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5 Ways to Make Your Backyard Ideal for Entertaining

Written by tnwebtech on March 20, 2023. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades. 216 Comments on 5 Ways to Make Your Backyard Ideal for Entertaining

Atlanta, Georgia is an area with harsh summers and sometimes very cold winters, there is always a time of year when you just want to be outside. Having a space where you can feel comfortable entertaining during these seasons may motivate you to invite people over to socialize more often than you do now. Socializing can help strengthen friendships and make you feel more connected. If you spend time building that outdoor space, you’ll be ready for that perfect weather when it comes.

1. Choose Your Space

You may prefer having a lounging space on the patio or in the middle of the yard around a fire pit. A louvered patio cover stops the rain from interfering with your backyard space and also provides functionality for controlling levels of sun. And with the patio, you have the ability to enclose it with motorized retractable screens to keep out the cold or heat and extend your entertaining periods even further so they’re not so dependent on the weather. If the area where you live is plagued with mosquitoes or other pests, you won’t have to worry about them bothering your guests.

2. Thinking About Seating

A fire pit is best enjoyed encircled with comfortable chairs, so you know what kind of seating you need. For a patio, you could use a couch with chairs or a dining table, depending on what type of entertaining you’re planning to do. If you have the space, you could create both a dining area under the patio and a lounge area around a fire pit.

Another advantage motorized retractable screens give you is that your patio furniture can be protected from fading from bright sunlight and from dust and debris during storms. Knowing it will be protected can help you budget for quality furniture you know will last.

3. Lighting for Ambiance

While a fire can give plenty of light, adding string lights can create even more ambiance. You can also add some tiki lights or solar-powered pavement lights to light pathways and keep your guests from tripping over things beyond the firelight. Lighting can give anywhere from a “party” to a “chill” appearance, depending on how you use it.

For early evening entertaining on the patio, motorized retractable screens can block the setting sun so friends aren’t blinded by the piercing rays. You can also use indoor decor, such as lamps on the patio when you know you can protect them with enclosed screens.

For overnight or early sunrise entertaining, you can put the motorized retractable screens back up so you can enjoy the view.

4. Speakers and Outdoor TVs

You can keep a TV on the patio so you can watch the game, or wire speakers to play music while lounging around the fire pit. A patio cover will protect your electronic equipment even when you’re not using it so you won’t have to carry it in and out of the house. Watch the game on the TV while sitting around on your patio furniture, or power speakers for music you can enjoy around the fire pit. You can bring your entertainment to another level while still having an outdoor experience.

5. Other Entertainment Options

Now that you’ve created an awesome place to entertain, you can think of some of other fun activities to do outside:

A pool: Even if you’re renting , you can still install an above-ground pool to entertain friends and family.
A dart board: Darts are fun to play and get even shy people involved in socializing.
Board games: With retractable screens, you can play board games outside in almost any weather.

With the right space, the options are endless.

Get Started On Your Entertainment Space Today

If you think our motorized retractable screens, louvered or retractable roof system, or a screen enclosure can help you create an ideal backyard space for entertaining, our qualified representatives would be more than happy to answer your questions. Our screens and patio covers protect from pests, bright sun, and cold weather all while giving you privacy and allowing ventilation.

Our outdoor shade products can be operated with just a touch of a phone or button, and our retractable screens are manufactured right here in Atlanta, Georgia. You can protect your patio furniture, decor, and electronics as well as your guests from the elements. To find out more, contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate.

Enjoy Nature All Year Long With These Creative Ideas

Written by tnwebtech on December 12, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades, Solar Screens, Uncategorized. 328 Comments on Enjoy Nature All Year Long With These Creative Ideas

We all enjoy time outside taking in the sensations of nature. But there are times when that can be a real challenge; as summer ends and colder wet weather arrives, the outdoors can become less inviting. Then, when winter brings snow and ice, you probably just want to curl up inside with a warm drink in your favorite chair. Even in the summer, there are days when it’s just too hot to spend much time outside, making you want to retreat to the cool of an air-conditioned room. So what can you do to ensure you keep enjoying nature, even when the elements seem to be against you? Read on for five creative ideas to do just that!

