Afternoons on a west‑facing patio or in a sunroom can be brutally hot. The sun pours through windows and glass doors, raising indoor temperatures by 10‑15°F, making air conditioners work overtime. At the same time, leaving doors open for ventilation invites mosquitoes. Standard indoor blinds offer little help – they block light but not heat, and they don’t keep insects out. The solution is an external solar roller blind. Mounted outside the glass, it stops solar radiation before it enters, blocks up to 90% of UV rays, reduces heat gain by up to 40%, and creates a sealed barrier against mosquitoes. This article explains why solar screens are the ideal upgrade for west‑facing patios, glass doors, and any area of your home that suffers from afternoon sun.
The West‑Facing Challenge
In the northern hemisphere, west‑facing windows and doors receive the strongest afternoon sun – precisely when outdoor temperatures peak. The low angle of the sun means it penetrates deep into rooms, heating up furniture, floors, and walls. This heat is then radiated back even after sunset, keeping your home warm long into the night. Shading outside is dramatically more effective than internal blinds: the US Department of Energy states that exterior shading can reduce solar heat gain by up to 80%, while internal blinds only cut 20‑30%.
But there’s another problem: opening a door or window to let out heat also lets in mosquitoes. In many parts of the US, including the Southwest, West Coast, and Gulf Coast, mosquitoes are active year‑round. A simple screen that only blocks insects does nothing for heat. A solar screen does both – it reflects sunlight, keeps your home cooler, and seals against bugs.
How External Solar Blinds Work
MBORMC’s external solar roller blind (model: Sunshade) consists of a cassette mounted above the glass door or window, containing a high‑density polyester fabric. The fabric has a low openness factor (typically 3‑5%), meaning it blocks most sunlight while still allowing a view. The key features are:
- UV block – Blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and furniture from fading.
- Heat reduction – Reflective coating and tightly woven fabric reduce solar heat gain by 30‑40%.
- Insect barrier – Side channels and a bottom rail seal the fabric against the frame, leaving no gaps for mosquitoes to slip through.
- Retractable – When winter comes and you want the sun’s warmth, roll the blind completely up. The cassette is only 95mm tall and discreet.
- Rust‑proof – The 6063‑T5 aluminium frame and powder coating withstand rain, humidity, and salt air – perfect for coastal homes.
Product Spotlight: MBORMC Sunshade Solar Roller Blind
- Custom size – Made to the exact width and drop of your door or window.
- Mounting options – Surface mount (outside frame) or recessed mount (between jambs).
- Fabric colours – Light grey (standard, 3% openness), dark grey, beige, or custom.
- Manual or motorised – Chain drive (manual) or battery/remote motor for hard‑to‑reach areas.
- No‑drill option – For renters or historic homes, we offer adhesive‑mount cassettes (heavy‑duty tape) – no drilling required.
For large openings, such as sliding patio doors or French doors, we also offer a side‑mount version that rolls horizontally. Contact us for a custom design.
Real‑World Case Study: Phoenix, Arizona
In 2025, a homeowner in Phoenix, Arizona, installed MBORMC solar blinds on a set of west‑facing sliding glass doors leading to a covered patio. Before installation, the living room would reach 90°F by 5pm even with the blinds closed, forcing the AC to run constantly. After installing the external solar blind, the temperature behind the glass dropped by 12°F, and the room remained at 78°F without additional cooling. The homeowner reported a 35% reduction in AC usage during summer afternoons. Crucially, the family could leave the door open for cross‑ventilation because the blind sealed against insects – no mosquitoes entered. Two years later, the fabric showed no fading or wear, and the aluminium frame had no rust despite the intense desert sun.
Another example: a beach house in Florida with large west‑facing windows. The owners had previously used internal blackout curtains, which made the room dark and still let in heat. After switching to external solar blinds, the room stayed bright (the 3% openness fabric still allows a view of the ocean) but remained cool. They also appreciated that the blinds blocked 99% of UV, preventing their furniture from bleaching.
Comparison: External Solar Blind vs. Internal Window Film
Window film is another solution, but it has drawbacks:
- Permanent – Once applied, it’s difficult to remove, and it voids some window warranties.
- Less effective – Film blocks incoming radiation after it has passed through the glass, so the glass itself still heats up and radiates inside.
- No insect protection – You still need separate screens for bugs.
- Reduces winter heat gain – Unlike retractable blinds, film blocks beneficial solar heating in winter, increasing heating bills.
External solar blinds are removable, retractable, and provide both heat reduction and insect sealing – a two‑in‑one solution.
Energy Savings and Payback Period
For a typical US home with west‑facing windows, installing external solar blinds can reduce cooling energy use by 20‑30%. In hot climates like Texas, Arizona, or Florida, the savings can be $200‑$500 per year. With an average installed cost of $500‑$1,000 for a large sliding door, the payback period is 2‑3 years. Over a 10‑year lifespan, the net savings can exceed $3,000 while also improving comfort.
Installation Options and Ordering
MBORMC ships solar blinds to all 50 states. Production takes 10‑15 days, plus sea freight (25‑35 days) or air freight (5‑7 days). Installation:
- DIY – For surface mount, drill a few screws into the wall above the door. For no‑drill, use our heavy‑duty adhesive tape (holds up to 50 lbs).
- Professional – Any handyman can install it in an hour.
Ordering is easy: Measure the width and drop of your door or window, choose your fabric colour and mounting method, and send the details via our quote form. We will provide a price and estimated delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I see through the fabric at night? Yes, but from the inside, you can see out clearly during the day. At night, with lights on inside, the view from outside is obscured (privacy benefit).
- Does the fabric trap heat against the glass? No – the side channels allow air circulation, and the fabric itself reflects most radiation.
- What about wind? The fabric is tensioned and guided by side channels, so it does not flap in normal breezes. For hurricane‑prone areas, we offer reinforced fabric.
- Can I motorise multiple blinds together? Yes, we offer remote control systems that can operate up to 8 blinds simultaneously.
Ready to Cool Your West‑Facing Rooms?
Don’t let the afternoon sun make your home uncomfortable and your energy bills soar. Install external solar blinds – the most effective way to stay cool, cut costs, and keep mosquitoes out. Request a free quote today →