VISION's 2024 Exterior Shading Solutions Outdoor Living Guide

S U M M E R

EXTERIOR SHADES & OUTDOOR LIVING

Welcome Summer 2024!

As the outdoor living trend continues to gain traction, VISION recognizes the importance of covering both interior and exterior window solutions. To further serve as a comprehensive resource for all your window needs, we proudly introduce our Exterior Shades & Outdoor Living 2024 guide, which attests to the remarkable growth of this movement.

I had to share my favorite summer treat: grilled peaches. Ripe peaches are a treat on their own, but this grilled peaches recipe makes them even sweeter! Top them with ice cream for a perfect summer dessert sure to please family and friends under your favorite outdoor oasis!

P S Make sure to serve your peaches hot!

Grace McNamara Publisher Window Fashion VISION wf-vision com

Ingredients

4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted

Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing

½ cup walnuts, toasted and crushed ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Vanilla ice cream

This recipe is courtesy of Love & Lemons, loveandlemons com

Preheat a grill pan or grill to medium heat. Don’t skip this step! The grill should be nice and hot when you add the fruit Otherwise, it will stick to the grill grates, and it won’t char as nicely.

Cook. Brush the cut side of the halved peaches with olive oil and grill them cut-side down until grill marks form. I like the peach halves to be juicy but not mushy, so I don’t flip them. Instead, I grill them cut-side down until they’re lightly charred and take them off the heat. That’s it!

Eat! Serve the grilled peaches on their own or with your desired toppings

info@wf-vision com

This recipe and photo is courtesy of Love & Lemons, loveandlemons.com

EXTERIOR SHADES & OUTDOOR LIVING 2024

OUTDOOR SHADES BRING SOUTHERN COMFORT WITH A SPLASH

Sometimes, the smallest things make a big difference For his home, Georgia builder Jerome Rosetti had designed and built a stunning outdoor living and entertaining space with a lap pool. Rosetti wanted to keep the space usable during the heat of summer and the occasional chilly winter day. One thing he did not want was a traditional screened-in porch “Not many people want screen porches anymore; everyone wants to be outside,” said Wes Bradshaw, the owner of Sunbelt Technology in Atlanta. “Every month except for maybe December, January and February, we have great weather, so you want to be outside. You want to have shades if you have a covered patio.”

Family connections are important to Draper. More often than not, a family-owned business succeeds in having closer relationships with customers because it’s more than just a business. It’s a legacy. Our company mission statement was written to reflect our core values: “Creating partnerships, designing and manufacturing innovative products with integrity, as we have since 1902.”

So, Rosetti decided to use outdoor roller shades but couldn’t find a solution that would match his vision: inset side channels for the shades in stone columns. When Bradshaw attended the annual CEDIA Expo, checking out the latest in residential technology, one of his main goals was finding a solution for Rosetti. “We looked at the Draper At Home booth and literally found the exact stone that we thought we were going to use,” said Bradshaw “The setting, the channel I sent a picture of it to Jerome and he said, ‘That’s exactly what I'm looking to do ’” Draper At Home custom-manufactured and shipped the side channels early to be set into the stone columns ahead of time. It was small but hugely significant and just what Rosetti needed. “I love the zip product,” said Rosetti. “These have been very easy to use. They’ve integrated them with my Control4 system, and we’re very happy. My wife and I love to eat outside, sit outside, and then when my grandkids come over, they virtually live out here and live in the pool ” The fabric chosen for the shades was Mermet E Screen Charcoal, with a 5% openness factor “These shades go hand in hand with giving you the indoor/outdoor space that most homes need,” said Bradshaw. “Here we are a year later, and we’ve installed 14 of these outdoor shades, and they work like a charm.”

EXTERIOR ZIPSCREEN FEATURING RECESSED TRACK

This renowned Dallas, Texas, estate opted to enclose its patio using the exterior screens from TEXTON. These screens seamlessly blend into the home’s architectural design with recessed tracks within the columns.

