GBlist: gb list: exterior window shades

[Ray Zorz <RZorz@ScottsdaleChamber.com>]

Title: GBlist: gb list: exterior window shades

Definitely sunscreens. Very popular in Arizona.  Alternative is new window films.
------------
 
    My current problem is window shading.  I'm aware that in a largely cooling
climate like here in Los Angeles one wants to minimize window frontage on east
and west walls.  However, due to site considerations, that's where the views
are, and my lot is closely aligned with the cardinal directions.  So I want to
shade my east and west facing windows to reduce heat gain.  My south windows
will have a roof overhang on the second floor and the first floor could get by
with small, fixed awnings for summer heat gain.
     I've lived in a house with fixed sheet metal awnings facing east and west
and I don't want to again.  They are cheap, durable, effective at keeping out
heat, but very dark when the sun is on the other side of the house.  I want
cheap, durable, effective against heat gain and openable to the sky and light
when the sun's on the other side.
     I've explored fabric retractable awnings, they are way too expensive and
fabric wears out too fast.
     I've seen transparent screens that slide in tracks flat against the
window frame that claim to screen out 80% of heat gain and UV light but again
it's fabric and I'm skeptical.  I've roasted under a fabric canopy that was
supposedly infrared blocking.
     Venetian blinds on the interior meet several of my criteria but a lot of
the heat is trapped in the house.
     So what I'm thinking is that exterior, wide blade venetian blinds running
in tracks on both sides of the window (for wind stability) but operable from
inside would meet nearly all of my criteria.  Metal is durable, their angle
can be adjusted to provide some view and relected light even when the sun is
on that side, they can be raised completely when it's not, and interior
venetian blinds are relatively cheap.
     With that preface I have 3 questions for your collective wisdom. 1. Has
anyone heard of exterior venetian blinds as I've described?  2. Does anyone
have another suggestion I've not mentioned?  3. See any flaws in my thinking?