Josh Hobbs - Austin, Texas
512-351-5762
5,500+ Installations in the Austin TX area.
Patio Roller Shades -> Questions & Answers
Page Menu - Patio Roller Shades - Questions & Answers
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Will my manual outdoor patio screens provide bug protection?
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Exterior Roller Shades for all openings of the patio. Advantages of complete patio shade.
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Installing my manual patio sun shades when there are handrails.
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Installing roller shades for handrail walkway openings for patios.
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Can I leave down your manual outdoor roller shades all of the time?
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How do your manual retractable patio screens roll up and down, what controls them?
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What is used to tie down your manual patio blinds? How are the patio blinds secured?
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With the roller shades down, can people see into my patio at night?
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Can I use your porch shades as privacy screens during the day?
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What amount of shade can I expect to get from your sun shades for patios?
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What is your Austin TX outdoor patio blinds installation area?
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How to get replacement parts and repairs for my roller shades.
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In addition to your custom-made Manual roller shades, do you also install Motorized roller shades?
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Addressing openings wider than 16', the max width of my manual shades.
Question : Can I self install my outdoor roller shades and save on the installation?
& Answer : You can find pricing for my DIY patio roller shades on this JoshHobbs.com website. Additionally, you can order your DIY exterior patio roller shades for self-installation through my HobbsScreens.com website. The following video provides instructions on how to measure and install the patio roller shades.
Patio Roller Shades - INSTALLATION Q&A's
Question : Will your outdoor patio screens keep the flying insects out of the patio?
& Answer : No, my roller shades are strictly for the purpose of providing temporary shade. What you are looking for are called ZipperTrack patio roller shade systems. With a zippertrack motorized patio roller shade system, the sides of the fabric have a zipper glued (heat welded) to them. Then this zipper slides between a channel (track) on either side of the roller shade, so when the shade is down, it is sealed on all sides of the shade. Zippertrack systems are VERY NICE, everything about them is top-notch, it's just that they come at a sticker price that most people are shocked by. Alternatively, an excellent way to also handle bug protection is to build a screened-in back patio enclosure. If you screen in your back patio with insect bug screen fabric and then hang my patio outdoor sun shades on the inside of the back patio enclosure, you will get the best of all worlds. You will get bug protection full time, and then when you need patio sun protection, you roll down my solar patio shades to get shade from the sun.
Question : Is there an advantage to putting the exterior roller shades on all of the openings of my back patio? Will it look odd if I only put the patio sun shades on just some of my patio openings?
& Answer : It’s perfectly fine to install exterior roller shades only on the openings you need. You can choose to shade just the patio areas that are most important to you. However, the advantage of installing the shades on all openings is that it creates a feeling of enclosure, making the patio feel more private and inviting. When you lower the exterior blinds for all your patio openings, it feels as if you’ve transformed the area into a completely new private space that offers great visibility to the outside.
Experiencing this setup is truly impressive; it’s difficult to fully appreciate until you see it for yourself. Right now, when you step out onto your back patio, you’re just outside your home, exposed to the sun and anyone looking in. But once you lower the solar shades, you will have created your own private, shaded, and comfortable outdoor room—it's a massive transformation.
Additionally, there’s a financial benefit to consider. When you install all the shades at once, you can take advantage of quantity discounts, leading to significant savings.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining what it is like covering all of your patio openings with roller shades versus just some.
Question : I see that the Height (length) options for your patio roll shades are 85" and 99", which length should I go with? How long should my sun shades for the patio be? Do I need my retractable patio screens to go all the way to the ground?
& Answer : Patio roller shades do not need to extend all the way to the ground. Instead, they should drop to a height that provides sufficient shade protection from the sun. An 85-inch patio roller shade is ideal for a patio with a ceiling height of around 8 feet, while a 99-inch shade is suitable for taller patios with approximately 10-foot ceilings.
When we install the full 85-inch roller shade, we will place a ball stop on the shade to limit its drop to your desired length. This ball stop will be installed on-site during the installation process. My preference is to have around 20 to 24 inches of space from the bottom of the patio roller shade to the floor. This 20 to 24-inch gap allows air to circulate beneath the outdoor sun shades, preventing air stagnation within your patio area.
