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Solar patio blinds that are manually controlled

  • Writer: Josh Hobbs
    Josh Hobbs
  • Jun 3, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 11

I make my custom-manufactured manual patio solar blinds here in Austin TX. My shop is located at 183 & Burnet Rd in North Austin.


I offer my patio blinds in the following ways:

  • as an installed service,

  • for homeowners to self-install (DIY),

  • and wholesale (resale) for contractors.

Ordering manual patio shades for DIY

You can purchase my DIY Roller Shade Screens from my DIY website. Visit my HobbsScreens.com Roller Shade Screens DIY page to order roller shade screens suitable for patios and commercial applications.


Option for DIY self install of solar blinds.
HobbsScreens.com is the website where I sell my solar blinds for patio and commercial self-installation.

My patio shades are controlled by a geared clutch; they are not motorized.

My patio roller shades are manually controlled. You roll the shades up and down by means of a stainless steel pull chain. The pull chain wraps around a geared clutch.

geared clutch to roll a solar patio blind up and down.
Manual solar blind geared clutch. This is how you roll an outdoor solar blind up and down.

The geared clutch mechanism is designed to securely hold the solar patio blind in place, preventing it from unrolling. This feature ensures that even when exposed to wind forces, the fabric remains stable and does not unroll from the tube due to the clutch's locking action.


Understanding patio roller shades and wind.

Patio roller shades are a great addition for enhancing privacy and providing shade in outdoor spaces. However, it's essential to use them responsibly and avoid leaving them down for extended periods. This practice helps maintain their condition and functionality over time.



Solar patio blinds need to be adjusted according to user requirements: they should be lowered when the patio is being used, and sunlight protection is needed and raised when not in use. It is crucial to understand that they are not designed to remain lowered continuously, as this may cause damage to the geared clutch due to excessive wind exposure. Correct usage preserves their functionality and prolongs their lifespan.


Roller shades are NOT designed to provide wind protection.

Solar patio shades can withstand wind, but they are not meant to be left down.
This is too much wind for a manual solar patio shade. This Pflugerville patio solar shade installation can withstand wind, but constant pushing and pulling like this can, over time, damage the clutch. Therefore, manual shades need to be taken up when they are not in use.

There is a lot of force behind wind.
Roller shade fabric is very dense, air does not go through it, instead the air moves the shade. This solar patio shade is not tied down.

How the patio shades are secured.

I’ve equipped all of my patio solar shades with sturdy tie-downs, which play a vital role in their operation. These tie-downs allow my installed outdoor solar patio shades to sway gracefully in response to gentle breezes and mild winds, ensuring they remain flexible rather than rigid. This flexibility is crucial; without secure anchoring, the shades can transform into chaotic flaps, thrashing violently in strong gusts. Just placing the shades in position isn’t enough—securing them against the unpredictable forces of nature is essential to protect them from wear and prolong their lifespan. Embracing this simple yet effective precaution creates a serene outdoor environment, unaffected by the whims of the weather.

Tie downs are needed to hold the solar patio shades down.
This is a tie-down hooked to a metal post rail.

Installed Austin, TX, pricing for my patio roller shades.


I offer,

Visit this section of my website that goes over how far to drop your patio shade.


Manual Patio (Exterior) Solar Blinds for DIY, self-installation

If you would like to save on the installation cost, or you live outside of my installation area, you can buy my exterior patio shade screens for self-installation.


Pricing and Order patio roll shade screens for self installation.
I sell my made in Austin, Texas, patio roll shade screens for self-installation.

For contractors and resellers, we offer patio shades at wholesale prices through our approved wholesaler program. If you're interested in making a purchase, please consider applying for a wholesaler account to gain access to these discounted rates.

 
 
 

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