Forum Discussion

Naio's avatar
Naio
Explorer II
May 23, 2016

Shades that go on the OUTSIDE of a window?

When I am in one spot for an extended time, and there are no trees, is there any sort of attractive product I can use?

My current location is ok for funky solutions, so I have strung up a sheet over the glass. And it makes an amazing diffetence, compared to a shade on the inside. But I'd like to find something a bit classier looking.

Any ideas?
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Thank you,everyone, for the ideas and keep 'em coming!

    I actually HAVE neodynium magnets glued on my windows, because I use them to hold the inside curtains on. But there's no way those would stay on the outside, in the wind. I guess I would need some really giant magnets.

    I'm trying to think if there is a way I can do velcro that would not be too unsightly when the shades are off..

    How do the commercial snap/turnbuckle ones work? Do you glue the fasteners to the rig, same as magnets?
  • SCVJeff wrote:
    The cool ones have Neyodium magnets in them and their counter part is glued inside so all you do is slide them into place. Buying the commercially might get expensive, but heavy duty shade screen, magnets, and someone that can sew might work out nicely








    You are correct. Sew some pouches on your existing shades. Lookup neodymium magnets on the internet and figure what size and thickness you want of a given shape and order what you want. Actually if you shop a little prices are not that bad. Get some rear view mirror mount cement at Walmart and locate where you want them and glue away.
    If yours are presently held in place with snaps on the bottom If accessible only use the magnets on the hard to reach areas. TOP.
  • We have used both the inside shades with suction cups and the outside with snaps. The outside worked much better keeping the heat out. Both were the same mesh material that you can see through. I am going to change out the current set with the suction cups to snaps and use them outside.
  • I don't know if it is good enough looking but it works:

    I use Reflectix cut to exact size of window. I use black heavy duty Velcro to hold it to window. On the Reflectix side I make the Velcro patches oversize so it sticks well. On my large back window I use 6 Velcro patches to hold on the Reflectix. I use it most for storage, but in very hot weather I won't hesitate to use it camping and I don't think it is too notable or unattractive if the Reflectix fits the window well. I occasionally have to replace the window Velcro patches using solvent to remove the residue-and keep the solvent from running into the window seal . But they last quite a while. The Reflectix lasts about 2 years using it for outdoor storage.

    I find the shades outside the window are far more effective than anything inside the window.
  • Sun Shades

    I use these on dark double pane windows. The shade keeps the windows from getting hot and transferring the heat to the inside. Most wind doesnt bother them. If it gets really windy I can easily just retract them.
  • The cool ones have Neyodium magnets in them and their counter part is glued inside so all you do is slide them into place. Buying the commercially might get expensive, but heavy duty shade screen, magnets, and someone that can sew might work out nicely
  • Naio's avatar
    Naio
    Explorer II
    Thanks, koda55!

    I wonder how they do in the wind....
  • We have window awnings from Shadpro on the driver side over our windows and they block the sun. They also have window covers.

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