Space Heaters

Spending time on the patio is one of the best parts of summer, and you might not want to let go of the experience when the weather starts to turn cooler. A great way to carry on using your patio is to purchase an outdoor space heater. In the past, these were inefficient appliances, but technology has moved on, and you can heat your patio nicely without breaking the bank. Outdoor space heaters come in three main types. These are:

Gas Patio Heaters. These are available in a range of styles and designs, so you can pick them to match your decor as a wall heater, parasol heater or heating lamp.
Electric patio heaters. This type of heater is very versatile and can direct the heat where you want it, as well as being easy to control. Some even come with sensors, so they switch on when you walk out onto your patio.
Solid fuel heaters. These come in the form of fire pits or log burners. They look amazing but aren’t as easy to control as electric or gas heaters.

Of course, the heater won’t keep out the worst of the kind or rain. For that, you need some retractable screens, which we will discuss later in this article.

Add Some House Plants

You don’t have to limit your plants to your garden; there are lots of houseplants that can bring greenery into your home, as well as colorful flowers. In addition, there are many plants that improve the air quality in your home. If you want some functionality, too, why not add a small herb garden to your kitchen? As well as improving the taste of your meals, herbs smell great and brighten up the room. If you want something that’s easy to look after, you can always get ferns, peace lilies or spider plants, which also all do well in rooms with less light.

Exercise Outside

If it’s too cold to sit on the patio, you can always warm yourself up with a bit of exercise. If you have kids, a kickaround with a soccer ball is fun for all the family and will warm you up nicely, as well as being an excellent way to keep fit. Installing a basketball hoop is another great way to engage all the family. If exercise by yourself is more your thing, you can put in some bars to do pullups, do pushups on the patio or even bring your weights outside.

Nature Decor

Even if you don’t have a green thumb or time to look after plants, there are other ways to bring nature into your home. Natural materials such as wood or stone bring a sense of the outdoors into any room. If it suits your style, you can decorate your kitchen cupboards with images of flowers and plant life. Art is another way to bring nature into your home; pictures of landscapes are popular, as are works showing vases of flowers or garden scenes. Finally, if you want plants without the need to care for them, artificial flowers and plants are much easier to care for, only needing a quick dust every now and then.

MotionScreen™ Motorized Retractable Screens

If you really want to carry on enjoying the patio without being subjected to the elements, Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta’s MotionScreen™ motorized retractable screens are the way to go. The screen mesh will keep the wind and rain at bay and trap heat and should the weather change quickly, you can raise or lower them at the touch of a button. On cooler days, you can always add a space heater and continue enjoying your patio.

Our screens are manufactured in Plano, Texas from the best materials and custom-made to suit your space. This is also backed up with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, and you can choose from one of seven colors to suit your style. If this sounds like a great idea to you, contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate.

7 Ways To Enjoy Your Backyard This Winter

Written by tnwebtech on October 31, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades. 14 Comments on 7 Ways To Enjoy Your Backyard This Winter

It’s easy to enjoy your backyard in the spring when the flowers begin to emerge, and it’s time to do some planting and get things ready for the summer months. Summer is great too, when the sun shines, you can light up the barbeque for garden parties and everything’s in full bloom. Even autumn has its charms with the bright colors of the fading leaves and the last lingering warmth from the summer. But then winter arrives, with longer nights and low temperatures which make going outdoors less tempting. But you don’t have to abandon your backyard altogether in the winter — these 7 simple ideas will help you to keep enjoying it all year round.

1. Keep Warm With a Fire Pit

There’s something about an outdoor fire that brings out a kind of nostalgia for the simple living of our distant ancestors. Of course, you can have a traditional firepit installed in your backyard — a hole in the ground with brick surround that you build a fire in — but there are cleaner, safer and more modern alternatives available. Fire pit tables are gas-fueled and keep the fire well-controlled on top of a sturdily constructed table that keeps the flames away from pets and small children. They’re also super easy to clean, so a great option if you don’t have the time to clear away ashes and build a new fire.

2. Bring The Wildlife Closer With Bird Feeders

During the warmer months, you can usually see plenty of wildlife in your garden, but much of that natural beauty disappears over winter. However, you can bring some of it back by investing in bird feeders. Hang these in positions that are out of reach of neighborhood cats or your own pets and fill them with appropriate food to get birds through the winter. Foods that are suitable include sunflower seeds, which are rich in protein, nuts, nyjer seeds, fat balls, peanuts and fruit. You also need to ensure that the food is replaced regularly to remove any that might be spoiling. With these and a supply of fresh water, you’ll have birds in your backyard all through the winter.

