Outdoor blinds can make an alfresco, patio or verandah considerably more comfortable throughout the year. They can provide shade from the afternoon sun, greater privacy from neighbouring properties and some additional protection from wind and rain.
However, choosing the outdoor blind system is only part of the decision. You will also need to choose the material used inside it.
Clear PVC and outdoor mesh can both be installed within track-guided outdoor blind systems, but they create very different environments. Clear PVC provides greater enclosure and weather protection, while mesh generally offers better airflow, shade and everyday versatility.
So, which material is better for your outdoor area? The answer depends on how you want to use the space, the direction it faces and the weather conditions you most want to control.
Clear PVC outdoor blinds use transparent plastic material to enclose the open sides of an alfresco, patio or verandah.
Their biggest advantage is that they provide a physical barrier against the weather without completely closing off the view. When lowered, clear PVC blinds can help prevent wind-driven rain from entering the area while also reducing cold draughts.
This can make them particularly useful during winter or in outdoor spaces that are regularly exposed to rain and strong winds.
Clear PVC also allows plenty of natural light into the area. If you have a pleasant garden, pool or surrounding view, you can continue to see it while the blind is down.
However, clear PVC does not allow air to pass through the material. When several sides of an alfresco are enclosed, the area can become warm or stuffy, particularly when it receives direct summer sun.
Mesh outdoor blinds are manufactured from woven material containing small openings that allow varying levels of light, visibility and airflow.
The amount of openness depends on the mesh selected. Some fabrics provide a relatively clear outward view, while denser options offer stronger shading and greater daytime privacy.
Mesh is a popular choice for Perth outdoor areas because it can reduce direct sunlight and glare without completely stopping natural ventilation. This makes it well suited to patios and alfresco areas that become hot in the afternoon but still benefit from the breeze.
Unlike clear PVC, mesh does not create a completely enclosed environment. Some wind and moisture can still pass through the fabric, although it can noticeably reduce their impact.
Mesh is generally the better choice when reducing heat, glare and direct sunlight is the main objective.
A quality outdoor mesh can filter a significant amount of sunlight before it reaches your alfresco area, outdoor furniture or connecting glass doors. This can make the space more comfortable while also helping to protect furnishings and flooring from prolonged UV exposure.
Different mesh colours and openness levels affect how the blind performs. A denser weave will generally provide more shade and privacy, while a more open weave can preserve airflow and visibility.
Clear PVC allows much more sunlight to pass through. Although tinted and treated PVC options may reduce some glare or UV exposure, clear material can still allow considerable heat into an enclosed area. In direct summer sun, it can create an effect similar to a greenhouse if there is not enough ventilation.
For a west-facing alfresco exposed to Perth’s afternoon sun, mesh will usually be the more practical option.
Clear PVC provides stronger protection from wind-driven rain because water cannot pass through the solid material.
When the blind is fully lowered within a properly fitted track-guided system, it can help keep an outdoor dining or entertaining area substantially drier. It is important to remember, however, that an outdoor blind does not necessarily turn a patio into a completely waterproof room. Water may still enter around the edges, underneath the blind or through other openings in the structure.
Mesh can reduce the amount of rain blowing into an area, particularly when the rain is light or falling at an angle. Nevertheless, water can pass through its small openings. It should not be treated as a waterproof barrier.
If keeping an area dry is your highest priority, clear PVC is normally the stronger choice.
Both materials can provide some wind protection, but they behave differently.
Clear PVC blocks the wind more completely, making it useful when you want to reduce cold draughts or protect an outdoor dining area. Because it creates a solid barrier, however, it can also be placed under greater pressure during strong winds.
Mesh allows a controlled amount of air to pass through the fabric. This can reduce the feeling of being completely enclosed and maintain better ventilation, although it will not eliminate the wind.
Outdoor blinds should always be used according to the manufacturer’s wind recommendations. They should not be left partially lowered during windy conditions, as this can place unnecessary pressure on the fabric, tracks and bottom bar. If severe weather is forecast, the safest position may depend on the particular blind system and installation.
Mesh outdoor blinds can provide excellent daytime privacy while still allowing you to see outside.
During daylight hours, the darker side of the blind generally offers better outward visibility, while people outside have more difficulty looking into the shaded area. The precise level of privacy depends on the mesh density, colour and lighting conditions.
The effect changes after dark. If the lights are on inside the alfresco area and it is dark outside, people may be able to see through the mesh more easily. Anyone choosing mesh specifically for privacy should consider how the area will be used at night.
Clear PVC provides very little visual privacy because it is designed to remain transparent. It may soften the view slightly, but it will not prevent neighbours or people passing the property from seeing into the area.
For privacy, particularly during the day, mesh is usually the better choice.
Clear PVC provides the clearest view when it is new, clean and properly maintained.
It is a good choice for an alfresco area overlooking a garden or pool because it allows you to retain the outlook while gaining additional weather protection.
PVC can become marked, scratched, cloudy or discoloured over time if it is not maintained correctly. It needs to be cleaned using suitable products and handled carefully to preserve its clarity.
Mesh slightly filters the view, but many high-quality mesh fabrics still provide good outward visibility. The view will vary depending on the openness and colour of the material. Darker mesh often provides better outward visibility than lighter colours because the eye tends to look through it more easily.
Both materials require occasional cleaning, although mesh is generally more forgiving.
Mesh can usually be cleaned with clean water, a soft brush and a mild detergent approved for the fabric. Dust, cobwebs and salt should be removed periodically so they do not build up within the weave.
Clear PVC requires more careful handling. Abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals and rough brushes can scratch or cloud the surface. PVC should also be allowed to dry properly before it is rolled up for an extended period.
Because every product has different care requirements, the cleaning instructions supplied with the blinds should always be followed.
Yes. Different materials can sometimes be used around different sides of the same outdoor area.
For example, mesh could be installed across the western side to reduce the afternoon sun, while clear PVC could be used on a side exposed to winter rain. This allows each opening to be treated according to its orientation and the conditions it receives.
A combination can be especially useful for larger alfresco areas where sunlight, wind, privacy and views vary from one side to another.
The frame colours can be matched across the installation to create a consistent appearance, even when different materials are used.
Mesh is usually the better all-round choice for Perth homeowners who primarily want shade, heat reduction, airflow and daytime privacy. It suits outdoor areas used frequently during warmer weather and can make a sun-exposed alfresco considerably more comfortable.
Clear PVC is better suited to areas where maintaining the view and blocking wind-driven rain are the main concerns. It can help create a more enclosed environment during the cooler months, but consideration needs to be given to ventilation and heat buildup during summer.
Neither option is automatically better in every situation. The right choice depends on the direction your outdoor area faces, how exposed it is, whether privacy matters and the time of year you expect to use it most.
Looking at small material samples can be helpful, but it does not always show how the finished blind will perform across a large opening.
Before making a decision, consider where the sun enters the space, which direction the rain normally comes from, whether you want to preserve the view and how much airflow the area needs. It may also be worth viewing different mesh densities in changing light conditions, particularly if privacy is important.
Shutter Co WA supplies and installs custom outdoor blinds for patios, alfresco areas and other outdoor spaces across Perth. We can assess each opening, explain the differences between clear PVC and outdoor mesh, and help you choose a combination that suits the way you use your home.
Contact Shutter Co WA to arrange a free measure and quote for your outdoor area.
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