With these benefits, outdoor roller shades are ideal for providing shade and privacy or weather protection to patios, decks and porches. But this is where some mistakes can be common and you are most likely to end up unsatisfied, broke or with a product that does not behave as one would expect when buying outdoor roller shades. The following five fatal choices you make when purchasing your outdoor roller shades are designed to tear down a wall, be functional and made-to-measure.
- Not Measuring Properly
Before you purchase your outdoor shades, it is important to measure the area that you want to cover properly so that the shades fit nicely. Those large scale drawings should not be drawn which are estimated without the use of measuring tapes. When taking measurements directly on windows, doors or any other openings the height and width of the openings should be measured accurately by using a steel tape measure. Measure and write down the distance accurately for both the total height and width. Take measurements several times for the correct fit; it is crucial to avoid even the slightest inaccuracy in order to obtain the right fit of the pants, which should not be too loose, too short, or too narrow.
- Failures to Consider Brackets and Hardware
One more typical blunder that can be made in calculations is in not considering the thickness of mounting brackets and bolts when deciding on the length and width of the shades. The shade itself may align correctly with the window opening as per the measurements you have taken, but when you consider the fact that the width of the channels, brackets, and other hardware that will be installed on the sides will take an additional 3⁄4 to 3 inches of the width, then the shade becomes several inches too short on one or both sides. This error brings some spaces where the shade is not well fixed hence permitting light and weather factors to intrude.
- Choosing Poor Quality Fabrics
Consumers are very receptive to price with many choosing the initial price instead of the quality of the fabric used in shades. It can be a very expensive proposition and is often the result of what can be termed a ‘false economy’. Relatively cheaper fabric of inferior quality will easily deteriorate from effects such as Ultraviolet light, wind and moisture within a short time. One is usually left with a perception of having obtained cheap shades that have been made from low-quality fabric; of course, this comes with a price as the shades begin to fade, tear, develop other forms of damage and wear quickly than if they had been made from better stuff.
- Assuming One Size Fits All
This has been widely practiced in that people assume that one shade size or style will suffice for different windows or areas. For instance, getting a one wide shade to fit both a big picture window and a small one by the window above the sink may appear suitable. However, this kind of approach usually has an issue of visibility gaps while presenting the issue of light leakage.
Make sure to accurately measure the windows or any other door opening, and buy the correct size of shades for each of them. This helps prevent scenarios where there could be gaps within the fabric coverage or seepage of light, which defeats the purpose of having the shade. Custom ordering of shades that are a proportional measurement of the space of the rooms might at first appear as a more costly or a time consuming process. But in reality, it provides the best opportunities to use shade in each area and at the same time, it offers the highest rates of durability, as well as providing the most efficient capabilities for blocking out the light in accordance with each specific area.
- Ignoring Unique Architectural Features
Due to the peculiarities of the geometric shape of the structure, as well as the specific conditions for mounting outside roller blinds, it is necessary to pay special attention to the choice of specific types of structures, such as sloped windows, angular openings. However, consumers have a tendency to ignore these factors when placing an order for shades. For instance, fitting flat rectangular shades in a sharply angled greenhouse window means that the shades do not cover the sides fully, and this allows the entry of weather elements while successfully providing for light gaps.
Conclusion
Applicable points of advice to prevent common mistakes when purchasing outdoor roller shades and custom sun shade are keying on measurements, selecting shade fabrics that are suitable for weather conditions, purchasing the correct size of shades for each space, and stating any slant or mounting issues before placing an order. Adhere strictly to these guidelines so that you choose carefully, focused on getting the best shades that will last for years while meeting the intended requirements without being destroyed early or requiring replacement.