In collaboration with the dealer, architect and A/V integrator, TEXTON developed a tailored solution that catered to the discerning homeowner’s specific needs.

This solution included integration with the home automation system, among other features.

For more than eight decades, our mission at TEXTON has remained focused on three core values: service, innovation and quality. As a prominent manufacturer of roller shades, woven shades, exterior screens, drapery, roman shades and various other products, our headquarters are based in Dallas, Texas. Our acclaimed collections include the award-winning COLOR roller shades, the Highland Park soft goods program and the highly regarded exterior shade system. As a result of our commitment to excellence, TEXTON has earned the trust and loyalty of dealers across the country.

MODERN FARMHOUSE RETRACTABLE SCREENS

Following the addition of a covered patio, the homeowner wanted to create a comfortable environment for all seasons The dealer and homeowner worked with TEXTON to create motorized exterior screens in addition to the fixed screen above the shades.

TEXTON supplied matching screen fabric to be used for the fixed screens, giving it a unified appearance.

ENHANCED WIND PROTECTION FOR OUTDOOR KITCHENS

Preparing meals and socializing with others in outdoor kitchens can be a delightful experience. However, the homeowner in this project encountered obstacles such as strong winds and harsh sunlight, resulting in the grill flaring out and an unpleasant cooking experience

Using TEXTON’s Pivot Arm, the dealer offered the homeowner a retractable awning, ultimately enhancing their cooking experience and making it more enjoyable

LATE AFTERNOON AND EVENING COMFORT

Upon moving into their new home, the homeowner promptly discovered the excessive and unpleasant sun exposure on their west-facing patio. Collaborating with a TEXTON dealer, they sought to mitigate the intense heat, decrease the number of pesky insects and eradicate the blinding glare caused by the Texas sunset.

Employing retractable exterior screens, the homeowner opted for metal and fabric that matched their home’s color scheme and outfitted all four entrances to their patio

In order to fulfill the customer’s request for invisible screens, we faced the challenge of enclosing two openings where motorized screens would not suffice We tackled this by cutting slots into the stucco and securing the channels.

Additionally, we furrowed the beam down at the top to create a cavity for the screen roller to hide within

The screens were successfully installed and a removable panel was placed over the gaps to ensure easy access for future maintenance needs

ere mosquitoes and flies are r sought to effectively shield pesky insects with motorized wo openings adjacent to the an installation challenge that solution: The openings were filled in to create a solid wall.

Universal Screens prides itself on its innovative designs and advanced technology, which allow us to create shade solutions that not only provide protection from the elements but also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any outdoor space, be it a private backyard retreat or a corporate gathering place. Our automated screens are tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual client, ensuring a perfect fit every time.

After

After

KJ Custom Screens & Outdoor Living oversaw the design and installation of the project, with Universal Screens serving as the screen manufacturer.

Employing top-quality materials such as black Phifer Tuff screen and Somfy motors with Somfy controls, the finished product exceeded the customer’s expectations. With the screens in place, the patio is now fully protected from pesky insects, providing the homeowners with additional living space to entertain or simply relax in the great outdoors with the push of a button. This value-adding improvement has made the patio a usable extension of the home.

EOS AUTOMATED WINDOW AWNING

Solar-powered protection: Enhance the exterior of your home with EOS retractable window awnings, which come in a variety of colors and feature elegant aluminum cassette designs. These awnings, made with Sunbrella acrylic canopies, are designed to fit windows ranging from 39" to 120" in width.

With solar-powered, battery-operated and automated controls, you can easily safeguard your interior from harmful UV rays, lower your home’s energy consumption and enjoy optimal sun protection without sacrificing your view.

With a vision to transform the residential awning market, Sol-Lux was established in 2017. Our aim is to provide homeowners with an outdoor experience that is unrivaled, achieved through a combination of design, style and smart technology. All Sol-Lux awnings are manufactured in the United States, in Broomfield, Colorado, and come with a five-year warranty. We are a division of Carefree of Colorado, an industry leader in awnings and shading accessories for the global RV market, established in 1971.

