Do solar shades reduce heat on a patio?

Yes. Solid overhead fabric blocks direct sun, so the shaded area stays noticeably cooler than an open patio in full sun. The harsher the exposure, the bigger the difference you feel.

Do solar shades block UV and protect furniture?

Yes. The solid PVC-coated fabric blocks UV overhead, cutting glare and shielding your skin, furniture, and decking from fading and sun damage.

What’s the difference between a sun shade sail and a pergola cover?

A shade sail is a tensioned panel (triangle or rectangle) anchored to posts, walls, or structures over an open area. A pergola cover is a fitted shade top made for an existing pergola frame. Both are made to measure; the right one depends on whether you already have a structure.

Are ZIPCovers solar shades waterproof?

Yes — both ZIP Armor and ZIP Shield are waterproof, solid fabrics, so your shade works in light rain, not just sun. Angle the shade with a slight slope so water sheds instead of pooling.

Can solar shades be made to any size or shape?

Yes. Every shade is made to measure — you give us the dimensions and shape, and we cut to them exactly. No trimming, no adjusting, no gaps.

Which fabric should I choose — ZIP Armor or ZIP Shield?

Choose ZIP Armor (18 oz, 1000D) for harsh sun, high wind, and year-round exposure, backed by up to a 10-year warranty. Choose ZIP Shield (12 oz) for moderate climates or seasonal use, with a 7-year warranty.

Do solar shades come with the hardware to fix them?

Shade sails need tensioned anchor hardware to attach to posts, walls, or structures; pergola covers fasten to the frame. Plan your anchor points before ordering so the shade pulls tight and stays put.

How long do custom solar shades last?

It depends on fabric and exposure. ZIP Armor is built for harsh, year-round conditions and carries up to a 10-year warranty; ZIP Shield carries a 7-year warranty. A proper fit and good tension go a long way toward a longer life.

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Solar Shades

Best Seller

Custom Sun Shade Sail - Triangle

Starts From $107.22

Custom Sun Shade Sail - Rectangle

Starts From $111.25

Custom Pergola Shade Cover - Style 2

Starts From $66.75

Custom Pergola Shade Cover - Style 1

Starts From $66.75

Custom Waterproof Pergola Cover - Style 2

Starts From $51.11

Custom Waterproof Pergola Cover - Style 1

Starts From $49.97

From simple silhouettes to complex designs — any shape, any size, any style, we bring your perfect custom design to life. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, just give us a call at +1 720-882-0756. Our team will be happy to help you create almost any custom shape you can imagine!

Outdoor Solar Shades for Patios, Decks & Pergolas

Solar shades are outdoor shade solutions built to block the sun, cut heat and UV, and kill glare over your patio, deck, or pergola — without walling in your view. At ZIPCovers, solar shades come in two made-to-measure forms: sun shade sails and pergola covers. Both are cut to your exact space, so there's no trimming, no sagging, and no gaps where the sun sneaks through.

Here's the difference that matters: most patio "solar shades" are see-through screens that only knock back a percentage of the light. Ours are solid, heavy-duty fabric — so overhead, you get full sun and UV block where you actually sit, while your yard, deck, and open-air view stay wide open around you. Pick your shape and size (triangle, rectangle, or a fitted pergola top), choose your fabric, and we build it to measure. Add waterproof protection if you want the space usable in a passing shower, not just the heat.

Why Choose Custom Solar Shades

• Beat the heat — block direct overhead sun so the patio stays usable through the hottest part of the day.

• Cut UV and glare — protect your skin, furniture, and decking from fading and sun damage.

• Made to measure — cut to your exact space. No trimming, no gaps, no guesswork.

• Built to last — heavy-duty PVC-coated fabric that shrugs off sun, wind, and weather season after season.

Solar Shade Options

Two ways to shade your space — both custom-built:

• Sun Shade Sails — triangle and rectangle sails, sized and angled to your yard. Overlap a few for full coverage over a big patio.

• Pergola Covers — a fitted shade top for your pergola frame, cut to the exact footprint.

Which Fabric: ZIP Armor or ZIP Shield?

Both are waterproof, solid PVC-coated polyester — the difference is how hard they're built to work.

Fabric	Weight	Best for	Warranty
ZIP Armor	18 oz, 1000D PVC-coated polyester	Harsh sun, high wind, year-round exposure	Up to 10 years
ZIP Shield	12 oz, high-grade PVC-coated polyester	Moderate climates and seasonal use	7 years

Live somewhere the sun and wind punish everything? Go ZIP Armor. Milder conditions or a shade you'll take down off-season? ZIP Shield does the job for less bulk.

How to Choose Solar Shades for Your Space?

Start with size and shape

Measure the area you want shaded, then pick the form — a triangle or rectangle sail for open patios and decks, or a fitted pergola cover if you've already got a frame. Any shape, any size, cut to your numbers.

Pick your fabric

Match the fabric to your weather. ZIP Armor for brutal sun and wind, ZIP Shield for moderate use. Both block the sun fully overhead and both are waterproof, so a surprise shower doesn't end the afternoon.

Sort the hardware and fixing

Shade sails anchor to posts, walls, or existing structures with tensioned hardware; pergola covers fasten to the frame. Plan your anchor points before you order so the shade pulls tight — a loose sail flaps, sags, and wears out early.

Aim it at the sun

Angle the shade toward where the sun actually hits — usually the west or south side for afternoon heat. A little slope also sheds rain and stops water pooling on waterproof fabric.