The following pictures can help you visualize how far to drop the outdoor porch blinds.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining what height would be best for your Austin Texas outdoor retractable patio solar shade project.
Question : Can my back patio sun shades drop behind my metal hand railing? In front of my handrail? To the top of my handrail? How does it work when I have a handrail?
& Answer : If you have a handrail, I can install the back patio sun shades either in front of or behind your metal handrail. To prevent noise from the aluminum bottom rail bumping against the handrail during windy conditions, I will add rubber bumpers to the solar patio shades. I prefer to use the handrail as a stop to minimize the movement of the roll shades when they are blown by the breeze.
I've included some pictures for you to get an idea of how this will look. Once you place your order for the outdoor patio shades, I will provide recommendations based on my observations of the patio.
& my Video Answer : My video answer showing how I handle handrails when I install my outdoor patio blinds.
Question : I have a stairwell opening within my handrail; how should I install the roller shades for that? Should I leave space for a walkthrough? Should I close off the walkthrough opening?
& Answer : I personally do not think so. I am not a fan of leaving an opening there to access the stairs. You can easily enough move the outdoor patio screen out of your way to access the stairs when you need to; it is not a big deal to do. And, leaving that area as an unshaded opening allows more sun to get into the patio. Something we are trying to eliminate. Plus, I do not think it looks all that great when the entire area is not covered. You be the judge. There are plenty of pictures here for you to see both ways.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining options for installing outdoor shades around a stairwell opening.
Question : When you drop the patio solar shades past the handrail, how do you keep them from clanking against the metal or wood railing?
& Answer : I use rubber bumpers that are made in the USA. I install them wherever I believe they are necessary and in quantities that I feel are appropriate. I do this while I am on-site installing the solar shades, which allows me to determine the exact placement of the bumpers.
Question : Can I leave the outdoor roller shade screen in the down position all the time? Do I need to roll the outdoor patio blinds up when I am not using them? Can I use them to shade my patio's windows?
& Answer : It is essential to roll up the outdoor patio shades when you are not on the patio. Make it a habit never to leave them down unattended. The patio shades are designed for temporary use—roll them down when you are on the patio and need shade, and roll them back up when you are finished. You should also roll them up if it gets windy.
These manual solar shades are not intended for shading windows located under the patio, where they would need to be left down unattended. They are meant strictly for providing temporary sun protection while you are on the patio.
Wind can be very powerful, and leaving the shades down can create significant stress on the tie-downs and the area where the fabric attaches to the roll tube. Most importantly, it can jeopardize the gears of the clutch. You want to avoid stripping the clutch due to wind damage, so please refer to the Video Answer in this Q&A for further discussion on this topic.
While our patio sun shades are built to be sturdy and durable, it's important to remember that the wind can exert extreme force, especially given the large area of fabric exposed when the shades are down. Always exercise good judgment and make it a standard practice to roll up your Austin outdoor shades when they are not in use. If your patio shade does get damaged due to the wind, I'm available for a service call to repair it.
& my Video Answer : My video answer that explains when to use the roller shades and when not to. This is a very informative video to watch.
Patio Roller Shades - Operating Q&A's
Question : How do you roll the retractable patio screens up and down? Is it hard to roll the patio sun screens up and down?
& Answer : I use two made-in-USA Rollease exterior manual pull chain clutches to operate my exterior sun shades. These clutches are the heaviest-duty options available on the market for outdoor use. Additionally, I use a stainless steel pull chain, also made in the USA since 1938, which matches the bead size of these clutches exactly to prevent any slippage. The sun shades roll up and down easily. While the larger 16-foot outdoor patio screens are somewhat heavy, they can still be rolled up effortlessly with minimal effort.
& my Video Answer : My video answer showing how to operate my patio sun shades. How you roll up and down the outdoor shades.
Question : What keeps the patio blinds from blowing around in the wind? Is there a way to tie the exterior blinds down to keep them from blowing around in the wind?
