If your patio gets too much sun, you already know how it goes. You use it early in the day or later in the evening… until the bugs come. The rest of the time, it sits empty.
Across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, this is one of the most common issues homeowners run into. The space itself works. The challenge is how it handles the sun, heat, and changing conditions throughout the day.
In many cases, it comes down to adding the right combination of shade and coverage so the space feels comfortable more of the time.
Add Overhead Shade That Fits Your Space
The first step is overhead protection. Without it, everything else becomes harder to manage.
There are a few ways to approach this, depending on how you want your patio to function.
Retractable awnings give you flexibility. You can extend them when the sun is strongest and pull them back when you want more light.
Patio covers provide consistent protection from the sun and light rain, creating a more dependable space throughout the day.
Pergolas define the space and provide partial shade. Motorized or operable pergolas can provide full shade when needed, giving you more control as conditions change.
Adding overhead shade can lower your patio’s temperature by 10 to 20 degrees, making the space noticeably more comfortable during the hottest parts of the day.
Adjust for Changing Conditions Throughout the Day
Even with overhead shade, conditions shift as the day goes on.
When the sun is lower in the sky, you can get too much sun on your patio or deck, making glare more noticeable and the space heating up again. That’s where motorized shade screens and MagnaTrack screens come into play.
These screens allow you to adjust your space in real time. With the push of a button, you can lower them to reduce glare, cut heat, and create a more controlled environment.
They also address one of the biggest reasons people head back inside. Bugs. By creating a barrier around your space, motorized screens and MagnaTrack systems help keep insects out while still allowing airflow.
For spaces that deal with more exposure, MagnaTrack screens offer added durability and stability, helping maintain that protection even in stronger wind conditions.
Combine Shade for a More Usable Space
Most patios don’t have just one issue. That’s why the best results come from combining solutions.
Awnings, patio covers, or pergolas manage overhead sun. Motorized shade screens and MagnaTrack systems handle glare, bugs, and changing conditions later in the day.
When these elements work together, the space becomes far more consistent. You’re not limited to a narrow time window or constantly adjusting where you sit.
You can also read our post on creating a more comfortable outdoor space with retractable awnings and shade screens.
Make the Space Work for How You Use It
Once the environment is more controlled, the way you use your patio starts to change.
You can sit outside longer without moving your chair or adjusting your position. Meals, conversations, and time with family don’t get cut short because of heat or bugs. The space becomes easier to use throughout the day instead of being limited to certain times.
It also gives you more flexibility. Whether you’re relaxing for a few minutes or spending a full evening outside, the space supports how you want to use it without requiring constant adjustments.
Take the Next Step
Every patio is different, and the right setup depends on your layout, sun exposure, and how you want to use the space.
If your deck or patio gets too much sun and you’re ready to make it more comfortable, the next step is to take a closer look at your space and explore which combination of shade and screening would work best.
You can visit WA Zimmer’s showrooms in Elkhart or Huntington, Indiana, to see these options in person, or schedule a visit, and we’ll come to you. We’ll walk your space, go over different solutions, and help you choose the right products, styles, and colors for your home.
A few well-planned upgrades can make a noticeable difference in how often you use your patio and how comfortable it feels when you’re out there.
