Get your porch ready for summer heat by booking an installation early and spreading the $1,500 cost over fifteen months.
VoAtlas editorial
Updated
· 3 min read
Typical cost$1,500before anything else
Across the 0% window$100.00/mo15 months, no interest
How we got that:
$1,500 spread evenly across the
15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back.
Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.
Motorized shades change how you use your home. They turn a hot porch into a cool room with one button. Booking in early spring is the way to go. You'll beat the summer rush and have everything installed before the heat gets bad.
A good system costs about $1,500. We can handle that by splitting it into $100 monthly payments. Using the Discover it® Cash Back helps us skip interest charges while we pay it off over fifteen months.
The 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers isn't a permanent pass. Once those fifteen months are up, the standard variable APR applies to any remaining balance. Pay the full $1,500 before the window closes to avoid those extra costs.
The steps
01
Get three quotes
Prices for outdoor shades vary depending on the motor quality and fabric. Call local installers in March to get the best attention. Ask for a breakdown of labor versus materials so you know exactly what you are paying for.
02
Pick your fabric
Darker mesh blocks more heat but keeps the view clear. Lighter colors offer more privacy but can be reflective in direct sun. Decide which matters more to you before the installer places the order.
03
Use the intro window
Put the $1,500 purchase on your Discover it® Cash Back. It has a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This lets you pay for the shades over time without interest added to the bill.
04
Automate the $100
Set up an automatic payment of $100 every month. This ensures you clear the full balance within the fifteen-month window. It turns a big home project into a manageable monthly line item.
05
Check your outlets
Motorized systems need power near the top of the porch frame. If you don't have an outlet there, you'll need an electrician. Sort this out before the shade team arrives to avoid installation delays.
06
Check the card terms before you commit
Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.
Yes, because these systems are heavy and need to be perfectly level to roll correctly. A pro also handles the tensioning so the fabric doesn't flap when the wind picks up.
Do shades work for rain?
They help with light mist, but they aren't waterproof walls. You should retract them during heavy storms or high winds to avoid damaging the motor or the tracks.
Can I install these myself?
You can buy DIY kits, but they often lack the durability of pro systems. If you go the DIY route, you'll still need a second set of hands and a solid impact driver.
What happens if the power goes out?
Most motorized systems stay in their current position during a power failure. Some systems include a manual override crank for emergencies, so ask your installer if that's an option.