Patio Shades and Texas Storms: How Wind-Resistant Shades Work

Spring and fall fronts, summer thunderstorms and the occasional tropical system all reach The Woodlands. If you are buying outdoor shades, you should know how they handle wind and when to roll them up.

Three ways shades are held in place

1. Free-hanging: the fabric hangs from the tube with a weighted bottom bar. It costs least, but it sways and should be raised in any real breeze.
2. Cable guides: stainless cables run beside the fabric and guide the bottom bar. The shade is more stable, but the fabric edges can still flap.
3. Track or zipper retention: the fabric edges are captured inside side tracks. This gives the best wind stability and also seals the sides against insects.

Wind sensors and automation

Motorized shades can be paired with wind sensors that raise the shades when gusts pass a set level. That protects the shades while you are at work or away. Ask us which sensors work with the motor you choose.

When to raise them anyway

No residential shade is a storm shutter. Raise your shades before severe thunderstorms and tropical storms, and whenever the manufacturer’s wind rating will be exceeded. Raised in its housing, the fabric is protected.

Pairing with screens

Some homeowners want both shade and bug protection. Our retractable screens guide compares the options, and roll shades vs. solar screens explains the differences.

Know what the wind rating means

Outdoor shades are rated for a certain wind speed while lowered. The rating depends on the shade’s width, the side retention and the mounting. A wide free-hanging shade has a lower wind tolerance than a narrower shade in tracks. Ask your installer for the rating of each shade, not just the product line, and remember that ratings are for normal gusty weather, not for severe storms.

Fall and winter fronts

People think about hurricanes, but strong fronts in fall and winter often bring sudden gusts too. If you leave shades down while you are away, a wind sensor on motorized shades raises them automatically when gusts pick up. Without one, get in the habit of raising shades before you leave home on a windy day.

Hurricane season checklist

When a tropical storm or hurricane is forecast for the Houston area:

1. Raise every shade fully into its housing.
2. Turn off automatic schedules so they do not lower during the storm.
3. Clear loose patio furniture that could hit the housings.
4. After the storm, check the fabric, tracks and housings before lowering the shades again.

Signs your shades need service

• The shade drifts to one side or rolls unevenly.
• The fabric has frayed edges or a crease that will not relax.
• The motor stops short or overruns its limits.
• Tracks are bent or the bottom bar does not sit straight.

Call us rather than forcing a shade that is stuck. Small adjustments are much cheaper than replacing fabric.

See more about motorized roll shades and outdoor roll shades.

Planning for wind when you buy

The best time to think about wind is before you order. Tell your installer which openings face open yards, golf courses or water, since those get more wind. Ask whether narrower shades or tracks make sense there. If you will be away from home often, a wind sensor is worth considering. And put the habit of raising shades before storms on your family’s storm checklist alongside bringing in patio furniture.

Insurance and storm damage

If a storm damages your shades or patio, take photos before you clean up and contact your homeowner’s insurer. Ask us for an inspection and a written estimate for repairs. Some damage, like a bent track or torn fabric, can be fixed without replacing the whole shade.

Screen enclosures and storms

Fixed screen enclosures stay in place in storms, so check the mesh and frames afterward for tears and loose fasteners.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave shades down in a storm?

No. Raise them before severe thunderstorms or tropical storms and whenever the wind rating will be exceeded.

Do tracks keep mosquitoes out too?

Track or zipper side retention seals the edges, which helps keep insects out.

What is a wind sensor?

A small device that tells motorized shades to raise automatically when wind gets too strong.

Are tracked shades stronger in wind?

Generally yes. Tracks or cables hold the sides, which helps the fabric handle gusts better than free-hanging shades.

Talk to Texan Glass in The Woodlands

Our Woodlands location is at 24625 Budde Rd. Call (281) 296-6200 to set up a free on-site look at your patio, or see what we install on our Woodlands page.