& Answer : The clutch mechanism on my outdoor roller shades does not allow them to be unwound on their own. Additional fabric can only be let off the roll by manually pulling on the chain. The bottoms of our patio sun shades are secured using ball bungee cords and hooks that are screwed into the wall.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining how I tie down my roll up patio shades to not blow around.
Question : What holds the outdoor roll up blinds up there? How do the outdoor sun shades mount? What do the mounting brackets look like? Are these mounting brackets heavy duty and strong?
& Answer : Regardless of the size of the outdoor solar shade, I only use one specific heavy-duty mounting bracket: the Rollease made in the USA. This is the most robust galvanized steel exterior mounting bracket available, and in my experience, it's the strongest on the market. You cannot bend these brackets; they are made from durable galvanized metal. I use this same strong mounting bracket for all my exterior roller shade installations, no matter how small or narrow the shade may be. Here are some pictures showing what the Rollease mounting brackets look like.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining what holds up my outdoor sun shades. How my outdoor roll up blinds mount.
Question : Can people see in to my patio at night (evening) when my Roller Shades are down? Will I get evening privacy with my new roll up patio shades?
& Answer : Your eyes work by reflected light. When it's dark outside, the fabric of your shade will appear darker as well. However, if your patio lights are on, you can expect to see through the shade fabric. This interaction between the darkness outside and the brightness inside creates an interesting visual effect. To better understand this situation and help you make informed choices about your patio design, the following pictures will provide useful insights.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining what kind of privacy to expect from the patio blinds at night.
Patio Roller Shades - Materials Q&A's
Question : Can I use your porch shades as privacy screens? How about using your outdoor shades for porches as a means of blinds for my patio? Will your porch sun shades give me privacy from my neighbors during the day?
& Answer : The fabric of the shades is very dense, with a 97% opacity, which will provide ample daytime privacy. You’ll experience this privacy effectively as long as the shades are used in a darker area, such as beneath a solid-covered roof. However, if light is coming through an uncovered pergola roof, it may be possible to see through the fabric from the outside during the day.
Your eyes perceive the world based on reflected light. When there is a strong light source, like the sun shining through a partially covered pergola, that light reflection is what your eyes will detect. Conversely, if you are under a covered patio during the day, your eyes will pick up the bright fabric of the patio screens, making it difficult to see past the fabric since the area under the patio is darker.
To help clarify this, I have included some pictures of my patio sun shades for you to see what I’m describing.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining what kind of daytime privacy to expect from my outdoor shades. Can people see in during the day?
Question : I see that you use a 97% sun shades for patio fabric, what exactly does that mean?
& Answer : Some vendors refer to this as 3%, indicating that the openness of the fabric is 3%. I categorize my fabric as sun shade fabric, similar to how I describe my solar window screen fabrics as having 97% shade. This means that the fabric provides 97% shade coverage. The woven area consists of 97% solid material, with 3% representing the openness or holes in the fabric.
Question : I see that you have a 90% solar shade fabric for your solar window screens, can you make the retractable patio screens out of the same 90% solar shade fabric? What would the difference be between the 90% and the 97% solar shade fabrics?
& Answer : Absolutely, I can make your new patio roller shades with 90% fabric. However, the additional 7% may seem insignificant, but in reality, it represents a 70% improvement when moving from 90% shade to 97% shade. This means that the difference in shading is quite substantial.
I have built and installed many patio roller shades with 90% fabric, and I can confidently say that the difference in shading is significant. For a patio roller shade, it’s important to maximize the amount of shade you receive. The last thing you want while enjoying your patio is to feel the warmth of the sun’s rays; you want the shade fabric to block the sun’s heat as effectively as possible.
Question : Will I be able to see through your dense 97% solar shade fabric? Should I instead get you to make my roller shades out of your 90% fabric so I can see through the fabric better? I want to be able to see my yard, can I do that with these roller shades down?
& Answer : You can see through the 97% fabric very clearly during the day. However, at night, neither the 97% nor the 90% fabric is see-through at all. I have included a series of pictures that demonstrate visibility through all the colors of my 97% fabric, as well as the 90% fabrics for comparison.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining looking out my outdoor porch shades. Showing you how well you can actually see through them.
