EXTERIOR SHADING SYSTEMS
Exterior shading was considered a luxury at one time but has recently become a standard in most new home construction above the 49th parallel. It is ideal for cabins, homes, restaurants, resort properties and anywhere that it is desirable to extend the outdoor barbeque season by 3 to 4 months without any additional heating required. Often used for patios, garages, gazebos & outdoor dining areas, they are an effective way of controlling heat, wind, insects & glare as well as damaging UV rays before they can penetrate the building envelope.
Typically the most effective and suitable product is a commercial rated roller shade combined with a perforated screen fabric. Smaller openings can be treated using light commercial shading systems that run along guide wires to keep from being damaged in the wind. Larger openings are best treated using “zipper” system and locations with higher wind should always be treated using a “keder” (welting system) within side channels to ensure the stability of the fabric, keeping edges tight and within the guide channels for year round usage.
Note that not all exterior shading is created equal so GiCor offers and displays a range of solutions for every circumstance, application, budget and lead times.
Controls options can be either manual crank OR the more preferred method using electronic shading motors. This option includes obstacle detection features and a variety of technologies that allow for control via remotes, switches, smart phones, home automation & of course voice control. , Other options include sun / heat sensors to automatically lower shades at a specified threshold in order to maintain a consistent temperature inside and out. Wind sensors can also be added to retract the shades in high wind conditions at a moment’s notice. Power options include low voltage, line voltage and now “SOLAR” for even the largest of openings.
It is also worth noting that by installing exterior shading directly in front of windows (on the exterior) can reduce heat by up to 50% depending on the fabric selected. This is a standard in Europe and only starting to catch on here in North America.
Progressive - Magnatrack Screens
Fabricated by Frasershading Systems
A Canadian owned company
Typical lead times are 5 weeks
*MAGNATRACK! is the BMW of all exterior shading systems. It is the best of the best, engineered in the USA and fabricated around the world, there is no heavier and more reliable system available in the market today. Magnatrack incorporates a patented track system that overcomes inherent hangup issues, re-wrapping and dislodging from side tracks that ALL other ZIPPER systems incur! Internal Neodymium magnets allow the inner track to free float with no mechanical fasteners. This feature means that the system self-adjusts during expansion and contraction from fluctuating temperatures as well as in high wind loads. GUARANTEED to outperform any competitive product and built to last a life time!
*Obstacle Detection Motors! Progressive Screens has partnered with Gaposa (Italian) motor option for the only triple-try obstacle detection. These motors combined with the MagnaTrack system, mean issue free, user friendly, and self adjusting installations resulting in the #1 Motorized Screen system available. Unmatched performance and designed to enhance your outdoor living area. Simu and Somfy obstacle detection motors are also available with the MagnaTrack system. All motors are compatible with smart phones & third party automation systems.
Remember, mounting and electrical details vary from application to application so call us as early on in the project as possible to ensure that your installation turns out just the way you envisioned.
Features & Benefits
- Magnatrack screens are available in sizes from 3 feet to 30 feet wide x 20 feet high, depending on the system & fabric selection
- Magnatrack Clear is available in sizes from 3 feet to 26’ wide x 18 feet high
- Two headbox sizes available: 6” & 8” heights
- Recessed / concealed applications also available
- Side channels can be jamb or face mounted
- Side channel width can be as small as 2-3/4″ wide
- Hardware finish choices: White, Ivory, Beige, Silver Pearl, Bronze & Night Sky (black). Custom powder coat finishes also available
- No light gap at side channels for complete edge blackout system if required
- Can serve as an operable insect screen or room divider.
