Adding Comfort to Outdoor Spaces with Motorized Shades

Motorized shades let you decide when to let sunshine in and when to enjoy more privacy

While it’s probably safe to say that most of us enjoy spending time in the backyard when the weather is nice, that can quickly turn miserable if you end up just baking in the sun. Motorized shades not only add shade to your outdoor environment, but also give you the flexibility to control when, where, and how much shade you want. No more messing around with trying to get the umbrellas in just the right spot. No more turning cranks until you can’t feel your arms. Just flip a switch, grab a remote, or open an app on your smart device and voilá!

Motorized outdoor shades have several convenient options, such as different levels of opaqueness for controlling how much light you want to come through, or a centralized control panel for home automation integration. They can be controlled via a remote or direct wall control, and you can even set a schedule for them to automatically transition at different times of day. Some motorized wall shades are Bluetooth-enabled and can be controlled from your smartphone or another device.

As well as the obvious shade in your outdoor environment, many people enjoy the extra layer of privacy that a shade affords — especially if neighbors or other people are visible from your yard or patio. Some motorized shades feature automatic sensors that can detect harsh weather conditions such as wind and rain and adjust their position accordingly. They can also keep out insects and other pests.

In addition to these practical benefits, motorized shades are visually pleasing. There are no hanging chains or cords in the way, and there are options to style them to match your home’s aesthetic.

There are two main options for motorized outdoor shades:

1. Battery-powered: These are simple and affordable as they don’t require extra wiring. They’re also the least disruptive to existing home infrastructure and are great for areas that may not be close to an outlet. Battery-powered shades are reliable and can last up to three years before needing a battery replacement.
2. Hard-wired: These require a bit more effort to install depending on whether the shade location has been prewired for power. If not, a wire needs to be run to your home’s electrical supply. Once connected, you’ve eliminated the need to ever change batteries.

You can also install motorized outdoor shades on the exterior of your home to prevent the sun from entering your house through the windows, which helps to keep your house cool. It’s nice to have the convenience of a motorized shade you can operate from indoors, and that doesn’t take up any interior space.

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If you’re thinking of extending your smart home technology to encompass the ease and comfort of motorized outdoor shades, or just to learn more about them, contact us to hear about the various options and benefits.