Exterior Solar Shades That Stop the Heat Outside
Interior shades are great for glare and privacy, but by the time the sun hits an inside shade, the heat is already through the glass. In the desert, the most effective place to stop solar heat is outside the window. That's what exterior solar shades do.
Interior shades are great for glare and privacy, but by the time the sun hits an inside shade, the heat is already through the glass. In the desert, the most effective place to stop solar heat is outside the window. That's what exterior solar shades do.
Birkins Blinds & Awnings installs exterior roller and solar shades for windows, patios and garages across the Coachella Valley, and pairs them with SunPro retractable awnings when you want even more shade.
Why exterior shades work so well here
Exterior solar shades block heat on the outside of the window, before it gets in. That makes them one of the most effective ways to cool west-facing rooms, patios and garages in the desert. You still keep your view, because solar shade fabric is designed to cut heat and glare while letting you see out.
They're especially useful for:
- West-facing windows and sliders that bake every afternoon
- Covered patios that are unusable from mid-afternoon to sunset because of low western sun
- Pool patios where you want shade without losing the view of the yard
- Garages and workshops that turn into ovens in summer
Patio enclosures and window applications
Exterior shades can cover individual windows or enclose the open sides of a patio. On a patio, lowering the shades in the late afternoon turns a too-hot space into an outdoor room you'll actually use. Many homeowners pair exterior shades on the sides with a SunPro retractable awning overhead.
Choosing the right fabric
Solar shade fabrics come in different openness levels. A tighter weave blocks more heat and glare; a more open weave keeps more of the view. We bring samples to your home, look at the exposure for each opening and help you pick the right balance of shade and view. Darker colors usually give a clearer view out; lighter colors reflect more heat. We'll walk you through it.
Motorized or manual
Exterior shades can be manual or motorized with Somfy motors. Motorized shades are a big convenience on large patio openings, and they can be set up with remotes, wall switches or a hub for app and schedule control. That's handy if you're in the desert part of the year and want your shades working while you're away.
Built for desert wind and sun
The desert is hard on anything outdoors: intense UV, high heat and strong wind events. We'll talk through mounting, fabric and controls for your site, and recommend options that make sense for how exposed your patio or windows are.
HOA-friendly planning
Many valley communities have HOA rules about exterior changes, including colors and visible hardware. We're happy to provide product and color information you can share with your HOA for approval before we install.
Local, licensed install and service
We're a locally owned Palm Desert company, licensed, bonded and insured (CA License #1111422). We measure, install and service every exterior shade ourselves.
Exterior shades plus a SunPro awning
For many patios, the best answer is both. A SunPro retractable awning shades the patio from overhead during midday, and exterior solar shades on the sides handle the low western sun late in the day. We'll measure your space and recommend the right size, projection and combination for how you use your patio.
Frequently asked questions
Will exterior solar shades block my view?
No. Solar shade fabric is designed to cut heat and glare while you still see out. We'll help you choose the right openness for each spot.
Are exterior shades better than interior shades for heat?
For heat, yes. Exterior shades stop the sun before it reaches the glass. Interior shades are still great for privacy and glare, and many homes use both.
Can exterior shades be motorized?
Yes. We motorize exterior shades with Somfy motors, with remote, switch, app or schedule control.
Areas we serve
Palm Desert Palm Springs Rancho Mirage Cathedral City La Quinta Indian Wells Indio
Take back your patio.
Book a free in-home measure and we'll check your space, show fabric samples and give you a clear written quote. Call (760) 206-3080.
