Outdoor patio space with raised motorized shades.

5 Types of Exterior Shades You Can Add to Your Home

Increase Your Outdoor Space with the Right Outdoor Shading Solution

After spending time, money, and energy designing your backyard and patio, you’ll want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. But sometimes, weather, bugs, and intense heat can get in the way of those plans. That’s why you need exterior shades for your outdoor space. There are many types of outdoor shades, so one solution is sure to fit your needs. To learn more, here are five popular types of outdoor shading solutions that may suit your home in Austin, TX.

SEE ALSO: 4 Benefits of a Retractable Patio Roof

1. Retractable Roof

Sometimes you want to sit in your open-air space and soak up the sun. Other times, you need a break from the rays or need to protect your furniture from UV. That’s where a retractable roof comes in! Choose between an open top on your pergola or arbor for a little protection. Retract your roof to enjoy the sun or extend it at the touch of the button. 

2. Motorized Bug Screens

Your outdoor patio space is built to optimize your time on your property. However, pesky gnats and mosquitos quickly ruin your time outside. So keep them out! With motorized bug screens, the bugs stay out of your patio space. With the touch of a button, you lower the screens to enjoy the sun’s warmth and outdoor view - all without worrying about pests ruining your time alone or with friends and family. 

3. Patio Screens

Patio screens work much like motorized bug screens but also provide protection from ultraviolet rays and heat for superior outdoor solar control. Companies like Draper allow you to pick the size and style to get the right balance of UV protection and airflow to your outdoor space. The screens can span large areas too - more than 192 inches wide. On top of that, Draper shades can be controlled with ease using a wall switch, remote, or smart home tablet. 

4. Louvered Roof 

A louvered roof comprises many panels that tilt to either open or close. When the panels lay flat, you get complete protection from rain and cool shade. You can tilt them slightly for a balance of sun and shade or have the slats lay vertical for full exposure to the Texas sky. 

5. Rolling Shutters

Rolling shutters go over your home’s windows to provide more security, privacy, and overall comfort. These shades completely block your home from the outdoors so that no one can see in. They also block out sunlight and reduce outdoor noises, so they are perfect solutions for rooms where you need quiet and privacy, like a home office or theater.

Service Tech has the solution no matter what exterior shades your Austin, TX home needs. Our team partners with some of the best outdoor shading companies on the market, like Rainier and Draper. So, get started extending your living space by adding outdoor protection from bugs, the sun, and rain. Contact Service Tech today! 


Get Ready for Summer Fun – Solar Shades Come to the Rescue!

This Motorized Solution from Service Tech Elevates Your Patio Experience

It’s officially spring, but the Texas heat makes it feel like summer never entirely goes away. As temperatures heat up in the Austin area, it’s important to protect your belongings from the harsh, unrelenting sun. Motorized solar shades, awnings, and retractable roof systems make it possible to enjoy being outdoors without being miserable while also protecting your patio furniture, technology, and family members from damaging UV rays.

At Service Tech, we enjoy extending the comforts of indoor living to our clients’ outdoor spaces. Below are just a few automated outdoor shade and awning options we offer, so keep scrolling below to learn more!

Read more