- Only available in motorized control
- Provides excellent protection from high wind loads
- Child safe triple obstacle detection motors used
- Weighted & Hurricane weighted hem bars offered to stabilize shade during operation & high wind conditions
- Available with RTS (radio series) or standard switched motors
- Product designed for exterior and interior use
Talius - Habitat Shades
Fabricated by Talius
A Canadian owned company
Typical lead times are 5 weeks
Talius exterior “Habitat” shades offer a mid range price point with 4 product categories; Habitat for openings up to 19 feet wide x 14’ high, Habitat XL for openings up to 23’ wide x 14’ high, Habitat Clear for width up to 10’ wide x 10’ high & Habitat Plus (guide wires) for systems up to 19 ‘ wide x 14’ high.. Rated for wind loads in the 60 to 80km range, Talius shades are ideal for enclosing in spaces with moderate wind loads OR where exterior shading (against the building) is required. Control options include both crank & motorized which is definitely the more preferred method. Somfy motors are the standard for Talius and include their single obstacle detection feature. Somfy motors incorporate a variety of technologies that allow for control via remotes, switches, smart phone, home automation & voice control. Other options include sun / heat sensors to automatically lower shades at a specified threshold in order to maintain a consistent temperature inside and out. Wind sensors can also be added to retract the shades in high wind conditions at a moment’s notice.
With respect to fabrics, not all are created equal however most screen fabrics are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. A fabric range of 5% to 20% open is generally suggested for most applications however tighter weaves or clear Vinyl is also an option for spaces where a year round usage is desired. Each fabric provides a varying degree of protection from heat, glare and insects. Darker colored fabrics provide a better view outside than lighter fabrics.
Remember, mounting and electrical details vary from application to application so call us as early on in the project as possible to ensure that your installation turns out just the way you envisioned.
Features & Benefits
- Available in sizes from 3 feet to 23 feet wide x 14 feet high, depending on the system & fabric selection
- Two headbox sizes available: 6” – Habitat & 8” Habitat XL & Habitat Plus
- Side channels can be jamb or face mounted
- Side channel width can be as small as 2.25″ wide
- Hardware finish choices: White, Beige, Brown, Silver & Black. Custom powder coat finishes also available
- No light gap at side channels for complete edge blackout system if required
- Can serve as an operable insect screen or room divider.
- Can be crank operated or motorized
- Provides moderate protection from wind
- Child safe obstacle detection motors used
- Weighted hem bar to stabilize shade during operation
- Available with RTS (radio series) or standard switched motors
- Product designed for exterior and interior use
Cabana style curtains surround this open roof top patio to create a cozy & privacy space for entertaining
Lakeview getaway with massive heat gain thru these windows. Talius crank operated Habitat screen with custom made fixed framed panels
Draper overhead motorized patio shades offering shade on demand
everything else
Exterior shading comes in all shapes & sizes becuase no two projects are the same. Sometimes the client has as existing wooden structure that they want us to mount to, other times they want something more decorative to provide some privacy from the neighbors however its never needed when the weather turns bad.
The we have clients that want to create banner style tensioned shades to provide permanent (seasonal) shading while creating a bright / inviting space for the barbeque / patio season.
Other styles
- Sail Shades (tensioned)
- Fixed shading panels (framed) ideal for angled windows
- outdoor drapery panels
Colourful “sail shades” compliment this beachside patio
Infinity Canopies manual system offering retractable shading for open patios
As with all shading products there are typically MANY factors to consider including mounting options, structural support, level surfaces, available power locations & most of all, the clients vision! Let GiCor help you to achieve the best possible solution for your exterior shading needs. Email to sales@gicor.com OR call 1-866-664-4267
Videos
Interior / exterior shading install at Cactus Club Crowfoot in Calgary. Corradi summit shades installed inside existing shade pockets. in front of sliding glass walls make this the perfect summer dining experience!
Interior / exterior shading install at Cactus Club West Edmonton Mall. Magnatrack motorized patio shades installed in front of sliding glass walls creating an oasis dining experience.
GiCor compilation of Magnatrack exterior shading installations (2016 thru 2022)
GiCor installation at Spruce Meadows – 12 exterior motorized shades treating these SW facing windows to reduce excessive heat gain during the summer months
GiCor installation of exterior shades creating privacy for the cigar lounge patio at Chairmen’s Steak House
GiCor installation of motorized exterior shades used to enclose this covered patio, creating a 4 season barbeque experience.
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