The Benefits of Outdoor Shades for Energy, Comfort, and Style

Outdoor living has grown by 40% since COVID with more people getting back outdoors and using their exterior spaces. As a result, exterior shades have been one of the fastest-growing segments for homes and businesses as they provide a wide range of benefits for home and business owners alike, from temperature control to weather protection. When the weather gets warmer, it's time to break out the outdoor shades so you can enjoy your time in the sun even more. 

Are Outdoor Shades Worth the Investment?

When summer strikes in Missouri, outdoor shades are simply a must. The temperature rises, mosquitos pay us a visit, and it becomes more humid across St. Louis. While sitting outside and taking in the sunshine or the starlight, you could use some extra protection against some of nature's more annoying aspects to get the most out of every season. 

Most patios have at least one open area that can be transformed with outdoor shades. By creating a more enclosed space, you can block harsh sunlight and reduce sunburns, keep bugs at bay, and elevate your outdoor living experience to keep your family comfortable no matter what the weather looks like.

Improved Energy Efficiency with Outdoor Shades for Patios

Studies show that unprotected windows account for 57%-63% of energy loss across a building. An energy change this drastic can quickly pile up over time, especially when the weather starts to turn warmer. Many buildings struggle to regulate heat on the inside, a problem exacerbated by sunlight getting into your home through uncovered windows. While this may sound like a problem for indoor shades, outdoor shades can help combat heat and energy loss, too. 

Exterior shades are a great tool for blocking heat and conserving energy, with homeowners typically saving an additional 33%-45% of energy in their home, just during the summer months. UV can't get in, so your home stays cool without the need for excessive air conditioning. You keep the building cool, improve the aesthetic of your home, and save on your energy bill, all through one simple installation. 

Wind and Weather Protection Through Exterior Shades

Outdoor shades are essentially an extra layer of protection around your home to keep harsh weather conditions at bay. The thick mesh prevents debris from hitting the windows and waterproof options can keep the rain out so your patio is always dry. While they are made of thick mesh, outdoor patio shades are surprisingly light and flexible, allowing for cool air to infiltrate open spaces while keeping debris and water from getting in. Our zipper shade option can even seal them off to keep cold air out and preserve the climate inside. 

Outdoor Shades Protect Against Insects

Bugs are everywhere, especially in the warmer months. St. Louis has plenty of mosquitoes and other pests that make enjoying the outdoors difficult on most days. In order to keep your summer bug-free, outdoor shades act as the perfect buffer against stings or bites. Patio shades are the most effective tools for decreasing the amount of bugs that swarm you while you enjoy the outdoors. Outdoor shades offer a stylish and practical way to minimize pest disruptions, while filtering light and allowing you to enjoy the view, helping you reclaim your patio as a peaceful retreat.

Get More Privacy On Your Patio

Not only does your home look better with patio shades, but you have improved privacy as well. Outdoor shades are a thicker mesh that blocks the view from the outside, so you can freely relax. With the option of motorized outdoor shades, privacy is just a click of a button or tap of an app away, making it easy to adjust your comfort without ever leaving your seat.

Outdoor Patio Shades for Any Season

Whether you're sipping coffee on a quiet winter morning or hosting friends on a warm summer evening, outdoor shades help you create a more comfortable and private backyard oasis. They keep the warmth in during the winter and things cool in the summer. Exterior shades block harsh sun, reduce glare, and keep pests and pollen at bay, so you can enjoy the outdoors longer, no matter the season.

Many businesses, like restaurants, even see major revenue growth and doubled seating capacities with the addition of outdoor spaces lined with patio shades. Your business or home is now climate controlled, pollen and insect free, and temperature controlled.

If you're in the market for an outdoor living improvement that not only makes your home look nicer, but offers greater functionality, Sunshine Drapery can help. We offer a wide range of outdoor shade options for any style of home or business so you can enjoy the outdoors to its fullest.