Rest assured that this happens with both DIYers and professionally installed systems. Our customers who unroll frequently in the summer don’t have this issue, since the panels are more pliable in warm temps. But when it gets cold, they can sometimes be a little trickier to button down.

Our press-polished vinyl sheet glass has a shrinkage rate of less than one-half percent  – the best in the industry, which is why it’s used on the new Jeep Wrangler soft top and for many marine applications. Competing clear materials will shrink up to 5-7%, making a snug fit impossible.

Since our clear vinyl sheet glass will change shape slightly, although temporarily, with cold temperatures and after having been rolled up (wrinkles), patience is of the essence when unrolling in colder temps (below 60s).  

Here are some pointers on closing your PES for the season:

– Choose a calm (non-windy) day to close for the season. If possible, wait for a warm day and/or direct sun.
– When unrolling, let panels “settle” a bit before attempting to button down fully.
– Lower the curtains and securing the top and bottom of the curtain.
– Wait until the porch has some sun or heat to help ease the tension on the curtains.