Give your home real weather protection where it matters most
Weather protection becomes important when wind, rain and harsh sun start to limit how you use your patio,
braai area or outdoor room. The right system turns exposed spaces into comfortable extensions of your home,
so you can relax and entertain without watching the forecast all afternoon.

When weather becomes a real problem
Most people only think about weather protection once a space stops working. You may recognise some of this:
- Rain blows into your patio or braai area even though it is under roof
- Wind makes it uncomfortable to sit outside for more than a few minutes
- Furniture, decking or braai units get wet and take days to dry
- Afternoon sun hits your entertainment area so hard that everyone moves inside
- Coastal weather brings salt spray and sideways rain that your current blinds cannot handle
- Vehicles or boats stand in full sun, hail and heavy rain without protection
Good weather protection is not about closing everything up with plastic. It is about choosing the right outdoor
blinds, awnings, shutters and shade structures so you keep airflow and views while gaining control over wind,
rain and harsh sun.
Outdoor blinds for wind, rain and temperature control
Outdoor blinds are often the first line of defence against weather. They can be fitted to existing patios, decks
and outdoor rooms to create a flexible shield that you open and close as conditions change.
PVC outdoor blinds
PVC blinds create a clear barrier that keeps rain out and warmth in while still allowing you to see your view.
They are ideal for Garden Route and coastal homes where showers arrive quickly and wind pushes rain under the
roof line.
- Clear and tinted options for different light and privacy levels
- Helps keep furniture, braai areas and flooring dry
- Supports heat retention when heaters are in use
Sheerweave weather blinds
Sheerweave mesh fabrics help take the edge off wind and glare while still letting air move through. They are
useful when you want weather softening rather than full closure and when bright sun or light wind is the main
problem.
- Different openness factors for roughly 70 to 95 percent coverage
- Reduces wind, glare and UV while keeping the space breathable
- Pairs well with fixed roofs, awnings and pergolas
Vista and track guided systems
Track guided systems such as Vista style or Ziptrack style blinds help seal gaps on the sides and guide the
blind in wind. This improves performance on exposed patios and decks where standard clip down blinds are not
enough.
- Better side sealing than loose guide systems
- Improved performance in gusty conditions
- Neat, modern finish suited to many architectural styles
Awnings and louvre structures
Awnings and louvre systems protect from overhead sun and rain, creating usable outdoor rooms without the expense
of a full building extension. They are ideal for patios, pool areas, braai spaces and commercial entrances that
need reliable cover.
Canvas patio shade awnings
Canvas patio awnings give shade and light rain protection over doors, sliders and entertainment areas. They
help control water at the slab edge and soften the impact of overhead sun on hot days.
- Weather resistant canvas in coastal suitable ranges
- Helps reduce water ingress at doors and sliders
- Improves comfort in north and west facing areas
Folding arm awnings
Folding arm awnings project out over patios and decks without posts, keeping the area open and easy to move
through. They are suited to larger spaces that need flexible cover for sun and light rain.
Wedge and fixed awnings
Wedge and fixed awnings give permanent cover where you want a simple, low maintenance solution. They are often
used over windows, doors and walkways that are exposed to rain.
Louvre awnings
Louvre awnings use aluminium blades that can be angled to manage sun and rain. They work well in estates and
coastal homes where neat, architectural weather protection is required throughout the year.
Security shutters, shade ports and shade sails
Some spaces and assets need stronger protection. External security shutters, shade ports and shade sails add
weather control and peace of mind in areas that stand fully exposed.
Outdoor security shutters
External security shutters provide weather and security protection in one system. They can close up braai
areas, stacker doors and balconies when you leave, and open fully when you are home and want the view.
- Storm and security protection combined
- Suitable for exposed coastal conditions
- Neat, permanent installation with low maintenance
Shade ports
Shade ports protect vehicles, boats and outdoor equipment from UV, heat and hail. They are a practical way to
add weather protection where a full brick garage or carport is not possible.
- Reduces paint and interior damage from sun
- Helps limit hail and heavy rain impact
- Ideal for driveways, boat parking and staff parking
Shade sails
Shade sails provide tensioned cover over pools, courtyards and play areas. They soften harsh sun and create
more comfortable outdoor zones where families and guests can spend time.
Automation for weather peace of mind
Automation turns weather protection into something you do not have to think about. Motors and sensors can open
and close retractable awnings and some outdoor blind systems for you, protecting your investment when the wind
picks up or a storm arrives.
Somfy automation for awnings and outdoor blinds
Custom Blinds Shutters & Awnings uses Somfy motors and controls on many retractable awnings and selected
outdoor blind systems. Wind and rain sensors can be added so that your awning or blind retracts automatically
in bad weather, giving you peace of mind when you are away from home.
- Remote control or wall switch operation
- Wind sensors that retract awnings in unsafe conditions
- Helps protect fabric and hardware from storm damage
Learn more about Somfy automation at
Somfy South Africa.
Shade, privacy and weather working together
Weather protection often works best when it is planned together with shade and privacy. Many projects combine
indoor blinds, outdoor blinds, awnings and shutters so that the home feels comfortable, private and protected in
all conditions.
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