Exterior solar screens are one of the most effective ways to block heat, glare, and wind on a Utah patio before it ever reaches your living space. A solar screen is a woven mesh panel mounted on the outside of a patio, pergola, or window that intercepts sunlight and UV rays while preserving airflow and outward views. Here is how they work and what to consider.

What exterior solar screens actually do

Solar screens stop heat at the source. Because the mesh sits on the exterior, it blocks solar energy before it passes through glass or reaches your seating area. That is a meaningful difference from interior shades, which only react to heat that has already entered the space.

At Huish's, we build exterior screens from solar mesh, vinyl, and clear panels set in powder-coated aluminum frames. Each material serves a slightly different purpose, but they all share the same job: making your patio usable when the Utah sun is at its harshest.

☀️ UV protection and glare control

Utah's high elevation means intense, direct sunlight for much of the year. Solar mesh filters UV rays, which protects both your skin and your furnishings from fading. It also cuts glare, so you can actually see your phone, your book, or the game without squinting through washed-out light.

🌬️ Wind protection that holds up

Wind is the part people forget. An open patio can turn unusable the moment a gust kicks up. Our exterior screens include wind-rated options, meaning the panels and frames are engineered to handle real weather rather than just gentle breezes. That matters for foothill properties and open backyards where wind moves fast.

🪟 Privacy without walling yourself in

Solar mesh offers a clever trade: during the day, you can see out while passersby have a much harder time seeing in. It softens sightlines from neighbors and the street without turning your patio into a sealed box. For many homeowners, this privacy benefit is the deciding factor.

Where exterior screens fit best

Exterior screen shades are versatile. We install them on patios, pergolas, balconies, and exterior windows. If you already have an aluminum pergola or a covered patio, adding screens on the open sides can transform a shaded structure into a genuine outdoor room.

• Patios: Enclose the sunny side to extend comfortable hours into the afternoon.
• Pergolas: Pair overhead shade with side screens for full heat and glare control. See how a pergola changes your patio when you add screening.
• Balconies: Add privacy and wind protection to upper-level spaces.
• Exterior windows: Reduce heat gain on west- and south-facing glass.

Comparing your material options

Choosing the right screen comes down to how much you want to block versus how much you want to see through. Here is a plain-language comparison of the exterior screen materials we work with.

Frames are powder-coated aluminum across the board, which means they resist rust and hold up to Utah's temperature swings with very little maintenance.

Manual or motorized: how to choose

Exterior screens come in both manual and motorized versions. The right choice depends on how you use the space and how large the openings are.

1. Manual screens: A straightforward, budget-friendly option for smaller openings you adjust occasionally.
2. Motorized screens: Ideal for large spans or hard-to-reach areas where you want to raise and lower panels at the touch of a button. If you like the convenience of automation, our guide on whether motorized awnings are worth it covers the same trade-offs that apply to screens.

Both options retract, so you are never locked into a permanently enclosed patio. On mild days, roll them up and enjoy the open air. When the sun or wind picks up, bring them down.

Why exterior screens are underrated in Utah

Most homeowners default to awnings or pergolas for shade, and those are excellent solutions. But overhead shade alone does not stop the low-angle sun that pours in during morning and evening, and it does nothing for wind. Exterior screens fill that gap. They are the vertical layer that makes a patio comfortable through more of the day and more of the year.

We have always believed in doing business the right way. That means quality work, honest service, and products that last.

Because we handle custom fabrication in-house, we can match screens to your exact openings, your frame color, and the mesh density that suits your exposure. That is the advantage of working with a family shop that has been building Utah shade solutions since 1936.

Frequently asked questions

Do exterior solar screens block the view from my patio?

Solar mesh lets you see out during daylight while limiting the view in from outside. If preserving your view is the priority, clear panels offer the highest visibility. We can walk you through the trade-offs based on your exposure and how you use the space.

Are exterior screens strong enough for Utah wind?

Yes, we offer wind-rated options built with powder-coated aluminum frames designed to handle real weather. This makes them a good fit for open backyards and foothill properties where gusts are common. We help you select the right rating during your consultation.

Can I add screens to an existing pergola or patio cover?

In most cases, yes. Exterior screens install on patios, pergolas, balconies, and exterior windows, so an existing structure often makes a great starting point. We custom-fit each screen to your openings for a clean, integrated look.

Are exterior screens low maintenance?

They are. The powder-coated aluminum frames resist rust, and the mesh materials are built to hold up outdoors with minimal upkeep. Occasional cleaning is typically all they need to keep performing season after season.

Ready to make your patio comfortable through more of the Utah year? Contact us for a quote or visit our showroom to see solar mesh and exterior screen options in person.