MIRAGE PREMIUM PATIO AWNING

The MIRAGE retractable patio awning spans up to 21' and extends 12' for ultimate shade protection Experience reliable control with Somfy® motorization, including automatic retraction in windy weather and dimmable LED lighting.

The Sunbrella acrylic canopy is fully enclosed in a black or white aluminum cassette, protecting it from the elements when not in use.

EOS AUTOMATED WINDOW AWNING

All-weather intelligence: Utilizing state-of-the-art sensing technology, EOS smart window awnings constantly monitor the surrounding ambient light and temperature conditions in real time.

These awnings are equipped with exclusive automation algorithms that automatically extend and retract the awnings to reduce solar heat gain and glare, all while preserving the room’s view

FREEDOM WIREFREE PATIO AWNING

Discover the FREEDOM retractable patio awning and unlock the outdoors. Available up to 15' wide and an 8' extension, this awning provides functional shading for any space. Available with Somfy battery motorization and solar recharging system, the FREEDOM awning can be retrofitted into any space including those without an existing power source

Enjoy the freedom of personalized outdoor comfort with ease

SUNTEX® 95/97/99

Phifer is expanding its SunTex® 95/97 line of exterior roller shade fabrics to include new SunTex® 99 Engineered for exterior roller shade and zip shade applications, SunTex® 95/97/99 is a full basketweave vinyl-coated polyester fabric that is thinner and lighter weight than traditional SunTex®. With a tighter weave that blocks approximately 99% of UV rays, SunTex® 99 offers increased heat and glare control and daytime privacy Now available in 10 colors in a 126" wide width for optimal utilization.

SUNTEX® 80/90

Phifer’s SunTex® 80/90 exterior shading fabrics are durable, low-maintenance and ideal for use as shading fabrics on windows, doors and porches. Developed originally for use in outdoor furniture, SunTex® 80/90 is made from strong vinylcoated polyester that is mildew and faderesistant and needs only an occasional cleaning with mild soap and water. Available in six colors with widths ranging from 36" to 120", there is a SunTex® 80/90 fabric that matches and enhances the aesthetic values of any exterior space Photo courtesy of KJ Custom Screens & Outdoor Living.

Phifer Incorporated is the leading manufacturer of interior and exterior solar control fabrics and other woven materials used in a variety of markets, including window and door screens and outdoor furniture and cushion coverings. Popular brands include SheerWeave®, SunTex® and Phifertex®. All products are made in Phifer’s Tuscaloosa, Alabama, manufacturing facility.

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SHEERWEAVE® PRIVACY

Another Phifer innovation is SheerWeave® Privacy with DOW ECOLIBRIUM™, a new woven fabric offering additional privacy without total darkness to both the interior and exterior sun control fabric markets.

SheerWeave® Privacy is made with the same DOW ECOLIBRIUM™ bio-based plasticizer used in SheerWeave® Style 4001/4400/4000/4100 This renewable alternative to traditional plasticizers lowers greenhouse gas emissions as much as 40% versus existing PVC compounds. Available in five colors with a 126" wide width for optimal utilization, SheerWeave Privacy® allows some light and illumination during the day without sacrificing privacy

SUNTEX® 95/97 MATTE

Phifer is excited to announce another addition to its popular line of SunTex® 95/97 exterior roller shade fabrics. Woven with yarns coated in a low-sheen matte vinyl, SunTex® 95/97 Matte offers a completely new design possibility in a chic finish. Available in four colors matte black, matte dark bronze, matte iron grey and matte niko SunTex® 95/97 Matte offers increased heat and glare control, as well as daytime privacy without compromising style.

