Although there are a vast number of materials that you can use for blinds around the house, your options become more limited when it comes to putting them outside. Due to conditions like humidity and – in some areas – frigid temperatures, finding the right blind might become more problematic. To find the most aesthetically-pleasing blind that also can withstand the outdoor weather, you have to take into consideration numerous factors in order to choose the one to best suit your needs.
These are the main factors to take into consideration before you purchase your exterior blinds.
What is the purpose you want them to serve?
When choosing blinds for either inside or out, the first place to start is to determine why you want them and what their intended purpose is. You will want to choose a different type of blind material for blackout purposes versus if you just want to use them for a bit of privacy. To narrow down what type of blind is appropriate, ask yourself what you want them to do for you.
What climate do you live in?
The biggest concern that you will have when choosing your outdoor patio blinds material is which region or type of climate you live in. If you live in a climate that only experiences mild temperature fluctuations, you will have more options than if you live in a climate that has extreme lows and highs. If you live in a humid climate, then you will have to take things like mold and mildew resistance into consideration, or the blinds won’t look good for very long.
How do you want to operate them?
The ease of operation might not seem like a big idea until you forget about them being outside and it begins to rain, or you want to shut them and the temperature outside has dipped significantly. Sometimes it makes sense to invest in blinds that can operate remotely, so that you aren’t running outside to take care of the blinds when the wind blows cold.
What type of fabric do you want?
PVC material is an excellent choice for outdoor conditions and it also gives you enough light that you aren’t completely blacked out. However, if you choose PVC and you intend to sit outdoors on a hot summer day, then it will do little to help your space breathe so you can cool off. Mesh is a very breathable material that can withstand humid weather and many other weather conditions, and isn’t as affected by wind. Another ideal fabric for the outdoors is canvas – although it won’t provide you or your guests with much protection from the sun’s UV rays, which can lead to sunburns.
Are you worried about them being energy efficient?
There are times when you will want outdoor blinds to shield your home to increase your interior energy efficiency. If the blinds will have a dual purpose like shielding you when you are outside and keeping energy costs lower, you will want to consider how much light they let in and how well they insulate the windows when they’re drawn. Blinds can help to block out as much as 35% of the heat transferred from the sun into your home, which is a significant amount if you choose the right type of blind.
Blinds can be hard enough to choose for the interior of your home. Taking in all the factors of being outdoors, can severely limit your choices in some climates, while in other regions the conditions outside have very little effect on their operation or their longevity.
If you ask yourself the above questions, you can find a reasonable outdoor blind material that will keep you shielded both inside and out. If you want to spend a little more, the blinds might also save you the hassle of paying more in energy costs or having to go outside to fuss with them when the weather isn’t so lovely. Whatever climate you live in and whatever your reason for wanting blinds, the right product is out there if you take all things into consideration.
