When it comes to beating the summer heat and enhancing your home’s outdoor comfort, exterior solar shades installation is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Whether you’re in Iowa City, Davenport, Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Tiffin, or anywhere in the Quad Cities, you’ve likely noticed just how intense the sun can be—especially on patios, decks, and sun-facing windows.
At Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa, we specialize in professionally installed exterior solar shades that combine style, energy efficiency, and durability. Keep reading to learn why Eastern Iowa homeowners and business owners are turning to this modern solution, how it works, the installation process, and why it’s best to trust a local professional for the job.
Why Choose Exterior Solar Shades?
Sun Protection with a View
One of the top reasons to consider exterior solar shades installation is the way they reduce glare and heat without completely blocking your view. Unlike interior window treatments, solar shades are mounted on the exterior of your home or structure and intercept sunlight before it reaches your glass—making them significantly more effective at reducing solar heat gain.
Improved Comfort in Outdoor Spaces
Whether you’re enjoying a family barbecue in your backyard in Cedar Rapids or relaxing on a screened porch in North Liberty, exterior solar shades can dramatically improve your experience. They help block UV rays and reduce the sun’s intensity, turning hot, unusable spaces into comfortable extensions of your home.
Energy Savings
In regions like the Quad Cities, summer cooling costs can climb quickly. By investing in exterior solar shades installation, you reduce the heat entering your home, which can lower your air conditioning bills. This added layer of defense helps maintain interior temperatures and keeps your HVAC system from working overtime.
Types of Exterior Solar Shades Available
At Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa, we offer a range of exterior shade options to suit various homes, businesses, and outdoor environments.
Motorized Exterior Shades
Motorized shades offer the ultimate in convenience and control. With the push of a button or a voice command via smart home integration, you can raise or lower your shades to match the sun’s position.
Manual Roll-down Shades
Simple yet effective, manual roll-down shades are perfect for patios, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens. They’re budget-friendly and easy to operate with crank or cord systems.
Cable-Guided and Track Systems
In windier parts of Eastern Iowa—like open landscapes outside of Tiffin or North Liberty—cable-guided and side-track shades provide stability and prevent the fabric from swaying or flapping in the wind.
The Exterior Solar Shades Installation Process
At Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa, we believe in making the installation process seamless and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Free In-Home Consultation
We begin with a free, no-obligation consultation at your home or business. One of our local experts will visit your property—whether it’s in Davenport or Iowa City—to take precise measurements, discuss your goals, and recommend the best solar shade options.
Step 2: Custom Shade Design
All our products are custom-made to ensure a perfect fit and match your aesthetic preferences. You’ll choose the fabric type, openness factor, mounting system, and color.
Step 3: Professional Installation
When it’s time for your exterior solar shades installation, our team handles everything. We mount the shades securely, connect motorized options to your power source, and test each shade for functionality. Most installations take just a few hours.
Step 4: Demonstration and Support
After installation, we show you how to operate and maintain your shades and answer any questions. We’re based right here in Eastern Iowa, so follow-up service is just a phone call away at 563-726-8040.
Why Local Expertise Matters
Knowledge of Regional Climate
Eastern Iowa’s weather can be unpredictable. Our team understands the wind patterns, sun exposure, and architectural styles that are common in the region. This allows us to recommend the most durable and efficient products for your home in Cedar Rapids or Bettendorf.
Local Service and Support
When you choose Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa for your exterior solar shades installation, you’re getting more than just window coverings—you’re getting personalized service from a team that cares. We’re your neighbors, and we’re invested in making your home more beautiful and functional.
Where Exterior Solar Shades Work Best
Exterior solar shades aren’t just for homes—they’re ideal for a wide range of settings throughout Eastern Iowa.
Residential Spaces
-
Back patios in Tiffin
-
Porches in North Liberty
-
Sunrooms in Cedar Rapids
-
Poolside decks in Bettendorf
Commercial Applications
Businesses in Iowa City and the Quad Cities are also embracing exterior solar shades installation for storefronts, outdoor dining areas, and employee break spaces. Shades reduce indoor cooling costs and increase customer comfort in shaded patios and waiting areas.
Fabric Options and UV Ratings
Openness Factor
The openness factor refers to how tightly the fabric is woven. A 1% openness blocks more light and offers greater privacy, while a 10% openness allows more light through and a clearer view.
UV Protection
Most solar shades block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, helping protect not only your skin but also your flooring, furniture, and outdoor fixtures.
Motorization and Smart Home Integration
Eastern Iowa homeowners are increasingly integrating motorized systems into their exterior solar shades installation projects. We offer:
-
Remote controls
-
Wall switches
-
Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant
-
Smartphone app integration
Imagine being able to adjust your shades while you’re away from home in Davenport or while hosting guests on your deck in Iowa City.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Simple Cleaning
Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric’s UV-blocking layer.
Winter Storage
In colder months, retract your shades fully to protect them from snow and ice. Motorized systems often have weather sensors that retract automatically in high winds or extreme temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does exterior solar shade fabric last?
Most quality fabrics last 8–10 years or more with proper care. Our shades are backed by manufacturer warranties for peace of mind.
Can exterior shades be used on windows?
Absolutely. While commonly installed on patios and porches, exterior solar shades installation is ideal for large, sun-exposed windows. They’re especially effective on western-facing windows in homes across North Liberty, Bettendorf, and Tiffin.
Are they pet- and child-safe?
Yes! Especially with motorized options, there are no cords or chains, making them a safer solution for families.
What Sets Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa Apart?
We pride ourselves on:
-
Local ownership and service
-
Free in-home consultations
-
Custom-fit, made-to-order products
-
Industry-leading warranties
-
Expert, respectful installation teams
We don’t just sell shades—we help homeowners across Iowa City, Davenport, and the Quad Cities make smarter design choices that last.
Get Inspired: Exterior Solar Shade Ideas
Patio Dining Comfort
Transform your Cedar Rapids deck into a breezy, shaded retreat perfect for entertaining.
Poolside Privacy
Add a stylish barrier to your Bettendorf backyard oasis with solar shades that double as privacy screens.
Workspace Comfort
If you work from home in North Liberty or Tiffin, keep glare off your screens with window-mounted exterior shades.
The Bottom Line: Exterior Solar Shades Installation Is Worth It
From energy savings to increased comfort and UV protection, exterior solar shades installation is one of the best investments you can make for your home or business in Eastern Iowa. And with help from Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa, the process is simple, professional, and tailored to your space.
Our customers in Iowa City, Davenport, Bettendorf, Cedar Rapids, North Liberty, Tiffin, and beyond agree—there’s no better way to beat the heat while enjoying the outdoors.
Contact Us Today
Ready to schedule your exterior solar shades installation? Call Made in the Shade – Eastern Iowa at 563-726-8040 to book your free consultation. Let us help you transform your space with custom shades designed for our Iowa lifestyle.