Question : Is there a way to clean your Austin outdoor roller shades?
& Answer : Yes, the fabric for our porch and patio shades is very heavy-duty. For a gentle, mild cleaning, when the fabric is not all that dirty, you can clean the roll shade fabric while in the down position by hand using a cloth and mild cleaner like Simple Green. Or you can hire one of our window washers that can do it for you professionally, maybe even while you are getting your windows washed to get a better price. When I clean the roll shades, I take them down and open them in the full open position and I scrub them with simple green, then I use a pressure washer for a final clean. Our outdoor patio shades can be cleaned while installed in the down position, just be smart about it and do not apply too much pressure, resulting in pulling on the clutch while cleaning them.
For more Q&A's about my Patio Roller Shade Pricing
Visit my Solar Window Screen Pricing page
Patio Roller Shades - PRICING Q&A's
Question : Can I purchase and install the patio roller screens or commercial roller shades to self install? Do you ship them? If I want to save on the patio shade screen installation cost, do you have DIY instructions?
& Answer : While we do not ship our roller shades, we do have a pickup facility located in Austin TX at 183/Burnet Rd in North Austin that is available for 24/7 pickups. To order any of my roll shade screens as a DIY or Contractor, go to our HobbsScreens.com website and under our Roller Shade Screens section you will see our roller shade screens listed as Exterior Patio Roll Shade Screens and Interior Commercial Grade Roll Shade Screens.
To see how EASY it is to install our Outdoor Roll Up Shades or Interior Office Window Shades, please watch the following video that explains how to measure and how to install Roll-Up Shades.
Question : What is your Austin TX Outdoor Patio blinds services installation area ?
& Answer : Our Austin Texas service area includes the following surrounding areas - Pflugerville, Round Rock, Hutto, Georgetown, Leander, Cedar Park, Buda and Manor. Review my service area map to see if your home falls within my installation area.
Question : What is the Warranty for your installed Austin TX outdoor roller shades for patios?
& Answer : We offer a 90-day (3-month) warranty on our roll-up patio shades and their installation. Please note that this warranty does not cover personal damage or neglect, particularly damage caused by leaving the roll-up patio shades down during a windstorm. Our sturdy Austin outdoor patio shades are designed to be temporarily lowered for shade and raised when not in use.
Personal damage often occurs when users pull forcefully on the chain while the outdoor roller shade is still tied down, which can strip the gears inside the clutch. Similarly, some users may mistakenly pull the chain in the wrong direction, believing the roller shade is stuck, leading to further damage to the clutch gears. It is important to recognize that such damage usually requires significant force but can happen nonetheless.
All of our outdoor porch roll-up blinds are equipped with ball stops on the chain to prevent them from being rolled down too far. They will automatically stop when reaching both the down and up positions. During our consultation with customers, we emphasize the importance of not forcing the roller shades up or down. If the shade isn't moving when you pull on the chain, it's likely you are pulling in the wrong direction, attempting to pull the ball stop through the clutch, or the outdoor roll shade is still tied down (which is the most common scenario). The best approach is to stop, evaluate your action, and make the necessary corrections instead of continuing to pull forcefully.
These issues are classified as personal damage and are not covered under the warranty from JoshHobbs.com. If such damage occurs, there will be a repair cost associated with fixing it. Our trip rates are $200 plus materials.
While our outdoor solar shades are highly durable, we recommend not leaving them down when you are not using the patio. Prolonged exposure to wind can stress the fabric, which in turn puts pressure on the gears within the clutch, potentially stripping them.
We provide this information to ensure you have a product that lasts. Proper use of these shades is essential to avoid non-warranty personal damage.
If you are looking for a solution to shade your patio windows, consider our solar window screens. These screens will provide consistent shade for your windows, while the outdoor patio shades are perfect for temporary shade when you are outside on the patio.
Patio Roller Shades - WARRANTY Q&A's
Question : When the warranty expires, do I have an option for replacement materials and parts? Can I source replacement parts from you? What is your service rate to repair a roller shade?