OASIS 2800 PATIO SUN SHADE DELIVERS OUTDOOR SHADE, COMFORT & VERSATILITY

Insolroll’s Oasis 2800 Patio Sun Shades have been specially designed for large outdoor living spaces with a maximum width of 228". These sun shades boast exterior-grade components, such as a full-size 5" aluminum head box and heavy-duty mounting brackets to ensure durability. Choose from white, tan, bronze and black hardware.

With a wide range of solar screen fabrics available for heat, glare and UV protection, you can block the sun without compromising the view If privacy is a concern, translucent fabrics are also available that provide filtered light and sun blocking Overall, the Oasis 2800 model is a perfect blend of form and functionality, designed to cater to the needs of outdoor living spaces with style and substance

OASIS 2700 PATIO SUN SHADE IS VALUEFOCUSED & PACKED WITH FEATURES

For those who enjoy outdoor living spaces like patios and decks, Insolroll’s Oasis 2700 Patio Sun Shades are the perfect addition with a maximum width of 144".

The exterior-grade components are engineered to last and include a fully enclosed 4" compact aluminum head box, robust mounting brackets and hardware color options of white, tan, bronze and black. Insolroll’s Oasis 2700 Patio Sun Shades also block golf balls in patio or exterior window shade applications.

You can choose between Somfy® OR Driven by Lutron™ motorization systems or manual hand crank operation.

Insolroll Window Shading Systems, an award-winning roller shade specialist, has produced exterior roller shades since 1986. We provide solutions for all outdoor living applications with three distinct exterior shading systems. In addition to offering a manual hand crank option and Somfy® motorization systems, Insolroll is the only authorized manufacturer of patio shades powered by Lutron® drives. Our products are made exclusively in Louisville, Colorado, and with our large in-stock fabric inventory, we maintain a consistent five-day lead time. We carefully inspect, test and package every shade before it leaves our facility, reflecting the pride of family ownership in our consistency, quality and product innovation.

OASIS 2900 RETRACTABLE INSECT SCREEN SHADE FOR INSECT-FREE PATIO COMFORT

Both installers and customers appreciate the Oasis 2900 Retractable Insect Screen Shade system for its precision engineering. Boasting an enclosed 5" head box, ultrastrong mounting brackets and hardware available in four color options (white, tan, bronze and black), the Oasis 2900 exudes quality. The fabric panels are impeccably designed with zipper-captured edges and travel seamlessly within side tracks for a crisp, taut appearance and the highest level of fabric protection

These tracks can be easily mounted on or recessed into the substrate for a polished and clean appearance. The Oasis 2900 also offers a variety of fabrics including insect, solar and translucent and the option to choose between Somfy® or Driven by Lutron™ motorization systems.

OASIS EXTERIOR WINDOW SHADES STOP THE SUN BEFORE IT STRIKES THE GLASS & STOP HEAT GAIN IN ITS TRACKS

Oasis Exterior Window Shades by Insolroll provide heat control that is significantly more effective than interior window treatments Solar screen fabric on the outside of a window stops the sun’s heat before it strikes the window glass and causes heat gain on the interior. Unlike exterior rolling shutters, exterior solar shades block the sun, but not the view, maintaining the view and connection to the outside. When not needed, they are fully retractable, allowing passive solar warming in the colder months.

All three Oasis Exterior Shade models (2700, 2800 and 2900) can be used in exterior window shade applications with motorized operation. Raise and lower shades from inside the home with radio remote controls, hub integration with smart home systems that enable mobile device and voice control or integration with whole-home automation systems Each model features the same quality engineering and components whether in a patio or exterior window application

Experience the benefits of the Zipscreen® system featuring patented z-Lock technology for frictionless operation, precise installation and a seamless, durable design Every Zipscreen component is qualityassured and rigorously tested by our dedicated designers, engineers and technicians and backed by our five-year warranty. Sleek and secure, custom-designed systems can improve your home’s efficiency and can be made in widths up to 23' and drops to 16' to fit almost any area.

