Motorized patio screens and exterior solar screens in Portland
Drop and zip screens turn a covered Portland patio or porch into an enclosure against sun, wind, rain and bugs, then roll away into a slim headbox. Exterior solar screens stop heat and glare before they reach the glass.
- Up to 25 ftWide openings with FlexShade Zip XL
- 5-inchHeadbox the screen rolls into
- About 85%Better heat reduction outside the glass (est.)
What are motorized patio screens?
Motorized patio screens are roll-down fabric or mesh shades mounted on the open sides of a covered patio, porch or deck. They drop from a slim headbox at the push of a button. Zip screens lock their edges into side tracks; exterior solar screens mount outside windows to cut heat and glare while keeping the view.
At a glance
- Also called
- Drop shades, zip screens, patio enclosure screens
- Systems
- SummerSpace FlexShade; Futureguard Vivista
- Widest
- Up to 25 ft (FlexShade Zip XL)
- Fabric
- Solar mesh or acrylic awning fabric
- Controls
- Motorized or manual
- Uses
- Patios, porches, windows, pergolas, restaurants
- Installed by
- Our own crew
Why exterior solar screens beat interior blinds for heat
A blind inside the window stops the sun after it has already passed through the glass, so the heat is inside with you. A screen outside stops it first. Screening on the outside of the glass is estimated to reduce heat about 85% better than the same shade mounted inside.
Solar screens also block the UV that fades floors and furniture and cut the glare on TVs and computer screens, without giving up the view.
Zip screens vs. drop screens: which screen fits your opening?
Four systems we install, side by side. Zip screens are the pick for open patio sides, because their edges stay locked in the tracks.
Our pick for patios
FlexShade Zip XL (opens in a new tab)
- How the edges hold
- Zipped into side tracks
- Size
- Openings up to 25 ft wide
- Mounted
- Vertical openings
- In wind
- Edges stay zipped in the tracks
- Build notes
- 5-inch headbox; patented floating roller tube; no sag, curl or distortion
- Best for
- Enclosing a covered patio
Light breezes
FlexShade Non-Zip (opens in a new tab)
- How the edges hold
- Side channels or cables
- Size
- Sized to the opening
- Mounted
- Vertical openings
- In wind
- Not side-secured: don’t lower it in wind
- Build notes
- —
- Best for
- Shade and privacy
Overhead
FlexShade Tension Zip (opens in a new tab)
- How the edges hold
- Zip system under tension
- Size
- Sized to the opening
- Mounted
- Horizontal or angled
- In wind
- —
- Build notes
- Tension zip system
- Best for
- Skylights and pergolas
Windows & porches
Futureguard Vivista (opens in a new tab)
- How the edges hold
- Optional stainless cable guides
- Size
- Sized to the opening
- Mounted
- Windows or porch openings
- In wind
- —
- Build notes
- Acrylic awning fabric or Phifer 4500 5% open mesh; aluminum fittings
- Best for
- Windows and porch openings
Where motorized screens go
Covered patios, porches, big windows and restaurant seating around Portland.
Made for year‑round living
Portland’s patio season is short if the sides stay open. Lowered screens hold back wind, wind-driven rain and low winter sun, so a covered space stays in use long after summer, then they roll away in seconds.
Restaurant patios in winter
Zip screens close the open sides of a covered patio so tables stay in use into fall and winter. FlexShade Zip XL spans openings up to 25 feet, with edges held in the side tracks.
Homes, porches and cigar patios
Close in a covered patio, porch or smoking lounge against wind and drizzle while it stays open to the air, then raise the screens when the weather turns.
Covered outdoor TV areas
Solar mesh cuts the glare that washes out a screen under a patio cover, and Futureguard Vivista shades handle porch openings and windows.
Rain, wind and low sun
Screens close the sides; the roof does the rest. Pair them with a patio cover, porch roof or awning overhead, and use Tension Zip for skylights and pergolas.
Closing in a whole covered patio? See patio enclosures with motorized screens.
Reviews of our screens
“Our home is southern facing and we needed a solution to protect our hard wood floors, furniture etc from the sun… They were very thoughtful in the placement of the shades and helped us select the best product for the price.”
“They put three retractable screen on our outdoor patio… After they were done hanging the screens, they walked us through the operation and maintenance instructions.”
“Custom install of patio screens with a couple tricky components. Better than I thought it could possibly be.”
Motorized screen questions
Measure the width and height of each opening, snap a photo of each, and you have most of what we need for a ballpark.
Call the shop(503) 226-2761What is the average cost of a motorized patio screen?
It depends on the width and height of each opening, the system (zip or non-zip), the fabric and the controls, so Rose City Awning & Flag quotes after a free consultation. Send photos and rough measurements of each opening and we can often give a ballpark first.
Are motorized patio screens worth it?
For a covered patio, porch or restaurant seating area you stop using when the weather turns, usually yes. Screens close the sides against wind, rain, bugs and low sun, then roll into a slim headbox when you want the open air back.
What is a zip screen?
A zip screen is a roll-down screen whose side edges zip into tracks, so the fabric stays secured and taut. The SummerSpace FlexShade Zip XL covers openings up to 25 feet wide and rolls into a 5-inch headbox without sag, curl or distortion.
Are exterior solar screens better than interior blinds?
For heat, yes. Screening on the outside of the glass is estimated to reduce heat about 85% better than the same shade mounted inside, because the sun is stopped before it reaches the window. Solar screens also cut glare and UV fading while keeping your view.
Can screens go over a pergola or skylight?
Yes. The SummerSpace FlexShade Tension Zip is designed to mount horizontally or at an angle, so it can shade skylights and pergolas from above.
Where can I buy motorized screens in Portland?
Rose City Awning & Flag sells, installs and services SummerSpace FlexShade and Futureguard Vivista screens from its shop and showroom at 2728 NW Nela St, Portland. Call (503) 226-2761 or send photos for an estimate.
Get a motorized screen estimate
Send photos of the patio, porch or windows and a rough width for each opening. We’ll follow up with a ballpark and a site visit.
- Call
- (503) 226-2761
- Showroom
- 2728 NW Nela St, Portland
Send us your project
Photos and rough measurements are often enough for a ballpark.
Patio enclosures
Retractable awnings
Patio covers & canopies
Repair & Recover