DIY Outdoor Window Shades

Shading the windows from the outside keeps it cooler on the inside.

Bright summer sunshine coming through your windows heats the inside of your home and makes your air conditioning bill rise and your air conditioner work harder to keep you cool. While draperies are always an option, they're often faded and damaged by that same summer sun. The use of an outdoor window shading system stops the sun from getting to the glass in the first place, saving money in multiple ways.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• 2-by-4-inch lumber
• Saw
• Screws
• Drill
• Shade cloth
• Lag bolts

Instructions

1. Measure your window from one end to the other and add 6 inches. This will be the width of the window shade awning. Measure from the top of the window down one-third. This will be the span of the window shade awning.

2. Cut a 2-by-4 to the predetermined width. Cut two pieces of 2-by-4 the span of your window. Screw the side pieces to the top piece, creating the flat side of the window shade awning where it will attach to the house.

3. Hold a 2-by-4 extending straight out from the side piece of the frame. Hold another at a right angle coming down from the corner. Mark the position where they intersect and cut four pieces of 2-by-4 to this size. Attach these side braces to the frame.

4. Insert another 2-by-4 that runs horizontally between the two extensions to finish the frame of the window shade awning.

5. Stretch a decorative shade cloth across the frame. Attach it with staples and a staple gun.

6. Position the frame against the wall so it's centered over the window. Predrill holes and attach the window shade awning with lag bolts to secure it in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Make the window shade awning cover removable by choosing one with snaps or grommets. Snap or lace the cover in place when in use.

• Contact your city council to determine whether permits or inspections are required.

References

• Build it Solar: Window Shading for Cooling
• Shade Cloth DIY: Fixed Window Awning