ⓘ
The Solution Section (FAQ)
What are Kool Kurtains and what problem do they solve?
Kool Kurtains are passive shade and screening panels that hang in the openings of barns, run-in sheds, stall doors, dutch doors, and arena entrances. They're made from CS80® (Certified Shade 80), an exclusive textile from Certified Shade Technologies that scientifically tests at up to 80% deflection of the sun's heat rays. The panels block direct sun while permitting airflow — so the shelter cools down without becoming a stagnant box. Secondary benefits per Kool Kurtains: bug screening (especially flies and mosquitoes), bird screening (keeps barn aisles and run-ins cleaner), and rain/snow protection. The deflection percentage varies with the angle of the sun.
What colors are available, and do darker colors keep more bugs out?
Three standard colors: Black, Dark Bay (chocolate brown), and Natural Weave (light beige tweed). Custom colors available at an additional price: White, Hunter Green, Grey, and Beige — Kool Kurtains will send swatches and quote the upcharge. All colors deliver the same CS80 cooling rate — there's no thermal difference. The bug-repellent answer is yes for darker colors: per Kool Kurtains, darker tones read like a cave entrance to flying insects, and bugs avoid feeling "trapped," so Black and Dark Bay perform better than Natural Weave for fly and mosquito screening. Trade-off: darker colors also let in less ambient light, so the inside reads slightly dimmer.
What's the standard panel size and how do I measure my opening?
Standard panels are 35.5 inches wide. Standard lengths run from 7.0 feet through 10.0 feet in 6-inch increments. Each panel has a 2-inch reinforced header with grommets at the top for hanging. Measuring is genuinely two numbers: the HEIGHT of the open space (how tall) and the WIDTH (how wide). Important application rules: panels should overlap each other by 4–6 inches; the bottom of each panel should sit 4–6 inches off the ground so a horse doesn't step on it; and Kool Kurtains shouldn't cover a center post or pole — measure each section separately so the post stays exposed (so neither you nor your horses run into it). Custom lengths are available for non-standard openings.
How do I install them?
Easy DIY install through the grommeted header. Two common methods customers use, depending on wind exposure: large cup hooks on the inside header of the aisle or run-in (caution: open-ended hooks need to be high enough that horses can't lift the panel off, and secure enough that the panels won't lift off in wind), or heavy-duty staples for high-wind areas. The choice is usually dictated by how much wind your opening sees. Kool Kurtains is happy to advise on hanging method for your specific application — call them with the opening details and they'll walk you through it.
How do I get my horses comfortable with the curtains the first time?
Be patient — horses react to anything new. Per Kool Kurtains: stand back at first (the horse may jump in and out the first couple of passes), reward standing near the panels, let your horse touch them with their nose, and walk in and out yourself a few times so the horse sees you do it without trouble. Within a few sessions, most horses learn there's nothing to fear and start seeking out the cool, screened space. Many owners report their horses come to enjoy the gentle brush of the Kurtains over their backs and sides as they pass through. Don't rush the desensitization — give it a few minutes the first day and most horses settle quickly.
Can I leave them up in winter, or do I take them down seasonally?
You can leave them up year-round. Many customers run Kool Kurtains on run-in sheds even in cold-climate states. Reported benefits in winter: keeping rain and snow out of the shelter (preserves bedding), blocking cold winter winds, and giving horses a sense of privacy and protection inside the run-in. The CS80 textile is durable and weather-resistant, so multi-season exposure isn't a degradation concern. If you'd rather pull them down for the winter, the grommet hanging method makes it a 5-minute job per panel.
What does a typical run-in shed installation cost?
Per Kool Kurtains: panels run $69–$99 each, depending on panel length (the 10.0' panels are at the upper end). Worked example from the source: a 15-foot wide opening that's 8 feet tall (no center pole) takes about 5 panels ordered at the 7.5-foot length (so the panels sit 4–6 inches off the ground). Five panels at $69–$99 puts a typical run-in opening in the $345–$495 range plus shipping. Pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors — confirm current pricing with Kool Kurtains directly. Custom orders, custom colors, and large applications (horse trailers, dog shelters, arena openings, barn windows, patios) are quoted on request.
Can Kool Kurtains do custom orders for non-barn applications?
Yes. Per Kool Kurtains, custom applications are a routine part of the business. Common custom orders include horse trailers (rear and side openings), dog shelters and kennels, barn windows (where standard panels don't fit the opening shape), arena openings, and patios and porches for human shade applications. Imagination-is-the-limit framing per Ellie at Kool Kurtains — call 301-407-0744 with your opening dimensions and intended use, and they'll quote and produce. Email [email protected]. Based in Ocala, Florida.
What are Kool Kurtains?
Kool Kurtains are hanging shade-and-screen panels for equine and agricultural facilities, made by Certified Shade Technologies, LLC. They are scientifically tested to deflect up to 80% of the sun's heat rays while screening out bugs and birds and still allowing air to flow through the opening. They turn a hot, fly-infested run-in shed, stall, or barn aisle into a cool, bug-free haven without electricity.
