Shades for lanai,
 

After NOT giving as much thought to the orientation of our lot as Jimbo. (Who does???;))

We decided to explore the choices once again for blinds for the screened lanai that faces west and gives us phenomenal sunsets but shines in our eyes and heats us up as we try to eat dinner out there.

We went to Lowes and they are having a sale starting today ( It may be one they have all the time) on Cooleroo shades. I know Happinow mentioned them but we have been undecided because I thought they didn't offer enough shade and Sweetie thought they did. So we are gonna have them installed and see how it goes. Will report.

Anyone have them?

Gracie,

Are you having 90 or 95 (or what?) sun block? I have seen two Cooleroo installations in Sanibel. They both are happy customers!

Gene

I don't KNOW. They will be black. Match the screens and the metal part. Gracie is always concerned with the design element...(I am told by a close male relative)

I am pretty sure that the percentage is UV rays and not light and that is what made it a standoff in our home for a good while.

Sweetie is probably right. He usually is. It is so annoying. ;)

Love that - my husband always says "oh, it has to match". I completely understand where you are coming from with that one!!!:mademyday:

Hi Gracie: We have cooleraroo shades in a dark brown color and absolutely love them. They give us needed privacy and the sun does shine through just enough so it doesn't seem dark. We keep them pulled half way down all the time. My husband bought some tie downs at Sparrs to attach them to the bottom of the frame so they can stay down most of the time even on a windy day.

Gracie,

One of the Sanibel homeowners I spoke with said they enjoy their Cooleroo pull-down screens more for privacy than sun shade. The other couple said primarily for sun shade. Different folks, different strokes.

Two caveats:

1) Privacy only goes so far. At night, outsiders can still see "in" -- color of see-thru shade doesn't matter.

2) Privacy doesn't block sound -- no matter what color of shade you choose.

Let us know how your project ends. Inquiring minds want to know.

Gene

Well if all things go as planned, you and your prettier half will be sitting on our lanai in June eating dinner... so we are waiting for your personal assessment, Mr. Gene

We have the cooleroo shades, love them, they definitely shade the lanai well, still can see out, not as easy to see 'in', but not completely private. Very happy with them!

We have the beige striped version and love them. Hubby installed them perfectly. They do keep the sun and heat out of the lanai. You'll love them too

I was very happy to see this thread and read the positive input. We soon will be removing trees that have provided us with the perfect canopy for shade. With those trees being gone it surely will be an adjustment for us and have been planning to research options for shades. Guess I'll be heading to Lowes tomorrow. Do these Cooleroo Shades come in a variety of widths?

Can these shades be adjusted for width?

We were told by Lowes that if you are handy you can cut them to size....all you need is a hacksaw and good pair of scissors, and we had no problems, and they look great!!

We have them also!! Our Lanoi faces west, so we get the afternoon sun. Bought it at Loews, and I installed it. (Not hard to do) I have eye clips on bottom that attach to screw in aluminum framing, that holds shade from blowing when it is windy. Good Luck Gracie

We also have Coolaroos. Went to Lowes and picked out the color, then their agent came to our place and measured, we picked up to save the $35 fee, then made an appointment with the installer to have them put up. Custom fit and finish. Paid a flat fee for install. We can see out but difficult to see in except if we have our lanai lights on, then more visible. But that was not the reason why we have them. Lanai faces west and we cook at night along with our dinner. Only issue I have is the way to tie them down to keep from blowing in on windy days.

Can you tell me what you used to tie down your blinds and where or what is Sparrs? Haven't found a good way yet. I am hesitant about drilling holes in our lanai frame for attachments.
Thanks.