Having an outdoor entertainment area is one of the best investments you can make in your home. Being able to sit outside and have a glass of wine in the evening, or have friends over for a weekend braai – what more can you ask for? Outdoor blinds. You can ask for outdoor blinds.
Awnings or roofs are not always enough to protect you from the elements. Blinds mean that come rain or shine, hell or high water your patio has the perfect shade.
How do you know which fabrics to use, or how to maintain and care for your new prized possessions? If you are wondering about this then keep reading. We have answered a few of your questions about looking after your patio blinds.
What Are Outdoor Blinds Called?
There are several names and even more styles of outdoor blinds. There are a few pros and cons of each of these which we will look at quickly for you here.
- Outdoor Curtains
These offer the illusion of comfort or luxury. They add fabric to the space and make it look homey and inviting. If you use fabric that is thick enough, you may even make the area quieter as it will absorb some of the outdoor noise.
On the downside, they need a lot of maintenance and care. They will be at the mercy of the elements and so gather dirt and dust and are often rained on. You will need to launder or dry clean them regularly, which can become expensive. Not to mention the effort of taking huge curtains up and down.
- Shades
Outdoor shades can be made from fabric or bamboo and are a popular choice for patios. They are hardy and hold their own against the elements.
If you go with fabric shades, you can create a similar feel to having outdoor curtains, but again they will need regular washing and maintenance. The colour also fades from the sun and regular rolling and unrolling.
- Louvred Doors or Shutters
Louvred doors or shutters offer a quaint European feel to your patio. They offer maximum privacy and protection against harsher elements.
The only downside is they can make the area feel a bit closed-off when all the panels are closed against the weather. This can also make the space quite close and muggy in warmer weather.
A recommended once a month cleaning is required for the care and maintenance of louvred doors and shutters. A thorough dusting followed by a spray down with oil soap and a wipe should do the trick.
An additional clean on a weekly basis will not go amiss either. So the maintenance of these beautiful additions may keep you busy.
- Blinds
There are several different styles of blinds available, with outdoor roller blinds being the most common. Also known as alfresco blinds, they do a great job of protecting the space and can be manual or motorised to suit your needs. They roll neatly up into a tube when you need them to and this design limits damage to the fabric.
Your other blind options are:
- Corded blinds use a cord mechanism to raise or lower the blinds
- Zip track blinds zip together with their neighbour and forms a sealed room around your patio
These are all popular choices to protect your outdoor area, and blinds require simple maintenance such as wiping or vacuuming the dust off. Also, make sure they are dry before you put them up.
Regular cleaning of your outdoor blinds will extend their life. All they need is a wipe down with some warm soapy water and a soft cloth – simple and easy.
What Is the Best Fabric for Outdoor Blinds?
As you have seen above, the are multiple materials that you can you to shield off your outdoor area. The better the quality of the material, the longer the blinds will last. So which are the most popular material choices when it comes to blinds?
- Canvas is the oldest style around and is still popular today
- Shade cloth is used more on awnings but can be used in blinds as well
- Block out screens are a dramatic option but offer privacy and protection
- Mesh and screen door blinds are popular in areas where bugs are a hazard
- PVC outdoor blinds are one of the best options if you want uninterrupted views outside
The fabric or material you choose for your blinds should be in line with your area and what you want to achieve with the look and feel of the space. How harsh are the elements, how much outside feel do you want inside, what is your budget? These are all things to take into consideration.
How Waterproof Are Outdoor Blinds?
The material you use determines whether you will have waterproof outdoor blinds or not. For example, the top waterproof options are blinds made from ripstop canvas, PVC or vinyl. Polyester on the other hand is not waterproof at all, and fabric curtains will become saturated in heavy downpours.
Do Outdoor Blinds Keep the Heat In?
While they may not be as efficient as window blinds in keeping your home toasty warm, outdoor blinds have their place. They are a great way to keep your home warmer, and your electricity bills down – no heaters needed! They help insulate the house and prevent cold air and rain or frost from reaching the windows.
Outdoor blinds are a nice way to make your home more energy-efficient as well as enhance the exterior appearance of your house. In colder months the heat from your home disperses quickly so any extra insulation is a win all around for the home.
Outdoor Blinds Are a Must
You may not have known all the extra benefits you were getting when you purchased outdoor blinds. Now you know, and your investment is even more worthwhile.
If you are looking to invest in blinds or have any other questions, contact us today. We will happily point you in the right direction of the perfect blind for you.