How much heat do Kool Kurtains actually block?
Kool Kurtains are made from the CS80 (Certified Shade 80) textile, which has been scientifically tested and certified to deflect up to 80% of the sun's heat rays. This passive cooling effect can dramatically lower the temperature inside a stall, shed, or barn during hot weather. The brand backs the heat-deflection performance with a lifetime guarantee.
What material are Kool Kurtains made of?
Kool Kurtains use a proprietary textile called CS80, described as a PVC-coated cotton weave. The fabric is weather resistant, fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant, flame retardant, and anti-microbial. Its open weave gives it a high permeability rating so air can pass through rather than getting trapped as hot, stale air.
Who manufactures Kool Kurtains?
Kool Kurtains are made by Certified Shade Technologies, LLC, also referred to as CS Technologies. The company sources and manufactures the entire product, including the CS80 textile, 100% in the USA. That domestic production is part of how the brand controls quality and stands behind its certified performance claims.
Do Kool Kurtains keep bugs and birds out?
Yes. The unique panel design screens out flies, mosquitoes, and birds while still letting breezes through, so you get insect and bird control without sealing off airflow. This reduces the need for fly sprays and insecticides in the stall or shed. It also helps keep barn aisles and run-ins cleaner.
Can Kool Kurtains be used in winter?
Yes. While the primary benefit is summer cooling and shade, Kool Kurtains also help in winter, especially on run-in sheds. The panels help keep out wind-driven rain and snow and keep bedding drier. That makes them a year-round upgrade rather than a seasonal-only product.
What sizes do Kool Kurtains panels come in?
Standard panels are 35.5 inches (about 36 inches) wide and come in seven standard lengths ranging from 7 feet to 10 feet in 6-inch increments. Dutch door toppers are sold at 48 inches by 56 inches. Certified Shade Technologies also offers window covers and custom configurations for non-standard openings.
What colors are available?
Kool Kurtains come in three colors: Black, Dark Bay (a chocolate brown), and Natural Weave (a light beige tweed). The Natural Weave option lets a bit more daylight penetrate, while the darker colors blend with traditional barn aesthetics. All three colors use the same CS80 heat-deflecting textile.
How much does a Kool Kurtains panel cost?
Pricing varies by size and retailer, but a 36-inch black panel is commonly priced around $84.95 at equestrian retailers. Custom and larger configurations are priced individually. You can order direct from koolkurtains.com or through major tack and equine supply retailers.
How do Kool Kurtains install?
Each panel is finished with hemmed edges and sturdy grommets along the top, so it hangs straight from mounting points across the opening you want to cover. There is no wiring, motor, or special hardware required beyond the mounting points. The grommet design lets the panels accommodate a range of opening sizes.
Do Kool Kurtains require electricity?
No. Kool Kurtains provide passive cooling, meaning they work purely by deflecting heat and allowing natural airflow with no electricity, fans, or moving parts. This can reduce reliance on barn fans and the energy costs that come with them. The cooling effect works as long as the panel is hung over the opening.
Where can Kool Kurtains be used besides horse stalls?
Kool Kurtains work in run-in sheds, barn aisles, stall fronts, Dutch doors, windows, and arenas, as well as broader agricultural settings like kennels and hay storage buildings. There is also a Fido Screen version designed for dog crates and kennels. Essentially any opening that needs shade, screening, and airflow is a candidate.
Are Kool Kurtains safe around horses?
The panels are designed for direct equine use, with a soft yet durable open-weave textile and grommeted, hemmed construction that holds its shape. Because they allow easy passage for horses, people, and equipment, animals can move through them comfortably. The flame-retardant and anti-microbial properties of CS80 add to their suitability for the barn environment.
Is there a warranty on Kool Kurtains?
Yes. Certified Shade Technologies offers a lifetime guarantee on the heat-deflection performance of the CS80 textile, plus a two-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. The defect warranty excludes damage from misuse or improper installation. This dual coverage reflects the brand's confidence in the product's durability.
Do Kool Kurtains help with mold and mildew?
The CS80 textile is itself mold and mildew resistant, so the panels won't rot or grow mildew in damp barn conditions. Just as important, by promoting airflow rather than trapping humid, stagnant air, they help reduce the moist conditions that encourage mold growth in stalls and sheds. The anti-microbial treatment further supports a cleaner environment.
Can I get a custom-sized Kool Kurtain?
Yes. In addition to the seven standard panel lengths and the standard Dutch door and window covers, Certified Shade Technologies builds custom configurations to fit non-standard openings. Contact the company directly through koolkurtains.com to discuss custom sizing for unusual barn aisles, arena openings, or sheds.
How are Kool Kurtains different from a regular stall screen or tarp?
Unlike a plain tarp that traps heat or a basic screen that only blocks bugs, Kool Kurtains combine certified 80% heat deflection, insect and bird screening, and high-permeability airflow in one CS80 panel. They are tested and certified rather than just marketed, are made entirely in the USA, and carry a lifetime heat-deflection guarantee. That combination of cooling, screening, and durability sets them apart from generic barn coverings.
