Commercial Exterior Shades and Solar Screens
The best place to stop the sun is before it hits your glass. Exterior shades block heat and glare on the outside of your windows and patios, keeping interiors cooler and customers more comfortable. Hot Springs Awning installs commercial shades for storefronts, offices, restaurants and public buildings.
Types of Commercial Shades
Solar Screen Shades
Roll-Down Patio Shades
Motorized Shades
Manual Shades
Shade Sails
Why Exterior Shades Work
Lower Cooling Loads
Less Glare
Protected Interiors
Better Patio Comfort
Choosing the Right Fabric
Shade fabrics come in different openness levels. A tighter weave blocks more sun and offers more privacy. A more open weave keeps more of the view. We bring samples to your site so you can see how each looks in your light.
Interior Blinds vs. Exterior Shades
Interior blinds block light, but by the time sunlight reaches them it has already passed through the glass and heated the room. Exterior shades stop the sun outside, before it reaches the window, so far less heat enters the building. That is why exterior shading is one of the most effective ways to control heat on sunny walls. It also protects window film, frames and seals from direct sun.
Shade Fabric Openness
Shade fabrics are rated by openness, the percentage of the weave that lets light through.
Darker colors generally give a clearer view out, while lighter colors reflect more heat.
| Openness | What It Does | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| About 1–3% | Maximum sun and glare control; more daytime privacy | West-facing glass, offices with screens |
| About 4–6% | Balanced heat control and view | Most patios and storefronts |
| About 10%+ | More view and airflow | Dining patios where the view matters |
| Long-term upkeep | Rinse occasionally | Sanding, sealing, repairs |
Manual or Motorized
Manual shades use a crank or cord and work well for smaller windows and occasional use. Motorized shades suit large openings, high windows and spaces where staff adjust shades often. Grouping motorized shades on one control lets you lower a whole wall at once.
Where Commercial Shades Make the Biggest Difference
Schools and Public buildings
Hotels and Apartments
West-Facing Storefronts
Restaurant Patios
Offices and Clinics
Caring for Your Aluminum Cover
Raise shades during storms and high winds. Rinse fabric periodically to remove dust and pollen, and clean spots with mild soap and water. Check guides and housings once or twice a year.
What Affects the Cost
Cost depends on the number and size of shades, fabric type, manual or motorized operation, guide systems and the mounting surface. We provide a written quote after measuring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. From inside, most solar screens let you see out clearly during the day.
They are one of the best fixes for hot western exposures.
Ask during your estimate. Some systems can be upgraded.
From outside during the day, many solar fabrics make it harder to see in. If your window displays matter, we can recommend a more open fabric or plan shades to rise during business hours.
Yes. Motorized operation is especially helpful for windows that are hard to reach.
Yes. Awnings shade from above, and shades block low-angle sun from the side.