5 Benefits of Installing Outdoor Shades

Design Four-Season Spaces With Easy-to-Use Outdoor Shades 

Our Westford, CT, clients take pride in their beautiful outdoor living spaces – from poolside patios to cozy back porches. Unsurprisingly, the demand for outdoor living upgrades has surged by 50% since 2020. However, enjoying these areas fully means tackling common challenges like intense sun, pests, and weather.

So, how can people make these spaces more comfortable year-round? Outdoor shades are an easy upgrade that instantly makes your deck or patio more comfortable, private, and versatile. 

Below, we explore five key benefits of installing outdoor shades or screens on your property.

Protection from Harsh Sun, Glare, Rain & Insects

Outdoor shades protect your patio against the elements and pests. In the summer, the afternoon sun can be brutal, raising temperatures and causing blinding glare that chases everyone indoors. High-quality patio shades with UV-blocking fabrics can filter out harsh sunlight and UV rays to keep you cool and prevent distracting glare. 

Additionally, Westport’s coastal climate can bring sudden drizzles or breezy storms. Rather than cutting your barbecue short, simply lower your outdoor shades. Many models are water-resistant and built to withstand the elements. They’ll deflect light rain and wind, so you can continue enjoying your porch when a quick shower blows through. 

Let’s not forget the pesky invaders of summer: mosquitoes, flies, and other insects. Outdoor screens form a barrier that keeps bugs out without requiring smelly sprays or citronella torches. Tightly fitted, gap-free mesh shades protect your patio from mosquitoes and other pests, so you can dine al fresco or lounge in the evening without constant swatting. 

Extend Your Outdoor Living Season

Outdoor shades allow you to use your outdoor areas for more of the year. With the right shades, you can start patio season earlier in spring and extend it well into the fall. How? By creating a buffer against temperature extremes. In cooler weather, retractable vinyl or heavy-duty shades can block chilly breezes and even hold in a bit of warmth. Lowering the screens keeps your outdoor space cozy while letting in natural light.

Conversely, shades provide much-needed relief from extreme heat in the peak of summer. By filtering the sun and increasing airflow, they cool down your patio so you can use it during hot afternoons when unshaded areas are unbearable. Instead of retreating to the AC on a 90°F July day, you could sip lemonade on your screened porch, comfortably protected from the scorching sun.

Maintain Your View While Enhancing Privacy

Outdoor shades preserve your vistas and give you control over privacy. Many use specialized solar screen fabrics that you can see through from the inside, yet which appear opaque or tinted from the outside. In daytime, you’ll still gaze out at your gardens, pool, or scenic Westport landscape – but nosy neighbors or passersby will have a much harder time seeing in. You get the best of both worlds: an open, airy feeling and connection to the outdoors, and a welcome sense of seclusion when you want it. 

Shade systems offer various fabric openness levels (e.g. 1%, 5%, 10% openness) that let you fine-tune the balance between privacy and view. During the day, a darker mesh provides one-way visibility: you see out, but others can’t easily see in. In the evenings, you can drop an additional privacy curtain or use integrated lighting cleverly to maintain discretion. 

Lower Cooling Costs and Boost Energy Efficiency

By blocking the sun’s heat before it reaches your windows and walls, exterior shades help keep adjacent indoor rooms noticeably cooler. This translates into lower energy bills, as your air conditioning won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. The U.S. Department of Energy reports window awnings (a type of exterior shade) can reduce solar heat gain by up to 65% on south-facing windows and 77% on west-facing windows. 

Professional Custom Installation Adds Value and Convenience

While DIY outdoor shade kits exist, working with a professional integrator like Digital Home Systems offers tremendous added value. A local expert will handle everything from custom measurements to expert installation and ongoing support, so you get a seamless experience and long-term peace of mind. 

This starts with a tailored design: professionals carefully measure your patio or porch dimensions and assess your needs. With precise, custom-built shades, you won’t have unsightly gaps that let bugs or glare in. The fabric, color, and openness level can be chosen to complement your home’s style and your specific privacy/view preferences. 

If you're ready to add shade, privacy, and comfort to your patio, call or fill out our contact form. We’ll design the perfect solution for your space.