Retractable Awnings and Solar Shades: Find What’s Best For You

Posted on Thursday, July 28th, 2022 at 9:41 am.

If you want to decrease the direct sunlight entering your home and raising temperatures, awnings can be an excellent resource. Of course, you can consider installing many different types of awnings on your home, all of which come with different features and benefits. Two of the most appealing and versatile Carroll Architectural Shade products are retractable awnings and solar shades. But which is best for you? Read on to learn more about these products and the distinct advantages they can provide.

Classic Retractable Awnings

The classic retractable awning is attached to one side of your house and extends outward. You can open or close the awning depending on when you want or need shade. 

Reduces Direct Sunlight

Installing a retractable awning minimizes exposure to direct sunlight on your patio or other outdoor space. It protects you and your pets from UV exposure and protects your furniture from fading. 

Maximizes Your View

You don’t have to sacrifice your view with a retractable awning. You won’t have anything blocking your view, as the awning hangs above your patio without extra support pillars.

Ease of Use

Retractable awnings are available in styles operated by hand cranks or remote-controlled. Either way, your new awning can be opened or closed with ease. 

Flexibility

Retractable awnings give you the option of when you want to use them. You can keep them closed if you want more light during the winter. When the sun is harsh, you can open the awnings for shade.

Durability

Awnings from Carroll Architectural Shade are highly durable. When you practice proper maintenance, your awnings can provide the shade you desire for as many as 10 to 20 years. 

Retractable Solar Shades

Solar shades are another retractable shade product you can install in your home. These shades are placed vertically in front of your windows and can be pulled up or down to decrease sun exposure. 

Create a Protected Outdoor Enclosure

When using solar shades from Carroll Architectural Shade, you can protect your outdoor space from the sun. People have used them for porches and outdoor dining areas or decks. Solar shades not only provide sun protection but also offer privacy and protection from insects and pests. 

Variety

You can find solar shades in a range of styles and opacity levels. For spaces that receive a lot of direct sunlight, you will want a stronger opacity that will block most of the direct light. 

Easy Maintenance

Outdoor solar shades are easy to maintain. You will want to clean them once or twice a season to ensure no debris is sticking to them. Because they are made from durable polyester mesh, you can easily wipe them clean to remove dirt or dust. 

Protection From UV Rays

The different opacity levels provide different UV ray protection. Solar shades with a one percent openness level will protect you against 99% of UV rays. 

Before deciding whether retractable awnings or solar shades are suitable for you, consider how much direct sunlight you need protection from, how much privacy you want, and whether you want to retain landscape views. These considerations can help you make your choice. 

CONTACT CARROLL ARCHITECTURAL SHADE TODAY

Through our combined locations in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., Carroll Architectural Shade provides innovative craftsmanship, superb service, competitive pricing, and unfailing attention to detail for customers throughout Maryland and Virginia.

Our highly skilled craftsmen design and custom manufacture shade products in-house, including commercial awnings, residential awnings, retractable awnings, roll-up curtains, aluminum awnings, and flat metal canopies. Founded in 1958 by James Carroll Sr., and still family-owned by his sons today, Carroll Architectural Shade remains committed to delivering top-quality craftsmanship and service.

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