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Coastal porch with white columns and retractable screens, featuring wicker furniture and ocean views across a manicured lawn

Beat The Heat: Why Exterior Mounted Shades Are Your Summer Savers

Published on April 30, 2025

The summer sun brings warmth and joy but can also turn your home into a sweltering sauna. Traditional blinds can help block some light, but they often trap heat inside, making your air conditioning work overtime. This is where exterior-mounted shades become a game-changer for summer comfort and lowering energy bills.

Here’s why exterior-mounted shades reign supreme:

  • Superior Heat Blocking: Mounted outside your windows, exterior shades act as a first line of defense, preventing sunlight from even entering your home. This significantly reduces the heat gain inside, keeping your space cooler for longer.
  • Improved Energy Efficiency: Less reliance on air conditioning reduces energy bills. Exterior shades can save you hundreds of dollars yearly on your cooling costs.
  • Reduced Glare: Sunlight streaming through windows can create annoying glare on screens and furniture. Exterior shades effectively block glare, making your home more comfortable for watching TV, reading, or relaxing.
  • Enhanced Privacy: Depending on the shade material, exterior options offer greater privacy than blinds, especially on lower floors. Enjoy the view without feeling like you’re on display.
  • Durable and Weatherproof: Exterior shades are designed to withstand the elements, unlike traditional blinds that can fade or warp in direct sunlight.

Beyond the benefits, exterior shades offer a clean and modern aesthetic, adding a touch of sophistication to your home’s exterior.

Check out the screens in action and how they significantly lower indoor temperatures. With various styles and materials, such as awnings, roll-down shades, and fabric screens, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your needs and style.

While traditional blinds still have their place, consider switching to exterior-mounted shades for ultimate summer comfort and energy savings. Your wallet and your air conditioner will thank you!

Jessica Croft | June 2024

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Retractable Screens for Southern Alberta

Located in Calgary, we’ve been providing innovative screening solutions for Calgary and the surrounding areas since 1992.

Whether allowing that cool breeze to pass on through, or to keep those pesky bugs out, we’re excited to offer a wide range of solutions from retractable screen doors, windows, patio enclosures, screen rooms, louvered roofs, to awnings. All of our retractable products are custom fit and installed by our knowledgeable, professionally trained installers.

Our reputation has been built on providing quality products and dependable customer service all year round.

If you have any questions or would like more details on any of our products our office can be reached at 403-295-6455 or contact us online.

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