I am an custom drapery contractor.  A customer with a vacation home in
the mountains of North Carolina has asked me to help with some sort of
weather shade that can be put on a screened in porch to help block
some of the rain that comes through the screen.  There is ample room
above the screened areas to hang something and it may roll up, be
motorized, or whatever, but will block some rain and otherwise
maintain the integrity of the pourch(air flow, some vision, etc.). 
Any ideas?

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Request for Question Clarification by larre-ga on 02 Apr 2004 21:21 PST

Is there capability to make roll-up shades from custom chosen materials?

---larre-ga

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Clarification of Question by aubrey3901-ga on 03 Apr 2004 05:26 PST

My only problem with a rollup shade using some sort of material that
could take the weather was the reaction to such a shade due to wind. 
This could be the answer and I have been in contact with Houston
Shades and have samples of their fabrics that are meshes.  I had not
considered a fabric that would block wind but am open to such an idea
if a system is available to keep it from flapping in the breeze.

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Request for Question Clarification by larre-ga on 03 Apr 2004 08:24 PST

Thanks so much, that does help. I dreamt about screen porches last
night. I'm researching material at the moment. I should have
suggestions for you later today.

---l

Thanks for asking!

The following ideas, materials and products provide the aspects of
weatherproofing, plus light and air circulation that you've given as
criteria for rainy season use of a screen porch.


Flat curtains
-------------

Our mountain vacation cabin in Southern California had a screen porch.
In winter, the woodstove would be lit, and the winterizing outdoor
"drapes" were pulled around the outside of the porch to provide
weatherproofing. The drapes were on a track at the top and were
secured manually at the bottom for a number of years, until a track
was installed for the bottom as well. Breathable, heavyweight natural
canvas was used to frame pieces (large window panels) of clear plastic
fabric. A nylon mesh vent area was incorporated at the top of the
panel to allow even greater air circulation, since that area was
protected by the eaves.

We eventually moved the drapes to the inside, again tracked top and
bottom. The bottom track, secured to the deck itself, provided a one
inch high rain water barrier for the porch (deck) flooring. Both
indoor and outdoor "curtains" were flat, more like a wall than drapes.
The indoor version was made from coated canvas.

Today, materials such as Gore-tex and a number of similar breathable,
waterproof fabrics would expand the choice of materials greatly.
Today's hardware makes it possible to use motorized, tracked
draperies, with or without remote control. The effect of our version
was minimal and sleek, more than campy, well suited to its Lake
Arrowhead neighborhood. The concept was conceived by an engineer,
executed by a decorator.


Roll-up shades
--------------

Roll-up shades and blinds are available in a number of materials, from
plastic to matchstick, to waterproof fabric. They can be secured at
the bottom as well as the top, and even be motorized. Depending upon
the material they offer light, and air circulation. Again, coated and
waterproofed fabrics are a possibility.

I've used matchstick blinds in several instances for outdoor
screening. I've added see-through visibility by removing every third
"matchstick" or so, and weatherproofed with several coats of clear
acrylic. Any color could be selected of course. Secured at the bottom
as well as the top, or securely mounted in a lightweight wooden frame,
these are versatile indoor/outdoor treatment.


Pleated Blinds
--------------

Pleated blinds or panel tracks are another possibility. Again,
waterproofing, and custom fabrication from translucent fabric offer
many possibilities.

Panel Track Samples
http://www.bece.com/nl/products/productgroup/articles/2002-03-13T22-17-52_5_0.xml


Vertical blinds
---------------

Vertical blinds and louvers are also available in a number of
translucent, weather proof materials. They can be tracked at top and
bottom, motor operated with or without a remote. I've even seen
translucent and clear plastic versions, as well as fabric. Nylon and
mesh might also offer possibilities.


Jalousie Windows
----------------

Independently framed units of Jalousie Windows might offer a solution.
Glass, and therefore see through, they are not air tight.

Residential Energy Systems
http://tva.apogee.net/res/rewjalo.asp


Waterproofing
-------------

Today, many fabrics may be treated to make them water repellant or
stain proof. These treatments might make available a number of fabrics
that you wouldn't consider otherwise.


Because you are an industry professional, I feel a bit out of place
offering random sources. I'd be glad to research and provide local or
online sourcing info for any of the suggestions here, or ideas of your
own. The resource links I'm offering at this time are simply samples
or demonstrations.


Waterproof, Breathable Fabric Samples
http://www.justmakeit.com/wholesale/waterproof/

Coated Fabrics
http://www.thomasregisterdirectory.com/fabrics/coated_fabrics_0039842_1.html

Gore-tex
http://gore-tex.com/

PVC Fabrics
http://www.mjtrends.com/mjtrends-online-fabric-store-home.asp

High Tech Fabric Guard
http://www.303products.com/techinfo/fabricguard/faq_new.htm

Waterproof Fabric Treatment
http://www.boatersuniverse.com/product/176130276

Search strategy
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Screen porch and screened patio enclosures of my own. I also used
Google to locate illustrative links.


We aren't finished until you've received all the assistance you're
after. If you'll let me know which possibilities are on track, I'll be
glad to provide links, sources, and additional information about any
of the concepts and suggestions here, or work on additional
alternatives.

Best regards,

---larre

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Request for Answer Clarification by aubrey3901-ga on 03 Apr 2004 18:41 PST

Thanks, and as soon as I digest all of this and come up with answers,
I will get back in touch.  I particularly like the idea of vertical
blinds secured top and bottom but there are other ideas I like also. 
You got me out of the rut that I was in and opened possibilities.  I
will rate this one excellent.

Aubrey

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Clarification of Answer by larre-ga on 03 Apr 2004 23:39 PST

Thank you. I'm here and happy to help if more information is required. 

---l

This was a lot of help to me, well worth the $100.00

Thank you very much for the generous tip and the five stars. It was a
pleasure to dream on your behalf. :) ---l