& Answer : Because I am the manufacturer of the roller shades, all parts can easily be sourced through me. There are not really all that many parts that make up our roller shades and I readily have them at all times available for when you need them. As far as an onsite repair, my flat rate trip charge is $200. So the trip to drive to the home and fix your damaged roller shade runs $200 plus the cost of the replacement part. The most common part that needs to be replaced is the clutch, and they run around $45 in cost.
Patio Roller Shades - GENERAL Q&A's
Question : Will air pass through the roll up patio shades very well?
& Answer : It's important to only lower the shades as much as necessary. You want to ensure there's plenty of space beneath the shades for air circulation, allowing air to flow under the roller shades to the patio area. The fabric used is a very dense 97% material, just 3% short of the 100% fabric typically used in boat sails. While this 97% fabric is excellent for providing shade, its density can restrict airflow. The following pictures illustrate installations that facilitate adequate airflow. Keeping the shades about 20 to 24 inches off the ground promotes good air circulation.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining how well sun shades for the patio will let air pass through. How well retractable patio screens breathe.
Question : I see that your retractable patio shade screens are manually operated (roll up and down by chain), do you also do motorized roll shades that operate by a motor, by remote control?
& Answer : Yes, we provide motorized options for large commercial applications, but for residential properties, we currently only install manual roll-down patio shades. My manual shades are significantly more affordable, for a 10' roll-down exterior sun shade costing only $600 insalled, compared to approximately $2500 for a motorized, zipper-tracked shade. While the motorized system is high-end, our manual shades deliver the same level of shade at a fraction of the price. Additionally, manual shades require less maintenance; once installed, they function reliably without the complications of motor or remote issues. My focus is on providing affordability, simplicity, and durability, ensuring your patio solar shades offer minimal maintenance and longevity.
Question : Can I cover my windows with outdoor roller shades instead of using your solar window screens? Can you mount your roll up solar shades on the outside of my windows?
& Answer : I do not recommend installing outdoor shades that can blow around in the wind near your windows. All of our outdoor shades in Austin that roll up and down feature a heavy aluminum bottom hem bar to keep them weighted down. You want to avoid concerns about them moving around and possibly hitting your window, which could break the glass.
While it is physically possible to install these shades over your windows, I do not offer this service. However, if you are interested in a DIY project, you can purchase outdoor roller shades to install yourself through my website HobbsScreens.com for DIY patio shades.
Question : Can I use patio exterior solar shades for the inside of my Residential Windows instead of blinds? Can I replace my blinds with your roll shade screens? Can I use your retractable solar shades for Patio Privacy?
& Answer : You can use roller shades, but they will not provide evening privacy. For a government project I worked on, multiple companies bid on the same job and all assured the purchaser that the densest available fabric, which blocks 99% of light, would offer evening privacy. I informed the purchaser that these bidders were mistaken. To demonstrate my point, I presented the following pictures. As you can see, you can still see through this 99% fabric at night (right picture). If you have windows where evening privacy is not a concern and you prefer roller shades over blinds, then you can definitely use them.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining why I do not use my solar shades for residential interior installations.
Question : What's the difference between the patio roll screens and your commercial grade roller shades for windows?
& Answer : Our patio roll shade screens include tie-downs and are equipped with exterior-grade stainless steel pull chains and heavy-duty exterior-grade Rollease clutches that have a pull rating of up to 56 pounds. In contrast, when we manufacture commercial window coverings for interior use, these exterior-grade components are not necessary, which reduces your overall cost.
For my commercial window shades in Austin, I exclusively use stainless steel pull chains. While plastic pull chains are often found in commercial solar window shades, I avoid them due to their tendency to break and lack of reliability. For situations that involve heavy or frequent use, I strongly recommend choosing stainless steel pull chains for enhanced durability.
Question : I would like your Austin outdoor blinds for porch and patios to be the same color as the solar window screens you install for us, can you do this? Can you make the patio sun shades out of the same solar shade fabric / color that you are making our solar window screens out of?
& Answer : Absolutely! We can match the color of the solar window screens we install for you. Our solar window screens and exterior sun shades for patios can be made from the same fabric, ensuring they are identical in appearance.
