Exterior Solar Shades for North Texas Homes

What are exterior solar shades?

Exterior solar shades are shade fabric that mounts on the outside of a window, door or open area, rather than inside the room like blinds or interior shades. They are often rolled up or pulled down, and some can be motorized. Styles, fabrics, colors and mounting methods vary from one provider to the next.

Where homeowners consider them

• Patios and covered porches. Outdoor living areas that get strong afternoon sun or glare, including lake-facing homes in Little Elm and The Colony.
• Large sunlit windows. Wide windows or glass doors that face the sun for much of the day. Indoor solar shades are another option here.
• Back doors and sliding doors. Openings that lead out to a patio or yard.
• Pergolas and open-sided structures. Where a provider confirms a shade can be mounted safely.

Not every home or space suits an exterior shade. Mounting depends on the structure, so a provider needs to look at the exact spot before anyone can say what will work.

What to ask a participating independent provider

Providers set their own products, pricing, availability, licensing, warranties, installation arrangements and project terms, so ask each of them directly. Good questions include:

Measurements:

• Who measures, and when does that happen?
• What measurements or photos do you need from me to start?

Mounting:

• Where would the shade attach, and to what? (Wall, frame, beam, ceiling or something else.)
• Does the structure need any change before a shade can go up?
• Are there neighborhood or homeowners association guidelines I should check first?

Operation:

• How does it open and close? (Crank, manual pull or motor.)
• Can I reach the controls easily?

Motorization:

• Is a motor an option for my size of shade?
• What are the power options, and how is it controlled?
• What happens if the power goes out?
• Does it work with my smart-home setup? (Ask before you assume.)

The estimate itself:

• What is included, and what is not?
• What are the warranty and installation arrangements?

If you are comparing indoor options too, see our pages on Window Shades, Motorized Shades, Blinds and Plantation Shutters.

How to request an estimate

1. Fill out the short request form with your contact details, ZIP code and the window treatment you are interested in.
2. In the Project Details box, describe the space: where the shade would go, roughly how wide the area is, and whether you want it motorized.
3. Participating independent providers may contact you about your project.

Our service is free to request. Matching depends on participating-provider coverage in your area.

Request Local Estimate