Motorized roller shades are the most practical upgrade for an underused Melbourne lanai or patio. One button drops the shade over your opening and blocks 90 to 97 percent of UV. Another sends it back into a concealed housing above the fascia.
A tubular motor inside the roller tube drives the fabric up and down. The shade rolls out of a cassette housing mounted above the opening and travels along side guides for a clean, wrinkle-free drop.
Controls include handheld remotes, wall switches, smartphone apps, and voice commands through Alexa, Google, and Siri. Systems can also be tied into Somfy, Lutron, or Bond Bridge automation for scene-based and schedule-based control. Motor options include hardwired, battery-powered, and solar-powered — chosen by the contractor based on how easy it is to run power to each opening.
Solar mesh is available in 1 percent, 3 percent, 5 percent, and 10 percent openness ratings. Lower openness blocks more heat and glare; higher openness keeps more view-through and airflow. Privacy and blackout fabrics are options when visual separation matters more than breeze.
Every fabric spec used across the Melbourne Shades network is UV-rated for Florida sun. Housings and hardware are powder-coated aluminum with marine-grade stainless fasteners — appropriate for salt exposure near the Indian River Lagoon and the Atlantic barrier island.
Single units cover openings up to 20 feet wide with drops up to 16 feet. Larger lanai runs use multiple units mounted side by side, each operating independently or grouped for single-button control across the full width. That flexibility lets the contractor shade the west side against afternoon sun while leaving the east side open to the sea breeze.
A properly specified solar fabric cuts heat gain through a covered outdoor area significantly. Homeowners commonly notice lower cooling loads on adjacent interior rooms across a Space Coast summer. The savings are real and measurable — not a marketing claim.
Call (321) 339-1476 or request an estimate online. Melbourne Shades will connect you with a contractor in the network who visits your property, measures each opening, and helps you choose the right fabric and control setup for your home.
High-performance exterior shades with a zipper retention system that locks fabric into side tracks — built to hold in Space Coast coastal winds.
Motorized screen systems that convert open patios and lanais into bug-free, shaded spaces — and retract completely when you want open air.
Wind-rated woven screens that protect windows and openings during storms — and serve as everyday shade when skies are clear.