3. Keep The Weather at Bay With Motorized Screens

Your patio might be a lovely place to sit in fine warm weather, but cold, rain or high winds will usually send you feeling indoors. Installing motorized screens means that you can use the space year-round, no matter the weather. Motorized screens can be transparent so you can still see the world outside in your backyard or shaded to keep the bright glare of the low winter sun at bay. Either way, they’re a great investment that allows you to keep getting the most out of your backyard through the winter.

4. Enjoy Physical Activities With the Kids

When it’s cold outside, you can add extra layers of clothing, bring in some heat — or engage in some physical activity. Kids don’t usually mind the cold as much and will be happy to shoot some hoops, throw a ball around or play soccer in the backyard, even in the coldest months of the year. To help with this, you could install a basketball hoop, put a soccer goal on the lawn or even purchase an outdoor trampoline.

5. Enjoy the Snow

If you live somewhere where snow is common in winter, then why not embrace the weather and enjoy it? There are a few fun activities you can take part in in your backyard when it’s covered in snow. If you don’t have kids, why not let your inner child out to play? Once you’re wrapped up warmly, you can have a snowball fight, make snow angels or build a snowman.

6. Stay Cozy on the Patio With an Outdoor Heater

Outdoor heaters are an excellent way to keep the cold at bay and enjoy your patio during the winter months. There are many options available these days, and they don’t all require huge amounts of energy. Gas and propane heaters are now on the market that hang from your patio roof and have tinted ceramic glass fronts that maximize efficiency. They’re also safe in winds up to 40 mph. If you’re not comfortable with gas heaters or don’t have the space for storing fuel, you can also get infrared heaters that put out between 1,500 and 6,000 Watts of heat and are very sturdy.

7. Take The Dog Out

Even if you don’t particularly enjoy the cold weather, your dog will still love to get outside and there’s no reason you can’t enjoy time in the backyard with them too. You can play fetch with a ball, frisbee or stick, or if you have the space and you’re feeling adventurous, you could design an obstacle course that your furry friend will love. Just remember to have plenty of water and treats for them at the end!

Tips For Creating The Ultimate Backyard Entertaining Space

Written by tnwebtech on October 30, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades. 15 Comments on Tips For Creating The Ultimate Backyard Entertaining Space

Whether looking to enjoy your yard with family or throw a fun party with your friends, inviting outdoor space is a great way to experience entertainment to the fullest. No matter the current state of your backyard, a few tweaks can transform it. Here are inspiring tips to get you started.

Use Retractable Patio Screens to Maximize Your Outdoor Space

Motorized retractable screens are an excellent addition to your outdoor entertainment space. They turn your backyard into an inspect-free, enclosed area while maintaining a top-notch view.

If cold, heat, or rain impacts your outdoor space, overcome this by adding a motorized retractable screen.

Consider Your Outdoor Space Size

Evaluate the size you have for your backyard entertainment space to determine how you’ll work with the area. This allows you to create an appropriate plan and decide what can fit in your backyard.

Establish Mood with Appropriate Lighting

Lighting is an effective and affordable way to transform your backyard entertainment. This is a must-have addition if you intend to host guests at night. People would want to enjoy food and drinks and chat in an inviting atmosphere with proper lighting.

Consider Fresh Plants

Patio plants, such as flower bushes, trees, climbers, decorative planters, and pot plants, can enhance your backyard entertainment area. They make your space more welcoming and fresh, and guests feel immersed in nature. Enhance your outdoor space’s vibrancy with bromeliads, ponytails, or ferns.

Smart Technology

Smart technology is hot-selling for homes, but you don’t have to limit it to indoor space. You can add finishing touches to your backyard with internet and Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

The party doesn’t have to stop at sunset. Use automatic smart lighting to turn on as soon as darkness sets in. Smart technology can make your yard effortless and sophisticated.

Bold Colors

Bold colors come in handy when designing an outdoor space as they give your backyard an exceptional fun flare. You can purchase differently sized and shaped plain planters and paint them according to your design needs.

Paint your lanterns to match your backyard entertaining space design. If most of your furniture is wicker-made, brighter pillows will match. For a covered patio or pergola, hanging pots or lanterns would do.

Consider Durability

When designing your outdoor entertainment space, select long-lasting items. While your backyard could be beautiful, dilapidated decks or old fencing could impact its appeal. Fencing and decking may require regular updates.

