Exterior living spaces are havens for so many - bridging the gap between the comforts of home and the adventure of the great outdoors. We love our outdoor spaces, but there is just ONE key to taking your patio to the next level: exterior shades. While a pool or an outdoor kitchen might be the stars of the show, shades are the unsung heroes - translating life from indoors to outdoors. There are so many benefits associated with outdoor shades, but 5 stand out among the rest:

(Shades by Tucson Rolling Shutters)

Reducing exposure to the sun’s harmful rays

Depending on the exterior shade fabric you choose, shades can provide up to 99% UV blockage. We’ve made so many strides as a society in skincare and health, but don’t underestimate the power of outdoor shades in helping keep you safe from the sun’s rays. We’re not saying you shouldn’t use sunscreen or use coverings - rather, having effective shading can only enhance your protection from the sun. 

Providing comfortable shade, making spending time outdoors much more enjoyable

It’s no secret that some of the activities we enjoy indoors are even better when done outdoors. This applies to so many things - reading, walking, listening to music, lounging…etc. When the temperature rises high or we grow wary of the sun beating down on us, we eventually have to see ourselves inside. With the addition of exterior shades, our outdoor spaces become much more comfortable - allowing us to spend more time outdoors participating in the activities we enjoy.

(Shades by Tucson Rolling Shutters)

Keeping unwanted insects out of your outdoor space

We recognize that one of the downfalls to spending time outdoors is the pesky bugs that infect our yards with buzzing, biting, stinging, and everything in between. Installing shades with the proper exterior shade fabric can aid in avoiding the insects that constantly “bug” you. Exterior shades provide an extra layer of protection between you and the wide open outdoors. This is made possible through the slightest of opaque holes in the screen - filtering out the vast majority of unwanted bugs, harmful UV rays, and harsh weather. 

Helps protect your valuable patio furniture from sun damage and harsh weather conditions

We’ve talked about human exposure to hazardous UV rays, but did you know your furniture and decor can experience similar damage? Just like our skin, over time the outer layer of these patio items deteriorate when extensively exposed to the sun. Installing exterior shades helps to ensure the longevity of your furniture by limiting its subjection to bright and harmful rays from the sun. In other words - making use of exterior shades not only provides you with a comfortable outdoor space, but can save you money in the long run by not having to replace your outdoor items quite as often.

Still enjoying the view with crisp, sharp view through

You might be wondering - all of these benefits sound great, but how could I possibly sacrifice my exterior views? To that, we say you simply don’t have to. When strategically choosing the outdoor shade fabric to accompany your shading system, it’s important to select a brand known for its crisp, sharp view through. Mermet’s exterior shade fabrics are the obvious choice - providing a variety of openness factors to choose from. Plus, here’s a pro tip: you’ll want to go with a dark shade fabric as opposed to a light one if you’re aiming to maximize your view through capability. Dark fabrics present a much sharper and clearer view of the world outside. We would recommend Natté™ Charcoal/Charcoal or E Screen™ Charcoal/Grey.

Once you start basking in the enjoyment of your exterior shades we convinced you to install, you can thank us later. Until then, browse our selection of Outdoor Shade Fabrics by clicking HERE.