Outdoor spaces are meant to be used. Unfortunately, many patios and decks across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan fall short. Direct sunlight can make them too hot during the day, and just as you’re starting to relax, the bugs and mosquitoes show up, driving you indoors. Without the right coverage, even light rain can cut things short.
The result is a space that is used far less often than it could be.
However, with the right combination of retractable awnings, motorized shade screens, and Magnatrack screens, your patio can adapt to changing conditions rather than be limited by them.
Control Sun and Heat with Retractable Awnings
One of the biggest factors affecting outdoor comfort is direct sunlight. Without overhead coverage, patios heat up quickly and become difficult to use during the middle of the day.
Retractable awnings or motorized awnings solve that problem by giving you shade when you need it and open sky when you don’t. Instead of committing to permanent coverage, you can adjust your space throughout the day.
With systems like Sunesta retractable awnings, the benefits go beyond basic shade. These awnings are engineered to block direct sunlight and reduce heat radiation, often lowering temperatures beneath the shaded area by 10°F to 20°F. That difference can turn a hot, exposed patio into a space that feels noticeably cooler and more comfortable.
Add Side Protection with Motorized Shade Screens and MagnaTrack Screens
Overhead shade is only part of the solution. When the sun is lower in the sky or when wind and insects become an issue, side protection becomes just as important.
This is where motorized shade screens and MagnaTrack screens come in.
These screens can be integrated into pergolas, patio covers, and other structures to create a more enclosed outdoor space. Instead of being fully exposed, your patio becomes more like an outdoor room that blocks heat, glare, and insects while still allowing airflow.
Motorized screens let you lower or raise them with the push of a button, making it easy to adjust your space for the time of day or current conditions.
Sunesta’s solar mesh shade screens are available in different openness levels. Denser fabrics block more sunlight and heat, while more open weaves allow better airflow while still cutting glare. This allows you to tailor the space to your patio’s position and how you plan to use it.
For homeowners looking for a more heavy-duty solution, MagnaTrack screens provide added strength and stability. These systems are designed to stay in place in challenging conditions and can withstand winds exceeding 156 mph. In addition to blocking UV rays and insects, they also create an effective on-demand privacy barrier.
A Space That Works Throughout the Day
When you combine retractable awnings with motorized shade screens, your outdoor space becomes far more usable.
You can block intense midday sun, reduce evening glare, and create a more comfortable environment even when wind, light rain, or insects would normally drive you indoors. Instead of planning around the weather, your space adjusts to it.
For many homeowners, this is what turns a patio from something that gets occasional use into a space that becomes part of everyday life.
See the Options in Person or Start at Home
Choosing the right combination of awnings and screens depends on your home, your layout, and how you want to use your space.
WA Zimmer has showrooms in Elkhart and Huntington, Indiana, where you can see full-size displays of retractable awnings, motorized shade screens, and MagnaTrack systems, as well as our pergolas, patio covers, and patio furniture. Seeing these products in person makes it easier to understand how they function and what fits your space.
If you prefer, we can also come to you. We’ll take a look at your space, walk you through different options, and help you choose the right products, styles, and colors to match your home.
Either way, the goal is the same. A more comfortable outdoor space that you will actually use.
Ready to get started? Contact us today!
