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Joining two solar patio shades together tied down with bungee cords

  • Writer: Josh Hobbs
    Josh Hobbs
  • Nov 24, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 11

The largest opening we can create for an 85-inch high outdoor patio shade is 16 feet.


For openings wider than 16 ft, we will need to combine two roller shades to cover the entire width.

Showing two 12' wide outdoor roll shades mounted together tied down with bungee cords
This setup features two installed outdoor roller shades in Round Rock, TX, each measuring 12 feet in width, that are mounted side by side. They are secured in place using bungee cords to ensure stability and proper tension.

All of my outdoor roller shades are tied down with bungee cords. You need the bungee cords to allow the outdoor roller shades to be able to flex in the mild breezes.


Tied down with bungee cords to a D-Buckle to secure two adjoining roller shades.

As shown in the picture below, the side of the outdoor roller shades nearest to the walls is secured to the walls.

These are my new brown 97% roller shades
These are my new brown 97% roller shades.

The two roller shades connect at a junction that is securely attached to the concrete slab with a strong D-Buckle. This metal fastener keeps the shades stable, so they won't move or sag. The D-Buckle supports the roller shades, allowing them to work smoothly and stay aligned in different weather conditions.


Where there is not a wall to tie down to, we will use a longer bungee cord to get us to the slab. Shown here are my 85" drop New Brown patio solar protection shades.

Showing stainless steel D-Buckle
Showing how we tie down the roller shades using a stainless steel D-Buckle

In this setup, I utilized a stainless steel D-Buckle secured to the concrete using Tapcon anchors. To enhance flexibility, I will connect long bungee cords to the D-Buckle, and at the end of each cord, I will attach two stainless steel swivel bolt snaps. This combination will provide a durable and reliable connection suitable for mild winds.


Gapping between patio roller shades mounted together.

Looking the mounted together roller shades
Looking through the patio roller shades that are installed together (side by side).

The distance between the two shades is remarkably close, ideally intended to be an inch and a half apart. However, reality often varies; I would suggest anticipating a spacing anywhere from one and a half to two and a half inches.


Many people express their concerns about potential gaps in this area, but the truth is that any gap that does occur is minimal and hardly noticeable.


Take a look at this picture; you'll notice various small gaps present around the shades. We had to carefully position the shades around the intricacies of the stonework on the posts. When you're inside the patio, the sheer size of the shade is overwhelming, rendering those tiny openings virtually insignificant.


The experience of being enveloped in the expansive shade makes any minor gaps fade into the background.


Doubled up bungee cords for tie-downs.

Strongly tied down with bungee cords
Firmly secured with doubled-up bungee cords.

To ensure strength, I always double up my bungees during installation. This means that the bungee running from the eye hook to the bolt snap is used in pairs. This approach extends the lifespan of the bungee. Using a single bungee places significant pressure on it, whereas using two bungees doubles the strength.


Raise your roller shade when you are not using it.


Roller shades for patios serve as an effective temporary sunshade solution, providing comfort and protection from the sun while you enjoy your outdoor space. These shades are to be rolled down for use when you're on the patio and rolled back up when you are not outdoors enjoying the patio.


What it is like to be on the inside of sunshades. Here is an outstanding picture showing what it looks like looking through my outdoor sun shades.

Look how much wonderful shade you get with these sun shades
Look how much wonderful shade you get with these sunshades

This image shows a patio that feels welcoming. It features long, 12-foot sunshades arranged neatly. These sunshades create gentle shadows and let in warm sunlight, making the space more attractive. They not only provide shade but also turn the patio into a lovely place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.


The solar sun shades are beautiful.  Beautiful and they provide a whopping 97% amount of shade from the sun
The solar sun shades are beautiful. Beautiful, and they provide a whopping 97% amount of shade from the sun. This home in Hutto could have benefited from a Hutto, TX, solar window screen installation as well.

This is the same patio as the picture shown above. This is an exterior view, whereas the picture above is an interior view. These are beige/white solar sun shades.


Question: Can I leave the outdoor patio shades down all the time? & Answer: Always roll up the outdoor patio shades when you're not on the patio. Make it a habit to never leave them down when unattended.



 
 
 

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