Choose durable products for enhanced safety and lifespan. Composite and vinyl are excellent. You could go for wood, but this may need treatment for protection against harsh elements. For your furniture, pick pieces with products that could withstand the outdoor space and is quick drying.

Layout and Design

The layout should be a priority for your backyard entertainment design. Your goal is to make the space more fun and welcoming, allowing your guests not to feel awkward and cramped.

Create unique and separate zones for different entertainment activities, such as relaxation, drinking, eating, and cooking. This optimizes your space for optimal use. It creates a good floor for people to mix and mingle freely without bumping into each other.

It’s a great idea to cover your patio. While this leads to additional expenses, it offers shade during the winter weather and summer sun, enhancing the entertainment area’s usability.

Add an Outdoor Kitchen

Fit your backyard entertainment space with an outdoor kitchen to make it more enjoyable. Prepare home-baked meals for memorable moments with your family members. An outdoor kitchen makes your backyard an excellent place for parties and gatherings.

Install an outdoor bar fridge, burner, and barbeque grill for a stress-free food supply and drinking during entertainment sessions. Fit a cabinet and install a sink for a complete outdoor kitchen. This allows a more convenient cleaning up and serving.

Install a Fire Pit

Add a fire pit to your backyard entertainment space for increased comfort during the colder months. Use your fire pit to roast some marshmallows with your guests while sharing stories or listening to music. Your family and friends can enjoy the outdoor space when the temperatures are low.

When installing a fire pit, position it in an appropriate area in your backyard. Burning can produce soot and mess up your outdoor furniture, so you should find a place where eliminating the burnt material is straightforward. Consider purchasing a portable fire pit for easy movement within your backyard.

Wall Accents

Utilize your outdoor space walls to make the yard livelier. You could consider adding signs, pictures, and containers to plain walls. Add atmosphere by hanging string lights on the walls. Consider adding proper signage for increased fanciness if you have an outdoor bar.

Design Your Ultimate Backyard Entertaining Space

Creating a great outdoor entertainment space shouldn’t be challenging if you have the right ideas. Get started with the outlined tips.

Backyard Design Ideas For Your Home

Written by tnwebtech on October 3, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades. 12 Comments on Backyard Design Ideas For Your Home

Your backyard can be more than just a patch of grass you mow often. Green space is always welcome, but it is no fun if all you can do most of the seasons is stare at it from afar. Functionality is equally significant as aesthetics for outdoor spaces.

You can add certain features to make your Georgia backyard a practical, livable space for you and your loved ones to enjoy. Here are creative things you can add to your enclosure and lawn.

Build a Pergola

Pergolas are the perfect relaxation spot and alternative for indoor spaces. You can fill it with comfortable outdoor furniture and fairy lights for day and nighttime activities with loved ones. You can never go wrong with a pergola in your backyard.

Pergolas cast enough shade enabling you to enjoy warm afternoons outside. You can always install a retractable shade to control the amount of light getting into the space. Pergolas also create the perfect focal point for your yard, breaking the monotony of grass and planters.

Install an Outdoor Fireplace

A fireplace extends your outdoor season, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors for months. They are also very flexible spaces with plenty of designs and aesthetics. You can have wooden or gas firepits or wooden or gas fireplaces. The best part about fireplaces is you do not need to worry about ventilation.

Fireplaces exude warmth and make your space inviting for friends and loved ones. You can have the hearth on your patio or build an exclusive area as your entertainment hub. Alternatively, you can maximize comfort by designing a shade around the fireplace and surrounding the space with comfy outdoor furniture and lighting.

Build an Open Air Room

The outdoor air room is a gazebo with a permeable roof that casts exhilarating shadows while providing ample shade. The structure rests on a raised deck. You can surround it with planters or a resting wall for an enclosure. Fill the space with outdoor furniture that can withstand the elements when the roof lets in a few raindrops.

Build a Tree House

A tree house is an excellent nature retreat. It is a perfect solution if you have kids, ample space in your backyard, and trees. The treehouse adds to your outdoor aesthetics. It is a feature that most people will not fail to spot. Furthermore, a tree house will encourage your children to play outside, enjoy the fresh air and engage in physical activity.

You can make it more captivating by making it themed, installing hanging lights, or having an exciting entrance. Let your kids be part of the design and building process for additional bonding time.

