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Do Exterior Motorized Outdoor Shades Work?
If you’re wondering “Are motorized outdoor shades really worth it?” the answer is absolutely yes. They are one of the most effective ways to cool your home, reduce harsh glare, and protect both your patio and interior from harmful UV rays.
Unlike indoor window treatments, motorized outdoor shades stop the sun’s heat and light before they even reach your windows, making them significantly more efficient. And with motorized control, you can easily adjust the shades installed on your patio or other exterior spaces—all from the comfort of inside your home.
How Effective Are Motorized Outdoor Shades?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy , exterior blinds and shades are among the most effective ways to reduce solar heat gain. By blocking the sun before it reaches your windows, outdoor shades can dramatically lower indoor temperatures and ease the burden on your cooling system.
In fact, one study found that outdoor shading can be more than five times as effective at blocking solar heat compared to standard white indoor roller shades. This makes motorized outdoor shades not only a smart investment for comfort but also a highly efficient strategy for energy savings.
Beyond energy efficiency, motorized outdoor shades also help minimize glare and protect both your patio and interior furnishings from harmful UV rays. With the convenience of motorized control, you can easily adjust them at any time—whether you’re indoors or enjoying your outdoor living space.
Performance of SmartWings Motorized Outdoor Shades
The performance of motorized outdoor shades largely depends on two key factors: the tightness of the fabric weave (commonly referred to as openness percentage) and the color of the material .
At SmartWings, our outdoor shades are available in lower openness levels— 1%, 3%, and 5% —which can block up to 95–99% of harmful UV rays while providing excellent insulation and glare reduction.
Here’s a general guide to UV protection and shading based on fabric openness:
- 1% openness: Blocks ~99% of UV rays; provides approximately 80% shading.
- 3% openness: Blocks ~97% of UV rays; provides approximately 70% shading.
- 5% openness: Blocks ~95% of UV rays; provides approximately 60% shading.
In addition to openness, fabric color plays an important role in performance. For example, with a 5% openness fabric:
- Light colors (such as Grey) typically reflect 40–50% of sunlight.
- Darker colors (like Dark Grey or Dark Brown) reflect around 30–40% .
- Black fabrics have the lowest reflectivity, at roughly 20–25% .
Lighter fabrics are better at reflecting heat, helping to keep outdoor and indoor areas cooler, while darker fabrics reduce glare and enhance outward visibility. The best choice ultimately depends on whether your priority is heat reduction, glare control, or a balance of both.
Benefits of SmartWings Motorized Outdoor Shades
SmartWings Motorized Outdoor Shades bring comfort, protection, and style to any outdoor space or window.
Energy Efficiency and Comfort
Motorized outdoor shades act as the first line of defense against solar heat, preventing your patio, windows, and indoor spaces from overheating. By stopping heat before it enters your home, these shades can significantly lower peak indoor temperatures and reduce cooling costs—especially for west- and south-facing patios or windows.
UV and Glare Protection
Fabrics with a lower openness percentage are designed to absorb or reflect sunlight before it passes through glass, providing true UV protection. This not only helps prevent fading of patio or indoor furnishings but also reduces harsh afternoon glare, making your living spaces more comfortable.
Visual Comfort and Design Flexibility
Color selection plays an important role in both performance and aesthetics. Light-colored fabrics create a bright and airy atmosphere, while darker tones add a sense of drama and sophistication. SmartWings offers a wide range of colors—from soft neutrals like White and Grey to deeper hues such as Dark Brown and Black—ensuring a seamless match with modern minimalist architecture as well as classic wood or terracotta finishes.
Built to Last Outdoors
Engineered for outdoor conditions, these shades are constructed with durable, rust-resistant hardware and weather-resistant fabrics. This makes them a practical, long-term solution for patios, porches, and other exterior spaces where durability and performance are essential.
Effortless Motorized & Smart Control
With motorized operation and smart-home compatibility, these shades bring convenience to a whole new level. Adjust them at the touch of a button, set schedules to match your routine, or control them remotely through your phone or voice assistant. Whether you’re inside or outside, managing sunlight and comfort has never been easier.
Are Motorized Outdoor Shades Worth It?
Absolutely—and here’s why:
Superior Heat and Comfort Control
When installed on patios, porches, or exterior windows, motorized outdoor shades block the sun’s heat before it enters your home. This makes them far more effective than indoor solutions, helping you stay cooler and more comfortable while easing the load on your cooling system.
UV Protection and Long-Lasting Durability
With fabrics as tight as 1% openness, these shades can block up to 99% of harmful UV rays. Built with weather-resistant and wind-resistant materials, they’re designed to withstand outdoor conditions while maintaining both performance and appearance over time.
Style and Outdoor Enjoyment
Beyond function, motorized outdoor shades add style and comfort to your backyard or patio. They reduce harsh glare while still allowing you to enjoy the view—making summer afternoons more pleasant and your outdoor living spaces more inviting.
Convenient Smart Control
With the touch of a remote or an app, you can easily raise or lower your shades. Install multiple sets and you can even control them together for a seamless, smart-home experience. It’s an effortless way to enjoy efficiency and comfort at the same time.
Tips for Choosing Motorized Outdoor Shades – SmartWings Expert Advice
If you’re thinking about installing motorized outdoor shades for your home, here are some expert tips from SmartWings to help you make the best choice:
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Choose the Right Fabric Openness
SmartWings offers fabrics with 1%, 3%, and 5% openness . Select the level that best fits your needs—low openness blocks the most UV rays while still allowing partial visibility to enjoy your outdoor view.
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Pick a Color That Matches Your Goals
Lighter fabrics reflect sunlight and help keep your space cooler, while darker fabrics absorb light to reduce glare. Consider both performance and aesthetics when choosing the right color for your home.
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Durable, Weather-Resistant Fabric
SmartWings outdoor shades are engineered for prolonged UV exposure and strong winds. A guide wire on both sides secures the bottom bar, preventing the fabric from flapping excessively. The materials are also water- and pollen-resistant, making them ideal for spring and summer use.
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Select the Appropriate Motor Type
For simple operation via remote control, the Standard Motor is sufficient. If you want to integrate your shades with a smart-home system, a compatible Hub is required. For detailed guidance, please refer to our “ How To Choose Smart Motors ” page.
Conclusion
Motorized outdoor shades are more than just a stylish addition to your home—they’re a practical solution for comfort, energy efficiency, and UV protection. By carefully choosing the right fabric openness, color, and motor type, you can customize your shades to fit your specific needs, whether for patios, porches, or exterior windows. With durable, weather-resistant materials and the convenience of motorized or smart-home control, SmartWings outdoor shades make it effortless to enjoy cooler, more comfortable, and visually appealing outdoor spaces year-round.