HIDDEN FABRIC RETENTION

Zipscreen’s z-Lock™, our distinctive, zip-guided technology, fastens the fabric securely and creates a strong, smooth guide operation

Z-Lock is hidden behind the frame channels and connects the left and right sides of the system for a gap-free, streamlined finish ensuring a perfect seal on all sides

Rollease Acmeda innovates, designs and manufactures window covering hardware for manual and automated shades, as well as specialty fabrics, for use in both commercial and residential applications. Rollease Acmeda is the largest independent engineered component and systems manufacturer and distributor in the window covering industry. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the company has a global team of over 270 associates and distribution facilities spanning the U.S., Australia and Europe, serving thousands of customers in more than 40 countries around the world. Rollease Acmeda’s Zipscreen® product line features an exterior shading system with patented fabric guide technology. To learn more about the company, visit rolleaseacmeda.com or zipscreen.com for detailed information on our exterior shading.

SMARTER, INTEGRATED SHADE CONTROL

Designed with innovation in mind, the Zipscreen system is complete with our Automate™ FT motorized controls. Maximize your time by taking advantage of our proprietary automated controls and Push5 remote to manage your shades with the touch of a button or by the sound of your voice Automate features impact detection technology to sense an object in the shade’s path and revert to a safe position. This system is featured across all of our product lines and integrates with a variety of home automation systems, including Apple’s HomeKit.

Enjoy elevated privacy outdoors without sacrificing the view with Texstyle’s XWeave exterior fabric in 5% and 10% openness. Designed to withstand harsh weather yearround, X-Weave is ideal when paired with the Zipscreen system to keep out bugs, precipitation, and harmful UV rays Available in 8 colors, the fireretardant finish is fit for both residential and commercial use.

SELLINGEXTERIOR SHADING:

Explore the Possibilities!

BYCLINTCHILDRESS,LEED-AP

DIRECTOROFRESIDENTIALMARKETS,DRAPERATHOME

Exterior shading represents a new way to add value to projects and increase your company’s profitability It might seem a daunting task to take on a new type of shading business, but with the right preparation and approach, the rewards will be worth it

To find opportunities, think and talk differently.

How do you currently sell clients on the value of interior shading? You probably talk about heat and glare control and aesthetic enhancement, among other things And while those are advantages of outdoor shading, the real selling point is the value of creating additional comfortable living space Present outdoor shading as an opportunity to add a room or rooms to the home’s living area In addition to glare and temperature control, outdoor shades provide protection from wind and bugs Controls for integration allow the homeowner to use shades to make their outdoor living space suit the moment, whether entertaining family and friends, relaxing and enjoying the outdoors in comfort or even creating a private outdoor workspace

Some of the best opportunities for outdoor shading are:

Covered patios/porches

Pergola structures

Gazebos

Attaching to the main structure of the house

Passive cooling for homes

Seeing and selling the value of providing comfort to outdoor spaces will be your road to success

Addressing Misconceptions

Prospective Clients Might Hold

There are some common misconceptions about exterior shading However, those misconceptions are easy to overcome with the right information and approach

Only for moderate or warm climates: Exterior shades are very useful in many different climates. During cold weather, they keep out snow and, with the help of heaters, people can often enjoy their outdoor spaces

year-round And even in moderate climates, they can keep rain from interfering with outdoor activities and provide privacy while still allowing a view through to nature

Short selling season: While the big installation season for exterior shades runs from spring through autumn, because they provide year-round benefits, you can always be talking about and selling outdoor shading solutions

The climate is too harsh: In circumstances where certain parts of the year present harsh conditions, quality exterior shading systems are built to handle elements and play an important role in adding functional, comfortable living space. With outdoor shading systems, people can extend the use of outdoor spaces well beyond the time frame they could previously

Won’t last long: Quality exterior shading systems are built to last. Metal parts, durable construction and wind tunnel testing are evidence of a system’s ability to last.

Risks and Considerations for Exterior Shades

As with any home improvement, there are a number of risks and details to consider when selling the appropriate product and planning for installation.