Set Up a Dining Al Fresco

Al fresco dining should not be a feature for hotels or eateries. You can have it in your backyard. Set up a dining al fresco in the shade if you have a leveled backyard with trees. Make those dining moments memorable while you enjoy your meals in nature with the cool breeze.

You can also enjoy nighttime activities with low-light garden lights and tree-hanging lights or add a fireplace for warmth. A dining al fresco setup is also perfect near a lit pool area. The pool provides a captivating and serene background as you enjoy your meal with friends and loved ones.

Install Motorized Patio Screens and Awnings

The unpredictable weather patterns can put a damper on enjoying the outdoor space. While you cannot control the weather, you can make adjustments to make your outdoors habitable again.

One way to enjoy your pergola, gazebos, outdoor fireplace, and patio is by having screens and awnings. Motorized screens adjust depending on the weather, enabling you to control the amount of sunshine in your outdoor space. Most importantly, the screens do not interfere with the outdoor aesthetics and ambiance. You can maximize your outdoor space because of this element of control.

They also act as shields from the elements, allowing you to enjoy outdoor spaces for months. The motorized screen is a barrier to bugs and other pests encroaching on your outdoor space. There is no need for chemical control or destabilizing your lawn’s ecosystem.

motorized screens

Creative design ideas for your backyard include motorized screens which help protect you from the elements and maximize your outdoor space.

Home Remodeling – Small Changes That Give Big Results

Written by admat on June 6, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens.

You may be living in your Atlanta dream home, but at some point, you will feel the need to change a few things here and there. A home remodeling brings all the changes you want. It may be costly and time-consuming, but worth every effort you make. You can make small changes and enjoy significant results. Home remodeling doesn’t have to be a total overhaul; you can divide it into several small projects, and by the time you are done, your home will have a new look. Here are some ideas worth considering:

Replace The Doorknobs

The doorknobs are small, but people always grab them when they want to open a door. Changing the doorknob will make a door more functional and aesthetically appealing, whether it’s your front door, bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen. Choose an easy to hold knob, but consider the design and color to blend perfectly with other interior decorations.

Get New Exterior Doors

It is common for exterior doors to fade and wear out with time. However, you can replace them with some modern ones to give your home a dramatic change. Sometimes, even repainting can bring the change you want. But a complete replacement is always better. With so many beautiful doors available, settle for what ties best to your house’s exterior appearance.

Redo The Fireplace

A fireplace makes a great central focal point in a living room. Since this is where your guests are likely to gather when visiting you, redoing the fireplace can create a striking impression on those who walk in.

Update The House Numbers

Most people live in areas where their houses have pre-existing numbers. Whether you have a standalone home or an apartment, you can change your home’s appearance by replacing the number with a stylish one. You will find some modern options in the market or use your creativity to have a customized house number. Besides that, you can add some antique hardware or plants around the entrance area where the house number is.

Change The Lighting

Changing a room’s table lamp or an overhead pendant will make a big difference. Just get some stylish lighting fixtures such as soft white bulbs, or go for dimmer options. There are many options in the market, making it easy to find one that you can DIY and fall in love with your space.

Re-upholstery

Upholstery is costly, but you can redo your sofas and armchairs partially. It is possible to do a quick re-upholstery by just changing the fabric of your desk, dining or patio chairs. Remove the cushion covers and replace them with some new ones. Then use a staple gun to reupholster your chairs.

Change The Faucets

You can choose to buy some brand new faucets to revamp your kitchen or bathroom sinks. Some modern finishes with a shiny look transform dull areas in your home and create a wonder atmosphere. Besides buying some new faucets, you can also rummage in salvage yards. Here, you will find some vintage and unique faucets that you cannot find in home improvement stores.

Replace The Garage Door

The garage door is one of the things someone will notice once they walk into your home. A dirty or dented garage door will definitely affect your exterior appearance. A new and solid door will add curb appeal while increasing the value of your home. If your current door is not working properly, don’t wait until it wears out. Get another one, and it will eliminate daily frustrations and make your home safer and more comfortable.

Refresh The Patio

Consider modern motorized retractable screens when looking for easy ways to remodel your Atlanta patio. They are unique; just a touch of a button and your whole patio gets fully screened. Apart from being beautiful, retractable patios’ screens keep the solar and pests away while giving you the privacy you need. They transform different architectural openings into functional spaces in your home. The best thing is that you do not feel trapped in a stationary screen; you can always open them up and enjoy the skies and fresh breeze during summer or any time you want to.

