Patio Shading Options

Patio Shading Options: Screens, Blinds, Shades, and Awnings   So, what are all the competing options for patio shading? There is quite a few. But, let’s define what type of opening we are looking to cover. A patio opening, by my definition, is an opening on the exterior of a home with columns, pillars, or the actual building itself on […]

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Bug Protection for Your Home for 2013

  Gallinippers, Cicadas, and Kudzus, Oh My! Ever had mosquito issues in your back yard because of the river nearby? Or maybe boxelder bugs taking over every square inch of your house (like in Utah during fall 2012)? Maybe even the kudzu bugs in North Carolina crowding your outdoor space? I know the nuisance of them. Ugh. But what about […]

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It’s like the Chameleon Lizard of Door Screen Options

With 12 Standard Colors and Paintable Wood to Match ANY Door   Their beauty is in their slimness, ability to adapt, and their inconspicuous protection. That sounds like an introduction to a documentary about lizards, but it’s not! It’s about retractable door screens. The simple but durable product can be installed after-the-fact in many door cases. It makes sense for […]

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Wide Span Vinyl Retractable Shades: Wind-Free Outdoor Living

Retractable Vinyl Panorama Shades for Architectural openings and windows This porch near Rehoboth Beach in Delaware was made for outdoor living, for being outside every chance they get, for getting as much sunshine and fresh air as possible. It is used nearly year-round, sometimes even opened in the winter when nature surprises this beach community with a 70 degree afternoon.

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Cross Ventilation with Retractable Screens

What’s the big deal about cross ventilation? Well, it’s not a big deal. It’s probably not the first reason someone is interested in a retractable screen, but it sure is a lovely side benefit. Cross ventilation is  where cool air clears out warm air from a structure and at the same time also clears out indoor pollutants. If done frequently, […]

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Vertical Screens Over a French Doorway

This back patio room overlooking the placid pool was the perfect place to relax in the evenings away from the bugs without compromising breeze, sounds, or view. This homeowner wanted to utilize that room and blur indoor/outdoor environments with screens. The room has three sets of French doorways and this homeowner had the option of two StowAway™ door screens to […]

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Reducing Solar Heat Gain

Retractable Screens Can Help to Reduce Solar Heat Gain During Hot Months I didn’t care as much about solar heat gain and reducing it in the summer months until we recently had a power outage for over a week in the Midwest. I think the outage caused people to think more about blocking the sun out to reduce heat gain […]

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