Getting the product to the site: Do you have an appropriate mode of transport to deal with long boxes, skids, ladders and other equipment needed for the project?

Labor: Exterior shades typically require two or three people for installation, with one to four hours needed per shade

Quality of structure: Is the structure strong enough to support the shading system? You’ll also need to ensure

installers are provided with the appropriate mounting screws for the supporting beams and structure

Firring: Have firring strips been used to level surfaces? Make sure the mounting hardware can get solid support

Aftermarket versus new construction: New construction requires planning and coordination with the builder to ensure proper support and space for the shade hardware Installing an existing structure may require creative workarounds to create a perfect installation.

Face/inside/built-ins: In most applications, face mount applications are the easiest, followed by inside mount and built-in, unless well-planned with a builder.

Quality Training Is the Be Tool for Success

Training is extremely important Work with manufactu who offer hands-on training experience. Proper traini can make the difference between a quality installatio happy customer and a profitable project and a problematic project where nobody is happy and you margin through correcting errors and trying to please client with price reductions

Here are some areas of training you will need:

Site evaluation

Measuring Power/electrical

Dealing with out-of-square structures

Installation space

Installation time

Consider the sales impact.

Consider the Sales Impact

The bottom line from a window covering retailer is: Will it be worth my time? Will it have an impact on my business sales?

You should also be sure to have people with certain skills to make installation as smooth as possible: Making solid exterior attachments to deal with issues like wind

Shimming/firring

Carpentry

Ability to make field adjustments

Creativity

But training, knowledge and skills aren’t just for installers Salespeople should also have a good knowledge base

Again, work with a quality manufacturer who can help you attain this knowledge:

Product options: operators, hardware types, colors, fabric choices

Sample kit: Make sure a sample kit is available and that you are trained in how to use it

Videos: Your manufacturer partner should have videos available on topics from using the sales kit to installing different applications

Talk with product specialists: The manufacturer’s product specialists are your secret weapon They are there to help and make your job as easy as possible

Be prepared: Just as when selling interior shading, make sure you have the knowledge necessary to field questions and address concerns Your manufacturing partner can help with selling tools and other support to make sure you are as ready as possible.

Here are some general numbers to consider:

Average residential exterior shade project: $10,000

Two projects per crew per day

Better margin than interior products

Seasonal considerations: Although climate change is becoming less of a factor, it is still the case that you can ramp up for a certain period of the year, so your overall cost of business doesn’t increase when you aren’t focused on exterior products

One consideration here is product quality Quality matters and is a big selling point Does the manufacturer have quality materials, including fabric (fiberglass and polyester), motors, hardware and finishes? Have they sought wind tunnel testing for their product?

Do they have the proper support staff to help you succeed? It is tempting to look for the cheapest solution, but that is not a viable option in exterior shading When you step down in product quality, you create more problems that can lead to a loss of margin

In addition to the product sale and installation, exterior shading can have other impacts on your bottom line through recurring revenue:

Maintenance: brief annual inspection

Cleaning: annual wipe down and clean outside guides

Word of mouth: When people see these products showcased in action, they will want to have them too

Selling and installing exterior shading may not be for everybody But with the right manufacturer, training, skills and support, they can be a real boost to your business’ value and growth potential

Aperol Spritz Recipe

What Is an Aperol Spritz?

You can find these Aperol Spritzes all over Italy, and they’ve slowly started to make their way into the United States, becoming a refreshing summer rooftop staple!

They only have three simple ingredients: Aperol, champagne / prosecco and soda water Super refreshing!

Fill glass with champagne ice cubes and add 2 ounces of Aperol to each glass.

Add the 2 ounces of prosecco or champagne to each glass.

Top with a splash of soda water to taste.

Garnish with charred orange slices and flowers.

recipe is courtesy of bromabakery com

Design: @rajnialexdesign

Event: @hamptondesignershowhouse

Photo credit: @rikkisnyder