The allure of a complete makeover is not easy to resist. However, if you do not have the time or budget to repair and get new items, you can change some small things and transform your Atlanta home without spending a fortune. Some of the ideas are DIYs, so you will not hire someone to do it for you. Try them and see how quickly your home changes for to better.

Insect Screens Versus Solar Roll-Up Screens

Written by admat on May 9, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens, Solar Screens.

Motorized retractable screens for porches and patios are fun to operate. They easily appear and retract when no longer needed with a touch of a button.

Insect and Solar roll-up screens are the most common motorized retractable screens for enclosing dining or outdoor living spaces. They provide natural ventilation, shade from the sun, climate control, enhanced privacy, and protection from insect bugs.

Here are the benefits, differences, and similarities between insect and solar roll-up screens:

Insect Screens

Insect or bug screens are insect mesh screens usually installed indoors and in window frames. They are an effective countermeasure that lets us maintain an open-door policy. Insect screens are available in different colors and mesh sizes, including varying material construction.

Here are the benefits of insect screens:

Keeping mosquitoes and other insects out of buildings or patios
Reducing UV radiation by 65% and glare, keeping the indoors cooler
Enhancing natural airflow and breeze into homes and patios
Providing excellent outside visibility to keep you enjoying your view
Enhanced daytime privacy

Solar Screens

Sun or solar screens are mesh screens used for door and window screening and porch, pool, and patio enclosures. Solar screens are often tightly woven material that dramatically helps save energy.

Solar screens offer the following benefits:

Blocking up to 90% of the sun’s heat for cooler indoors
Preventing fading of furniture, carpets, and other interior items
Reducing glare by up to 77% for more UV protection and shade
Keeping mosquitoes and other bugs out
Creating a climate-controlled space for a heated or air-controlled patio

Privacy Screens

Privacy screens are the third type of commonly used motorized retractable screen system. They are decorative screens that offer privacy and security for a specific area. These screens can be made from various materials, including metal, plastic, or wood.

Moreover, privacy screens are often used to hide unsightly areas, such as air conditioning units. They can also help create a private space in a backyard or on a deck or patio.

What are the Differences between Insect vs. Solar Roll-Up Screens?

Both insect and solar roll-up screens have their pros and cons, but there are a few key areas in which they differ.

1. Material Used

The main difference between bug and solar screens lies in the materials used to make the membrane. Bug screens are traditionally made with a mesh fabric, while solar screens are made with a semitransparent film.

Insect screens use a looser weave that allows more air and light to pass through. In contrast, solar screens use tighter, darker weaves designed to block solar light and heat.

2. Ability to Block Heat and Sunlight

Solar screens are better at blocking heat and sunlight than bug screens due to their darker and tighter woven materials. They effectively reduce the amount of heat that comes in through the window, and they also filter out harmful UV rays. Bug screens are not as good at blocking heat or sunlight, but they do keep out insects and other pests.

3. Functionality

Insect screens are typically designed to keep insects out of your Atlanta home or patio. They also keep the area cooler as they block sunlight to a certain extent by 65%. On the other hand, solar roll-up screens are engineered to help save energy in your home by blocking about 90% of solar heat and light.

Solar screens usually work better in areas with direct exposure to the sun to prevent excessive heat from entering your home or patio. As for bug screens, you can install them anywhere.

4. Price

Solar screens are typically more expensive than bug screens, but this can vary depending on the type and quality of the screen you choose. Solar screens are made with heavier and more durable materials, so they typically last longer than bug screens.

5. Installation and Mounting Options

Solar screens can be installed inside or outside the window, while bug screens are typically only installed on the inside. Besides, solar screens have different mounting options such as screws, staples, or Velcro. As for bug screens, they are typically attached using screws or staples.

Take Control of Your Architectural Opening Today

When it comes to providing motorized retractable screens with exceptional quality, Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta’s Screen is unbeatable. Our custom-made and expertly installed roll-up solar and insect screens are designed to enclose any indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Depending on your distinct needs, our sun and bug screens offer natural ventilation, better protection against pesky bugs, climate control, and block excess sunlight and heat. Contact us today to get started.

Tips to Reduce Your Home Energy Bill

Written by admat on April 18, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens.

