Roller shades are excellent for controlling light, heat, UV radiation, glare, and privacy. They are available in a wide variety of systems, styles and fabrics the combination of which can help you achieve a variety of goals whether solar screening, privacy or complete room darkening. These shades are the ultimate in the “clean/minimalist” look so prevalent in today’s architectural and design standards and have quickly become the preferred window covering of modern interiors. That’s because roller shades minimize the bulky hardware and fabric stacks associated with other shading systems. Their roller/lift mechanism can be recessed within the window frame and or covered with a valance to achieve the desired look.

Folding shades can add beauty and functionality to any window for those seeking the classic or more tradition look. Also know as Roman shades, they are characterized by distinctive folds in the fabric when fully extended and when retracted. They are available in a wide variety of styles and fabrics from a number of manufacturers to match any room décor. Many clients add a valence to the shade to add to its distinctiveness. Folding shades can also be motorized with a variety of automation control options available.

Some clients, depending on the application and the room decor, prefer a more traditional sunlight control system such as drapes or curtains mounted on a drapery track. These drapery track systems include an assortment of draperies and panels that operate along a horizontally mounted track, typically mounted in the ceiling. They are used primarily as a method of window light control but can also be used with panels to divide a room when required. Depending on the manufacturer, these systems can have single or multiple tracks and can accommodate curves as low as 15 cm in radius. Draperies, curtains and panels are available in an assortment of fabrics and materials from a variety of manufacturers and can be operated either manually or motorized for automated control.

Horizontal Sheers are shading systems that include a group of products that are typically fitted into a window frame for a more streamlined and clean look. Similar to roller blinds, they are popular with modern architectural designs and décor because they are space efficient with the hardware typically mounted within the window’s casing. Just as with vertical sheers though, they can be available as dual functioning products that can operate as sheers in one configuration and privacy shades in another. Variable control can allow different levels of privacy and light filtration depending on the product. These systems are available in a number of fabrics and materials and can be motorized for automated operation.

Indoor shutters also know as louvered shutters, look like mini-Venetian blinds set in wood frames. They have been common window features in buildings and homes since the 18th century. Indoor louvers have been used in many different types of architectural styles ranging from old Victorian to modern ranch-style homes. They offer the advantage of controlling light and airflow through the use of a single rail that runs up the middle of the louvers. Shutters are available in either wood or vinyl and in a variety of colours, stains and textures. Louver slat sizes can range from 2 ½” to 4 ½” in thickness depending on requirements and can be designed to fit specialty shapes such as arches, angles, or hexagons.

The installation of an overhead skylight is a great way in which to bring the beauty of natural sunlight into any vertical space. But glass skylights can often produce unwanted heat and glare especially in the summer months when the sun is high. Skylight shades provide an effective and practical means in which to control these undesirable elements especially when the skylight is mounted high above or in hard-to-reach positions.

Skylight shading solutions are available in a variety shading styles such as folding shades, roller blinds or cellular shades. Flexible shading designs can easily accommodate custom shapes and sizes. And while motorized installations are the easiest to operate, manually operated systems are perfectly suited to certain types of applications when cost is a consideration.

Sunrooms, solariums, conservatories and atriums have increasingly become mainstays in many new homes and commercial buildings. They can bathe the space in beautiful, natural sunlight however they can also create an uncomfortable, greenhouse-like effect, especially in the summer months, necessitating the control of the increased heat, glare, and UV rays. Retractable sunroom shades are the ideal solution to address these challenges. They can reduce summer cooling expenses, protect furnishings, reduce glare and add a measure of privacy to any sun space. Manual systems are quite suitable for many of the smaller sunrooms but motorized systems are needed for larger installations. Brading can automate the system further with sophisticated custom controls that can tie into heat and light sensors for complete automation.   

Brading Specialty Shades is particular adept at solving sunroom problems. Brading Fabrication, Brading’s sister company, has developed a line of specialty shading products unique to the conditions of sunrooms. Long horizontal track runs and proper fitting for uneven window panels are a few of the challenges that these products can address. We have the knowledge, experience and products to solve any sunspace issue.

Home automation is now the defacto standard in any high end residence. As a pioneer in the implementation of motorized shading systems, Brading Specialty Shades has, over the last 30 years, been the premier supplier of such systems to the greater Toronto area's most prestigious addresses. The key to a successful installation is the optimization of the controls and motors to the desired shading system. This is not easily achieved as there are a number of components to integrate and optimize. Aside from aesthetic considerations, technical factors to consider include motor sound levels, compatibility of control systems, synchronization of  shades operation, and material selection for light permeability and sound absorption. With thousands of motorized installations under our belt, Brading has the experience, knowledge, tools and access to unique products and technologies to develop flawless home automation shading solutions for the most challenging and complex home automation requirements.

More people are discovering the joys of outdoor living than ever before. Outdoor living spaces such as decks, balconies, patios and cabanas are becoming much more common place, and with them, the need for protection from both sun and rain. Exterior shading systems, such as retractable awnings, can do just that. With a wide selection of colours and fabrics to choose from, they let you maximize the use and enjoy any exterior space, with a high degree of style.

Retractable awnings have other benefits as well. Whether manual or motorized, they can be fully extended or opened to the desired width as required for optimal positioning. When retracted, they almost disappear into the wall. They can be outfitted with sun, rain, wind, and motion sensors, remote controls, switches and timers for complete automation. They also have the added benefit of protecting indoor spaces from glare, heat, and UV rays while reducing air conditioning costs by up to 25%. With so many benefits to justify its use, it no wonder, that this attractive and versatile exterior shading system has become so popular in recent years.