I recommend using the 97% shade fabric for the roller shades. The difference in shading between the 90% fabric used for our solar window screens and the 97% fabric used for our outdoor patio blinds represents a significant 70% increase in shade. Therefore, I strongly suggest opting for the 97% fabric for your outdoor patio shades instead of the 90%.
Question : Can I use your outdoor roller shades to provide wind protection? How durable are your retractable sun shades from wind? Can I leave the patio solar shades down if it is windy? Will wind damage the patio shades? How much wind can the patio blinds take?
& Answer : My sun shades for decks and patios are intended for temporary shade only and are not designed for wind protection. While the fabric does not allow wind to pass through, it can help with light breezes. However, they should be rolled up when it is windy. It is important not to leave the solar shades down, especially at night.
When you notice the shades flexing and moving in strong gusts of wind, it’s time to raise them. The shades are secured with a bungee tie-down system, and the clutches are designed to keep the fabric in place, preventing it from being pulled off the tube. However, it’s a good idea to avoid letting strong winds constantly batter them. Over time, the repeated pressure from the wind can affect the performance of the clutch.
Additionally, my roll-up sun shades are installed with the strongest mounting hardware available for this type of outdoor application, ensuring they won’t come down. However, it's best not to subject the tie-downs or the clutches to unnecessary pressure. Keep in mind that the wind does not move through this fabric, which is 97% dense—just 3% shy of a sail on a boat. This means the fabric can move under wind pressure. Please check out the following pictures for examples.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining how my roll up patio shades are not for wind protection. How wind impacts my patio screens.
Question : Can I use your roll up patio shades for the front of my home? To shade my front door? To provide sun shade for the front entrance of my home?
& Answer : Not really because you don't want to leave the shades down unattended where they could get beaten up from the wind. If you are needing the roller shade for a random occasion while you are sitting on the front patio, then yes they will be a good idea. You just don't want these left down subjected to wind damage.
Question : I have an enclosed patio and am thinking of using your porch blinds for sun shade, is this a good idea? Will your patio blinds benefit the enclosed patio I already have?
& Answer : My porch shades are an ideal solution for enclosed patios and porches. They provide excellent bug protection, while my patio shades offer effective sun protection. Together, they create the perfect combination. I highly recommend using my roll-down patio shades for enclosed patios that receive a lot of sunlight, as they will provide essential shade. Here are some pictures showcasing how this looks.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining using my outdoor sun shades for enclosed patios. The benefits of using sun shades closed in patios.
Question : I see that your widest outdoor sun shade option is 16' 192", but my opening is larger. Can I still use your outdoor solar shades?
& Answer : In this scenario, I have two options for installing the solar shade. I could center the shade, leaving a 6-inch space on either side, or I could install the outdoor roller shade flush against one side and use a longer bungee tie-down. I am capable of making bungee tie-downs of any size on-site, so whether the shade is 1 foot or 2 feet short, I can create a tie-down long enough to secure the outdoor patio shade properly. Additionally, if you have a 20-foot-wide opening, I can install two 10-foot shades together as an alternative.
& my Video Answer : My video answer explaining how I address having an opening larger than 16'.
Question : I have a 24' wide opening, can you install two of your 12' outdoor patio blinds next to each other to cover a 24' opening?
& Answer : If there is a way to tie the meeting corners of the two patio blinds down, then the answer would be yes. Say, if this span is over a handrail, and I can put my tie-down hooks on the handrail, then the answer would be yes. I have to have someplace to tie the corners down. Something to screw my hooks into. I can tie my roller blinds down to the concrete if they can drop that far.
Question : Can we see your outdoor patio blinds first hand? Do you have a showroom where we can see your outdoor manual solar shades?
& Answer : I have my outdoor solar shades hanging within my pickup room at 183 and Burnet Rd. I have an un-manned pickup room, something unique to me that I created and built. Contact me and I'll give you a personalized entrance code just for you and a map to the facility. You can swing by 24/7 at any hour of any day. Before you contact me, you'll need to provide me with pictures of your project so I know how to help you. I need to see those pictures so I know what it is you have going on. I may even make you a full Sales Video Presentation using your pictures that will go over in detail the entire project, all before you go to the facility.