Americans are paying much more for home energy than they have in the past. For most adults, saving money on utilities is a priority. You can’t control the price of your utilities, but you can control how much you use. The key is to find the ones you can use over the long term.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the price of utility bills increased by 4.3% from 2020 to 2021. That makes it the second-largest jump in these costs within the past decade.

On average, Americans spend 13.7 cents per kilowatt on residential electricity. While the price of electricity is increasing, the amount used is decreasing, but not by much. From 2020 to 2021, there was an average of 1-kilowatt-hour dip per month with most homes in the country averaging 892 kilowatt-hours.

Use Timers on Lights and Electronics

Timers control the use of electricity by turning electronics on and off at specific times. These are ideal for things like lamps and other things that can safely have the power to them turned off. You wouldn’t want to use a timer on a refrigerator or freezer because your food could go bad due to temperature fluctuations.

Insulate Your Home from the Outside

Homes that are insulated use less electricity to heat and cool them. There are many ways that you can do this. Having mature trees around the home can prevent the heat from the sun from hitting the home, which can reduce the cooling costs during the summer. Shades, blinds, and insulating curtains can help to lower the heating and cooling costs of your home.

The windows are one area of the home that isn’t easy to insulate. Retractable shades on the exterior are an option that can help to protect the home from the summer heat and winter coolness. Some options, such as those from Peachtree Blinds of Atlanta, are motorized and easy to use once they are installed on the home.

Upgrade Appliances

Upgrade the appliances in your home to save money on usage costs. Older appliances aren’t as energy efficient as newer models. This means that the decades-old refrigerator that keeps the beverages in the game room cold likely needs to be replaced with a newer model.

You also need to check on other major appliances, such as dishwashers, HVAC units, and hot water heaters to determine if they’re energy-efficient. If they’re older, replacing them as you can helps you to save money on your electric bill.

Run Appliances Only When Full

You should only run the washer, dryer, and dishwasher when they have a full load. Doing partial loads uses the same amount of electricity as doing a full load. You can even go a step further and turn off the heated drying function in the dishwasher. Hang clothes up on a line outside to dry so you can save money by not using the dryer.

Change the Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs cost a little more than regular bulbs at first, but they last a up to 25 times longer and use at least 75% less energy, according to Energy.gov. You can find LED lights for the holiday, appliances, and regular light fixtures.

While they aren’t always LED, solar lights on the exterior of the home can also save you money. These lights are available in a variety of styles and types to suit every need.

It’s always best to focus on making investments in your home that will save you money in the long run. Taking the time to ensure that your home is well maintained and as energy efficient as possible is imperative for homeowners. While you might have to spend money to get things done to your home, all the costs you’re covering right now should help you to save a bundle in the future.

Enjoy These Five Patio Activities Year Round With Motorized Retractable Screens

Written by admat on April 4, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens, Patio Shades.

Having a patio gives you and your family tremendous scope for outdoor activities. However, the weather here in Atlanta is not always ideal, and your patio might go months at a time without being used at all. Of course, this doesn’t have to be the case if you install motorized screens, keeping you protected from the elements when needed.

But once you have your motorized screens, you might just realize that you don’t know what to do with all that patio time you and your family now have. So here are a few ideas for you to try out.

One: Outdoor Movie Nights

With large-screen TVs now an affordable luxury for most, why not install one outside and enjoy a family movie night? If you don’t want to leave a TV out, you can always buy a projector and get the whole experience. Then, grab a few snacks, make popcorn in the kitchen, and relax with a refreshing beverage. Whether it’s a family flick with the kids or a rom-com with your significant other, movie nights have something to offer for everyone.

Two: Patio Dining

It’s lovely to relax and eat on the patio, whether a simple snack at lunchtime or a big event with family or friends. But, when those cold Atlanta winters hit, and there’s a foot of snow on the ground, that’s not so much fun! With motorized screens, you can keep the outdoor dining experience year-round. So there’s more time to try new recipes, invite more friends around and get the most out of the space.

Three: Family Game Night

Playing board games with the family is usually something you do in the comfort of your living room. However, with motorized screens on your patio, you don’t have to worry about the wind blowing your monopoly money away. And, if the weather is good, open the screens and enjoy the outdoor air as you fight to achieve victory over the rest of your family. Another advantage is that you may have more open space on the patio than in your living room, so you can try new games that take up more room, such as Twister or tin can bowling.

