so you understand the trade-offs.
In Smoot and the broader Austin area, outdoor living spaces are central to how people use their homes. Exterior roller shades extend the functionality of patios and porches by making them comfortable year-round. You’re not just adding window coverings—you’re reclaiming square footage that’s been unusable during peak heat hours.
Exterior shading is significantly more effective than interior blinds because it stops solar heat before it penetrates your windows. When sunlight hits glass, it converts to heat inside your home—your AC then works overtime to remove that heat.
Exterior roller shades block that process entirely. Research shows they can reduce solar heat gain by 80% or more, which translates to 20-30% lower cooling costs during summer months. In Smoot, where temperatures regularly exceed 95°F and heat indexes push past 110°F, that difference is substantial.
The exact savings depend on your home’s orientation, window size, and current insulation. South and west-facing windows benefit most. If you’re currently running your AC from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, exterior shades can cut that runtime by several hours, which directly impacts your monthly bill.
Solar screen fabric blocks UV rays and heat while maintaining visibility. You can see through it from inside, though the view is slightly dimmed—similar to wearing sunglasses. It’s ideal for patios and porches where you want airflow, reduced glare, and temperature control without feeling closed in.
Blackout roller shades provide complete privacy and light blocking. You can’t see through them, and they create a solid barrier. They’re better for areas where privacy matters more than maintaining a view, or where you want maximum heat rejection.
Both options withstand Texas weather. Solar screens typically use a mesh weave that allows some air movement. Blackout shades use a denser material that stops wind and light rain along with sun. Most Smoot homeowners choose solar screens for general outdoor spaces and save blackout options for specific windows where privacy or complete darkness is the priority.
Motorized shades cost more upfront, but they get used more consistently—which is where the real value shows up. When adjusting a shade requires walking outside and manually cranking it, people tend to leave them in one position. That means you’re not optimizing for changing sun angles throughout the day.
With motorized operation, you press a button or use your phone. It takes seconds. You’ll actually adjust them as the sun moves, which maximizes energy savings and comfort. Many customers set them on timers so shades automatically lower during peak heat hours and raise in the evening when temperatures drop.
The convenience factor matters more than most people expect. If you have multiple outdoor roller shades across a large patio, manually adjusting each one becomes a chore you’ll skip. Motorized systems make it effortless, so you get the full benefit of the investment. For most Smoot homeowners dealing with intense, all-day sun exposure, motorized is worth it.
Quality exterior roller shades are engineered for wind resistance, but they’re not hurricane shutters. In normal Texas weather—including gusty spring winds and summer thunderstorms—they perform well. The key is proper installation and knowing when to retract them.
Most outdoor roller shades can handle sustained winds up to 30-40 mph when fully deployed. Beyond that, you should raise them to protect the fabric and mechanism. If you have motorized shades, this takes seconds. Manual shades require a bit more effort but are still manageable.
The housing and mounting hardware matter as much as the fabric. We use heavy-duty brackets and ensure secure attachment to your home’s structure. In Smoot, where sudden storms can roll through, having shades that retract quickly gives you flexibility. They’re designed for daily use in variable conditions, not as permanent barriers—but when properly maintained, they’ll last years even with regular exposure to sun, wind, and rain.
Most patios and porches can accommodate exterior roller shades, but the mounting surface and structure determine the specifics. We need a solid overhead surface to attach the housing—typically a roof overhang, pergola beam, or covered patio ceiling.
For open patios without overhead coverage, we can install freestanding posts or mount shades to existing columns. The goal is stable support that keeps the shade taut when deployed and secure when retracted. During your consultation, we’ll assess your space and recommend the best mounting approach.
Smoot homes vary widely in porch and patio design. Some have deep overhangs that make installation straightforward. Others have minimal coverage, which requires creative solutions. We’ve handled both and can usually find a way to make outdoor shade blinds work even in challenging layouts. The free consultation exists specifically to answer these questions for your property.
Exterior roller shades need occasional cleaning but very little maintenance. Dust, pollen, and debris accumulate on the fabric over time, especially during dry Texas summers. A quick rinse with a garden hose every few months keeps them looking good and functioning smoothly.
For stubborn dirt, use mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid pressure washers—they can damage the fabric weave. Let the shades dry fully before retracting them to prevent mildew, though the materials we use are mold and mildew resistant.
The mechanical components—motor, housing, and mounting hardware—are built to last with minimal intervention. If you have motorized shades, check the battery or wiring annually. Manual crank systems rarely need attention beyond occasional lubrication. Most Smoot customers find that a simple cleaning routine twice a year is enough to keep their outdoor patio blinds in excellent condition for years.
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