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Here are some quick tips and notes to remember:

  • Use a steel measuring tape
  • If you get a 1/16" or 1/32" increment for width, round down to the nearest 1/8"
  • If you get a 1/16" or 1/32" increment for height, round up to the nearest 1/8"
  • Always reference product specifications below for complete measuring instructions
  • Interested in measuring for your door? Watch Door Measure Video

Measuring Instructions

Exterior solar shades reduce and eliminate the sun’s glare, making them perfect for porches, balconies, and backyards. But they are also great for blocking out the sun’s harmful UV rays, protecting your furniture, your carpets, and your family.

  • Factory deductions and minimum depth requirements may vary based on feature options chosen when customizing your product. Always refer to the individual product's specifications for a more detailed overview of this information before placing your order.
Exterior Solar Shades Minimum depth required for secure inside mount Minimum depth required for flush inside mount Flat surface required for outside mount Total Deduction
Sheer Weave 2 1/4" 3" 1 3/8"
  • 1/4" off inside mount headrail
  • 1 1/8" off fabric
Lifestyle 2 1/2" 2 1/2" 2 1/2"
  • 2" off fabric
Lifestyle Motorized 3 1/2" 3 1/2" 3 1/2"
  • 2" off fabric
Designer 2 1/2" 2 1/2" 2 1/2"
  • 2" off fabric
Coolaroo

Exposed Roll: 2 1/8" 

Cassette: 3"

Exposed Roll w/ Manual Lift: 2 1/4" 

Exposed Roll w/ Continuous Cord Loop: 2 1/8"

Cassette: 4"

Exposed Roll w/ Manual Lift: 2 1/4" 

Exposed Roll w/ Continuous Cord Loop: 2 1/8"

Cassette: 3"
  • 1/8"
Insolroll

4"

4"

4"
  • 1/8"
Insolroll Motorized

4"

4"

4"
  • 1/8"

Instructions for Inside Mounted Exterior Solar Shades

Depth Requirements

  • In order for an inside mount to work, you have to first make sure you window has enough mounting depth. You can find out more about this by reading the info under the "Specifications" tab of the specific product you are interested in.

Measuring the width

Measure the width
  • Start by measuring the width from the inside edge of the window’s frame at the top.
  • If you get a 1/16” or 1/32” increment, round down to the nearest 1/8”. (For example, if the smallest measurement is 24 9/16", round down to 24 1/2". If it's 24 3/8", no need to round down.)
  • This will be the width you order.

Measuring the height

Measure the height
  • Start by measuring the height from the inside of the window’s frame (the left, middle, and right).
  • Record the largest height out of the 3 measurements up to the nearest 1/8”.
  • If you get a 1/16” or 1/32” increment, round up to the nearest 1/8”.  (For Example, If the largest measurement is 24 9/16", round up to 24 5/8". If it's 24 1/2", no need to round up.)
  • This will be the height you order.

All the necessary deductions will be made by us. Do not make your own deductions to offset ours. Do not add to the width to make up for any deductions. Keep in mind that an outside mount is better for more light coverage. (Deductions may vary +/- 1/8")

Instructions for Outside Mounted Exterior Solar Shades

Choose an outside mount only if you want the exterior solar shade to cover the entire opening of the window and the window frame. For an outside mount, we won’t make deductions or alterations for you. The width of the headrail will be made to the measurements you’ve given to us.

Flat surface requirements

  • If you want an outside mount, you’ll need at least one-and-three-eights inches of flat surface. Go to the "Specifications" tab on the product’s main page to find out more.

Measuring the width

Measure the width
  • The width of the window needs to be exact. Start with measuring from the top of the window opening.
  • You’ll use that measurement and add the recommended minimum of 4 inches. This will ensure the window is properly covered.
  • You now have the correct width to use when ordering your exterior solar shades.

Measuring the height

Measure the height
  • The height of the window needs to be exact. Start with measuring from the left, the middle, and finish up by measuring the right of the window opening. You’ll use the largest of the three measurements and add the recommended minimum of 4 inches. This will ensure the window is properly covered.
  • You now have the correct height to use when ordering your exterior solar shades.