Four: Take Up Pottery

The patio is ideal for situating your potter’s wheel, and fresh air is excellent for polymer clays that dry in the sunlight and don’t need an oven. Moving it out to the patio is an excellent idea if you’ve never tried this hobby before because you don’t have the space. You’re bound to improve quickly at this art if you can keep it up all year round and seeing your own handmade work around the home is very rewarding.

Five: Painting

If you’re of an artistic temperament, you probably love the idea of painting the landscapes outside your home. While that’s lovely on a warm summer day, cold and rain aren’t conducive to making the best art. But with motorized screens around your patio, you can still clearly see the scenes you want to capture. So get out there and capture that beautiful view of your snowy garden or the autumn rain rippling across your pond and make a piece of art to grace the walls of your home.

These are just five ideas for enjoying your patio year-round with motorized screens, but we’re sure you could come up with more. Whether it’s playing your favorite musical instruments, spending time with the family pet, or just relaxing and enjoying the garden view, the possibilities are almost endless.

Expand Your Living Space With Vinyl Screens

Written by admat on March 21, 2022. Posted in Motorized Screens.

For far too long, areas like porches, verandahs and patios have been considered a semi-outdoor extension of a home, rather than an integral part of it. Driven back inside by sun glare, harsh weather, or pests, often homeowners consider these spaces comfortable only in very specific weather conditions, and sometimes entire seasons make them essentially unusable. That means that these same homeowners are missing out on the comfort, relaxation, and views these outdoor entertaining areas have to offer – but they no longer have to!

Modular, Durable, and Innovative

Smart design, superior materials, and technology have now combined to get more “living” out of your outdoor living space with products like vinyl patio screens and motorized vinyl shades for your porch and patio. Unlike permanent screening, windows, “sun room” extensions, and sliding doors, vinyl screens can be installed without significant construction or the need for complicated permits. They’re the perfect choice for the homeowner that would like both an open-air patio as well as the comforts of an enclosed porch, but doesn’t want to choose.

The Benefits of Motorized Screens

Sun exposure changes, of course, as the day progresses. What’s comfortable and welcoming in the morning may feel oppressively hot or bright by lunch time. Motorized screens allow you to thwart sun glare with the push of a button, ensuring your morning cup of coffee is as comfortable as catching up with a favorite novel in the afternoon. When pests like mosquitos and gnats threaten your outdoor entertaining space, there’s no need to cut your socializing short. Simply lower your motorized screens all the way, and relax – no annoying bug zapper or sputtering citronella candles required!

A Four Season Fit

Because the mechanisms for motorized vinyl screens and motorized mesh screens are so low profile, they can be mounted either at the door frame(s) of your porch or patio, or recessed to keep them entirely from view. Dual-material systems, which incorporate both a vinyl screen and a traditional mesh screen, give you the option to transform your outdoor space into an oasis of comfort, no matter what the season. From cozy on a snowy day to breezy in the spring, all you’ll need is a favorite chair and a few friends to truly “bring the indoors outside.” This is a particularly useful feature when entertaining groups of friends in the summer – which could make your living room and dining room feel a little crowded. During the holidays, having an on-demand enclosed porch can also make opening gifts or setting up a buffet-like eating area a lot easier.

Stargazing and Quiet Time

With so many individuals working and learning from home, it can be hard to enjoy a quiet moment in the busy, shared space of a home, particularly with larger families. Motorized vinyl screens make it easy to “carve out” space for reading, resting, relaxing, or even participating in hobbies that might disrupt the rest of the home, such as practicing with musical instruments. Imagine what you could do with an extra room in your home. Now imagine if it was so easy to create one, it could even be controlled by your smartphone: that’s the flexible benefit of motorized screens and vinyl.

Using Your Home’s Potential

You wouldn’t ignore a bedroom or closet in your house, would you? You naturally want to get the full value out of your home and use every square foot of space available to you. Whether it’s for storage, entertainment, displaying decor, or simply living life, you deserve to get the most out of your home – and that includes the porch, patio, or verandah. When weather, bugs, sun, or other outdoor issues make it difficult to truly enjoy your Atlanta home to the fullest, motorized screens and motorized vinyl screens let you adjust it to your liking. Avoid sunburn, bug bites, and uncomfortable chills or heat waves quickly and easily – all without needing construction permits or fundamentally changing the look and feel of your home.

Expand your home – and your idea of how your outdoor spaces can be used – with the addition of durable, attractive screens. It’s the best choice you’ll ever make for your porch or patio!