sun shade for door ideas

[toolmiser]

We have two doors that face directly west, one has sidelights.  Does anyone have any good ideas for some type of sun shade for the summer.  Both really let in a lot of "warmth" in the afternoon/evening.  We planted trees , but they aren't quick in coming to our rescue.  

We have a couple "pull down ones on a couple windows, that are like a loose weave that do a good job.  Our glass in the doors are about 4 ft long so something like that would really bang around when using the doors.  Dark tint isn't a solution either, as we are in Wisconsin, and enjoy that sun in the winter.

All ideas are appreciated.

[MsNomer]

Get some of the weave that you like on the windows. Cover some frames (like artist canvas) that can fit into the glass areas and be removed in winter.

[Willyou]

You might consider some of those narrow Venetian blinds with the bottom anchored so that it doesn't flop around with door movement. Of course, the bottom would still need to pivot. The blinds don't need to rise and lower; just change angle of the veins. For the side lights, perhaps vertical veins. Again, anchor the bottoms so they will rotate but, not swing around.

[frule]

You might consider some of those narrow Venetian blinds with the bottom anchored so that it doesn't flop around with door movement. Of course, the bottom would still need to pivot. The blinds don't need to rise and lower; just change angle of the veins. For the side lights, perhaps vertical veins. Again, anchor the bottoms so they will rotate but, not swing around.

I have done this for an 8 ft glass front door and sidelight. It works very well. Others in our area used window tinting which works well. I prefer the blinds for light control.

[Pirate]

How about removable, reusable window tint?

[Cooler]

The double honeycomb sun shades offer the best insulation.  Sun blocking versions offer radiant heat reduction.  Channels around the shades improves performance, but you can make your own.  Just leave sufficient space for the channels.  Note:  Double honeycomb works better than single honeycomb.



Side channels for window shades: