Equal Housing LenderExterior Solar Shades are Perfect for Los Angeles Homes
The bright sunshine we enjoy in the San Fernando Valley is amazing, but it can also make our patios and decks uncomfortable. Not to mention, the hot sun and UV rays aren’t great for our skin, or our patio furniture. Sunlight can also enter our home’s windows, and its heat makes our AC work harder which costs us more money. Last but not least, glare on TV or computer screens can ruin work days or relaxation time.
Thankfully, outdoor shades exist that are excellent at solving all of these issues at once! They also gently diffuse light, creating a softer space. Available in a multitude of colors and opacities, we at Galaxy Draperies are happy to help you choose your perfect exterior solar shade.
In our complimentary design consultations, our expert team of consultants will look at your space with you. From there, you design together your ideal shade solution that will allow you to kick back and enjoy outdoor time without roasting.
UV Protection While Outdoors
We’ve all seen what happens to furniture, artwork, wood floors (and our skin!) when its exposed to UV rays over a long period of time. Outdoor solar shades provide UV protection from UVA and UVB rays anywhere from 92-99%.
That percentage is based on the openness of the shade. In other window coverings, that’s typically called the opacity. The UV protection is based on the openness. For example, a 1% openness solar shade will be the most opaque and have 99% UV protection. A 10% openness solar shade will be more transparent and provide 90% UV ray protection.
All of our exterior solar shade fabrics are also GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® fabrics. While we’re using them outdoors, if you’re spending a lot of time around them, this is a great benefit. This certification means they’ve been independently tested by a third party and found to be low chemical and particle emitting fabrics, providing healthier air quality.
Outdoor Shade Control Options
When you have exterior shades, there are some unique control options to be aware of!
Manual control is certainly an option with our easy and secure continuous cord loop pull. It’s wall-mounted, so you don’t have to worry about it banging around in the wind.
Exterior shades can also be motorized! Your power source can come from a battery in the headrail (the hardware) of your shade, or even from an embedded solar panel on the headrail itself. Control your motorized shades with a remote control, wall switch, phone or tablet app, or even Amazon Alexa or Google Home. If you already have a SmartHome system, you can integrate it easily. It also works with IFTTT technology!
We even offer outdoor remote controls that are water resistant and shock proof, so you can leave it out on your patio without worry.
Last but not least, when needed, solar shades can follow a guide cable that’s secured to the wall or floor where it’s installed to prevent flapping in the wind. So convenient!
Solar Shades & Privacy
One important thing to know about solar shades is they are not designed for nighttime privacy. However, during the day they’re excellent at giving your deck or patio a barrier from prying eyes!
The darker fabrics, like black, provide better daytime views through the fabric from both sides. However, they’re also best at preventing glare.
Meanwhile, white/light fabrics are superior at temperature control. They reflect the sunlight away from your windows or seating area, helping you and your home stay cool and comfortable (and possibly lowering your energy bills). Reduce your carbon footprint while also providing yourself, your family, and friends a comfortable place to relax outdoors, even when it’s bright, sunny, and warm.
LA’s Experts in Exterior Solar Shades
At Galaxy Draperies, we’ve been creating and installing custom window coverings and awnings for home and business owners in the Greater Los Angeles area and San Fernando Valley since 1976. Unlike others, our installation team is in-house. No third-party contractors, no passing the buck. Because this is all they do, our team are experts at installing solar shades – even on second story windows!
When you work with us, we’ll help you find your ideal shades in our complimentary design consultation. We’ll bring samples of the solar shade fabrics into your home where you can see them, feel them, and hold them up to the light. That way you know exactly what to expect when your finished custom design arrives! Our experienced installers will make sure everything is perfect. If you opted for motorization, they’ll also program your remote control for you (at no extra cost, unlike competitors) and teach you how to use it.
And finally, even 10 years down the road, if you ever have a problem we’re here to help. We offer our own workmanship warranty on top of the manufacturer’s warranty. We work with the manufacturer on your behalf if ever needed. Support for years to come is our 5th step in our proven process, and we mean it.
Want to add exterior solar shades to your home?
Simply use our web chat to contact us, or fill out a form to request your complimentary in-home, no obligation design consultation today!
The Galaxy Way - Our Process
1
Speak with our friendly staff. Be matched with the right design consultant for you & schedule your complimentary design consultation.
GET TO KNOW YOU
2
In a fun & easy appointment, work with your design consultant to create your unique, ideal solution. See & feel samples in your own home so you can truly visualize the end result against your own furnishings.
DISCOVER YOUR SOLUTION
3
Your design comes together with expert craftsmanship & attention to detail. We work to make sure creation is perfect and keep you updated along the way.
SIT BACK & RELAX
4
Our licensed, & bonded installation crew brings your design to your home & installs it for you. Full-service installation leaves you with no unanswered questions.
YOUR DESIGN COMES TO LIFE
5
We've been doing this for over 46 years so even after your project is finished, you know we'll still be here for you - call us at any time. Complimentary 1 year service warranty included.
SUPPORT FOR YEARS TO COME
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What People Say About Us
"From scheduling our appointment to meeting with our designer, Bernadette, and the installer, Alfredo, we were met with professionalism and comforted in knowing we were dealing with people who knew what they were doing. Arrival times were well within the two-hour window. Bernadette shared her knowledge and expertise to help us choose the window treatments that best fit our needs and budget. We are so pleased with the final result and look forward to covering the rest of the window in our home."
"My wife and I recently moved and were in the market for new shades for our bathroom , living room and kitchen . We didn't really have a set vision so it was unbelievable when our designer Karen went through all the possibilities and showed us what would work well with the setup . Karen was not only very professional , she was personable and super knowledgeable about the products. I wish I could have her design the rest of our house ! Great product , great designer, great experience!"
"I would like to say that Galaxy Draperies was the best choice we've made. We recently purchased a new home and wanted to thank Bernadette for the amazing service she provided. I was referred to her by my sister, which also happened to purchase through you guys. Not only did Bernadette make me feel comfortable but it felt like I was working with family."
"Ordered Roman Shades for five windows. Designer who came to our home was nice and professional, Roman Shades arrived on time, the installation was handled by their installer who called and asked if he could come by earlier than our appointment, which was great. He was friendly, professional and did a great job! Highly recommend this company."
"I had a great experience with Galaxy. The designer presented me with several options and was very helpful in designing my window treatments. The installers were very professional, courteous, and careful! I will definitely use them in the future!"
"Galaxy Draperies was very professional, timely and responsive to the issue we had with one of the new shades. From their design team to the installation, everyone was very nice, informative and helpful. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing new window coverings."
"Great experience end to end with Galaxy. From the initial consult to the end product, communication was clear and everyone I interacted with was lovely. Highly recommended this company!"
"I just used Galaxy Draperies. I had a very heavy window covering which was mostly impossible to use. We looked at options and Galaxy Draperies suggested we use a motorized window covering. The material is beautiful and it's made so well. You can't see through from outside in yet you can see outside from inside the house. It works so quietly and solved all my problems. The wonderful lady who came to our house was great and always returned calls and did a wonderful job. I highly recommend them."