[GERALDINE]

I am inquiring about a lanai that faces West and is rendered useless in the late afternoons and evenings because of the sun and heat.

Is there anything we can do to help this problem? Is there screening material that blocks sun and heat but still allows a breeze through? We really don't want acrylic windows so it needs to be screening or shades or something else I haven't thought of.

Any 1st hand experiences or advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

THANK YOU!!

[kaydee]

Our lanai faces West also. We planted 3 trees ( 2 loquat that had been shaped at the nursery to be canopy and a lugustrum). Probably spelled that wrong.... anyway we planted them (lugustrum in the center) about 7 feet apart and they have grown to provide full shade into the lanai and the ceiling fan is on most of the time. We use our lanai alot and most of the time we are comfortable out there. Good luck.... hope I've given you something else to think about as a possible solution.

[JohnN]

trees and shade are good, you've got to stop the heat before it gets to your lanai. Another option might be an awning if pracical. I understand also there is some sort of tighter weave screen, meant more for privacy, but it might give more shade too and maybe not stop your breeze too much. Last , another fan to move the air.

[The Great Fumar]

There is a screening material that is used on Lanai's and Pools here in The Villages and it is white in color .........I'm told that it is much cooler as it blocks out most of the sun..........Look for it as you peruse around the area..

and oh yes "PATCHES, WE DON'T NEED NO STINKING PATCHES" .....

sorry , I couldn't help it ........... Fumar

[Ooper]

I've installed one of those roll down bamboo shades. They are inexpensive and easy to install yourself. It is wide enough to cover a good portion of the lanai and also serves to block the glare of the sun for watching the television. We also have a ceiling fan and shrubbery but it still gets warm if it is a hot day!

[l2ridehd]

Mine faces West also and I took a few different steps to resolve this. Because we also have a pool, I didn't want to block all the sun as that helps heat the pool. So shrubs up to about 5 feet for privacy, extra fan, and an umbrella in a movable stand to provide shade where I want it. The problem with special screens and large trees is they also block the sun in the winter months when you really want the extra light and heat source. The tilting movable umbrella solves that issue. With that and the fan, even in July and August it is very comfortable on the lanai. I am considering an awning that will run the length of the lanai that is motorized and can be extended as needed. For now the umbrella works fine and is a very low cost solution. I got both the umbrella and stand from overstock.com for less then $100. It is 9 feet high and 8 feet across and tilts at the top when opened all the way. The stand is filled with bricks and sand so is very heavy and stable even in high winds.

[Army Guy]

Guess, me and wife are the only ones that enjoy the sun/heat in the afternoons when on the lanai. Must be an Alabama thing!!

Army Guy

[RichieLion]

I'm with you Army Guy. I'm loving the sun. Also sunny afternoons stretched out on the lanai is what my cats call heaven.

[katezbox]

Patches,

We have blinds/shades that block a certain percent of the light coming in - you choose the level. Our lanai has morning sun and it heats up the tile floor - and while our kitties love it, we prefer to keep the excess heat out.

Our lanai is enclosed so I'm not sure if these can be used on an open lanai. We bought them from Carl at Blinds Plus Shutters - he usually has an ad/coupon in The Sun. His number is 352-430-7200 and he lives in TV.

[golfnut]

We put in some landscape to block sun and also put in the white screening which keeps it cooler and adds privacy, if I could figure out how to post a picture I'd put one here......GN

[Ohiogirl]

we have a south facing lanai and also has east exposuire - depending on the time of year get too much morning sun. Installed a roller style sunshade (got it at Home Depot or Lowe's - about $200 if I'm remembering right for an 8 foot wide one. We opted for the see thru one which doesn block as much sun. It really helps. They have a higher sun block versiion which was maybe 40-50 $ more. This was about 1-2 years ago. You can also order custom sizes (more $).

If I had a west facing lanai, I would do a combination of landscaping (we have a growing oak tree that will eventually do the job in the afternoon for the slight southwest issue. Figure we will need to install good gutterguards for the leaves, etc.) and either awning or roller shade.

I'm thinking that for a west exposure you really might want to consider the awning, but you can get retractable ones to enjoy the heat in the winter.