[Weemac]

We are considering having custom Cooleroo or Bali sun blocking shades installed in our plexi-glass enclosed lanai.

These are not for privacy but rather for the heat build up of the summers... the lanai faces north but also has east and west exposures.

Do these really cut down on the heat build up in the lanai and do you consider them worth the expense?
Thanks in advance.

[TedfromGA]

Yes the sun shades do decrease heat from the sun. We have a south facing lani - installed 90% blocking and definitely feel the reduction in direct heat. Check RK Sunshades before you make a final decision. They are a little more expensive than the others, but in my opinion have the best product. FYI we had motorized screens in Atlanta Ga. (10 years of experience) - got 3 estimates here - prices were about the same but the product from RK was superior compared to what we had in Ga and the other companies in this area.

[TidalWalkers]

Try Sun Shades. Ad in the classified section, in phone book, and display at a Markets of Marion. Wide range of screen filtering percentages. Helps to keep rain out and sun. Keeps heat in during the cooler months. Installed at two homes and very happy. In my experience, best value.

[Lottoguy]

We just put in our lanai exactly what your asking about. We strongly recommend Lowe's for your purchase and installation. Yes, they do keep out the hot sun. Our lanai has three windows facing east and two windows facing south.

[Debfrommaine]

Lowes installed Coolaroo shades about 10 months ago, we are pleased with them aesthetically (went with white shades) and they certainly help with the sun and privacy. At night, from the outside, you can see movement inside the home but not enough to bother us. We got the chain pull because we have them installed on two picture windows although the room itself is not huge so they system is very adequate for our purposes. We did install a mini-split as well, that's the best!

[Weemac]

Many thanks for your input

[skippy05]

2 months ago I went to Lowes and purchased and installed the manually operated coolaroo to the EXTERIOR of my sun room windows. The research I had done on the internet said that installing them OUTSIDE the glass is the best way to keep the heat out. I'm sure to some degree they work inside as well. However, I can tell you that I'm glad I did mine outside the glass because it really has blocked the heat from entering the sunroom. Also, I did have to also install a mini split which is capable of heating and cooling and I do have to use that as well. The combination of the coolaroo and mini split make my sunroom perfectly comfortable. It is a pain to go outside and manually move them up and down....but nothing is perfect.

[rlcooper70]

We got them. They are affective. However, we very aware of how much view is being blocked. See not only the sample but also go to someone's house to see the real thing. We got too much blocked ... were disappointed. $5k.

[Annie66]

We added a new room with 25 feet of slider windows. After much research and discussion with sales folks, we decided to purchase and have installed Levolor double-cellular shades. They are white on the outside and a color, we chose, on the inside. I know you weren't interested in privacy per se, but these give us 100% privacy at night with the interior LED can lights on. Standing outside, we can not see shadows moving. It was a big plus for us.

[Guitarman1951]

We have the coolaroo inside shades on our northwest facing lanai. It has helped keep the heat level down in the summer. We have the medium % of vision block (I think 90 % or less blockage) so we can still see through them. We also have tinted acrylic windows which help as well. They operate easier than thr heavy Roman shades that we had before. I know some have talked about outside mounted shades but I would think weather, dust dirt and flying grass particles from mowers would mean a quick deterioration in looks.

[JDRVKR]

We have glass sliders enclosure and the solar curtains are installed inside. They may help a little, however, the heat has already entered the room through the glass before reaching the curtains (6 inches). So, they really would work better if the lanai was screened, then they would block the light/heat somewhat. Our lanai faces south and west, so it gets really hot. We had to install a mini split to make the lanai comfortable.

[Veronica514]

Yes they are worth the expense. They really cut down the heat load and make it possible to enjoy the space. You will not be sorry that you did this.

[MickiC.1784]

Yes I got shades about 2 years ago. It made a huge difference in blocking out the heat.

[dar118]

Yes they are well worth the money We have them for 10 yrs. our lanai is also a East / West . Love the shades

[rfc171]

Ours are from Home Depot! Couldn’t be happier!