Don't leave the installation of outdoor shading to the last minute

There are countless reasons to get outdoor shading. Most often you're worried about overly nosy neighbours, concerned about burglars, battling tropical heat or harsh light, need to prevent heat leaks or live on a busy street. Whether you've decided to have shading installed for these or completely different reasons, you have two crucial decisions to make: when is the best time to have outdoor shading installed and what type to choose? Just don't panic! After reading the following advice, nothing will surprise you when making your decision.

When is the ideal time to schedule a shading installation

When you're reminiscing about summer sunbathing by the pool behind windows covered in frost with a warm cup of tea, you'll also recall the times when the hot air bothered you and you searched in vain for a cool shade to protect you from the sun's heat. To avoid a repeat of this summer torment, this is the time to start choosing outdoor shading.

To make sure the shading perfectly meets your wishes and ideas, you need to spend enough time planning. First and foremost, don't underestimate the choice of outdoor shading - you will be deciding between roller blinds, shutters, or modern vertical facade screens, cassette awnings for terraces or aluminium pergolas may also be a solution for you.

Once you have at least a small idea, do not hesitate to contact a quality installation company. You can then choose from a wide range of colours, fabrics, shapes and slat widths. You also need to decide on manual or electric operation. The shading experts can advise you on everything. They will then visit you, measure the window, have the custom-made shading made and then professionally install it for you. And by the summer, you'll be enjoying your new shading. Good thing you remembered in time for winter, right?

Think about shading at the project stage

If you're getting shading for a new build or as part of a renovation, it's a good idea to think about it as part of the project, so that the building company can allow space for the shading elements. This way, the drive for the shading technology is hidden under the façade and the overall appearance of the house is not disturbed by a visible box or cover sheet.

Petr and Gabriela Koukal also thought well in advance about the installation of external blinds in their house. Take a look at how our best Protal outdoor blinds suit their house.

Which to prefer - outdoor blinds or shutters?

Deciding which type of outdoor shading to get depends on your specific needs. Both blinds and roller blinds can give you privacy, protect you from the sun and can lower the temperature in your room by up to 10°C. With outdoor blinds, the slats can be tilted - so you can adjust the light as you like, and you can shade and ventilate at the same time.

If you are constantly disturbed by noise from outside when you work from home and feel that heat escapes through your windows in winter, you should choose a roller blind. Their aluminium or plastic slats cannot be tilted, but by pulling them down you create an armour that acts as sound and heat insulation. This can save up to 30% on heating costs during the winter.

Did you know that roller shutters can also extend the life of your windows? Outdoor roller blinds and shutters act as protection for your windows against heavy rain and UV rays. In addition, roller blinds protect you not only from the elements, but also from human influences. In fact, you can fit them with an anti-pull lock to prevent burglary attempts. And in the summer, you will certainly find it useful that the roller shutters can be fitted with integrated insect screens. Window nets can also be added to the exterior shading at any later date.

Now that you are clear on which exterior shading is the right choice for you, you can get started!