The Modern Screened-In Porch

Shading Texas Improves Outdoor Living Space With Draper FlexShade Technology

- Anthony Leo

It’s not your grandfather’s screened-in porch.

Exterior motorized window shades are becoming a new alternative for enclosing a fourseasons patio to keep out bugs or filter harsh sunlight, adding to the flexibility and comfort of an outdoor living space.

Matt Pierce, owner of central Texas-based Shading Texas, has found success selling and installing Draper’s FlexShade ZIP exterior shades, which combine convenience and ease of use with the simple touch of a wall switch or remote. The exterior shades can be raised or lowered quickly and quietly to the desired position, with side channels or cable guides keeping the fabric in place.

In one recent project in Austin, TX, the homeowner wanted to be able to use their outdoor space more comfortably, enjoying dinners or barbecues and even shuffleboard, without having to worry about the bugs.